Cleveland Clinic Florida Names Endowed Cardiovascular Medicine Chair

Gift from Eric and Lois Zorn establishes new position focused on patient-centered care and innovation.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Cleveland Clinic Florida has established the Eric and Lois Zorn Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine thanks to a $3 million gift. Jerry Estep, MD, division chair of Cardiovascular Medicine for Cleveland Clinic Florida, will be the inaugural endowed chair holder.

Why it matters

The new endowed chair position will help Cleveland Clinic Florida strengthen its cardiovascular medicine program and focus on delivering innovative, patient-centered care. The gift from Eric and Lois Zorn reflects the gratitude of a long-time patient for the high-quality cardiovascular treatment received at the health system.

The details

The endowed chair was created through a $3 million gift from Eric and Lois Zorn. Mr. Zorn had received years of cardiovascular treatment at Cleveland Clinic Florida. As the inaugural holder of the endowed chair, Dr. Estep will lead cardiovascular medicine across the Cleveland Clinic Florida system with an emphasis on patient-centered care and innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

  • The endowed chair was established on February 22, 2026.

The players

Jerry Estep, MD

Division chair of Cardiovascular Medicine for Cleveland Clinic Florida and the inaugural holder of the Eric and Lois Zorn Endowed Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine.

Eric and Lois Zorn

Donors who provided a $3 million gift to Cleveland Clinic Florida to establish the endowed chair in cardiovascular medicine.

Cleveland Clinic Florida

A healthcare system based in West Palm Beach, Florida that has established the new endowed chair position in cardiovascular medicine.

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What they’re saying

“We are grateful to Eric and Lois Zorn for this generous gift that will allow us to further strengthen our cardiovascular medicine program and deliver the highest level of patient-centered care.”

— Jerry Estep, MD, Division Chair of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Florida (Cleveland Clinic Florida news release)

The takeaway

The new endowed chair in cardiovascular medicine at Cleveland Clinic Florida will help the health system continue to innovate and provide exceptional, patient-focused care for cardiovascular patients in the local community and beyond.