Dr. Lisco gift creates distinguished anesthesiology professorship

Steven Lisco, MD, chief academic officer for Nebraska Medicine and senior associate dean for clinical affairs at the UNMC College of Medicine, has made a gift commitment through the University of Nebraska Foundation to establish a professorship in the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology.

The Steven J. Lisco, MD, Distinguished Professor in Anesthesiology professorship will honor a deserving faculty member who demonstrates the traits of passion for mission, leadership and scholarship that made Dr. Lisco successful. The endowed professorship will help support the department’s global health initiatives.

The creation of this professorship marks a milestone in Dr. Lisco’s longstanding commitment to global health and will replace a fund he earlier established also focused on global health.  

“Named endowments allow you to give a gift that will be forever impactful to the mission of the department,” Dr. Lisco said. “It’s a really nice way for me to give back to the department that gave me the opportunity to lead them for nearly 12 years.”

The UNMC Department of Anesthesiology, which Dr. Lisco chaired from 2012 to 2023, has a rich history of involvement in global health initiatives. Those efforts date back to mission trips to Rwanda beginning in 2015 to provide medical care for pediatric patients with facial anomalies and adults with thyroid goiters. These efforts, led by faculty and residents, were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but have remained a cornerstone of the department’s mission with trips to Zambia in 2023 and 2024.

“Global health is an essential aspect of what the department does. It aligns with UNMC’s mission statement and appeals to the giving nature of physicians,” Dr. Lisco said. “It’s also a crucial element for recruiting high-quality residents and faculty who are passionate about making a global impact.”

Dr. Lisco reflected on his decision to create the professorship, saying, “For many, participating in global health missions is a life-changing experience. It enhances problem-solving skills and offers a profound perspective on health care practiced outside of the United States. Establishing this endowment is my way of ensuring that these opportunities continue for future generations.”

Dr. Lisco’s contributions extend beyond financial support. His leadership in the department and his role in establishing the global health program have had a lasting impact. As the department continues to build on this foundation, the professorship is a testament to his dedication and vision.

“Few departments have been able to accomplish in a short period of time what the department has accomplished under Steve’s leadership,” said Mohanad Shukry, MD, PhD, interim chair of the department. “Many of our faculty and trainees owe their tremendous success to Dr. Lisco’s leadership, mentorship and sponsorship, including myself.”

“It’s going to make me very proud to have this legacy. It’s a big thank you to the University of Nebraska, the department and all my colleagues,” Dr. Lisco said. “It will be a legacy that continues to support the mission of global health.”

For those interested in contributing to the fund, donations may be made online through the University of Nebraska Foundation. The collective support of donors will ensure the department of anesthesiology’s global health outreach efforts remain robust and impactful for years to come.

Dr. Lisco’s gift supports Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future. The campaign is a historic effort to encourage 150,000 benefactors to give $3 billion to support University of Nebraska students, faculty, academic and clinical programs and research to address the needs of the state.