K. Daniel Riew, M.D., has been named the Mildred B. Simon Distinguished Professor and Ken Yamaguchi, M.D., the Sam and Marilyn Fox Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton joined Larry J. Shapiro, M.D., executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, in announcing the appointments.
“For years, Sam and Marilyn Fox have been among Washington University’s most loyal and dedicated supporters, as was Mildred Simon,” Wrighton said. “We are deeply indebted to them for their longstanding generosity and many years of devoted service.
“The Foxes’ extraordinary generosity in the creation of the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts really was more than we could have hoped for, but now they have gone beyond that and endowed this distinguished professorship demonstrating once again that they are the very embodiment of the generosity of spirit that has made Washington University the world-class institution it is today,” Wrighton said.
Shapiro echoed Wrighton’s comments.
“The School of Medicine is very grateful for the generosity of Sam and Marilyn Fox and of Mildred Simon, and these distinguished professorships are indicative of their commitment to our institution.” Shapiro said.
“These gifts not only will help support the great work being done by Drs. Riew and Yamaguchi, they also will help ensure the continued growth and success of our Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.”
The Sam and Marilyn Fox Distinguished Professorship was created this year by the Foxes. The Simon Distinguished Professorship was established in 1998 through a bequest from Mildred B. Simon.
Richard H. Gelberman, M.D., head of orthopaedic surgery since it became a department in 1995 and the Fred C. Reynolds Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, said the creation of endowments such as these are vital to the School of Medicine’s goal of both recruiting and keeping top-quality researchers and clinicians.
“Very few medical centers combine a top-10 hospital with an outstanding medical school as we do here in the partnership of the School of Medicine with Barnes-Jewish Hospital,” Gelberman said.
“In a special way, Drs. Riew and Yamaguchi have a similar kind of partnership, working together closely since both were orthopaedic surgery residents. And it’s fitting that two physicians who have played such a key role in our department’s growth be recognized together for their accomplishments and given such critical support to continue their work.”
Riew is co-director of the Spinal Research Fellowship, chief of Cervical Spine Surgery and director of the recently constructed Orthopaedic Cervical Spine Institute. He joined the WUSTL faculty in 1995.
Yamaguchi also came to Washington University in 1995. He is chief of the Shoulder and Elbow Service in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
“I have firsthand experience with the talent and dedication of Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Riew and the other members of this department,” Fox said. “It’s a privilege for Marilyn and me to provide some additional support.”