Joseph B. Kirsner Award
Joseph B. Kirsner, MD, PhD was a renowned physician, educator, and scientist at the University of Chicago Medicine. For more than seven decades, Dr. Kirsner, devoted his life to medicine, teaching, and patient care.
The Joseph B. Kirsner Award honors his legacy by recognizing those who have made a substantial commitment to impact and further the GI Research Foundation’s mission.
Joseph B. Kirsner Award Recipients
Seymour “Sy” Taxman | 2024
Seymour “Sy” Taxman is founder and former CEO of the Chicago real estate development company Taxman Corp. In addition to his advocacy for the GI Research Foundation and digestive diseases research, Sy and his family have celebrated the legacy of Joseph B. Kirsner, MD through their philanthropy. They have provided millions of dollars in research and medical training support at UChicago Medicine through the GI Research Foundation. In 2012, the Taxman Family Foundation gave $2.5 million to establish, among other projects, the Joseph B. Kirsner Endowed Fellowship and the Joseph B. Kirsner Endowment for Excellence.
Eugene B. Chang, MD | 2023
Dr. Eugene Chang is the Martin Boyer Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago Medicine. He is a national leader in the study of the intestinal microbes and how they interact with the host. His research focuses on gaining a better understanding of what factors are involved in the selection and assembly of intestinal microbes, and how they can be used to reshape the enteric microbiome to prevent and treat disease. By employing innovative approaches that include cultivation-dependent and –independent technologies for microbial analysis, genetically modified and gnotobiotic mouse models, metabolic and functional measurements, and advanced bioinformatic tools to investigate both the host and the microbiome, Dr. Chang and his lab advance patient care and outcomes.
David T. Rubin, MD | 2022
World-renowned for his expertise in treating inflammatory bowel disease, David T. Rubin, MD’s more than 30-year career exemplifies the highest caliber of scientific inquiry and clinical care. Building on years of innovative research, hundreds of publications, and countless accolades, Dr. Rubin is a visionary in the field of gastroenterology, ever curious about and inspired by new ideas and approaches to the science of digestive diseases. His commitment to exceptional patient care stewards the legacy of his mentor, the incomparable Joseph B. Kirsner, MD, PhD. Like Dr. Kirsner, as a leader, Dr. Rubin is an exemplar: a brilliant thinker, a patient teacher, and a wise mentor of great personal character.
Beatrice “Bee” G. Crain | 2021
Beatrice “Bee” G. Crain was a dedicated philanthropist who spent years supporting and honoring her dear friend, Dr. Joseph B. Kirsner and his vision of integrating innovation with patient care. Bee was instrumental in advancing scientific breakthroughs, such as the discovery of the first gene associated with Crohn’s disease (NOD2). She has also played a crucial role in the development of facilities, including the establishment of various GI and immunological laboratories and the creation of the Joseph B. Kirsner Center at the University of Chicago Medicine. Additionally, Bee has generously funded equipment programs for critical translational research at the University of Chicago Medicine Digestive Diseases Center.
