At Cedars-Sinai, we believe the quality of care we offer is only as good as the people who provide it. Their success, in turn, depends upon world-class training and support for scientific research that broadens the horizons of medical possibility.

For years, Cedars-Sinai has received generous philanthropic investments from the Simms/Mann Family Foundation to advance breakthrough research and develop a pipeline of talented medical professionals. The foundation’s latest contribution—$3 million to endow the Simms/Mann Family Foundation Chair in Cardiac Electrophysiology, with Michael M. Shehata, MD, named as inaugural holder—continues that tradition, amplifying research and catalyzing innovative treatments for people with cardiac arrythmia and educating the next generation of physician-scientists in cardiac electrophysiology.

"A couple of years ago, I experienced many months of issues with atrial fibrillation," said Victoria Mann Simms, PhD, a cofounder (along with her husband, Ronald Simms) of the Simms/Mann Family Foundation. "During the course of my treatment at Cedars-Sinai, which was excellent, I learned there is a large, underserved population in the United States in need of adequate care. Cardiologists specializing in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders at Cedars-Sinai can have an impact that stretches beyond the borders of the medical center, the city, the state and even the country, and it is an honor to extend them our support."

Expanding impact was also the focus of a generous $2 million gift from the Care & Cure Institute, an organization dedicated to removing financial barriers for doctors pursuing advanced training in pediatric epilepsy. By establishing the Care & Cure Institute Pediatric Epilepsy Fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, the organization is helping foster the development of talented pediatric epileptologists poised to make a difference in countless young people’s lives.

"As one of the best hospitals in the nation, Cedars-Sinai is a natural destination for a pediatric epilepsy fellowship," said Shannon Abdul-Wahab, executive director of the Care & Cure Institute. "The final step to becoming a pediatric epileptologist is a two-year fellowship—and it’s often the hardest for young doctors to afford. At the Care & Cure Institute, we’re determined to take that burden off their shoulders. By funding this fellowship at Cedars-Sinai, we’re opening the door for talented physicians to complete their training, treat more children and close critical gaps in epilepsy care across the country."