Svanbergs create endowed chair
Louise Svanberg became a patient at the Brigham more than 35 years ago, soon after she moved to Boston. Though she appreciates every doctor who has provided her care, one in particular stands apart: renowned gastroenterologist Peter Banks, MD.
Dr. Banks directs the Center for Pancreatic Disease, where he has helped shape the understanding and treatment of pancreatitis and other diseases of the pancreas, the organ that aids digestion and blood sugar regulation. To Louise, Dr. Banks is the very definition of an exceptional physician.
Dr. Banks always puts his patients first. His deep knowledge and compassion have meant so much to our family. We are honored and happy to celebrate him in a special way.
“In addition to being one of few experts in his field,” she says, “Dr. Banks always puts his patients first. He has gone above and beyond to ensure his patients receive the care they need—even when he couldn’t physically be there to attend them. His deep knowledge and compassion have meant so much to our family. We are honored and happy to celebrate him in a special way.”
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Louise and her husband, Carl-Henric Svanberg, decided to honor Dr. Banks and help continue advancing pancreatic medicine by making a $2.5 million gift to establish the Banks Svanberg Endowed Chair in Gastroenterology. With Dr. Banks retiring from his clinical duties this year, Bruce Levy, MD, chair of the Department of Medicine, and David Cohen, MD, PhD, chief of the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endoscopy, are searching for a senior academic physician to assume leadership of the Center for Pancreatic Disease and hold the chair. They aim to identify an inaugural incumbent who possesses Dr. Banks’ passion for enhancing care.
“Pancreatic diseases are notoriously challenging to study and treat, which contributes to why pancreatology is a comparatively small field,” explains Dr. Cohen. “In fact, Dr. Banks has trained most of the experts in this discipline. The Svanbergs’ extraordinary generosity in initiating this chair is a vital step toward expanding expertise in these and related diseases.”
Dr. Banks says, “It is wonderful that this chair will enable the incumbent to pursue innovative research and mentor faculty. The chair embodies the vision we share with Louise and Carl-Henric to transform patient care.”