by Gregory Mishkel, MD, MBA, Allstate Foundation/Judson B. Branch Chair of Cardiology and Division Chief of Cardiology for Endeavor Health
The Endeavor Health Cardiovascular Institute hosted a world-renowned cardiovascular expert, thanks to a donor-supported lectureship endowment that honors one of Endeavor Health’s NorthShore hospitals’ most legendary physicians.
As Chief of the Division of Cardiology, I had the pleasure of welcoming a full house of physicians, fellows and team members on March 28, 2025, to the inaugural Messer Family Cardiovascular Lectureship. The lectureship took place at Endeavor Health Glenbrook Hospital — the home of the new, state-of-the-art Cardiovascular Institute.
The Messer Family Cardiovascular Lectureship represents more than just a new tradition. It reflects a deep and enduring commitment to education, mentorship and the advancement of cardiovascular medicine at Endeavor Health. Made possible by a generous gift from the Messer family, the lectureship allows for two Grand Rounds lectures in cardiology each year.
We were honored to host Joseph V. Messer, MD, his wife Nancy, and their daughter Ann Messer, MD, at the inaugural lecture that bears their family name. Dr. Messer, one of our most senior physician team members, still works one day a week with our cardiology fellows, a true testament to how important it is to train future cardiologists.
Honoring cardiology leaders
Dr. Messer has long been a guiding force in cardiology, both locally and nationally. As a Master of the American College of Cardiology (MACC), a former chair of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Board of Governors and President of the American Heart Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Dr. Messer has shaped policy, education and clinical excellence across generations. His more than 150 publications and steadfast commitment to teaching have left a lasting mark on the field and on so many of us personally.
This inaugural lecture also honored Irwin M. Silverman, MD, the first named honoree of the Messer Family Cardiovascular Lectureship. When Dr. Messer shared his desire to recognize Dr. Silverman, it was immediately clear to me how fitting a tribute this was.
A foundational figure in our cardiovascular community since 1983, Dr. Silverman founded Cardiovascular Associates of Glenbrook and Evanston, which later became part of NorthShore University HealthSystem. His clinical excellence, thoughtful leadership and unwavering devotion to patients have earned him deep respect throughout the region. Like Dr. Messer, Dr. Silverman is also a teacher to cardiology fellows, and the Irwin Silverman, MD Fellowship Fund was named in his honor.
In Dr. Silverman’s honor, we invited Paul Ridker, MD, MPH, to speak at the first Messer Family Cardiovascular Lectureship.
Dr. Ridker is the Eugene Braunwald Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Over the past 25 years, he has led a prolific research program that has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of atherosclerosis — not just as a lipid-driven disease, but as an inflammatory one.
Dr. Ridker has authored more than 900 publications, holds multiple patents, and has been recognized by Time magazine as one of America’s Ten Best Researchers and among the “Time 100.” His work has been cited over 300,000 times, placing him among the most influential medical researchers globally.
It was fitting to have a world-renowned speaker kick off this year’s lecture series, since it honors such legendary physicians at Endeavor Health. We look forward to inviting future speakers to our Cardiovascular Institute and continuing the commitment to cardiovascular excellence and education that Dr. Messer has established for future generations.
Below are some photos featuring Dr. Messer, his family members, Dr. Ridker, Dr. Silverman and many of our cardiology fellows.
These inspirational stories would not be possible without philanthropic support. We are powered by the generosity of donors who directly impact our ability to deliver on our commitment to providing community-connected care for every person, every time.
Masthead photo: Joseph V. Messer, MD
Photo credit: Jon Hillenbrand
