Announcing Dr. Jessica Spellman as Inaugural Desmond A. Jordan, MD, Memorial Associate Professor of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology

With the full support of Dr. Desmond Jordan’s family and the university trustees, the Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Professorship has been renamed in honor of Dr. Jordan. This marks the conversion of a quasi-endowment created by Professor Emerita Dr. Margaret Wood into a true endowment that now bears the name of the anesthesiologist and intensivist whose legacy continues to inspire our missions.

Dr. Jordan was a pioneering figure in cardiothoracic anesthesiology at Columbia.  His influence extended far beyond the operating room. He inspired generations of anesthesiologists as a brilliant clinician and mentor, and for his generous spirit, loving nature, and unique sense of humor, qualities that made him a respected colleague and cherished friend.

Dr. Jessica Spellman has been announced by Chair Dr. Meghan Lane-Fall as the inaugural holder of the newly renamed professorship. A mentee of Dr. Jordan, Dr. Spellman embodies the values he championed: clinical innovation, educational leadership, and compassionate care. Her appointment to this endowed professorship is a tribute to her accomplishments and to Dr. Jordan’s legacy.

Dr. Spellman has led transformative initiatives that have elevated patient outcomes, advanced perioperative protocols, and fostered inclusive mentorship. Her clinical leadership has resulted in dramatic improvements in cardiac surgical care, including reduced ECMO and RVAD use in cardiac transplant and increased in-OR extubation rates after cardiac surgery. She is also a national voice in anesthesiology education and a dynamic advocate for equity in medicine.

The Department of Anesthesiology congratulates Dr. Spellman on this well-deserved honor and celebrates the legacy of Dr. Desmond Jordan, whose name will live as a lasting tribute to excellence in cardiothoracic anesthesiology at Columbia.