NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation Hosts Investiture Ceremony for Three Endowed Chairs

On Wednesday, March 5, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) Foundation hosted an investiture ceremony for three Endowed Chairs at NorthShore Evanston Hospital. Endowed Chairs represent the highest level of prestige at academic medical institutions and help ensure the continuation of excellence in care, research and medical education. More than 100 friends, supporters and colleagues gathered as NorthShore honored and celebrated the work of three highly esteemed physician-scientists and educators: Jason L. Koh, MD of Winnetka; Jorge F. Saucedo, MD of Winnetka; and Nancy Schindler, MD of Glenview.

The ceremony commenced with the investiture of Dr. Jason Koh, Chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of the NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute, in the newly created Board of Directors Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery. An internationally renowned orthopaedic surgeon and innovative researcher, Dr. Koh brought his talents to NorthShore in 2009, where he continues to maintain a busy clinical practice while conducting ongoing clinical trials. Currently the team orthopaedic surgeon for the Chicago Fire soccer team, Dr. Koh was previously the Medical Director for the Joffrey Ballet and formerly served as orthopaedic consultant to the Chicago Cubs. Dr. Koh has served as visiting professor at multiple institutions and has lectured extensively around the world. He is included on the list of The Best Doctors in America® and is recognized as one of “America’s Top Physicians” by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. 

Dr. Jorge Saucedo, Division Head of Cardiology, was then invested in NorthShore’s second oldest endowed chair, the Allstate Foundation/Judson B. Branch Chair of Cardiology. The gift establishing this chair in perpetuity was made by The Allstate Foundation in 1972, recognizing Mr. Judson Branch as he retired from his leadership positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman at the Allstate Corporation. Dr. Saucedo came to NorthShore in 2013 from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where he served as Professor of Medicine and Vice Chief of Clinical Affairs in the Division of Cardiology. A prolific academic writer, Dr. Saucedo has authored more than 90 refereed publications and has been involved for many years in clinical trials and multicenter clinical research in areas such as antithrombotic and antiplatelet therapy for carotid implantations, as well as the development of coronary stents. Recognized as one of The Best Doctors in America® in the Cardiovascular Disease category, Dr. Saucedo leads NorthShore’s team of cardiologists in advancing leading-edge research, high-profile clinical programs and expert patient care.

The ceremony concluded with Dr. Nancy Schindler, Vice Chair of Education in NorthShore’s Department of Surgery, being invested in the E. Stephen Kurtides, MD, Chair of Medical Education. Created in 1998, the chair carries on the impressive legacy of the late Dr. Kurtides, who served as mentor to some 800 medical residents during his distinguished career at Evanston Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago. NorthShore was honored to be joined by his children for this special occasion — Mrs. Pauline Kurtides Sheehan and Mr. John Kurtides. Dr. Schindler, who joined NorthShore in 1999, is recognized as both a consummate educator and an immensely skilled surgeon. Responsible for the coordinated integration of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine Surgery Residency with NorthShore University HealthSystem, she was inducted as a Fellow of the Academy of Distinguished Medical Educators at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine — the academic institution’s top honor. Dr. Schindler has given more than 50 peer-reviewed and invited presentations on topics as diverse as women in leadership, the implementation of faculty development programs, and vascular and arterial disease, and was recognized in 2012 and 2013 as a Best Doctor in U.S. News & World Report.

“The individuals receiving these Endowed Chair honors are the finest physician-scientists and educators in the nation,” said Murray Ancell, NorthShore Foundation Executive Director. “We are very fortunate that they share their gifts and talents here in support of NorthShore’s mission ‘to preserve and improve human life.’”

For more information about ways to support NorthShore University HealthSystem, please call (224) 364-7200 or visit northshore.org/foundation.

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 10,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including an 850+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 100 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in clinical trials and medical informatics. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is the organization’s primary philanthropic entity. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.

NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including Kellogg Cancer Center, NorthShore Neurological Institute, NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute, cardiovascular care, high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the first in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.