We are pleased to announce a generous donation from Robert L. Willenkin, MD, which will establish an endowment to support the Dr. Robert L. Willenkin Award. This annual award recognizes fourth-year University of Pittsburgh medical students who demonstrate outstanding knowledge, technical skill, and scholarly excellence in the field of anesthesiology.
Dr. Willenkin, a distinguished anesthesiologist and former Vice Chair of our department, has committed $25,000 toward the endowment, ensuring long-term support for this award.
A renowned educator and leader in anesthesiology, Dr. Willenkin earned his medical degree from SUNY Downstate before joining the University of Pittsburgh in 1982, following roles at Yale University, Albany Medical College and University of California San Francisco. During his tenure from 1982 to 1996, he served as Residency Program Director and Vice Chair for Education and spearheaded innovative curricular developments, including problem-based learning approaches and structured leadership retreats. He retired from the University of Pittsburgh as Professor Emeritus in 1996.
As a founding member of the Inter-Hospital Study Group for Anesthesia Education (ISGAE), the Society for Education in Anesthesia (SEA) and the Workshop on Teaching (WOT), Dr. Willenkin has made substantial contributions to anesthesiology education nationwide.
The department extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Willenkin for his enduring commitment to advancing anesthesiology education at the University of Pittsburgh and beyond.