Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund Honors Sirona CEO Jost Fischer
Charlotte, N.C. – The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to innovative leadership in health care, celebrated a decade of supporting individuals, organizations and programs that have positively influenced the dental community and public oral health arena. The 2012 Shils Awards were presented at a gala on November 25 at the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City.
Shils Award winners are chosen annually and presented with a monetary prize, which is given to the recipient organization of their choice. Jost Fischer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sirona Dental Systems, received the 2012 Special Recognition Award, “for his extraordinary support in helping build capacity for dental clinics through equipment and technology grants worldwide”.
Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, who presented the award, about Fischer: “My friend Jost earned this award not only for his true entrepreneurship at Sirona but also for his dedication to support dental care in underserved markets throughout the world.”
Jost Fischer was honored to accept the award and was quoted as saying: “Innovation never stops at Sirona and through our continuous efforts we want to make dentistry better and more affordable. We also have a deep commitment to providing access to dental care to the ones in need in countries around the world and we are proud to have helped to equip dental clinics. I proudly accept this award on behalf of the Sirona family."
Friends and colleagues of Dr. Shils, who are also prominent leaders in the dental industry, founded the Dr. Edward D. Shils Entrepreneurial Education Fund in 2002 because they knew that Dr. Shils wanted to leave a legacy of entrepreneurship. In 2012 the Fund was renamed the The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc. and became a registered tax-exempt organization. Through annual awards, the Fund honors the pioneering vision of Dr. Shils and helps foster inspiration and initiative in current and future health care entrepreneurs.