Craig K. Reiss, M.D., has been named the Sam and Marilyn Fox Distinguished Professor in Medicine. Reiss, a cardiologist, directs the Washington University Cardiology Consultants and the Heart Care Institute at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital.
The professorship is the second named for Sam and Marilyn Fox, both prominent civic leaders in the St. Louis community. In 2006, the couple established a distinguished professorship in orthopedic surgery.
“Over many years, Sam and Marilyn Fox have given of themselves, both financially and personally, to support Washington University, and we are deeply indebted to them,” Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton said. “They have longstanding ties to the University and have championed a wide range of programs and initiatives here. We are very grateful for their involvement with us, their hard work and their numerous and varied contributions.”
“Sam and Marilyn Fox have played an important role in the continued growth of Washington University and the outstanding success of the School of Medicine,” Larry J. Shapiro, M.D., executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, said.
“In naming Dr. Reiss as the recipient of this professorship, their newest gift will support the work of a very talented, dedicated and admired cardiologist and administrator and help ensure the continued success of the Cardiovascular Division,” Shapiro said.
A St. Louis native, Reiss earned a combined bachelor’s/medical degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He pursued his internship and residency in internal medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and completed a cardiology fellowship and then a chief residency in internal medicine at the same institution.
“To receive a professorship named after two such remarkable role models for the Washington University and St. Louis communities is an incredible and humbling honor,” Reiss said. “As a clinician who loves to care for patients as my primary duty and who has the privilege of learning from and teaching medical students, residents and fellows at an institution of this high caliber, it is very gratifying to be recognized in this way.”
In his clinical practice in general cardiology, Reiss has special interest in valvular disease, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease and preventive cardiology.
Both Sam and Marilyn Fox have long played prominent roles in civic affairs in the St. Louis region. A WUSTL alumnus, Sam Fox is founder, chairman and CEO of Harbour Group Ltd., a private holding company. In 2007, President George W. Bush named Fox ambassador of the United States to Belgium.
“I have great esteem for Dr. Reiss,” Sam Fox said. “He’s a brilliant and caring physician whose commitment to his patients is extraordinary. I’m happy that he is the first recipient of this professorship, which we have established to acknowledge the role of the School of Medicine in outstanding health care in the St. Louis region.”