Remembering FAU Icon Dr. Ira Gelb

Monday, Sep 14, 2020
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Today we learned the sad news that Ira Gelb,   M.D., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.P., passed away at the age of 92. I’d like to extend my most sincere condolences to Dr. Gelb's wife, June, and the Gelb family. I know the university community joins them in mourning the loss of our dear friend, Ira.

Dr. Gelb was one of the earliest champions of medical education at FAU. A renowned cardiologist, he founded the former University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s regional program at FAU, which ultimately became the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. He later served as senior academic advisor for pre-baccalaureate programs and professor of integrated medical science in the Schmidt College of Medicine. The students who were fortunate enough to have him as an instructor shared that he was always willing to help, and they felt that he really wanted them to succeed.

Dr. Gelb gave his time generously, as well as his expertise and financial resources, particularly to FAU and our medical school. He served as a member of the Schmidt College of Medicine’s Advisory Board and Pre-professional Committee, the Advisory Board for the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, and the FAU Foundation Board of Directors, serving as chairman from 2004-2006. Additionally, he played an integral role in the formation of the Health Occupations Students of America, which earned him the Student Organization Advisor of the Year award in 2015.

Along with his wife, June, Dr. Gelb established the June and Ira J. Gelb, M.D. Endowed Scholarship Fund for Medical Student Education to provide financial support to our medical students. In 2014, the June and Ira J. Gelb, M.D. Auditorium in the Schmidt College of Medicine building was named in their honor.

Ira was a visionary, an educational icon, an American hero, and one of FAU’s most steadfast friends. Ira made an indelible mark on this university and his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched as a physician, teacher and philanthropist.