Dr. Gary Edelson, partner at Associated Endocrinologists in Farmington Hills, has been chosen as the chairperson for the 2024 American Heart Association Heart of Detroit. Through this campaign, he is leading community-wide efforts to help ensure every individual in Southeast Michigan has the opportunity for a full, healthy life. Gary is joined by Ed Hersch, Dr. Joel Kahn, Monty Kamposh, Alan Kaufman, Dr. Randy Lieberman, Lisa and Hannan Lis, Bernie Mindell, Dr. Lowell Schmeltz, Stuart Sklar, Dr. Geoffrey Trivax, Dr. Justin Trivax and Mark Zarkin as part of his leadership team for this important campaign.
The Heart of Detroit celebrates hope and progress made through the dedication and passion of all who support the American Heart Association’s efforts to make an impact on the health of the community. These efforts include the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, public policy change, equitable health for the under-resourced and under-represented, and education to equip the community to take control of their health.
“Dr. Edelson demonstrates outstanding leadership and dedication in the field of endocrinology. His passion and commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission, deep understanding of community needs, and unwavering drive to make a difference are why he is the perfect person to chair this event,” says Sara Hegarty, executive director of the American Heart Association, Southeast Michigan. “We welcome Dr. Edelson to the Heart of Detroit, an initiative that centers around better health for every individual by focusing on critical issues and work to equitably improve and save lives.”
Dr. Gary Edelson is a clinical associate professor of medicine at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, professor at Oakland University’s William Beaumont School of Medicine in Rochester, Michigan, and a partner at Associated Endocrinologists in Farmington Hills, MI. He completed his undergraduate training at Brandeis University in Boston, his medical school and residency training at the George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington D.C., and a fellowship in endocrinology and metabolism at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He is widely published in bone and mineral, diabetes and lipid disorders. Dr. Edelson currently serves on the national board of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE).
“I am honored to serve as the 2024 Heart of Detroit chair,” said Edelson. “As an endocrinologist taking care of many patients with diabetes over the years, it has become very clear to me that heart disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in those with diabetes. There are clear interactions and interrelationships between glucose control and the prevention of heart disease and stroke. It is my passion to promote better health for my diabetic patients to reduce the risk of heart disease, as 70% of patients with diabetes succumb to heart disease.”
Dr. Edelson continued, “This year’s Heart Ball is a landmark occasion, as the American Heart Association celebrates its 100th anniversary. To celebrate this milestone, I would like to see an outpouring of support from the community, especially the cardiology community, and individuals who have been affected by heart disease, to make a big statement this year.”
The 2024 Heart of Detroit will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at The Henry Ford Museum. The annual event is a night to celebrate the Association’s year-round efforts to break down barriers to health in Southeast Michigan. Throughout the evening, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health, will honor volunteers and patrons, feature stories of survivors, and entertain guests with dinner, an exciting auction and private museum access. For more information on how to support or attend the Heart of Detroit, visit www.heart.org/detroitheartball.
