Support the Isidore Cohn, Jr., MD Student Learning Center
A beloved member of the LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans family. Dr. Isidore Cohn, Jr., MD, Emeritus Professor and Emeritus Chairman of Surgery, passed away on October 14, 2015. Dr. Cohn’s legacy is his enormous impact on the profession of surgery and on the quality of surgical care in the United States.
Dr. James Rives recruited Dr. Cohn to our faculty in 1952. Upon Dr. Rives’ retirement in 1962, Dr. Cohn was named Professor and Chairman of Surgery. His tenure as Chairman of the Department of Surgery was among the longest of any major surgery department head in the history of modern post-graduate training. Although Dr. Cohn stepped down as Chairman in 1989, he remained active in academic surgery until his death. As an emeritus professor, Dr. Cohn continued his teaching and lecturing, as well as offering sage advice and counsel to all who sought it. A "Retirement" Gala in July 2000, where he was named Emeritus Chairman, was attended by past residents, faculty, administration, family members, and a number of prominent surgical leaders from across the country.
More than 200 surgeons completed residency training under Dr. Cohn’s direction and have made major contributions to surgical care and surgical education throughout Louisiana and the United States.
He served as president or director of many surgical organizations but perhaps was most proud of being named President of the Southern Surgical Association in 1983.
The Isidore Cohn, Jr. Chair of Surgery was the first million dollar endowed chair at LSU Medical School.
In 1993, Dr. Cohn was honored with the title of First Vice President of the American College of Surgeons.
On March 22, 2002, The Isidore Cohn, Jr., MD Student Learning Center was dedicated. Former surgical residents and The James D. Rives Surgical Society were the major donors to this cutting-edge facility. Originally located on the ground floor of the Lions Eye Center Building, the Learning Center was heavily damaged by the floodwaters after Hurricane Katrina. Funds were secured to allow not only repairs, but enlargement of the Center, ensuring its place as a lasting tribute to Dr. Cohn’s more than 60 years of dedicated service to LSU and his commitment to excellence in teaching and surgical care. Construction was completed in the spring of 2009 for the new and expanded Isidore Cohn, Jr., MD Student Learning Center.
Because of his rich history of service to LSU and Dr. Cohn’s commitment to education, The James D. Rives Surgical Society decided to change its name to the Isidore Cohn Jr.-James D. Rives Surgical Society. This was done not only to honor Dr. Cohn but to perpetuate the society and continue the goal of fostering camaraderie among its graduates.
Online pledge and donations can be made below. If you have questions, please call 504-568-5717.
To mail your donation:
Make check payable to: LSUHSC Foundation
Notation Line: Isidore Cohn, Jr., MD Student Learning Center
Send to: LSUHSC Foundation
2000 Tulane Avenue, 4th Floor
New Orleans, LA 70112