Ob/Gyn Chair Named for Dan Mishell
By Katie Neith
The department of gynecology and obstetrics at the Keck School of Medicine of USC recently named an endowed chair in honor of Daniel R. Mishell Jr., one of the school’s most esteemed faculty members.
“An endowed chair is one of the most prestigious positions a faculty member can attain at the university, and the Keck School of Medicine is honored to establish the Daniel R. Mishell Jr. Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology,” said Brian E. Henderson, dean of the Keck School.
“Establishment of this endowed chair will allow a new permanent chair of the department of ob/gyn to support faculty excellence, either through new faculty recruitment or to acknowledge existing strengths.”
Mishell, holder of the Lyle G. McNeile Professorship in Obstetrics, has been on faculty at the Keck School since 1969.
During his career at the Keck School, Mishell has held numerous positions, including chair and chief of professional services at the LAC+USC Medical Center’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital and chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology.
An early pioneer of hormonal contraception, Mishell’s research has produced most modern contraceptive devices and hormonal methods, including various incarnations of pill form, implantable and injectable contraceptives. He also has led groundbreaking studies on infertility that resulted in technologies and tools to help women conceive, including the first birth via in vitro fertilization west of the Mississippi.
Dean Henderson, along with a number of Keck School department heads, faculty and former ob/gyn residents, gathered to commend Mishell on his many accomplishments and celebrate the new chair in his name at a reception held Nov. 13 at the Edmonson Faculty Center.
A recipient has yet to be named for the Daniel R. Mishell Jr. Chair.
Proposed Daniel R. Mishell, Jr., Chair, OB/GYN, USC
Dear FROG,
On behalf of the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, I would like to invite you to join us in the continued funding of the Daniel Mishell Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology. An Endowed Chair recognizes Dan's accomplishments over the past 40 years, both at USC and nationally/internationally. His unique leadership, teaching abilities, and patient care activities in the area of women's reproductive health now have the perfect legacy. To establish such a Chair at USC requires $2,000,000. With the help of industry, FROGS, and friends, $1M has been raised, so, on September 1, 2006, the school declared the Daniel R. Mishell, Jr. Chair in OB/GYN established. As we move into the second million, I hope you will consider gifting to this worthy cause.
The creation of an endowed Chair is the primary means of establishing a stable base of funding in perpetuity. By providing a lasting source of financial support for salaries, research and the pursuit of knowledge, an endowed Chair allows the medical school to attract and retain the best obstetric and gynecologic faculty members. In addition, it solidifies the education and research missions of the medical school, and recognizes the importance of creating new knowledge within a stable funding stream. The medical school, Dan and I would be most pleased to have you as our partner in the ongoing establishment of the Mishell Chair in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Contributions should be made out to the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, with a notation that it is for the Daniel R. Mishell Chair in OB/GYN, and mailed to me. Alternatively, you may donate online at http://uscsom.convio.net/MishellChair by credit card or utilize stocks and/or bonds. Gifts go into a nonprofit, 501(c)3 plan (tax ID# 95-1642394) at USC. Should you have any questions, please contact me. I look forward to your positive response.
Sincerely,
Robert Israel, MD
Professor, Director of Development
WCH #L1009
323.226.3421(W), 626.808.5261 (Cell)
risrael@usc.edu