In 2007, Irving Ward, DO, was a fellow associate – a newly graduated resident who continued his training as a fellow four days a week and served as a faculty member one day a week – in the Department of Anesthesia. His mentor was Javier Campos, MD, whom Ward says “played an integral part in helping me grow as an anesthesiologist.”

Ward went into private practice after his year at the University of Iowa, and in 2014 he chaired an anesthesia conference in New Orleans, where one of his tasks was to recruit speakers.

“It had been a few years since I had visited with Dr. Campos, but I sent him an invitation to speak,” Ward says. “Approximately 12 hours later, I got a reply from him letting me know he was in China and would be happy to speak.”

In fact, Campos offered to provide two lectures at the conference. “Dedication like this inspired me to both pay it forward to help with future anesthesia training, and to recognize Dr. Campos for his excellence in anesthesia, medicine and education,” Ward says.

The result was a seven-year pledge for a total of $75,000 to create the Dr. Javier Campos Bronchoscopy Simulation Lab Fund. Campos, an internationally renowned expert in one-lung ventilation and author of chapters in Miller's Anesthesia, Principles and Pratice of Anesthesia for Thoracic Surgery, Atlas of Robotic Thoracic Surgery, and Master Techniques in Upper and Lower Airway Management, says he’s honored and gratified that Ward chose this way to recognize him.

“He has always been very appreciative for the training he received here and for the mentoring I provided,” Campos says. “His gift will help the Department expand its simulation offerings and continue to improve educational opportunities for our trainees.”