Our Purpose

To contribute to the flourishing of the United States and Israel as just, inclusive, compassionate and democratic societies, and to improve the quality of life of all citizens in both countries.

Mandel Foundation

1000 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114

(216) 875-6539

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With funding support from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation, Cleveland Clinic is developing global healthcare leaders while also tackling the most pressing needs of patients and caregivers. In 2022, a $30 million gift established the Morton L. Mandel CEO Chair and the Morton L. Mandel Innovation Fund, to honor Mort Mandel’s legacy and his commitment to investing in nonprofit leaders to help deepen their impact in society. This grant empowers the Mandel CEO Chair to explore pioneering ideas in the medical field by providing Mandel Accelerator Grants to Cleveland Clinic leaders and researchers through distributions from the Mandel Innovation Fund. Dr. Tom Mihaljevic, the inaugural Mandel CEO Chair, says the Mandel Accelerator Grants program has been a “driving force in allowing him to respond nimbly to emerging challenges and needs of patients and caregivers.”

Caregivers such as Rob Saper, MD, MPH, Chair, Department of Wellness and Preventive Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, and Kevin Hopkins, MD, were awarded a $50,000 Mandel Accelerator Grant in 2023 to explore the use of an artificial intelligence (AI) driven tool to streamline the clinical documentation process. They felt this would significantly alleviate physician workload and reduce burnout. They launched their virtual AI scribe project with several clinicians in the Cleveland Clinic Primary Care Institute and have been met with positive responses. To demonstrate the patient-focused goals of the innovative model, Dr. Saper posed a question to Mandel Foundation leaders during a board tour last year, asking if any of them had experienced a doctor's appointment where they did not feel they had the physician's full attention. All hands were raised.

“The Mandel Accelerator Grant has truly accelerated the adoption and evaluation of AI to reduce caregiver burden in documentation and enhance patient experience during office visits,” says Dr. Saper. Using a tool called “Ambient Listening Software,” Cleveland Clinic physicians who participated in the pilot program use voice-enabled AI technology to transcribe and summarize their conversations with patients, family members, or whoever is in the exam room. Afterward, the physicians review and edit the details and verify accuracy.

During follow up conversations, one seasoned family practice doctor said she was on the verge of retiring due to burnout but reconsidered her decision because of this project.

“Within days, it was transformational,” says Alla Kirsch, MD. “Before using the AI scribe, I often had to ask patients to repeat themselves while listening to them and simultaneously typing notes into the computer, and it was frustrating for both of us. Now, I can look at the patient during our conversations and be empathetic. My level of fatigue is 90% less, and I have a renewed capacity to accomplish everything I can for my patients. It really brought back the joy of medicine for me.”

Investing in visionary leaders and ideas with the potential for deep impact on the larger world is the foundation of Mort Mandel’s legacy. By empowering leaders like Dr. Mihaljevic and Dr. Saper to innovate, Cleveland Clinic is addressing the immediate challenges faced by medical providers and shaping the future of medical leadership. Investing in both people and ideas allows Cleveland Clinic to advance patient care and improve caregiver experiences – while creating a pipeline of future leaders who are equipped with creativity and a commitment to improving the world.

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