Miami Heart Research Institute
Florida Heart Research Foundation
About Us
Our History
In 1944, Miami Heart Institute received its charter as a voluntary, non-profit, non-denominational, charitable and scientific corporation. With that step achieved, Dr. E. Sterling Nichol set out on the stormy, tumultuous path of fundraising to establish the first heart hospital and research center in the United States. With dogged persistence and unquenchable faith, he pursued his quest. Miami Heart Institute became world renowned for its visionary accomplishments in the research and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Nichol was a doctor practicing medicine in Miami and had the foresight to recognize that cardiovascular disease would become this nation’s number one killer. He had the vision to perceive that Southeast Florida would become the mecca for heart patients. Each winter there was an increasing migration of the sick fleeing from northern winters. They sought to endow their health under the blue skies and golden sunshine of Miami. Unfortunately, at that time, hospital facilities in the community were inadequate for the treatment of heart patients. Most community hospitals were geared to the treatment of surgical patients, who were short-termed and more profitable to a hospital’s operation.
Heart patients, who required a longer period of hospitalization were relegated to the back of the wards, in dreary surroundings. Frustrated by the situation, Dr. Nichol determined to seek a solution to the problem. The time was just before World War II. His quest was to develop a medically oriented hospital wherein top-notch cardiologists could practice the art of medicine. He visualized a hospital specializing in cardiovascular patient care, with great emphasis on appetizing, but controlled diets, and a serene and pleasing atmosphere so necessary to the recuperating patient. Because electronics were just coming of age and being applied medically, he planned to acquire the most advanced, sophisticated life saving equipment with highly skilled technicians to use them.
At the same time, he recognized the need of research for observation and investigation of one of man’s most complex problems, heart disease, and in its solutions, to hopefully find release from one of the most common causes of grief and despair. His deep conviction of the need of this community for a heart hospital and research center, his dauntless energy, his inspiration and his charisma drew together an influential group of physicians and business executives.
The Institute opened its doors to patients in 1952, after a long period of fundraising and site inspection.
RESEARCH, one of the prime reasons for the existence of Miami Heart Institute, had been carried on in cottages in the original land site. It now needed a home. Mrs. Arthur F. Adams, who had always responded to every need of the Institute since it first opened its doors, donated the Arthur F. Adams Research Building in memory of her husband.
The history of the Institute is more than a chronological listing of building achievements. It is a profile of devotion, sacrifice, hard work and great generosity from many people. Its major expansions had been achieved, not out of patient revenue, but through the countless benefactions of humanitarians who truly wished to help build this fortress for the battle against heart disease.
Pioneering Advancements:
Miami Heart researchers were among the first to treat vascular disease with aspirin, recognize the importance of understanding the cellular, biochemical and clinical levels of cardiovascular disease, and study the role of cholesterol by pioneering the use of lipid-lowering medications to slow or reverse the heart disease process. We also examined heart surgery in women years before it became a national priority.
Refinement of Focus:
So that we could continue our tradition of dedication to the advancement of heart research, the divisions of research and education combined into the independent nonprofit organization known today as the Miami Heart Research Institute, Inc. (a not-for-profit 501c3 entity) when the hospital was sold in 1993 and its mission remained the same: To Stop Heart Disease Through Research, Education and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.
Today
Collaboration:
Today, Miami Heart Research Institute functions as an independent, not-for-profit (501c3) that awards funds to support research to further understand heart disease and its causes, treatment, cure and prevention as well as funding educational programs. MHRI has collaborated or is currently collaborating with other research partners who are internationally recognized as the experts in their field such as the Mayo Clinic Rochester, Columbia Presbyterian, Georgetown University and locally, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Florida International University, Florida Atlantic University, Miami-Dade College and the University of Miami. Being an independent, nonprofit organization allows the Research Institute to pursue projects swiftly based solely upon scientific validity and clinical relevance. All projects are evaluated and continuously reviewed by an independent committee of highly respected physicians who are internationally recognized in the field of cardiovascular research assuring that our projects are scientifically and fundamentally sound.
Leading-edge Research:
Current research by MHRI led the medical community to recognize the role of neurohormones in the diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure. We have also created the first of its kind clinical cardiac genetics laboratory. The highly specialized research laboratories supplied by our partners ensures that MHRI research dollars are spent doing research rather than funding capital equipment.
Corporate Philosophy
Miami Heart Research Institute is well positioned for a long and productive future in cardiovascular research, education and prevention by combining our unique resources with those of other established centers. Whether in partnership with another research center of excellence nationally or another community service organization locally, we believe that we are stronger as a team than we each are individually. Working collaboratively with other organizations allows each entity to participate fully where their individual strengths lie.
Our independence allows us to pursue research, education and prevention programs based solely upon scientific merit and pursuit of our mission. Miami Heart Research Institute’s programs and alliances are NOT influenced by political agendas or projected profits. This freedom permits us to focus on projects and research partners that demonstrate the most promise for advancement in the field.
Partnerships are selected based upon their world-class expertise, credentials and their ability to contribute to the project. These cooperative relationships allow MHRI to “fast-track” the project bypassing the usual bureaucracy endured by larger institutions.
We believe that through research combined with education about the causes, risk factors and lifestyle options, heart disease can be prevented, stopped, and even reversed if corrective steps are taken. Research discoveries benefit all humanity and education promotes informed choices, thereby improving outcomes and quality of life.
MIAMI HEART RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.FLORIDA HEART RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.BOARD OF TRUSTEES2023
JOE ANN BATCHELLER - CHAIRMAN
JOSE A. ADAMS, MD - VICE CHAIRMAN
MARIA CANOSSA-TERRIS, MD - DIRECTOR
OLIVER R. DI PIETRO, MD - DIRECTOR
TRACY TOWLE HUMPHREY - DIRECTOR
MARY JEAN MELLA, ESQ. - DIRECTOR
CHARLES E. PORTER, CFA - DIRECTOR
ELIZABETH WHALEN - DIRECTOR
NANCY R. CAVALIE - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MICHAEL WEINTRAUB - HONORARY TRUSTEE
RICHARD A. ELIAS, M.D. - HONORARY TRUSTEE
