Endowed Professorships and Chairs
Endowed faculty professorships and chairs are the highest academic award that a university can bestow on a faculty member. They are essential for recruiting and retaining faculty of the highest caliber. The Department of Radiology's endowed faculty positions have enabled the department to recognize its best minds, its most creative researchers, and its most engaged teachers.
The M.R. & E. Hudson Foundation Professorship in Radiology in Honor of Edward E. Christensen, M.D., was created as a tribute to Edward Christensen, M.D., the department's first residency training director, and with a goal of improving resident education, which aligned with Hudson Foundation's areas of interest: education, and medical and scientific research. George Curry, M.D., held the position from 2001 to 2011, followed by David Chason, M.D., who received the appointment in 2012.
The George and Carol Poston Professorship in Breast Cancer Research was established to honor George Poston — a leading real estate executive in Dallas — and his wife, Carol. Alongside other notable accomplishments and service to charitable entities, George Poston served as director for several cultural boards, and, in 1990, was appointed an honorary consular officer for the state of Texas to France. The professorship was endowed through various fundraising efforts for cancer research. James Huth, M.D., held the position from 1994 to 1996, followed by Marilyn Leitch, M.D., who held the position from 1997 to 1999. David Euhus, M.D., held the position from 1999 to 2003, followed by Phil Evans, M.D., who held the position from 2003 to 2013.
The Jan and Bob Pickens Distinguished Professorship in Medical Science, in Memory of Jerry Knight Rymer and Annette Brannon Rymer and Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Pickens was established by Robert H. Pickens and his wife, Jan, to support endeavors in medical science and to honor their parents. Patrick Clagett, M.D., held the position from 1996 to 2011, and Robert Lenkinski, Ph.D., received the appointment in 2012.
The Wechun Pak Professorship of Bone Biophysics was created in 1994 by Charles Y.C. Pak, M.D., to honor his mother and to advance research into bone disorders. Through her career as a midwife in Korea, Wechun Pak inspired her son to alleviate human suffering. She eventually developed osteoporosis, which moved Dr. Pak to conduct research into prevention and treatment of the condition. Peter Antich, Ph.D., held the position from 1994 to 2011, followed by Orhan Öz, M.D., Ph.D., who received the appointment in 2011.
The Charles A. and Elizabeth Ann Sanders Chair in Translational Research was created by Charles Sanders, M.D, and his wife, Elizabeth Ann, to support endeavors in translational research. Richard Auchus, M.D., Ph.D, held the chair from 2008 to 2011, followed by Robert Lenkinski, Ph.D., who received the appointment in 2012.
The Jack Reynolds, M.D. Chair in Radiology was created by former radiology residents and medical students to honor Jack Reynolds, M.D., who was recognized throughout his career as a talented and effective teacher, with a goal of enhancing the careers of future teachers and the education of radiology residents and medical students. Michael Landay, M.D., held the chair from 2001 to 2012, followed by Ivan Pedrosa, M.D., who received the appointment in 2012.
The Charles Cameron Sprague, M.D. Chair in Medical Science was established in 1988 with gifts from various donors and matching institutional funds to honor UT Southwestern's first president, Charles Sprague, M.D., who was considered a visionary leader, outstanding physician and dynamic teacher. Robert McKenna, M.D., held the chair from 1998 to 2000, followed by Nancy Rollins, M.D., who received the appointment in 2004.
The Effie and Wofford Cain Distinguished Chair in Diagnostic Imaging was created by the Cain Foundation, an organization that supports Texas educational institutions, public charities, civic organizations, and medical research programs.
The chair was established to fund cutting-edge research and clinical care. Frederick Bonte, M.D., held the chair from 1990 to 1994, followed by Robert Parkey, M.D., who held the position from 1994 to 2010, and Neil M. Rofsky, M.D., who received the appointment in 2010.
The Dr. Jack Krohmer Professorship in Radiation Physics was created through a gift from Robert Sanford, former president of Gilbert X-Ray Company, and his wife, Lola, to honor Jack Krohmer, Ph.D., who founded the Nuclear Medicine Division and established one of the first laboratories for nuclear medicine in the Southwest. Frederick Bonte, M.D., held the position from 1994 to 2012, followed by Xiankai Sun, Ph.D., who received the appointment in 2012.
The Dr. Fred Bonte Professorship in Radiology was established by former Gilbert X-Ray Company president Robert Sanford and his wife, Lola, to support the work of the department and to honor its first chair, Frederick Bonte, M.D. Helen Redman, M.D., held the position from 1994 to 2000, followed by Diane Twickler, M.D., who received the appointment in 2000.
The Robert W. Parkey, M.D. Distinguished Professorship in Radiology was created to honor Robert Parkey, M.D., at the time of his retirement from UT Southwestern. Gifts to establish the professorship were received from friends, colleagues, and supporters, ensuring the position would be a lasting tribute to Dr. Parkey, who served as department chair for more than three decades. Rathan Subramaniam, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., became the inaugural holder of the position in 2016.