MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Heart Institute Co-Executive Director Jeffrey A. Towbin, MD, was named the first recipient of the Bob and Paula McEniry Endowed Chair of Cardiology, thanks to a transformational gift from Bob and Paula McEniry. Their investment will support Le Bonheur Children’s Heart Institute’s mission to continue delivering outstanding clinical care, teaching the next generation of physicians and advancing the science of caring for children with complex cardiovascular disorders.
The Endowed Chair in Cardiology carries on Le Bonheur’s storied tradition as a national leader in the field of cardiology — providing opportunities to recruit and retain stellar physicians, treat patients, utilize ultramodern equipment and technology, conduct innovative research, and ensure skilled care for generations to come.
“Our cardiology team has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and exceptional patient care and made these values the focus of our nationally ranked cardiology program,” said Le Bonheur Surgeon-in-Chief and Interim President Dr. Trey Eubanks. “We are so grateful to the McEnirys for their remarkable gift and this opportunity to bring the program to new heights.
Dr. Towbin also serves as chief of Cardiology and medical director of the Cardiomyopathy, Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Program at Le Bonheur. As a world-renowned expert on genetic and acquired pediatric and adult cardiomyopathies, heart failure and heart transplantation —heart muscle conditions with high risk for heart failure and sudden death— Dr. Towbin has published 600 papers including state-of-the-art comprehensive best care models for patients with these conditions. Under Dr. Towbin’s leadership, the Heart Institute has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best pediatric cardiology programs in the country.
“We are very proud to have our name associated with Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital’s current and future standard of excellence,” said Bob McEniry. “Le Bonheur is a leader in pediatric care in so many ways and we see this Endowed Chair as an opportunity to invest in a program that already draws talent to the City of Memphis. We understand that the cardiology team is a magnet for physicians who share their vision and values, and we are thrilled to contribute to their scope of practice in any way we can.”
The generous investment from the McEnirys will be matched by Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare to help ensure families can continue to rely on expert care at Le Bonheur. Le Bonheur’s endowment is a permanent fund. Money earned from the investment in this endowment is used to pay for Heart Institute programs and research, to help children and their families.
“I have seen firsthand what my Heart Institute team is capable of and knowing that we have the community’s support truly makes it feel like anything is possible,” said Towbin. “We believe that there is no greater investment than the health of our children and I am so grateful that Bob and Paula do too.”
About Le Bonheur Children’s
Le Bonheur Children’s, based in Memphis, Tenn., provides expert care for children in more than 45 pediatric subspecialties, encompassing robust community programs, a pediatric research institute and regional outpatient centers in Jackson, Tenn., Tupelo, Miss., and Jonesboro, Ark. Le Bonheur also features a 255-bed hospital in Memphis and a 21-bed satellite hospital within Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tenn. As the primary pediatric teaching affiliate for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Le Bonheur trains more than 350 pediatricians and specialists each year. Nationally recognized, Le Bonheur has been named a U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospital for 12 consecutive years and is a Magnet-designated facility, the ultimate credential for high-quality patient care and nursing excellence.
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