Anesthesiology Research Fund Established By UB Medical School Graduate

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A $50,000 gift from Richard J. Nagel, M.D., a 1953 alumnus of the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, has established the first endowed fund aimed at increasing research in the school's Department of Anesthesiology.

It was during his teaching career at UB that Nagel, an Orchard Park resident, first became aware of the need to augment research in anesthesiology. "Although the university offers excellent clinical experiences for its medical students studying anesthesiology, research in this area is something I believe requires more attention," said Nagel, UB emeritus professor of anesthesiology.

"Supporting research now will allow me the to see some results from UB studies and opens up many opportunities for students to learn from these experiences. I also hope my gift will encourage others to offer their support to this fund."

Nagel's medical career spanned nearly 43 years. A Buffalo native, he joined the UB medical school faculty in 1955 and was a clinical professor of anesthesiology from 1992 until his retirement in late 1995. He also served for four years on the medical school's admissions committee.

"It was and still is today UB's superior medical programs that are attracting such outstanding students to the university," he said.

Nagel was chair of the department of anesthesiology at Mercy Hospital for 15 years, and previously served a 14-year term as chair of anesthesiology at Our Lady of Victory Hospital in Lackawanna.

Nagel said private support will help the medical school continue offering exceptional education to its students.

"Since the state provides minimal funding to the UB medical school for equipment and various needs, the school still requires help from other sources to continue as a leader in medical education," he said. "State funding is shrinking and unless we make up this financial difference through support from alumni and friends, the university will lose a lot of outstanding faculty and programs."

Nagel received a bachelor's degree in chemistry with a mathematics minor from UB in 1951. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the New York State Medical Society, Medical Society of the County of Erie, American Medical Association, Western New York Society of Anesthesiologists, New York State Society of Anesthesiologists, American Society of Anesthesiologists and Buffalo Academy of Medicine. Nagel, a retired lieutenant colonel of the U.S. Army Reserves, also is president and a founder of the South Towns Tennis Center in Orchard Park.