Providence Holy Cross Medical Center names inaugural endowed physician chairs following historic $16 million gift
Providence Holy Cross Medical Center has named David Hanpeter, M.D., and Marwa Kilani, M.D., as the inaugural holders of two endowed physician chairs, marking the first appointments of their kind in the hospital’s history.
David Hanpeter, M.D., was formally invested as the inaugural holder of the Julian and Gladys Saunders Endowed Chair in Trauma Care, and Marwa Kilani, M.D., was invested as the inaugural holder of the Julian and Gladys Saunders Endowed Chair in Palliative Care.
The chairs were established through a $16 million estate gift from Julian and Gladys Saunders — the largest philanthropic gift in the medical center’s history. The funding will support physician leadership and the continued advancement of trauma services and palliative care, ensuring patients throughout the region continue to receive high-quality care close to home.
"Dr. Hanpeter and Dr. Kilani embody the values and clinical excellence that define our medical center," said Bernie Klein, M.D., chief executive of Providence Holy Cross. "They care for patients and families during some of life's most difficult moments with extraordinary skill, compassion and dignity. Their leadership and unwavering commitment to serving our community make them exceptionally deserving of this honor."
Endowed chairs are among the highest honors awarded to physicians. In addition to recognizing clinical leadership, they provide long-term resources to strengthen programs, support innovation and improve patient care.
"This historic moment reflects the power of philanthropy to advance our mission and shape the future of healthcare," said Joanne Reyes, M.A., chief philanthropy officer of Providence Holy Cross. "Through the extraordinary generosity of Julian and Gladys Saunders, Providence Holy Cross is able to invest in physician leadership, advance clinical excellence and strengthen programs that will benefit our community for decades to come."
About Providence Holy Cross Medical Center
Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, California, is a 378-bed, not-for-profit Catholic hospital founded in 1961. Nationally recognized for clinical performance and nursing excellence, Providence Holy Cross is one of only two trauma centers in the San Fernando Valley and ranks among the nation’s best hospitals for providing high-quality patient care. Award-winning specialties include care in cancer, stroke, maternity, digestive health, cardiovascular health and orthopedics. Providence Holy Cross is part of Providence, a 52-hospital health system with a comprehensive range of services across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington. For more information visit: providence.org/holycross.