Every gift to the Department of Surgery fuels groundbreaking research, enriches surgical education and supports transformative projects within the department. This is especially true for the esteemed faculty who hold endowed chairs and professorships. Their clinical excellence is matched by the lasting impact of their endowed support, which strengthens the department’s mission and shapes the future of surgical care at Ohio State.
“It’s one of my goals as chair to increase the number of endowed positions, because it’s one of the best ways to recruit and retain the most talented surgeons and researchers and is one of the highest honors bestowed upon a physician,” says Timothy Pawlik, MD, PhD, MPH, professor and chair of the Department of Surgery. “You can have all the latest technology and the best facilities, but breakthroughs and outstanding patient care always come down to the people on your team.”
In April 2025, The Ohio State University College of Medicine celebrated the Department of Surgery and the remarkable achievements of the Surgery faculty who were named endowed chairs and professors over the past five years.
“Endowed chairs and professorships are vital to our mission, enabling us to attract and retain world-class talent and drive innovation,” adds Dr. Pawlik. “These generous gifts ensure our continued excellence, fostering groundbreaking research and exceptional education and care in the Department of Surgery.”
No matter the size, every gift makes an immediate impact. Whether it’s training the next generation of surgeons or advancing lifesaving techniques, these endowments leave a lasting legacy.
“Our endowed faculty are pillars of growth and innovation,” Dr. Pawlik says. “Their contributions elevate our department and enhance the quality of care we provide to our patients. We can’t thank them enough for their outstanding achievements and contributions to our department.”
The celebration honored these Department of Surgery faculty:
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Ginny Bumgardner, MD, PhD, FACS
The Olga Jonasson, MD, Professorship in Surgery - Jordan Cloyd, MD, FACS
The Ward Family Surgical Oncology Designated Professorship - Matthew Corriere, MD
The Luther M. Keith Professorship in Surgery - Robert Merritt, MD, MBA, FACS
The Adenil Day Designated Professor - Samilia Obeng-Gyasi, MD, MPH
The Endowed Surgical Professorship in Health Equity - Oluyinka Olutoye, MD, PhD
The E. Thomas Boles Jr., MD, Chair in Pediatric Surgery - Kristine Orion, MD
The Philip Barbour Hardymon Professorship in Surgery - Susan Tsai, MD, MHS
The Dr. Arthur G. and Mildred C. James – Richard J. Solove Chair in Surgical Oncology - Hua Zhu, PhD
The Karl P. Klassen Chair of Thoracic Surgery