SIR Foundation has announced
the launch of the SIR Foundation Endowment, aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability for critical IR research that may otherwise face challenges like inconsistent funding.
“Research frequently struggles due to inconsistent financial support, creating significant gaps in critical areas,” said SIR Foundation Chair Maureen P. Kohi, MD, FSIR, the Ernest H. Wood Distinguished Professor and chair of the department of radiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “SIR Foundation is uniquely equipped to tackle this challenge, leveraging its expansive network of dedicated donors and researchers united in their commitment to advancing IR research.”
The endowment launched during SIR 2025 in Nashville with its first gift, made by Barry T. Katzen, MD, FSIR, and his wife Judith S. Katzen.
“Changes in healthcare policy and the resulting funding fluctuations can have detrimental effects on long-term research we need to support the pioneering innovations that interventional radiology brings to healthcare. That is why Judith and I felt it was so important to invest in, and help launch, the SIR Foundation Endowment,” said Dr. Katzen, chief medical innovation officer of Baptist Health South Florida and founder and chief medical executive emeritus of Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute. “Long-term philanthropic investments, like the SIR Foundation Endowment, ensure that essential research projects can continue without interruption, despite external forces.”
Gifts to the endowment will have a direct impact on the sustainability of critical research initiatives, providing the primary funding source for groundbreaking studies that push the boundaries of IR.
To learn more about the SIR Foundation Endowment, members may contact Laura McBride, director, development, individual giving, at lmcbride@sirweb.org.
Celebrating innovation and philanthropy
In addition to celebrating Dr. Katzen’s endowment gift, SIR Foundation celebrated all their donors at the 2025 Gala in Nashville, alongside the 2025 award winners.
Michael Darcy, MD, FSIR, was named the 2025 Frederick S. Keller, MD, Philanthropy Award winner, a distinction that reflects his steadfast support of the foundation and his profound contributions to advancing IR, according to Dr. Kohi. In addition, Jeanne M. LaBerge, MD, FSIR; John A. Kaufman, MD, MS, FSIR; M. Victoria Marx, MD, FSIR; and Matthew A. Mauro, MD, FSIR, were named the 2025 Leaders in Innovation Award recipients.
“This award recognizes their pioneering contributions to IR education and research and their unwavering dedication to developing and implementing the IR/DR residency training program, shaping the future of our specialty,” Dr. Kohi said.
Gala attendees were also treated to a surprise appearance by a Dolly Parton impersonator, live music courtesy of Nashville songwriters and an opportunity to learn how to line dance.
Merve Ozen, MD, the SIR Foundation Gala chair, emphasized that SIR Foundation donors are critical in shaping the future of the specialty and medicine itself.
“With your generosity, we are empowering the next generation of investigators, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to further elevate the field,” Dr. Ozen said. “Your support extends to vital education programs, helping both trainees and patients understand the life-changing potential of IR. Together, we are ensuring that the benefits of these advances reach those who need them most.”
Congratulations to all the SIR Foundation Award winners!
Excellence in Innovation Award: Capt. Tej Mehta, MD
Dr. Gary J. Becker Young Investigator Award: Alexander Vezeridis, MD, PhD
Resident Research Award: Aakash Gupta, MD, and Anurag Mehndiratta, MBBS, MD
Research Scientist Award: Koustav Pal, MBBS
Dr. Constantin Cope Medical Student Research Award: Samad Ashraf and Wilton Fidelis
Dr. Ernest J. Ring Academic Development Grant: Krishna Nand Keshava Murthy, MSc, PhD, and Leigh Casadaban, MD, MS
Allied Scientist Training Grant: Imran Shair Mohammad, PharmD, PhD
Radiology Resident Research Grant: Nicholas Perkons, MD, PhD
Dr. and Mrs. W.C. Culp Student Research Grant: Ibukunoluwa Ibrahim and Yohan Kim
