About the Namesake of the Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron

The Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron is named in honor of the philanthropic efforts of both Dr. W. Gerald Austen and his wife Patricia R. Austen.  As chairman of the Knight Foundation, Dr. Austen played a key role in creating the partnership between the foundation and the BioInnovation Institute.

An Akron native and internationally recognized heart surgeon, Austen retired as chief of Surgical Services at Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital in 1997 after serving 29 years in that role.  He continues as the Edward D. Churchill Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Hospital.

Austen has authored or co-authored over 400 original articles, 51 chapters and four textbooks.

Learn more about Dr. W. Gerald Austen