Gail Besner, MD, named an Ohio State Distinguished University Professor

The Ohio State University Office of Academic Affairs awards the permanent, honorific title of Distinguished University Professor, the highest faculty honor, on a competitive basis to full tenure-track professors who have truly exceptional records in teaching, research, scholarly or creative work and service.

Gail Besner, MD, H. William Clatworthy, Jr. Professor in Pediatric Surgery at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and chief of Pediatric Surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, received this highest faculty honor for her extraordinary achievements as a world-renowned leader in pediatric surgery and child health.

As a surgeon-scientist, Dr. Besner’s innovative research has fundamentally advanced our understanding of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious gastrointestinal condition primarily affecting premature infants. A novel probiotic biofilm delivery system she developed with collaborators holds great promise for protecting babies from NEC. Her transformative contributions have earned her the highest honors in her field. Last year alone, she received the Medallion for Scientific Achievement from the American Surgical Association, and she was elected to the National Academy of Medicine.

Congratulations to Dr. Besner on receiving this prestigious honor and well-deserved recognition.