Lois and Robert Ellison receive MCG Vessel of Life Award

The Medical College of Georgia has presented its 2005 Vessel of Life Award to Drs. Robert G. Ellison and Lois T. Ellison.
MCG President Daniel W. Rahn presented the award, which honors professional achievement and contributions to society that enhance MCG’s mission of education, research and service, at the annual President’s Dinner Nov. 5.
“It is hard to imagine a couple that has had more impact on the Medical College of Georgia than Dr. Robert G. and Lois T. Ellison,” Dr. Rahn said. “Both are MCG School of Medicine alumni. But the Ellisons’ graduation from MCG marked the beginning, not the end, of what would become a lifelong affiliation with the university.”
Dr. Robert Ellison, a 1943 graduate, joined the faculty in 1947. He went on to become chief of cardiothoracic surgery, retiring in 1987 as Charbonnier Professor Emeritus and Chief Emeritus. His many contributions included performing Georgia’s first open-heart operation using bypass in 1956, improving modified techniques for cardiothoracic surgery, modifying methods of cardiothoracic surgery training and improving treatment of esophageal and lung cancer.
His many awards include a School of Medicine Distinguished Alumnus Award, School of Medicine Distinguished Faculty Award for Institutional Service, School of Medicine Recognition and Appreciation Award, American Heart Association Heart of Gold Award, Society of Thoracic Surgeons Silver Platter, Richmond County Medical Society Achievement Award and Medical Association of Georgia Hardman Cup. The Robert G. Ellison, M.D. Symposium on Thoracic Surgery was established in his honor.
Dr. Lois T. Ellison enrolled in the MCG School of Medicine in 1943 as one of four females in a class of 78 students. After earning her degree, she completed a cardiopulmonary physiology fellowship, then was appointed to the MCG faculty where she helped develop the university’s cardiopulmonary laboratory, serving as director until 1992. She was a research fellow and established investigator for the Georgia Heart Association and received a Research Career Award from the National Heart Institute.
In the 1970s, her career began to shift into administration. In 1974, she was named associate dean for curriculum in the School of Medicine. A year later, she was named provost, second in line to then-President William Moretz and the highest-ranking female in U.S. medical schools.
As MCG’s physical plant grew, her next role was to oversee the expansion of MCG clinical facilities as associate vice president for planning (hospitals and clinics). Campus additions during her tenure included the Ambulatory Care Center/Specialized Care Center and the Children’s Medical Center.
Dr. Ellison retired as Professor Emeritus and Provost Emeritus in 2000, but stayed on as MCG’s medical historian in residence.
Among her many honors are an MCG School of Medicine Distinguished Alumnus Award, an MCG School of Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award, a Woman of Excellence Award in Health and the Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation Stewardship.
She was included in the 2003 National Institutes of Health National Library of Medicine exhibition, “Changing the Face of Medicine—Celebrating America’s Woman Physicians.” She is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society and Sigma Xi.
“Despite an extraordinary body of achievement, the Ellisons are two of the nicest, most down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet,” Dr. Rahn said. “With two hallmarks in mind – exemplary lifetime achievement and extraordinary dedication to the Medical College of Georgia – I can say without a moment’s hesitation that no one on earth is more deserving (of this award).”
“I’m thankful to MCG for giving us the opportunity in our lives to work with so many wonderful people,” Dr. Lois Ellison said in accepting the award. “Our lives have been touched in many ways by the many people we’ve met here.”