Pictured (left to right): Michael Carney, MD; Keith Terada, MD; Men-Jean Lee, MD; Thomas Kosasa, MD; Dean Jerris Hedges, MD, MS, MMM; Santosh Sharma, MD; Satoru Izutsu, PhD; Ivica Zalud, MD, PhD; Donna Vuchinich. Photo credit: Karen Akiyama.
“Philanthropy is a hallmark of an academic institution,” Dr. Ivica Zalud reiterated. Since becoming the Chair of the University of Hawai‘i, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, Dr. Zalud has striven to attain national recognition for the department. However, before becoming nationally recognized, the department must first be recognized by its community, one that “clearly and strongly believes that the UH Department of Ob/Gyn’s value is irreplaceable and ever-growing.”
Dr. Ivica Zalud (right) presenting Dr. Thomas Kosasa (left). Photo credit: JABSOM Communications
The department has definitely made an impression on its community. On July 10, 2017, a special presentation was held to recognize the appointment of two faculty members to endowed professorships previously established by Dr. Thomas Kosasa and to announce Dr. Kosasa’s additional philanthropic investment in the department. Dr. Keith Terada and Dr. Men-Jean Lee have been appointed to the Kosasa Endowed Professorships; both are outstanding individuals who have furthered the department’s mission and made names for themselves in their respective sub-specialties–Gynecologic Oncology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Furthermore, Dr. Kosasa has now dedicated his fifth major philanthropic investment and his fourth endowed professorship, of which Dr. Michael Carney is the intended appointee: The Kosasa Endowed Professorship in Gynecologic Oncology.
“This is a tremendous department, and I’m proud to be a part of it,” said Dr. Thomas Kosasa. He attributes the department’s success to the hard work of Dr. Ivica Zalud, the appointees, and all members of the department, who strive to realize the department’s mission.
Dr. Michael Carney, Dr. Keith Terada, and Dr. Men-Jean Lee appointed to Kosasa Endowed Professorships. Photo credit: JABSOM Communications
Currently, the department has two endowed chairs, five endowed professorships, and two endowed programs. Each philanthropic contribution plays a vital part in advancing medical education and research, community outreach, and professional development, all in the name of supporting women’s health care and the people of Hawai’i.
To learn more about how you can support the University of Hawai‘i Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health:
Contact Elaine Evans at (808) 692-0991 or elaine.evans@uhfoundation.org.
Contributions may also be made online at www.uhfoundation.org/givetojabsom