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Gift supports Digestive Disease Center 

June 20, 2022 Cleveland Clinic is pleased to announce that American entrepreneur and veteran of the managed care industry Steven Jay Shulman and his wife Ellen Leifer Shulman, have made a $5 million donation to the Weston Hospital. The gift will fund activities related to research and education in the Digestive Disease Center, led by Center Director Steven Wexner, MD, PhD (Hon), FACS.

Ellen Leifer Shulman and Steven Shulman

In recognition of their generous contribution, Cleveland Clinic Weston will recognize the Shulmans by naming the Digestive Disease Center the Ellen Leifer Shulman and Steven Shulman Digestive Disease Center.

“We are deeply appreciative of the Shulman’s confidence in our team and the care we provide, as demonstrated by this gift,” said Conor Delaney, MD, PhD, CEO and President of Cleveland Clinic’s Florida region. “We look forward to continuing to advance new therapies through research and education that will ultimately improve the quality of life for our patients and their families.”

The Shulman’s gift was motivated by their desire to help patients with Crohn’s disease, a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, which can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition.

“Crohn’s disease has been a part of my life for decades,” said Mrs. Shulman.  “I know firsthand the uncertainty, pain and debilitating effects that accompany it, as well as the emotional impact on those who love you.  And yet, I consider myself to be extremely lucky.  I have always had the unwavering support of family and friends, and for that I am forever grateful.  It is this sense of gratitude that drives Steve and me to help others fighting digestive diseases.”

Mr. Shulman added, “With this donation and the world-class leadership of Dr. Steven Wexner, we believe that the Digestive Disease Center can achieve new breakthroughs in research and patient care.  There will be increased hope both for digestive disease patients and those who love them, thanks to the Center’s work.”

Dr. Wexner has held a number of leadership positions at Cleveland Clinic Florida. He is Chairman of the Department of Colorectal Surgery and former Chief of Staff and former Chief Academic Officer for Cleveland Clinic Florida. He is past president of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), Past President of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, the ASCRS Research Foundation, and the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgeons as well as Immediate Past Vice-Chair of the Board of Regents of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and Chair of the ACS Commission on Cancer National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer.

About Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital

Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, part of Cleveland Clinic’s Florida region, is a nonprofit, multi-specialty, academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. With locations in Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Parkland, West Palm Beach, Wellington, and Palm Beach Gardens, Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital has more than 330 physicians with expertise in 55 specialties. The medical campus is fully integrated and includes diagnostic centers, outpatient surgery and a 24-hour emergency department located in the state-of-the-art hospital. Cleveland Clinic’s Florida region now includes Cleveland Clinic Indian River and Cleveland Clinic Martin Health and has hospitals and outpatient centers in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. The Florida region is an integral part of Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where providing outstanding patient care is based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Physicians at Cleveland Clinic are experts in the treatment of complex conditions that are difficult to diagnose. For more information about Cleveland Clinic Florida, visit www.clevelandclinicflorida.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.