GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., (Feb.5, 2014) Spectrum Health and the Van Andel Institute have partnered to bring a world-renowned cardiovascular researcher to West Michigan. Dr. Stefan Jovinge, from Sweden, will be splitting his time and talent amoung the Spectrum Health Frederik Meijer Heart and Vascular Institute and Van Andel Research Institute.
Dr. Jovinge has been leading the way in research involving the possibility of the heart’s cells to regenerate and repair itself. According to a statement released, Dr. Jovinge’s research will focus on cell engineering, patient treatment and trials, cell source identification/training and developing future researchers.
With heart disease cited as the number one killer of men and women in the United States, Dr.Jovinge’s work could be critical to saving millions of lives.
“Heart failure is one of the major diseases in the Western World, actually in the world,” said Dr. Jovinge. “And, the only opportunity to replace is complete heart transplantation, and we know that there are not enough donor hearts to replace all the needs.”
A significant donation from the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation also helped support the efforts to bring Dr. Jovigne to Grand Rapids.
