The Department of Anesthesiology now has five endowed professorships, thanks to department physicians Carol Lydiatt, M.D., and Jane Kugler, M.D.
The two new endowments focus on pediatric faculty development. They are officially titled the Carol Lydiatt, M.D., and Daniel Lydiatt, M.D., Professorship in Pediatric Anesthesiology, and the Jane Kugler, M.D., and Douglas Vonderfecht, M.D., Family Professorship of Pediatric Anesthesiology. Dr. Lydiatt retired June 30, 2018, and Dr. Kugler retires June 30, 2019.
“Drs. Lydiatt and Kugler were outstanding clinicians who dedicated their lives and careers to their patients, and inspired hundreds of trainees,” said Pediatric Division Chief Mohanad Shukry, M.D., Ph.D. “The generosity of these two women and their families will develop the careers of many pediatric anesthesiologists for generations to come.”
Dr. Kugler also held many important leadership roles, such as the Director of Pediatric Anesthesiology for 14 years, member of the medical staff executive committee, and chair of the bylaws committee. She was instrumental in building the craniofacial program and leading it to a national reputation. She has published and presented at both national and international conferences on the topics of pediatric anesthesiology and craniofacial care. In 2018, faculty nominated her for UNMC’s Outstanding Mentor of Junior Faculty Award.
Dr. Lydiatt was a leader throughout her career, actively involved in the bereavement committee, and serving as the chair of the Pharmacy and Therapeutic committee at UNMC. She served as a role model to medical students, and many of them chose anesthesiology and pediatric anesthesiology because of her influence. She cared for thousands of neonates and children during her successful career, and devoted her life to teach the next generation.
“These women each gave so much to the department during their many years of service,” said Chairman Steven J. Lisco, M.D. “The solid foundation these women have created will benefit the education and, ultimately, patient care, in this department for years to come. Their achievements are unparalleled.”
The lead gifts for each endowment were given by Drs. Lydiatt and Kugler through the Children’s Hospital and Medical Center’s Foundation. Supporting contributions were donated by the pediatric faculty and the Department of Anesthesiology as gifts to honor local icons in pediatric anesthesiology.
Lead gifts for four of the department’s five endowments were made by local women anesthesiologists who were distinguished and longstanding members of UNMC’s Department of Anesthesiology. Previous department endowments are the:
- Margaret Larson Professorship in Anesthesiology
- Myrna Newland, M.D., Endowed Professor of Anesthesiology
- Dr. Gail Walling Yanney Endowed Professor of Anesthesiology
“Endowments allow a department to be more creative in pursuing their academic mission,” said Dr. Lisco. “These opportunities make our department a special place to train and work, allowing for recruitment of highly sought-after candidates.”