Celebrate a Columbia Surgery Legend

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons is launching the Craig R. Smith, MD Legacy Campaign to support surgical research, clinical excellence, and academic leadership in the Department of Surgery.

The campaign’s goal is to raise an endowed fund in Dr. Smith’s name – a permanent source of funding – to support innovation in surgical research and leadership, and ultimately a professorship in his honor to help recruit and retain the next generation of talented surgeons at Columbia. The fund will honor Dr. Smith’s years as Chair of the Department of Surgery, while investing in the surgical leaders that will drive the future of care for patients at Columbia and beyond.

If you are interested in making a multi-year gift, please contact Rachel Edelman at (929) 746-6361 or re2442@cumc.columbia.edu.

Donate to the Craig R. Smith, MD, Legacy Campaign

A Legacy of Research and Discovery

A pioneer of cardiothoracic and transplantation surgery, and a long-time institutional leader at Columbia, Dr. Craig Smith is one of the most accomplished and respected surgeons of his generation. Dr. Smith led the Department of Surgery for 15 years, and the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery prior to that, and significantly expanded its clinical services. Under his leadership, the Department created groundbreaking programs in areas like neonatal surgery, acute care surgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, and robotics. His recruitment of leading faculty strengthened the department’s expertise, while his strategic vision expanded the department’s reach, extending access to outstanding surgical care locally and around the globe.

Doctor Craig Smith dressed in scrubs holds model of a heart

It’s a blessing to be genuinely useful in the most intimate, personal, and elemental epiphanies and calamities of life.

Dr. Smith fostered a culture of innovation that has become the hallmark of the department. He championed groundbreaking research, leading the department to consistently rank among the top 10 in NIH (National Institutes of Health) funding. His long-term investment in surgical sciences has supported breakthroughs across multiple disciplines that will benefit patients for years to come.

Your support of the Craig R. Smith, MD Legacy Campaign would form a permanent tribute to Dr. Smith, and a way to ensure that his influence continues through the people and programs that carry his legacy forward.

To learn more about how you can support the Craig R. Smith, MD Legacy Campaign, please contact:

Rachel Edelman
Senior Director of Development
Email: re2442@cumc.columbia.edu
Phone: (929) 746-6361