Education is an extraordinary phenomenon in its ability to come full circle. A good case in point is Dr. S. Amjad Hussain.
Born in Peshawar, Pakistan, Dr. Hussain graduated with distinction from Khyber Medical College. He received general surgery training at the former Medical College of Ohio (now The University of Toledo). After training in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at Wayne State University, he returned to Pakistan to teach at his alma mater.
In 1975, he arrived back in Toledo to start a private practice and to serve as clinical professor of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at MCO.
However, the circle from student to educator didn’t end with his retirement in 2004. Colleagues, former students and patients are now honoring Dr. Hussain through the creation of an endowed professorship in his name.
The S. Amjad Hussain Endowed Professorship in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery will bring a nationally renowned faculty member to campus, focusing on research and educational programs in cardiac surgery, and bolstering an already strong program.
The University is also honoring his legacy by introducing an annual lecture in his name. The inaugural S. Amjad Hussain Annual Lecture in the History of Medicine and Surgery will take place this fall.
“The Hussain professorship will be a pillar of excellence at The University of Toledo,” said Dr. Jeffrey Gold, Health Science campus provost, executive vice president for health affairs and dean of the College of Medicine. “We are proud to honor his legacy, and hope that others will want to be a part of this tribute by helping to grow the endowment for this professorship. We have here a man who could justifiably be called a renaissance man and a polymath.”
“Dr. Amjad Hussain has given so much of himself to this institution, as both an integral member of our College of Medicine faculty and a member of our board, that it is our pleasure to pay tribute to his accomplishments through the creation of this professorship,” said Dr. Lloyd Jacobs, UT president. “Over his career, Amjad has redefined what it means to dedicate yourself to an institution, and this professorship will serve as a reminder to us all of what we should strive to be.”
In addition to his roles as physician and professor, Dr. Hussain has authored more than 50 scientific papers, 10 books and is an op-ed columnist for the Toledo Blade. He has also served as a member of the UT Board of Trustees and as president of the Academy of Medicine of Toledo and Lucas County.
His accomplishments aside, Dr. Hussain is “humbled” by the honor the UT community has bestowed upon him. “When Dr. Gold brought up the subject of the professorship, I said I didn’t think I did anything extraordinary to deserve such recognition,” said Dr. Hussain. “I am deeply touched and honored.”
Though the University has created the professorship in acknowledgement of his many contributions, Dr. Hussain said he, too, has been rewarded through the relationship with the school which he saw, as a resident, “go up in a cornfield.”
“As a faculty member for over 35 years, I have greatly benefited from the medical college. This gives me a new vantage point and another opportunity to stay active and involved.”
For more information about the Hussain Professorship or to make a gift, contact Howard Newman, associate vice president for development, at howard.newman@utoledo.edu or 419-383-6840.