NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) Foundation, the philanthropic entity for NorthShore, held an Investiture Ceremony for three endowed chairs at NorthShore Evanston Hospital’s Frank Auditorium. Endowed chairs represent the highest level of prestige at academic medical institutions and ensure excellence in care, research and medical education. An intimate group of 85 family, friends, donors, and colleagues gathered as NorthShore honored and celebrated the work of three highly esteemed physicians: Julian E. Bailes, MD; Theodore Mazzone, MD; and Paul J. Pearson, MD, PhD.
The ceremony commenced with the investiture of Dr. Julian E. Bailes, Chairman of Neurosurgery and Co-director of NorthShore Neurological Institute, in the Arlene and Marshall Bennett and Joseph A. Tarkington, MD, Chair of Neurosurgery. A nationally recognized leader in the field of neurosurgery and the impact of brain injury on brain function, Dr. Bailes joined the department in September 2011 to lead and expand NorthShore’s neurosurgical services and continue his research in traumatic brain injury. In addition to his work at NorthShore, he is a founding member and Director of the Brain Injury Research Institute, a neurological consultant to the NFL Players Association and Medical Director of the Center for Study of Retired Athletes. For eight consecutive years, he has been honored as one of the best surgeons in U.S. News & World Reports’ “America’s Best Doctors” and “America’s Top Surgeons.”
Dr. Theodore Mazzone, Chairman of the Department of Medicine, was then invested in the Louise W. Coon Chair of Medicine, one of the first endowed chairs in NorthShore’s history. Prior to joining NorthShore, Dr. Mazzone was the founding Director of the University of Illinois Center for Clinical and Translational Science. He also served in clinical leadership positions at Rush University Medical Center and has held appointments at Michael Reese Hospital and the University of Chicago. A graduate of Northwestern University Medical School, Dr. Mazzone is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the Endocrine Society; the American Diabetes Association; and the American Heart Association, where he also served as Chairman of the Diabetes Committee. This year, Dr. Mazzone was the recipient of the Edwin L. Bierman Award from the American Diabetes Association for his contributions relating to the understanding and management of the vascular complications of diabetes.
The ceremony concluded with Dr. Paul J. Pearson, Division Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery, being invested as the Owen L. Coon Chair of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Before joining NorthShore, Dr. Pearson practiced thoracic surgery at the Mayo Clinic as Chief Resident Associate and most recently at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. He earned his medical degree from Mayo Medical School and a doctorate of philosophy degree from the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. A member and fellow of numerous medical associations, including the American College of Surgeons, the American College of Chest Physicians and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, Dr. Pearson has received numerous awards and distinctions, including Mayo Clinic’s O.T. Clagett Travel Award for outstanding clinical and academic achievements and being named an Arthur Lee Wright Scholar by the Mayo Foundation and the Mayo Medical School. Throughout his tenure, he developed two patented and trademarked surgical tools – the Pearson Procedure and Pearson Shunt, as well as the Pearson Laryngoscope.
“These honorees are among the finest physician-scientists in the nation. Their commitment and talent allow NorthShore to provide the best quality outcomes for our patients and their families,” said Murray Ancell, NorthShore Foundation Executive Director. “We are extremely grateful for the compassion and vision of our donors Arlene and Marshall Bennett and the Owen L. Coon Foundation, who have generously endowed these distinguished NorthShore physicians.”
About NorthShore University HealthSystem
Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 9,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including a 700+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 80 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in outcomes research and clinical trials. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is the primary philanthropic entity of NorthShore. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.
NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including cancer, heart, orthopaedics, high-risk maternity, pediatrics and neurosciences. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the only one in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing and high standards in patient care. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.
