M. E. Hecht, MD, was a renowned surgeon that brought innovation and healing to the world. A published author, freelance writer, and orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Hecht was a recognized expert with degrees from Yale, Columbia University, and the State University of New York, in addition to advanced study in Davos, Switzerland. After receiving her medical degree, Dr. Hecht became the assistant chief of orthopedics at Elmhurst Hospital, an affiliate of Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Always a brave innovator, she created the first ambulatory care unit for Cabrini Hospital and later established the country's first group of surgeons devoted solely to rendering second opinions for elective surgery, the Hecht Group Second Surgical Opinion Institution.

Dr. Hecht continued to present, write, and contribute as a medical expert to a variety of international publications on strength, exploration, care, and aging. Her philanthropic endeavors abound, including helping young artists by cofounding the Singers Development Foundation. She believed in growing older; growing into it, but never "out of it." Her promise to do no harm was her life-guiding mantra.