Jesse Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, has built a career around service and advocacy, which has led him to his current role as the director of the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW) and senior associate dean in the School of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
As director of AHW, Ehrenfeld is guiding the strategy and operations of the statewide health philanthropy that serves as a resource in the work to improve health outcomes and health equity statewide. To date, AHW has invested more than $250 million in more than 400 health research, education, and community initiatives that have reached all corners of the state.
Ehrenfeld is currently chair of the American Medical Association’s Board of Trustees and continues his research to advance understanding of how information technology can improve patient safety, outcomes, and health equity. He also continues to practice, caring for patients as a physician anesthesiologist.
Ehrenfeld has also been recognized for advancing health equity, including launching dedicated programs to promote LGBTQ health. A U.S. Navy combat veteran, he testified before Congress in 2019 to advocate on behalf of transgender service members. In November, he led the American Medical Association in calling for a ban on conversion therapy for all ages nationwide.
“In many ways, Dr. Ehrenfeld has dedicated his career to standing up for those cannot,” said Cheryl Maurana, senior vice president for strategic academic partnerships at the Medical College of Wisconsin. “He is passionate, innovative, and tireless. Milwaukee – and Wisconsin as a whole – should be proud to have welcomed such a leader.”
