The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson is set to enhance its cardiothoracic surgery department with a new endowed professorship, funded by $1 million in donations. This initiative pays tribute to Dr. Gulshan Sethi, whose pioneering work in the field has left a lasting impact on both surgical practices and medical education.
Dr. Sethi, who began his tenure at the University of Arizona in 1988, is renowned for his contributions to cardiothoracic surgery and cardiovascular research. He made history in 1989 by performing Arizona’s first single-lung transplant and launching the Circulatory Science Program, the first of its kind at the master’s level in pharmacology and perfusion technology. Over his career, he has completed more than 15,000 open-heart surgeries and published over 250 peer-reviewed articles, training numerous surgeons along the way.
“His pioneering work in cardiothoracic surgery formed the foundation for significant advances in the field that are now considered routine procedures and have resulted in saving thousands of lives in Arizona and beyond,” stated Dr. Michael M.I. Abecassis, the Humberto and Czarina Lopez Endowed Dean of the College of Medicine – Tucson.
Dr. Sethi expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am deeply honored by this recognition. My journey in cardiac surgery has been shaped by extraordinary mentors and colleagues, dedicated trainees and the patients who trusted their lives to me.” He emphasized the importance of training future generations of cardiac surgeons, which he considers one of the greatest privileges of his career.
The funding for the professorship was made possible by lead donations from individuals including Gulshan and Neelam Sethi, Andrew Weil, Gurpreet and Reema Jaggi, Humberto and Czarina Lopez, Dev and Olivia Sethi, and Sonia Sethi. In addition, more than 55 other donors, including former patients and colleagues, have contributed to the fund, demonstrating Dr. Sethi’s widespread influence.
This $1 million in funding also supports the university’s commitment to a challenge gift for the Sarver Heart Center. The center aims to raise $75 million to establish a cardiovascular research institute, contingent on approval from the Arizona Board of Regents. A separate donor has pledged a $25 million match, contingent on the college raising $50 million in five years.
“We are incredibly thankful for the generosity of the Sethi family and donors whose gifts established the endowed professorship,” commented Dr. Hesham Sadek, director of the Sarver Heart Center and chief of the Division of Cardiology. He noted that Dr. Sethi’s legacy of surgical excellence and innovation continues to shape patient care and cardiothoracic education.
Cardiothoracic disease remains a leading cause of mortality globally, and advancements in surgical technology and care are crucial for continued progress. The endowed professorship aims to further these advancements by attracting top talent to the University of Arizona and supporting cutting-edge research and education.
John-Paul Roczniak, president and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation, remarked, “Dr. Sethi’s legacy will continue through the cardiothoracic surgeons who will hold this professorship in the years to come. It’s a meaningful tribute to someone who has touched so many lives, and I’m grateful to the 60 donors who came together to honor him in this way.”
The $1 million in gifts and commitments is part of the university’s Fuel Wonder campaign, a $3 billion fundraising initiative that seeks to enhance student support, fuel research advancements, and drive innovation across diverse fields including cancer, engineering, and space sciences.
Read More Here
Be First to Comment