The Chertow-Keller Family Endowment, established at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in 2009, has received a generous $25,000 gift from one of its original benefactors.
Eileen Keller recently made the gift in memory of her husband, Leonard, who passed away last year.
“We are honored to make this donation in memory of Leonard,” Keller said. “We know that he was committed to the endowment and so proud of our brother Dr. Bruce Chertow and his commitment to find new treatments and a cure for diabetes. We are hopeful that this donation will make a difference and will honor Leonard’s memory.”
The endowment was initially created by Bruce and Janice Chertow, Leonard and Eileen Keller, Wayne and Roselyn Chertow, and their family and friends. Chertow, professor emeritus and former chief of endocrinology, established Marshall’s endocrinology fellowship training program and served as the lead proponent for creation of the Diabetes Center at Marshall University which now bears his name.
“Eileen’s gift reflects the family’s love for Lenny and his generosity,” Chertow said. “We are pleased to continue to support Marshall’s school of medicine.”
The funds from the endowment are awarded to an endocrinology fellow or internal medicine resident to attend a professional meeting focusing on diabetes. Additionally, the funds may also be used to assist a medical student who has an interest in endocrinology.
Larry D. Dial, M.D., chair of the department of internal medicine, says support from the Chertow-Keller Family Endowment is extremely helpful in the development of young career endocrinologists.
“In an era of increased challenges for research and education funding from sources like National Institutes of Health and others, scholarly activity continues to be at risk,” Dial said. “It’s only through the philanthropic generosity of supporters like the Kellers and Chertows that we can continue to educate our physicians for the future.”
The School of Medicine established its endocrinology fellowship in 1987.
