Celebrating Distinguished Academic Healthcare Leaders

During a ceremony held June 3, Rush University honored four academic leaders for their recent appointments to endowed positions. Endowed faculty appointments, many made possible by the generosity of philanthropic partners, are the university’s highest honor and demonstrate confidence in and commitment to Rush’s future.

“The Investiture Ceremony offers a special opportunity to celebrate distinguished leaders across Rush,” said Julie Hoff, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN, provost and senior vice president of Rush University, the Naomi T. Borwell Presidential Professor. “I am grateful for the generosity of our donors, whose vision and support provide exceptional faculty with the resources to advance research, develop future generations of healthcare professionals and improve patient care. Their success is further strengthened by the many colleagues, learners and staff who contribute to our shared mission each day."

At the June ceremony, Rush appointed the following faculty members to endowed positions:

• Pete S. Batra, MD, to the Henry P. Russe, MD, Deanship of Rush Medical College
• Robert J. McCarthy, PharmD, to the William Gottschalk, MD, Professorship of Anesthesiology
• Rupa Sanghani, MD, to the Grace DeForest and William Louis Veeck Endowed Professorship of Cardiovascular Research
• Jason S. Turner, PhD, MAE, to the A. Watson Armour III Presidential Professorship

Including the five recent appointments, Rush University has more than 100 endowed faculty positions, which are critical to the university’s vision. The endowments provide financial resources in perpetuity to fuel the work of leading faculty and support efforts to recruit and retain world-renowned experts dedicated to improving health for all.

Advancing Rush’s mission

Batra serves as senior vice president and dean of Rush Medical College, where he provides leadership for the college’s educational, research and clinical missions, with oversight of undergraduate and graduate medical education, faculty affairs and development, and clinical and translational research programs. He works closely with health system and physician group leadership to advance academic-clinical integration and support the growth and excellence of Rush’s clinical programs. A practicing otolaryngologist, Batra cares for patients with complex sinonasal and skull base disorders and specializes in minimally invasive surgery. His research focuses on the pathophysiology of chronic sinusitis, including the role of the microbiome in disease development and treatment.

“I am deeply honored to steward the Russe Deanship,” Batra said. “This recognition further accelerates our opportunity to advance Rush’s mission in meaningful ways that support our patients, learners and faculty. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our outstanding teams to strengthen our impact across the communities we serve.”

McCarthy serves as director of anesthesiology research at Rush University and vice chair for research for the Department of Anesthesiology. His areas of expertise include anesthesiology research and clinical outcomes; pain management, including obstetric and postoperative care; and airway assessment and regional anesthesia techniques. He sees the appointment to the Gottschalk Professorship as a great honor — especially because of its personal connection.

“I was lucky enough to have known Dr. Gottschalk as a mentor when I first came to Rush early in my career,” McCarthy said. “He was a passionate supporter of excellence in clinical care, teaching and research. I hope to use the support from this appointment to continue advancing the Department of Anesthesiology’s research mission to improve patient safety and outcomes."

Sanghani is the section chief of general cardiology, medical director of the Rush Heart Center for Women and a professor of cardiology at Rush University. She specializes in cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular risk assessment and counseling, heart disease in women, and cardiac imaging.

“I’m incredibly grateful to receive the Grace DeForest and William Louis Veck Endowed Professorship,” Sanghani said. “At a transformative moment in cardiology, this support will help accelerate innovation and expand impact through our research and program development, particularly in cardiovascular imaging and women’s heart disease.”

Turner is the dean of Rush University College of Health Sciences and a professor in the Department of Health Systems Management. He has focused on healthcare finance and administration; corporate finance, accounting and strategy education; and population health management and leadership.

“The A. Watson Armour Presidential Professor appointment reflects not only a personal milestone but also a shared commitment to advancing the mission and future of the College of Health Sciences,” Turner said. “I look forward to leveraging this opportunity to further strengthen our programs, support innovation and collaboration, and expand the impact we have on our students, professions and the communities we serve.”