In a demonstration of brotherly love and decades of mutual professional respect, Joel Sagalowsky, DDS has made a major gift to Indiana University Health Foundation to honor his late brother Howard S. Sagalowsky, MD.
“Howard and I wanted our family name to be remembered,” said Joel.
The name will be remembered in a big way: Joel made a generous contribution to create the Dr. Howard S. Sagalowsky Department of Anesthesiology Program Fund, to support the anesthesiology residency program, learning opportunities, continuing education, specialized equipment and patient quality and safety at IU Health Methodist and University hospitals in downtown Indianapolis (and the new hospital, slated to be completed in 2027). The gift will be matched by IU Health Foundation.
During his 40-year tenure at IU Health Methodist Hospital, Howard championed the work of anesthesiology and inspired countless anesthesiologists and other clinicians while ensuring excellent patient care.
“The Department of Anesthesia training program at IU Health Methodist and University hospitals is one of the top in the U.S.,” said Ryan Nagy, MD, president of the hospitals and himself an anesthesiologist. “Joel’s forward-thinking gift will ensure that it remains a national leader.”
Through its unique partnership with the IU School of Medicine, IU Health has a strong reputation for producing excellent clinicians who go on to contribute to anesthesiology in many ways, including academics, research and private practice. Residents have an unusual diversity of clinical experiences, rotating through IU Health University Hospital, IU Health Methodist Hospital, Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health, Eskenazi Hospital and the Roudebush VA Medical Center. These experiences prepare residents to provide safe and competent anesthesia care to virtually any patient.
“In 1961, I was 11 years old and became more interested in Indiana University because Howard was there,” said Joel. He followed his brother to Bloomington, eventually graduating from the IU School of Dentistry and practicing for 40 years. The brothers were very close and frequently traveled together. They were avid collectors of art and antiques, including many items purchased on their travels.
The two brothers also shared a commitment to philanthropy, Howard by endowing a professorship at the IU Department of Biology, which in part inspired Joel’s gift to honor Howard. “This is a local version of what Howard did in Bloomington,” Joel said. “When our family needed medical attention, we went to Methodist Hospital. It has a special meaning for us.”
If you are considering ways to honor the legacy of a loved one, contact the IU Health Foundation at 317.962.1777 or foundationinfo@iuhealth.org.