Michael Zacharias, DO, Named Inaugural Mehdi Shishehbor, DO, MPH, PhD, Chair in Cardiovascular Innovation

An anonymous gift of $1 million has established the Mehdi Shishehbor, DO, MPH, PhD, Chair in Cardiovascular Innovation. The endowed chair celebrates Dr. Shishehbor, his outstanding contributions to medical science, and provides dedicated funds to support ongoing research, education and training. The gift includes $250,000 from the Hambrick Foundation and matching additional funds.

Michael Zacharias, DO FHFSA, FACC (L) and Mehdi Shishebor, DO, MPH, PhD

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be recognized by my patients and University Hospitals with one of the highest distinctions in medicine—having an academic chair established in my name,” says Dr. Mehdi Shishehbor, who serves as President of University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute and Director of the institute’s Lorraine and Bill Dodero Limb Preservation Center. “This extraordinary honor reflects not only my personal journey but also the collective dedication of our entire team to advancing cardiovascular care, education and research.”

Michael Zacharias, DO, FHFSA, FACC, Associate Clinical Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine and Medical Director of the Mechanical Circulatory Support Program at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, is the first to hold this prestigious new position. The chair recognizes his demonstrated expertise and dedication to advancing the field of heart failure cardiology.

“Receiving this chair is a meaningful recognition of my work and reinforces the value of my contributions,” says Dr. Zacharias. “In particular, as a tribute to Dr. Shishehbor, this chair motivates me to continue to raise the bar, working to elevate cardiovascular care and delivery models throughout our health system.”

Dr. Zacharias is regarded for helping patients and their families understand all available treatment options, from medications to advanced therapies like invasive hemodynamics, temporary and durable ventricular assist devices (VADs), and heart transplantation. In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Zacharias is an avid clinician educator. Shortly after joining the faculty at University Hospitals, he received the Teacher of the Year Award for both internal medicine residency and cardiovascular medicine fellowship. In 2022, he was inducted as a University Hospitals Distinguished Physician, which recognizes “the doctors of doctors”. Dr. Zacharias currently serves as Associate Director of the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Fellowship at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. He also enjoys mentoring local students interested in pursuing a career in medicine.

“Dr. Zacharias truly embodies the qualities we aspire to see in every physician—compassion, clinical excellence, patience, and an unwavering commitment to quality and patient care,” says Dr. Shishehbor, who holds the Angela and James Hambrick Distinguished Chair in Innovation. “His dedication and leadership make him the ideal choice for this inaugural role. I honestly cannot think of anyone more deserving.”