Announcing Recipients of MHIF Physician Leadership and Distinguished Service Awards

We are announcing and celebrating two physicians who received prominent awards created to recognize leadership and service. Both MHIF awards were established to honor the legacy of two incredible leaders and individuals.

Dr. Emmanouil Brilakis was awarded the 2024 Ray Bentdahl Distinguished Service Award for his commitment to leading the work of the MHIF Center for Coronary Artery Disease – advancing care and outcomes for patients, especially in the treatment of chronic total occlusions (CTOs). This award recognizes an individual’s contributions to the Foundation and accomplishments as an outstanding leader, mentor, philanthropist, educator, or researcher and honors the legacy of Ray Bentdahl, a business leader who understood the value of community investment – going back to his early friendship with MHI Founder Dr. Robert Van Tassel and the beginning of MHIF.

Dr. Michael Miedema was awarded the 2024 Robert G. Hauser Leadership Award for his leadership of the MHIF Nolan Family Center for Cardiovascular Health – driving innovation in preventive cardiology research and education. This award recognizes an individual who demonstrates visionary leadership and honors the legacy of Dr. Hauser, a physician leader and founder who contributed to innovative research, advancing clinical practice and developing MHIF into a world-class research organization.

These awards are a significant honor, showing appreciation for the tireless dedication, exceptional skills, and profound impact these physicians have on their patients, colleagues, and communities – and an encouragement to continue their exemplary work. The recognition of these awards often extends beyond the individual recipient to their teams, mentors, and support networks, highlighting the collaborative nature of world-class cardiovascular research and education.

As we celebrate these recipients and honor our founding legacies, we also remain grateful for our physician partners who continue to significantly support MHIF’s efforts to lead world-class research that advances clinical care for our patients and community.