Cancer Institute Auxiliary Honors Chancellor Dan Rahn

By Susan Van Dusen

Rahn is the 22nd recipient and third UAMS chancellor to receive this honor from the auxiliary. Former chancellors the late Harry Ward, M.D., and I. Dodd Wilson, M.D., were co-recipients in 2008.

Cancer Institute Auxiliary President Peggy Mooney (left) with Janie Lowe, director of the Cancer Institute Volunteer Services and Auxiliary

Cancer Institute Auxiliary President Peggy Mooney (left) with Janie Lowe, director of the Cancer Institute Volunteer Services and Auxiliary

“The auxiliary wanted to honor Dr. Rahn for his forward thinking and leadership on campus and his appreciation of the volunteers who give their time to help make UAMS even better,” said Janie Lowe, director of the Cancer Institute Volunteer Services and Auxiliary.

Rahn was named UAMS chancellor in 2009 after previously serving as president of the Medical College of Georgia and senior vice chancellor for health and medical programs for the University System of Georgia. He began his professional career in 1979 at Yale University School of Medicine, where he was director of the Lyme Disease Program, director of clinical training in rheumatology and director of faculty practice for the Department of Internal Medicine.

“When Dr. Rahn arrived, Arkansas was ripe for major changes in health care. He has made significant investments in people and programs at UAMS, making us better prepared to meet the needs of our patients, families and students in the years to come,” said Cancer Institute Director Peter Emanuel, M.D.

One of Rahn’s most notable achievements related to cancer treatment at UAMS was the institution’s 2012 transition as the exclusive provider of radiation oncology services on its campus. Since that transition, the UAMS Radiation Oncology Center has acquired two Varian Truebeam STX linear accelerators, which provide state-of-the-art cancer treatment capabilities, reducing treatment time and frequency and resulting in improved quality of life for patients. The center treats both adult patients and children being seen by UAMS pediatric oncologists at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

“Those of us in this line of work are blessed to know our efforts really matter to people. We are working to improve the human condition and the health of the people we are here to serve, which is truly an honor,” Rahn said.