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The Changemakers

We are seeing the future of health change before our eyes. From performing breakthrough fetal surgery procedures to prioritizing communities historically marginalized by the health care system, people across OHSU are transforming their fields and inspiring change through innovation, empathy and hope. Meet some of the individuals who are working toward a healthier tomorrow for everyone in Oregon and beyond. 

Divya Sood

David Huang stands next to equipment in his lab.

When breakthroughs happen

David Huang, M.D., Ph.D., professor of ophthalmology in the OHSU School of Medicine and Wold Family Chair in Ophthalmic Imaging, received the 2023 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for his part in developing optical coherence tomography (OCT), which has revolutionized the field.

Second mobile eye clinic launched in April 2024: The Casey Community Outreach Program now has two mobile eye clinics providing free vision screenings across Oregon’s rural and underserved communities, where patients receive no-cost vision screenings that identify common preventable and treatable eye conditions that often cause blindness. Thanks to the generous philanthropy of The Roundhouse Foundation, Heather Killough, and the Rutherford Lilley Fund of Oregon Community Foundation, Casey’s mobile clinic outreach will be significantly expanded from its first decade of service – which traveled nearly 40 weekends each year to provide 1,500 free exams, 10,000 free screenings for adults and more than 4,800 pairs of glasses every year.


Gerard Cox

‘Back from the brink’: Patient with flesh-eating disease credits OHSU for saving his life 


Jac and I wanted to grab everybody’s name on the way out so we could send them cards and pictures. They saved my life, but they made that month in the hospital such an enjoyable experience. It was incredible, despite being sick and stuck in a hospital room. The entire staff — the doctors, the nurses, the techs — they were so upbeat and positive. It just felt like they really loved their job.” 

Gerard Cox 


The kids are not alright

Kids and teens across the country are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis. According to the CDC, a staggering 42% of U.S. high schoolers reported feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness in 2021. Through innovative research, services and outreach, experts at OHSU are working quickly to learn more about the dangers our youth face.  


We need to value children like they are our future. We need people to support the children’s hospitals. We need to do this work. We can’t just say no. The children’s hospital is a resource for every child and family that needs us — period. So we need the community to support us.”

Dana Braner, M.D., Credit Unions for Kids Chair in Pediatrics and physician-in-chief at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital,
from “A conversation about youth mental health”


Stephen Back

Where the science leads

Neuroscientist Stephen Back, M.D., Ph.D., the Clyde and Elda Munson Professor of Pediatric Research and a professor of pediatrics in the OHSU School of Medicine, is advancing understanding of dementia in older adults. A recent study he coauthored could lead to breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s treatment, and Back credits donor funding for giving him and his team the freedom to make the discovery.


Making new strides in cancer treatment and research

OHSU and the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute are world-renowned for their innovative approaches in early detection, clinical trial research, outreach and immunotherapy treatments. Their multi-pronged approach to overcoming the burden of cancer is helping guarantee a brighter future. 

Healing Within Reach: The Knight Cancer Research van is supported in part by a recent $1 million gift to enhance cancer care in rural communities. The program collaborates with local partners to provide education, prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.

Bridging gaps in cervical cancer care: Medical sociologist Cirila Estela Vasquez Guzman, Ph.D., an assistant professor of family medicine in the OHSU School of Medicine, has devoted her career to uncovering and addressing health inequities. Her latest endeavor is dismantling inequities that cause disproportionate cervical cancer rates. 

A new era of cancer care: Humanity has spent millennia unlocking cancer’s secrets — learning its processes, how to treat it, live with it, cure it. OHSU is leading us into a new age in our understanding of a disease that has afflicted humans from the very beginning. 


Celebrating 20 years of Doernbecher Freestyle

As part of an exceptional partnership between Nike and OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital for 20 years, young patients design their own footwear with the help of Nike employee volunteers. The shoes are then auctioned with all proceeds benefiting the hospital. Since Freestyle’s launch in 2004, over $40 million dollars has been raised to support the children’s hospital in its vital mission. In addition to the annual Freestyle event at the Portland Art Museum, Nike marked the anniversary by creating a one-of-a-kind shoe, the Air Jordan XX, that honors all 122 patient designers. 


MARY fund eases treatment-related financial strain for OHSU patients 

Support from the MARY (Mobilizing Assistance and Resources Year-Round) fund assists patients and families facing unforeseen expenses during treatment. This past year, the MARY fund provided grocery gifts cards, donated funds for fuel and transportation, helped obtain medical supplies and paid for hotel stays. The OHSU Parkinson Center also uses MARY funds to provide respite care for caregivers, who often neglect their own health, to get their own medical appointments done.   

ACT Fund advances training in reproductive health 

Since the creation of OHSU’s Center for Reproductive Health Equity in 2023, philanthropic efforts have raised more than $2.5 million to expand clinical services to meet the increasing demand both statewide and beyond Oregon borders. This includes reducing barriers to treatment by providing virtual abortion care options and training 70 providers across Oregon. In addition, 12 visiting residents and two fellows from states where training is banned or limited have completed the Abortion Care and Training (ACT) program.  

Fellowship in sports cardiology launches with philanthropic support 

With donor support from Chris and Tim Warren, the OHSU Knight Cardiovascular Institute is launching a sports cardiology fellowship for practitioners seeking a career in the care of athletes with cardiovascular conditions. Under the leadership of OHSU’s director of sports cardiology Bradley Petek, M.D., who is also a cardiologist and consultant for numerous sports organizations in Oregon, OHSU will now be one of four institutions in the country to offer this rare program.  

Lifelong passion leads to nursing advocacy

Teshia Wilburn was just 8 years old when a medical emergency in her family called her to nursing. Today, as a student in the OHSU School of Nursing, she is learning to care for and educate the patients she serves. 

Teshia Wilburn


“My studies are important to me because they allow me the opportunity to give back to my local and global community in the future by providing accessible health care. I desire to treat patients who wouldn’t otherwise receive treatment.”

Miracle Uzoekwe, OHSU School of Medicine student 
Don and Betty Miller Memorial Scholarship 


“My studies at OHSU are important to me because I am committed to serve in the U.S. Army after graduation. I need to be prepared to play a versatile role in whichever base I am stationed. Some locations do not offer specialty services, and so the dentist is expected to manage more complex situations. Having the knowledge and experience to fulfill such a position is essential to providing quality care.”

Caleb Vantol, OHSU School of Dentistry student 
Wilbur N. Van Zile and Ruth Harrison Van Zile Scholarship  


My favorite parts about being an OHSU student are the values and vision of health equity and a culture of respect. My faculty has provided opportunities for growth within a supportive environment. OHSU values diversity, and it’s essential to have people from different backgrounds working together to bring new, innovative ideas to improve health care.” 

Stephanie Ochoa, OHSU School of Nursing student 
Ruth A. Wiens Nursing Education Scholarship 

A legacy of giving back

The Schlesinger Family Foundation’s support of the inpatient addition is a testament to their love of Portland and the long-lasting tradition of the Schlesinger family’s impact. 



“Thank you so much for all you do; you make such a huge difference in people’s lives. As luck would have it, being diagnosed with multiple myeloma forces one to assess their life – how lucky I am, no regrets, all love, fun and play! Thank you for everything.” 

Mike and Lori Wilson gave their first gift to the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in honor of Dr. Rebecca Silbermann 


OHSU has a place in my heart because my late friend Michael had a lot of his treatments for leukemia done there. They took very good care of him until the battle was over. I don’t have kids, but I have friends who do. If something — heaven forbid — were to happen to them, it’s nice to know that they can go to Doernbecher and be taken care of.” 

Jon Bressler raises money for Doernbecher through Extra Life, a platform that allows gamers to fundraise for their local children’s hospital.  


“We all want to make a positive impact in our community, to create a legacy that transcends generations, that goes beyond yourself. Our family specifically values the pursuit of knowledge, the care and well-being of our neighbors, and the environment. OHSU checks all those boxes.” 

Josh Schlesinger, president and CEO of Schlesinger Companies, board member of the Schlesinger Family Foundation and member of the OHSU Foundation Board of Trustees. 

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