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Endowed chair for state's first cardiologist MUSC is establishing the Peter Gazes Endowed Chair in Clinical Cardiology in honor of admired clinician and researcher Peter Gazes, M.D.   In 1949, Gazes became the first cardiologist in South Carolina when he worked at MUSC after finishing first in his 1944 MUSC graduating class.   “As the first cardiologist in the state of South Carolina, Pete Gazes was a visionary who helped develop specialized cardiac care, preventative cardiology programs and a research institute,” said Michael Gold, M.D., MUSC Heart and Vascular Center medical director and cardiology director. “It is only fitting that an endowed chair be named in his honor to help further this legacy of clinical excellence.”   Initially Gazes worked for the university, but eventually he opened a private practice. A part time MUSC professor, Gazes spent 11 years caring for patients at the medical center, his office and in communities ranging south from Georgetown to Savannah.   In 1961, Gazes left private practice to establish MUSC’s first cardiology division. Under his leadership, the Division of Cardiology grew into one of the most advanced and highly esteemed heart programs in the Southeast. Gazes became widely known as one of the great pioneers in cardiology and published more than 220 articles, 21 book chapters, a book entitled “Cardiology Pearls,” and another book “Clinical Cardiology: A Bedside Approach.”   To recognize his status as a leader in the field, MUSC founded the Peter C. Gazes Cardiology Society in 1980, which later evolved into the Gazes Cardiac Research Institute. The Gazes building and auditorium located on the corner of Bee and Jonathan Lucas streets were named in honor of his work and the establishment of the institute.   After 60 years of medicine, Gazes continues to serve his patients, students and his field as a distinguished university professor and with positions on many national medical committees and boards. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians, the Council on Clinical Cardiology of the American Heart Association, and also is a member of the American Federation for Clinical Research. One of his most prestigious honors was receiving the gifted teacher award from the American College of Cardiology in 1997.   For his contributions to medicine and especially cardiology, Gazes received honors and awards from numerous civic, academic and professional societies. MUSC is now bestowing Gazes with its highest honor by seeking donations to establish an endowed chair in his name.   “South Carolina has one of the highest death rates from heart and vascular disease. We have placed the highest possible priority on addressing this problem through prevention, as well as improved diagnosis and treatment,” said Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., MUSC president. “The Gazes professor will be a leader in this effort and will help to transform South Carolina into one of the healthiest states in the country.”   Endowed chairs are elite faculty appointments that carry a stable, guaranteed source of funding to support the chair-holder’s work. It is the most prestigious honor the university confers upon a faculty member.   A chair is established by a pool of philanthropic funds totaling $1 million, which is then invested into a managed fund. The interest income accumulated is used to cover the chair’s annual salary. Therefore, the initial core portion of the endowed chair fund exists indefinitely, creating a permanent means of support. Endowed chairs enable MUSC to attract the best educators and researchers in the country while providing a permanent and stable source of departmental funding.   To help establish the Peter Gazes Endowed Chair in Clinical Cardiology, call Terry Stanley at (800) 810-MUSC or mail a pledge or tax-deductible gift to The Peter Gazes Endowed Chair in Clinical Cardiology, c/o MUSC Foundation, 18 Bee Street, P.O. Box 250450, Charleston, SC, 29425.     Friday, Oct. 13, 2006 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.