Steven and Ellen Leifer Shulman Gift $5 Million to Cleveland Clinic Weston

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.

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.

“As difficult as it is for the people who have Crohn’s disease, this illness also has a profound impact on those who love and support them, from spouses and children to friends and caregivers. For both patients and their families, Ellen and I want to spark hope through action that will yield important results. 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.” -Steve Shulman

“Crohn’s disease has been a part of my life for decades. 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. Therefore, we are honored to support the Cleveland Clinic Digestive Disease Center FL under the direction of the extraordinary Dr. Steven Wexner. He exemplifies unparalleled caring, expertise and the highest standards of excellence on behalf of his patients. We know that in the years to come, patients and their families will benefit from his vision and be able to experience a better quality of life.” -Ellen Shulman

“Thank you Ellen and Steven for your unparalleled altruistic gift. I have invested almost 35 years helping build the digestive disease programs at Cleveland Clinic Florida. While I am honored and humbled by your trust and confidence in me, our many achievements have been due to the efforts of our superlative team. Since our inception in 1988 we have made numerous advances that have become global standards. Through our teaching we have disseminated our innovations to our residents and fellows who have become renowned leaders and to colleagues in virtually every country. Your incredible philanthropy has ensured us the ability to perpetuate our investigation and education to continue to improve patient outcomes throughout the world in the Ellen Leifer Shulman and Steven Shulman Digestive Disease Center.” -Steven Wexner, MD