Asante Foundation names Heimann Medical Chair of Oncology

Asante Foundation announces the appointment of Mujahid Rizvi, MD, as the Heimann Medical Chair of Oncology, the first endowed medical chair in Asante’s history. Dr. Rizvi serves as medical director for both the Mary and Dick Heimann Cancer Center and the Helen K. Spears Cancer Center in Grants Pass.

While medical chairs are common in academic institutions, they are rare in regional hospitals. Through the generosity of Mary and Dick Heimann, Asante has established its inaugural endowed medical chair, which will provide dedicated medical leadership to guide the improvement of oncology services for the region.

“Collaboration between donors and medical leadership enables Asante to consistently raise the bar for health care in our region,” said Jamie Grebosky, MD, chief medical officer at Asante.

In February 2021, Mary and Dick Heimann made a historic gift to enhance cancer care across Southern Oregon and Northern California. Their $5 million donation included $1 million to establish the Heimann Medical Chair of Oncology, serving both Asante cancer centers in Medford and Grants Pass.

“Our gift was originally inspired by our trust and respect for physicians,” said Mary Heimann. “Medical leadership and the generosity of this community have made Asante something special — care here is at a higher level.”

Andrea Reeder, vice president and executive director of Asante Foundation, says philanthropy has played a pivotal role in the creation of Asante’s medical chair program. “We extend our profound gratitude to the Heimann family.”

As the Heimann Medical Chair of Oncology, Dr. Rizvi will lead inpatient and outpatient cancer service programs, provider education, physician recruitment, and donor and community engagement, supported by resources from the endowed fund.

“It is an honor to be named Asante’s first-ever medical chair,” Dr. Rizvi says. “I am grateful for the Heimann family’s trust in our ability to provide the best support and treatment options for cancer patients in our nine-county service area.”

To learn more about supporting cancer care at Asante, visit Asante Foundation or call (541) 789-5025.