Charles Aprahamian, MD, Honored as Inaugural Recipient of William H. Marshall, MD Professorship
Introduction
The Peoria regional campus celebrated the investiture of Charles Aprahamian, MD, as the inaugural recipient of the William H. Marshall, MD Professor in Pediatric Surgery. The ceremony was held June 24, 2026, at the Country Club of Peoria.
Dr. Aprahamian serves as clinical associate professor of pediatric surgery, as managing director for pediatrics at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, and surgeon-in-chief at OSF Children’s Hospital of Illinois.
Executive Dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine Enrico Benedetti, MD, R’93, FACS, said, “It’s particularly fitting that Dr. Charles Aprahamian becomes the first holder of this professorship that pays tribute to the legacy of Dr. William Marshall who pioneered pediatric surgery in central Illinois and expanded access to specialized care for children and families. A named professorship is one of the highest honors in academia, recognizing exceptional leadership and extraordinary achievement while connecting the future of an institution to those whose contributions have left a lasting mark.”
Regional Dean of the Peoria Campus Meenakshy Aiyer said of Dr. Aprahamian, “Beyond his clinical achievements, he is deeply committed to education and mentorship. He has guided countless medical students, residents, and research trainees, led programs designed to prepare future surgeons for residency and board certification, and was recognized with the University’s Outstanding Teaching and Service Award for Community-Based Faculty… His research has advanced innovations in pediatric surgery, improved patient outcomes, and contributed to efforts aimed at reducing opioid use and enhancing recovery for children undergoing complex procedures.”
William H. Marshall, MD, was a surgeon, educator, and academic leader whose career spanned more than five decades in clinical practice, medical education and healthcare administration. He played a significant role in the development of surgical services and surgical training programs in central Illinois and was a longtime faculty member at the University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, including as the inaugural chair of the Department of Surgery from 1972 – 1982.
A professorship is a special gift made by donors to elevate opportunities in academic medicine. Professorships provide financial support to faculty for advancing their work in teaching and mentoring, scholarship and/or research and discovery. Professorships are endowments that also honor the legacy and/or career of its namesake.