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New Endowed Chair in Diabetes Care

Newport Beach, Calif. — Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian announced a $2.25 million gift from philanthropists Mary and Dick Allen, Margaret and Tom Larkin, and the George Hoag Family Foundation to establish an endowed chair in honor of Dr. Kris V. Iyer, a renowned endocrinologist and executive medical director of the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag.

Endowed chairs are a hallmark of great institutions and one of the most prestigious honors that can be bestowed on a physician. Naming the chair in Dr. Iyer’s name is a true testament to his hard work and dedication to the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center.
“Mary and I could think of no greater way to honor Kris’ incredible leadership to Hoag. His passion and commitment to the Diabetes Center and to us personally over the years inspired us to give this meaningful gift. We feel fortunate to support a Chair of this nature as it will provide a legacy of excellence in diabetes care in our community,” said Dick Allen.

“It is my privilege on behalf of the Hoag Family Foundation to pay tribute to Dr. Iyer,” said Charles W. Smith, executive director/secretary, George Hoag Family Foundation. “Dr. Iyer’s dedication to Hoag Hospital, along with his heart for the community and the compassionate care he provides his patients are extraordinary. He is a true asset to Hoag Hospital and the community. We thank him for his continued leadership at Hoag and his friendship throughout the years.”

Dr. Iyer has dedicated his career to improving the treatment of those living with diabetes. As a person with Type 1 diabetes himself, he brings the compassion and commitment to his patients that stems from personal experience. “I am overwhelmed by the generosity and support. To be thought of by friends, colleagues and Hoag supporters as somebody who is worthy of this honor is a very humbling experience,” Dr. Iyer said. “This endowed chair carries responsibilities of reciprocating the honor and trust bestowed upon the chair holder.”

Margaret and Tom Larkin have watched Dr. Iyer grow the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center into a center of excellence for diabetes care. “We have a sincere appreciation and admiration of Dr. Iyer’s dedication to his work and we cherish him as a physician, friend and community leader,” said Margaret Larkin.

While historically associated with academic institutions, Hoag now has eight endowed chair positions that are enabling the hospital to expand and improve programs in cancer, cardiac care, memory loss and cognitive impairment, neurosciences, cardiovascular surgery, gastrointestinal disease, breast care, and now diabetes. Each chair allows Hoag to remain on the leading edge of improving technology and health care for its patients.