Providence St. Joseph Hospital Foundation Establishes First-Ever Endowed Chairs to Advance Excellence in Cardiac and Cancer Care

Donor generosity provides lasting support for physician leadership, innovation and patient care in Orange County

ORANGE, Calif., Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Providence St. Joseph Hospital Foundation has announced the establishment of its first two endowed chairs, prestigious honors that mark a significant milestone in the history of Providence St. Joseph Hospital Orange and reflect the community's deep commitment to advancing world-class care in Orange County.

Endowed chairs honor physicians whose work transforms lives. Importantly, they provide sustained funding to support clinical innovation, advance research and improve outcomes. These appointments are key to attracting and supporting the brightest minds in medicine.

"These endowed chairs represent a historic moment for our hospital and the communities we serve," said Amy Daugherty, chief philanthropy officer. "They are a powerful expression of gratitude, a vote of confidence in our exceptional physicians and a commitment to excellence that will benefit future generations."

The newly established chairs follow.

The McCulloch Family Distinguished Endowed Chair in Comprehensive Cardiac Care

Ben and Laurie McCulloch made a remarkable estate gift to create the McCulloch Family Distinguished Endowed Chair in Comprehensive Cardiac Care, Providence St. Joseph Hospital Foundation's first-ever endowed chair. Cardiologist Brian Kolski, M.D., has been named as the inaugural endowed chair holder.

Under the care of Dr. Kolski, Thuy Le, M.D., Jeffrey Tyler, M.D. and Katie Cornella, PA-C, Ben's life was saved many times through the years. When it became clear that a transplant wasn't a viable path forward, Ben turned once again to Dr. Kolski, who urged him to hang on. Dr. Kolski promised Ben he'd be among the first treated with the innovative new Edwards Lifesciences EVOQUE transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement system, which thanks to donor support, would soon be available at Providence St. Joseph Hospital.

True to his word, Dr. Kolski, alongside Dr. Tyler and in collaboration with Dr. Le, performed one of Orange County's first EVOQUE procedures on Ben, offering hope where none existed. Today, Ben is back to living a full and active life.

The McCulloch family's vision for the gift is to expand access, research and innovation in cardiac care so that more patients have options when they need them most.

The David A. Margileth, M.D. Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer

The David A. Margileth, M.D. Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer was funded by an anonymous donor – a two-time breast cancer survivor and longtime volunteer at the hospital, who wished to honor her retired physician, medical oncologist Dr. David Margileth. The inaugural chair holder is Hang T. Dang, D.O., director of the Breast Oncology Program and a highly regarded breast surgical oncologist.

Dr. Dang will use the funds to continue advancing comprehensive breast cancer care and improve patient outcomes. The donor hopes this gift will inspire others to give back in meaningful and enduring ways.

"Behind every great hospital are people who believe deeply in its mission," said Brian Helleland, chief executive, Providence St. Joseph Hospital and Orange County/High Desert service area. "The generosity of these donors honors the physicians who changed their lives and creates a ripple effect that will touch thousands more. Because of these donors and others like them, we can continue to push the boundaries of what's possible."

About Providence St. Joseph Hospital Foundation

Providence St. Joseph Hospital Foundation connects the philanthropic generosity of individuals and organizations with the visionary initiatives of Providence St. Joseph Hospital to achieve transformative health care. Philanthropic support enables Providence St. Joseph Hospital to keep pace with the evolving health care industry. Donations made through the Foundation support comprehensive programs, acquire leading-edge technologies and advance clinical excellence to ensure high-quality patient care.

About Providence St. Joseph Hospital

Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California is a nationally recognized, 483-bed, not-for-profit Catholic hospital founded in 1929 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. Fully accredited by The Joint Commission and designated as a Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, St. Joseph Hospital's reputation for clinical excellence and compassionate, family-centered care draws patients from all over the United States. St. Joseph Hospital is part of Providence, a health system serving in 52 hospitals with a comprehensive range of services across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington. For more information visit: providence.org/stjoseph.

SOURCE Providence St. Joseph Hospital Foundation