Give to the Fred Lee, Sr., MD Professorship Fund
Dr. Fred Lee, Sr. – A Legend in Patient Care and Medical Research
The University of Wisconsin Department of Radiology, in conjunction with the University of Wisconsin College of Engineering, is pleased to announce the creation of the Fred Lee, Sr., MD Professorship. Dr. Fred Lee Sr. (1930-2016) was a visionary in imaging and intervention of the prostate who led a remarkable life as a first-generation American. Dr. Lee grew up in inner city Buffalo, NY, and he and his six siblings were able to attend college, graduate school, dental school and medical school thanks to the family-owned Chinese laundry business. Dr. Lee’s journey from Buffalo saw him train and work at the University of Buffalo, University of Chicago, Harvard University, the University of Rochester, the United States Army, and private practice in Ann Arbor Michigan, where he performed most of his research on prostate cancer. He received numerous scientific honors and awards, was featured multiple times in the press and on television including CNN, PBS, and ABC’s Nightline, and he was named the Michigan “Man of the Year” in 1986 for his contributions to medical science. Dr. Lee was a person who cared deeply for patients, and believed and lived a life of collaboration and multidisciplinary discovery.
Dr. Fred Lee, Jr. – Carrying on the Family Tradition
Dr. Lee’s son, Fred T. Lee, Jr., MD, currently a UW faculty member, has carried on this tradition through extensive collaborations with Daniel van der Weide, PhD, a Professor of Computer and Electrical Engineering in the UW College of Engineering (COE). Together, Drs. Lee and van der Weide have created numerous discoveries, publications, research grants and patents through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), and have started two medical device companies, which have improved patient care at UW Health and beyond.
Impact of the Fred Lee, Sr., MD Professorship
The Fred Lee, Sr., MD Professorship will be appointed with the mandate to seek out and nurture collaborative research between physicians in Radiology and engineers in the COE to foster the accelerated discovery and translation of innovative technologies into clinical practice for the betterment of mankind. This professorship will play a critical role in converting the immense knowledge and energy that exists across all departments of the University of Wisconsin into innovative solutions that advance the science and practice of imaging and medicine, the care of patients, and the treatment of diseases. In particular, the Fred Lee, Sr., MD Professorship will capitalize on natural synergies that exist between the Department of Radiology and the COE, and beyond, to initiate and develop these exciting new technologies.
Philanthropic Goal – Creation of a Chair
Creating an endowed professorship in Dr. Fred Lee, Sr.’s name is a tremendous way to honor Dr. Lee and also gives the Department of Radiology and the College of Engineering a vital tool to recruit a talented individual for the professorship appointment. The ultimate goal is to raise the $2 million in necessary funds to endow a Chair in Dr. Lee’s name, one of the highest honors bestowed upon a faculty member at the UW. At this time, nearly $1.4 million has been raised towards this goal. Endowing a chair in someone’s name is one of the highest honors bestowed upon a faculty member at the UW.