NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., June 16, 2015 -- Hoag Hospital Foundation today announced a $5 million gift from philanthropists Ginny and Peter Ueberroth to establish an endowed chair in honor of Dr. Allyson Brooks , Executive Medical Director of the Hoag Women’s Health Institute. The grant, awarded by the couple through the Peter and Virginia Ueberroth Family Foundation, was inspired by Dr. Brooks’ compassionate and pioneering work on behalf of women.

“I have been so impressed with Dr. Brooks’ work and her lifelong passion for providing innovative and personalized care to women of all ages in Orange County,” Ginny Ueberroth, a well-known women’s champion, said. “Peter and I are privileged to support her and excited to play a role in an undertaking that is sure to change the lives of thousands of women in our community who turn to Hoag for high quality, exceptional care.”

As a tribute to Ginny’s commitment for women’s health, the chair will be dedicated in her name and known as the Ginny Ueberroth Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Hoag Women’s Health Institute.

“Ginny’s generosity and devotion to Hoag, in both her time and resources, have been important factors in Hoag’s ability to be forward-thinking, innovative and supportive of great leaders like Dr. Brooks,” said Robert T. Braithwaite, Hoag president and CEO.

Endowed chairs are a mark of institutional distinction and among the most prestigious honors that can be awarded to a physician.

“I am humbled to receive this remarkable honor from the Ueberroth family, and excited about what it will mean for women’s health in Orange County,” Dr. Brooks said. “As endowed chair, I am committed to accepting the great responsibility of delivering on our promise to keep Hoag a leading-edge clinical care provider and a pioneer in this collaborative approach to women’s health.”

The Ueberroths’ gift will enable Dr. Brooks to advance the Hoag Women’s Health Institute in the areas of research, education and program development. This includes recruiting new physicians, increasing patient navigation resources and piloting innovative women’s health projects.

Dr. Brooks’ first objective with the endowment is establishing a women’s health and wellness center — an integrated program combining preventative care, wellness resources and health services in one convenient center. The dedicated women’s center will serve women of all life stages, from all backgrounds, with diverse wellness goals.

A team planned to include acupuncturists, therapists, pre- and post-natal consultants, psychologists and nutritionists will work alongside physicians and nurse practitioners dedicated to women’s care including OB/GYNs in a spa-like center that will reinforce Hoag’s reputation as a leader in highly personalized patient care.

While historically associated with academic institutions, Hoag now has eleven endowed chair positions that are enabling the organization to expand and improve programs incancer, cardiac care, memory loss and cognitive impairment, neurosciences, cardiovascular surgery, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes, breast care, and now women’s health services. The latest endowed chair marks the third at the Executive Medical Director level, which are:

- Dr. Allyson M. Brooks, Ginny Ueberroth Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Hoag Women’s Health Institute

- Dr. Burton L. Eisenberg, Grace E. Hoag Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Hoag Family Cancer Institute

- Dr. Michael N. Brant-Zawadzki, Ron & Sandi Simon Executive Medical Director Endowed Chair, Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute

About Hoag Hospital Foundation

Thanks in large part to philanthropy, Hoag has become one of the nation’s finest healthcare systems and serves a diverse and growing population. Hoag Hospital Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Hoag (a separate 501(c)(3) corporation), is an integral partner in Hoag’s vision to become a trusted and nationally recognized healthcare leader. Under the direction of a volunteer Board of Directors, the Foundation conducts campaigns and programs that generate more than $50 million per year in gifts and pledges. The Foundation is currently in the planning phase of a campaign with a working goal of $500 million by 2020. Please visitwww.hoaghospitalfoundation.org

About Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian

Hoag is an approximately $1 billion nonprofit, regional health care delivery network in Orange County, California, that treats more than 25,000 inpatients and 369,000 outpatients annually. Hoag consists of two acute-care hospitals, six health centers, and eight urgent care centers. Hoag Hospital Newport Beach, which has served Orange County since 1952, and Hoag Hospital Irvine, which opened in 2010, are designated Magnet hospitals by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of health care services that includes five institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, heart and vascular, neurosciences,women’s health, and orthopedics through Hoag’s affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute. In 2013, Hoag entered into an alliance with St. Joseph Health to further expand health care services in the Orange County community, known as St. Joseph Hoag Health. Hoag has been named one of the Best Regional Hospitals in the U.S. News & World Report Metro Edition. National Research Corporation has endorsed Hoag as Orange County’s most preferred hospital for the past 19 consecutive years and, for an unprecedented 19 years, residents of Orange County have chosen Hoag as one of the county’s best hospitals in a local newspaper survey. Visit www.hoag.org for more information.