UC alum deepens legacy adding $1.1 million gift to College of Medicine
Steven Edelstein's endowment goes further to support future generations of physicians
By bolstering an already significant commitment, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine alumnus Steven Edelstein, MD, ’89, has elevated his scholarship fund to further help medical students offset some of their financial burdens.
The Dr. Steven Edelstein Medical Student Endowment Scholarship Fund, established to assist medical students with tuition, will provide support for generations of aspiring physicians. In 2017, Edelstein created the scholarship endowment with a bequest gift of $1 million. In November 2024, he bolstered the fund with another $1.1 million.
“UC played a pivotal role in shaping my career,” said Edelstein, now a professor and chair of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. “The faculty were outstanding; my peers were incredible and the experience inspired me to give back to the organization that had such a profound impact on my life.
“The culture and the clinical education were instrumental in setting me on a path to success. Giving back feels like the right way to honor that experience.”
Supporting a new generation
Edelstein as a proud new graduate of UC's College of Medicine in 1989. photoi/provided
Through the scholarship, which is designed to ensure enduring support for third- and fourth-year medical students, especially those with an interest in anesthesiology, Edelstein seeks to foster excellence in specialized fields.
“Giving back to the places that train you is essential to keeping the future of medicine moving forward,” says Edelstein. “Whether through time or financial support, it’s crucial to invest in the next generation of health care providers.”
Honoring a distinguished alumnus
Edelstein often travels by one of the eight Chicago 'L' train lines to move around the city. photo/provided
His generosity underscores a broader ethos among UC alumni, who remain closely connected to their alma mater. Each year, events like "Chicagoans for Cincy!" celebrate alumni achievements while raising funds for scholarships.
Edelstein was spotlighted at the 2023 "Chicagoans for Cincy!" celebration, where he received the Distinguished Service Award. This annual event recognizes the accomplishments of Bearcats living in the city and has raised over $180,000 for scholarships to support promising students from Chicago.
Edelstein will be featured again this year during UC’s #GivingTuesday event on Dec. 3, a global day of giving fueled by social media and collaboration, celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Legacy for future generations
During his downtime, Edelstein (on right) enjoys the snowy slopes and air in British Columbia's Whistler Ski Resort. photo/provided
As a permanent legacy gift, Edelstein’s endowment will support students in perpetuity. As the fund grows, it will continue to alleviate financial burdens for aspiring physicians, helping them focus on their studies and clinical training.
For alumni in the Chicago area, events like "Chicagoans for Cincy!" offer opportunities to reconnect, celebrate achievements and contribute to a brighter future for UC students. The 2025 celebration will take place on May 9 at Loft Lucia, continuing the tradition of fostering ties between Cincinnati and its alumni across the nation.
Through gifts like Edelstein’s, UC remains a leader in education, research and community impact, creating opportunities for generations of Bearcats to come.
“Giving back to the places that train you is essential to keeping the future of medicine going forward,” says Edelstein. “Whether you are in academic practice or in the private sector, donating time or money to medical education is critical for the future of health care in the U.S. and everyone in general.”
Featured image at top: UC alum Dr. Steven Edelstein as chair of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. Photo/provided
This is how breakthroughs happen
Your generosity has illuminated what’s next: Student success beyond the classroom. Bearcats winning on the Big 12 stage. The gift of discovery for the health of our community. When you give to the University of Cincinnati and UC Health, you invest in the problem-solvers of tomorrow.
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