Michael V. Sivak, Jr., MD, MASGE

"My association with the ASGE began with a letter to then incoming president Steve Silvis in January 1981 in which I told him how knowledgeable I was in the area of education. Further, I asserted the Society would do well to utilize my expertise as a member of the (then called) Post Graduate Education Committee. But I would also accept any job available. Amazingly, he agreed to my request. Our relationship ended in 2004 at the conclusion of my term as editor-in-chief of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.   

And so, although I am generations removed from the affairs of the ASGE today, it nevertheless subsumed a major portion of my professional career. Given the uncertain nature of human endeavor, it is gratifying to know that the Society remains a modern, expansive, vibrant organization, true to its mission statement; that it continues to make substantial contributions to the advancement of medicine and the betterment of humanity. I am immensely proud to have been part of this endeavor. 

Now comes the President’s Award. I am, of course, amazed after so many years to be remembered. But given the high regard I have for the ASGE and its people now and many years past, I am also overwhelmed by the recognition and honor signified by the award. To the officers and the members of ASGE at large, please be assured of my thanks and appreciation."

Dr. Michael V. Sivak Jr is an Emeritus Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Sivak served as Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology at University Hospitals Case Medical Center and the Case School of Medicine from 1993 until the end of 2005. Previous to his appointment at Case, he was Chairman of the Department of Gastroenterology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation (1988-1993).  Dr. Sivak joined Cleveland Clinic as a staff physician in 1976 where he also served as head of the Section of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (1980-1990).  Fellowship training in Gastroenterology (1972-74) and Internal Medicine (1970-72) at the Clinic was followed by two years active duty as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy. After obtaining his medical degree from the Hahnemann Medical College (now part of Drexel University) in Philadelphia in 1969, Dr. Sivak was an intern at the Hamot Medical Center in his home city of Erie, Pennsylvania. He retired from practice in 2006.

Dr. Sivak devoted his entire professional career to gastrointestinal endoscopy. He is renowned worldwide for his many unique contributions to the advancement of his chosen field. He was involved in endoscopic research and teaching for more than 30 years. Dr. Sivak authored or co-authored almost 200 publications in peer reviewed medical journals as well as 56 chapters on endoscopic topics in books, numerous editorials, review articles, letters, a slide atlas, videotapes and miscellaneous commentaries. He published 5 books on endoscopy, including two editions of his standard textbook, Gastroenterologic Endoscopy. His research interests in endoscopy were wide-ranging, with notable contributions in the areas of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). 

A dedicated teacher throughout his professional career, Dr. Sivak was among the first in the world to offer a special training program in advanced endoscopy and endoscopic research. This intense, year-long period of study was designed by Dr. Sivak to develop not only the highest level of endoscopic expertise, but also to foster a dedication to the training of others in endoscopy and an enduring commitment to endoscopic research. Restricted to fully trained gastroenterologists, this program continues to produce experts in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Graduates hold academic positions in some of the foremost institutions throughout the world, and they continue to make substantial contributions to the field of endoscopy through research and education. Many are now distinguished by positions of responsibility in national affairs. 

Throughout his professional career, Dr. Sivak was closely associated with the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), having served the Society in numerous capacities including president (1989-1990). The ASGE awarded Dr. Sivak its highest distinction, the Rudolf Schindler Award, in 1997. In 2004, Dr. Sivak concluded an 8-year term as editor of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, the foremost journal in the field. 

Dr. Sivak retired completely from the practice of gastroenterology 20 years ago.  He and his wife, Donna, married for more than 50 years, live in Morgantown, West Virginia. They have three daughters and four grandchildren. His interests range from microscopy to astronomy to music (clarinet, saxophone). An avid bibliophile, Dr. Sivak’s personal library encompasses several thousand books.