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Dunn Distinguished Chair Supports Imaging Research
and Teaching
Susan John, M.D., chair of the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, made history in April 2004 when she became the Medical School’s first female department chair.
Susan John, M.D.
She is optimistic that in her newer role as holder of the John S. Dunn Sr. Distinguished Chair in Radiology, she and her department will continue making medical history through cutting-edge research and advanced teaching.
The John S. Dunn Sr. Distinguished Chair in Radiology, created in 1987, is one of six endowed faculty positions at the UT Health Science Center at Houston that the John S. Dunn Research Foundation has created or supported since 1986. The foundation also has supported grants and scholarships for students.
“An endowment such as this allows us to have the freedom to provide much needed support to the improvement of research and teaching,” John said.“Research is expensive, and when you are able to receive assistance in this form it can help tremendously with the funding of additional people, equipment and technology upgrades.”
John said she looks forward to the endowment’s support of new investigators to augment the department’s highly successful ultrasound and MRI research programs. In addition, John said she plans to foster more research in diagnostic imaging and image-based intervention, which is evident from the renaming of the department in November 2004. The Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging formerly was known as the Department of Radiology.
Although John has a wide variety of experience in all kinds of diagnostic imaging, she primarily focuses on work with pediatric patients. She has special interest in emergency imaging of children and in pediatric ultrasound, with emphasis on the gastrointestinal tract.
Today, John is pleased to be in a position that has allowed her not only to make history, but also to shape the future of health care. She does not shy away from her claim to fame as the first female department chair at the Medical School and, in fact, considers it a “huge honor.”
“It is very important to have women in leadership roles such as these,” she said. “The young women who are in science need role models.”
As one of those role models, John views her roles as a department chair and holder of a distinguished chair with honor and gratitude.
“I am extremely grateful to the Dunns and the Dunn Foundation for this very generous donation. Without it, it would be more difficult to engage in high quality research and teaching,” she said.
The John S. Dunn Research Foundation supports biomedical research and education that benefit Texans. The late John S. Dunn Sr., who created the foundation in 1977, managed his insurance agency and mortgage banking firm until his death in 1982. He served as trustee of the Hermann Hospital Estate from 1968-82.
Today, the Dunn Foundation is led by Lloyd Gregory Jr., M.D., executive vice president and chief medical officer.
The Dunn Distinguished Chair in Radiology previously was held by former department chairman Carl M. Sandler, M.D.
By Erika E. Durham, Public Affairs