Landmark Gift Establishes HonorHealth’s First Distinguished Chair, Advances Academic Medicine in Arizona

A transformative philanthropic investment is helping shape the future of healthcare and medical education in Arizona. HonorHealth Foundation has announced a historic $5 million gift from longtime supporters John and Pit Lucking, establishing the Lucking Family Distinguished Chair in Medicine – the first endowed chair in the HonorHealth hospital system and a milestone in expanding academic medicine, research, and patient care throughout the region.

The gift represents a forward-looking investment in healthcare innovation and an expression of gratitude. Years ago, John Lucking became a patient at HonorHealth following a severe accident while sliding down a glacier in the Antarctic peninsula. The incident left him with three shattered vertebrae and injuries that could have permanently altered his life. Thanks to the swift decision by his wife, Pit, to return to Phoenix and seek care at the Intensive Care Unit at John C. Lincoln Medical Center, John received the critical treatment that ultimately fueled the couple’s enduring connection to HonorHealth.

Over time, that evolved into active service and leadership, with John joining the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Today, their philanthropic commitment comes full circle through a gift designed to support future generations of physicians, patients, and healthcare leaders, including students from ASU’s John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, for which HonorHealth serves as the primary clinical affiliate.

“This incredible gift is a powerful reflection of John and Pit Lucking’s enduring commitment to HonorHealth and the communities we serve,” President and CEO Jared Langkilde, MBA, CFRE, said. “By establishing our first endowed chair, they are shaping a lasting legacy in academic medicine and inspiring others to invest in future innovation. We are truly thankful for their trust and generosity, and for sharing our vision for what’s possible when philanthropy and medicine unite.”

Endowed chairs are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious forms of philanthropic support in academic medicine. The Lucking Family Distinguished Chair will enable HonorHealth, in partnership with the ASU John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, to retain medical professionals, expand research, and translate medical discoveries into improved patient outcomes.

“The establishment of this endowed chair significantly elevates our academic profile and positions HonorHealth as a destination for medical excellence in Arizona,” said Priya Radhakrishnan, MD, FACP who serves as HonorHealth Vice President and Chief Academic Officer and Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs & GME for the ASU John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering. “It strengthens our ability to serve in leading-edge research and clinical practice, bringing together talent and collaboration in ways that will benefit patients and communities across the state.”

Research has shown that endowed chairs also enhance medical training programs by strengthening mentorship opportunities, expanding educational resources, and supporting innovative program development. These advancements not only improve physician education but also directly enhance the quality-of-care patients receive. For the Luckings, the decision to establish the chair reflects appreciation and optimism for the future of medicine.

“Our support of this endowed chair is rooted in a deep belief and appreciation for the people and the mission of HonorHealth – we got to experience this firsthand,” the Luckings said. “We hope the immediate impact of this investment helps strengthen our medical community and empowers others to join us in writing the next chapter for healthcare in Arizona. When we invest as a community in innovation and care, the impact stretches far beyond what one gift alone can achieve. That is what makes this moment most meaningful for our family.”

The investment arrives at a critical time for Arizona’s healthcare workforce. The state is currently designated as a federal Health Professional Shortage Area, with only about 40 percent of its primary care needs currently met, according to the Healthy Arizona Workforce Coalition. Projections indicate that Arizona will require nearly 1,941 new primary care providers by 2030 to prevent a growing gap in healthcare access.

The collaboration between HonorHealth and the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering is designed to address these challenges by building a pipeline of healthcare talent trained locally to serve Arizona. The initiative is further supported through HonorHealth’s Patrons of Promise program, an endowed chair matching challenge that encourages philanthropic investment in academic medicine.

“It has been an honor to work alongside John and Pit for so many years, and today, to bring their vision to life,” Senior Vice President of Major Gifts Ashleigh Leite said. “Their leadership and generosity set a powerful standard, and they are lighting the way for others to join in building a healthier, more innovative future for all.”

The Lucking Family Distinguished Chair in Medicine will be formally recognized in the near future, as hospital and academic leaders identify a physician leader whose work reflects both the evolving landscape of healthcare and the needs of Arizona’s diverse communities. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit honorhealth.com.