My MCW Story: Dr. Ivor Benjamin
A world-class cardiologist & director of MCW's Cardiovascular Center.
Published: May, 2017
Dr. Ivor Benjamin has experienced tremendous professional success in his life – he’s a world-class cardiologist, serves as director of the MCW Cardiovascular Center and was recently named chair-elect of the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Board of Directors – but like so many others, it began with some early life motivation.
“My desire to study medicine came at an early age, when I saw several family members suffering from atrial fibrillation,” Dr. Benjamin said. “I decided I wanted to help others who were experiencing some of those same problems.” Atrial fibrillation is a quivering or irregular heartbeat that can lead to blood clots, stroke or heart failure.
The commitment and drive to help others has stayed with him over the years, and, if anything, has gotten stronger. He sees his newest opportunity leading the AHA as another way to improve health. “My goal over these next few years is to leverage the nationwide mission of the AHA to bolster the next generation of health experts around the country and around southeastern Wisconsin.”
Dr. Benjamin’s clinical interests are general cardiology, inheritable heart failure, and myocardial infarction. Much of his research is focused around heart attacks – specifically how they come about and how we can improve their outcomes. He has received AHA, foundation, and NIH funding throughout his entire career, and is currently the principal investigator of two major cardiovascular research projects at MCW.
In addition to his other MCW roles, Dr. Benjamin is professor of medicine and serves as a faculty member for the Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences.
