UMKC School of Medicine receives gift to establish Endowed Chair in Patient Safety

Endowment established in memory of UMKC medical student

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Medicine has received a $500,000 gift toward the establishment of an Endowed Chair in Patient Safety. The gift comes from the family of Vijay Babu Rayudu, a UMKC School of Medicine student who passed away in July 2007. He is survived by his parents, Rao and Subbulaxmi Rayudu, who are both physicians in the Memphis, Tenn. area and donated the gift and requested the establishment of the endowment in memory of their son.

The Rayudus have another son, Ranga, who is also a physician, and a daughter, Paru, who is currently a student at the UMKC School of Medicine. The Rayudu family believes their memorial endowment provides a contribution to the practice of medicine that their son will not be able to provide directly.

“The UMKC School of Medicine is committed to the highest quality of patient care through education of the physician workforce,” said Betty M. Drees, M.D., dean of the UMKC School of Medicine. “This new endowed chair will enable the recruitment of a national leader in the emerging field of patient safety.”

The Endowed Chair in Patient Safety will be established through matching funds from the UMKC School of Medicine and St. Luke’s Hospital. A national search is currently underway to identify potential candidates to fill the Chair.

About the UMKC School of Medicine

The UMKC School of Medicine was founded in 1971 as an innovative combined degree program. From its baccalaureate/MD curriculum to a docent system that emphasizes small group learning, the school has remained a trendsetter in medical education and research. For more information about the UMKC School of Medicine, visit www.med.umkc.edu/. You can also find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

About the University of Missouri-Kansas City

The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 15,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience. For more information about UMKC, visit www.umkc.edu. You can also find us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube.


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