BOSTON – The American Heart Association awards the 2024 Paul Dudley White Award to Dr. Robert E. Gershten for his contributions to the field of cardiovascular medicine and his outstanding accomplishments in mentoring the next generation of researchers, educators, and health care professionals. Award a prize.

Dr. Gershten is the Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Herman Dana Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He will receive the award on May 4 at the Boston Heart and Stroke Ball.

The Paul Dudley White Award has been presented annually since 1974 to a Boston-based medical professional who has made significant contributions to cardiovascular and stroke care. It is named after Dr. Paul Dudley, one of the city’s most respected cardiologists and founder of the American Heart Association, who is considered the father of preventive cardiology. it was done.

Dr. Gersten was selected as this year’s recipient of the award by a committee of area physicians. In selecting Dr. Gersten, the committee praised his research on the prediction, prevention, and treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. They also recognized his service as an American Heart Association volunteer for more than 30 years and his extensive teaching record.

Several colleagues nominated Dr. Gersten for the award. Among them was Dr. Robert W. Yeh, a cardiologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Smith Family Professor at Harvard Medical School. In his letter of recommendation, Dr. Ye praised Dr. Gersten for devoting his life to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

“He accomplished this through groundbreaking research, mentoring multiple generations of physician-scientists, consistently caring for critically ill patients at the bedside, and leading one of the nation’s leading cardiovascular departments. ” said the doctor. Yeah. “He has carried out his life’s work with integrity, integrity, professionalism, grace, humor and relentless determination.”

Dr. Gersten’s contributions to the scientific community are wide-ranging. He has played a key role in understanding how metabolic issues affect heart health. His research is consistently published in top scientific journals, and his laboratory receives ongoing funding from prestigious organizations including the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Gersten has also served in various volunteer roles with the American Heart Association throughout his career. This includes participating in work groups, grant review activities, and coordinating community-based fundraising efforts through Beth’s Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston Heart Walk and his team. In addition, he has played a pivotal role in planning the American Heart Association’s annual meeting, Scientific Sessions, which aims to highlight the latest advances in cardiovascular research.

Dr. Gershten is recognized as an outstanding mentor for his unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in cardiovascular science. His colleagues appreciate that he fosters a collaborative work environment and is an exemplary role model.

Dr. Jennifer E. Ho, a Beth Israel cardiologist, said, “Having worked with Dr. Gershten every day in a leadership capacity over the past year, I have always admired the great persona he envisioned for Paul Dudley White.” “I found that he embodies every human quality that is possible.” Associate Professor at Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. “He really cares about the people around him: his colleagues, residents and patients.”

Dr. Gershten received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University. He completed his training at the University of Pennsylvania and a clinical fellowship in cardiology at Massachusetts General Hospital.

He lives in Brookline with his wife Elena. He’s happiest when he’s fishing on Martha’s Vineyard or even when he’s losing to his two sons at tennis. His career was deeply influenced by his parents, both of whom devoted their lives to academic medicine as physician educators and social workers.

The Boston Heart and Stroke Ball celebrates the year-round Boston Heart Campaign, which supports the American Heart Association’s 2024 Health Equity Impact Goal to reduce barriers to access and quality of care. It will be held on Saturday, May 4th at the Omni Boston Hotel in the Seaport.

“Dr. Gershten’s commitment to the mission of the American Heart Association is instrumental in our efforts to ensure that all people have the opportunity to live a full and healthy life,” said Heart of Boston Campaign Committee Member. said Eric Green, executive vice president and director. Overview of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals’ development program. “We look forward to honoring his contributions to heart disease and health when we gather for the Heart and Stroke Ball in May.”

For more information about Heart and Stroke Ball, visit heart.org/BostonHB or contact Rachel Adjemian, Vice President of Development, at rachel.adjemian@heart.org.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association works tirelessly to help the world live longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with thousands of organizations and the power of millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for public health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has served as a leading source of health information for nearly a century. heart.org, Facebook, X Or call 1-800-AHA-USA1.

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