Fayez K. Ghishan, MD, director of the University of Arizona Steele Children’s Research Center, received the prestigious 2017 Eugene G. Sander Endowed Faculty Fundraising Award from the University of Arizona Foundation.
Dr. Ghishan, also the head of the UA Department of Pediatrics, received the award at the UA Foundation Board of Trustees’ Fall Reception Oct. 12.
The award recognizes his commitment to excellence in fundraising and development during his tenure as director of the UA Steele Center over the past 22 years.
“This award is truly an honor and I’m so grateful for this recognition,” said Dr. Ghishan. “I’m profoundly moved and inspired by our generous supporters who share my passion to help children through medical research.”
The UA Foundation established the award in 2008 in honor of former UA President Eugene G. Sander, who was an advocate and leader of faculty involvement in the fundraising process.
“Dr. Ghishan is a shining example of a fundraiser, a physician and a university leader,” said John-Paul Roczniak, president and CEO of the UA Foundation. “All of us at the UA Foundation are thrilled to recognize his efforts, knowing his success stems from a deep dedication to pediatric medicine.”
At the event, Maxine Henig, a trustee with the UA Foundation and former UA Steele Center Tucson advisory board chair, spoke glowingly about Dr. Ghishan: “Fayez has done so much for children’s health, not only in our community but through research. He helps children and adults throughout the world. In addition to being brilliant he is warm and caring as well. We are blessed to have him at the UA as our ‘champion for children’s health.”’
Roczniak estimated that Dr. Ghishan’s impact in fundraising since he began leading the UA Steele Center in 1995 is about $34 million, with this being a record-breaking year, with about $8 million raised.
“Dr. Ghishan is an extraordinary leader,” said UA College of Medicine – Tucson Dean Charles B. Cairns, MD. “In addition to his internationally renowned research and clinical effort, he has a passion for philanthropic efforts on behalf of the university.”
"Dr. Ghishan's drive to heal children, discover cures and share knowledge is inspirational to the Arizona Elks,” said Jimm Krausman, executive director, Arizona Elks Major Projects. “His message strikes a benevolent chord in the Arizona Elks that makes them want to dig deeper and do more. His expressions of gratitude warms the hearts of every supporter of the Arizona Elks Major Projects."
Dr. Ghishan is an internationally noted physician-scientist in the field of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. His research continuously has been funded by the National Institutes of Health throughout his more than 40-year career. His focus is in the area of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying intestinal disorders, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Dr. Ghishan has authored more than 400 publications, including original articles, editorials, abstracts, book reviews and chapters. He cloned a human intestinal sodium-phosphate transporter gene and has extensively characterized the structure, function and regulation of a variety of other sodium-phosphate transporters.
In addition to his exceptional scientific contributions to pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, Dr. Ghishan is a passionate and inspiring advocate for children’s health. He has played a pivotal role in leading the fundraising efforts of the UA Steele Center.
"Dr. Ghishan inspires PANDA to raise money to help discover cures for sick children as well as provide hope to families,” said Robyn DeBell, one of the founding members of PANDA (People Acting Now Discover Answers). “His significant accomplishments motivate us to work even harder to help him and the brilliant scientists at the UA Steele Center. We know it could be any one of our loved ones who need help—either now or tomorrow. We want to guarantee he has the funds for ‘tomorrow.’ Congratulations from your PANDAs, Dr. Ghishan!”
About the UA Steele Children’s Research Center
The University of Arizona Steele Children’s Research Center is one of the prestigious Centers of Excellence at the UA College of Medicine – Tucson at the University of Arizona Health Sciences. It is the state’s only academic pediatric research center designated by the Arizona Board of Regents, and the only facility in Southern Arizona where researchers and physician-scientists are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge through basic and translational research to improve children’s health. As researchers, they seek to discover answers to children’s medical mysteries. As physician-scientists, they provide compassionate care to hospitalized patients at Banner Children’s at Diamond Children’s Medical Center and pediatric outpatient clinics throughout Tucson and the state. And, as faculty members with the UA Department of Pediatrics, they teach and train the next generation of pediatricians and researchers.