Investiture of Kennith H. Sartorelli, M.D.'87 as the Inaugural Green & Gold Professor of Pediatric Surgery. (L to R): Shane Jacobson; Dean Rick Morin, M.D.; Kennith Sartorelli, M.D.'87; Lewis First, M.D.; President Tom Sullivan (Photo: Dave Seaver)

Kennith Sartorelli, M.D., a professor in the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Surgery at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, and division chief of pediatric surgery and surgeon-in-chief at the UVM Medical Center’s Children’s Hospital, was invested in a formal ceremony on June 2 as the inaugural Green and Gold Professor of Pediatric Surgery.

The endowed professorship was established in 2013 through the generosity of faculty in the Department of Surgery, who collectively established 14 Green and Gold Professorships in each of their divisions to demonstrate their high regard for resident and medical student training, research and innovation as well as patient care.

This professorship will provide Dr. Sartorelli with endowed financial support to conduct cutting-edge research and to advance education activities in pediatric and adult surgery.

Following remarks from UVM Foundation President and CEO Shane Jacobson, UVM President Tom Sullivan, Larner College of Medicine Dean Rick Morin and Chair of Pediatrics Lewis First, Dr. Sartorelli was presented with a medallion in front of family, friends, colleagues and students in the Hoehl Gallery at the Larner College of Medicine on the UVM campus. Now a revered campus tradition, the formal investiture ceremony recognizes the importance of endowed positions and is one of the highest honors the University of Vermont can bestow on its faculty members and the generous donors who make it possible.

Since President Tom Sullivan began his tenure at UVM five years ago, the University of Vermont and the UVM Foundation have more than doubled the number of endowed faculty positions, a critical component of the Move Mountains campaign.

A native Vermonter from Barre, Dr. Sartorelli received his undergraduate degree in zoology from the University of Vermont in 1982 and his medical degree from UVM in 1987. Following residencies at UVM and at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center/Denver Children’s Hospital, he returned to UVM in 1995. The Green and Gold Professorship in Pediatric Surgery investiture took place during Dr. Sartorelli’s 30^th reunion weekend, so many of his friends and classmates were able to attend the ceremony.

Dr. Sartorelli holds board certifications in both surgery and pediatric surgery from the American Board of Surgery, and he currently serves as chairman of the Vermont Chapter of the American College of Surgeons and has been active for many years on its Committee on Trauma. He has received numerous awards for his teaching, academic achievements and work in the area of pediatric and adult trauma.