Alan R. Kohlhaas, MD Enhances the Resident Experience in Orthopaedic Surgery

For almost a decade, Alan R. Kohlhaas, MD has demonstrated a deep commitment to the future of orthopaedic surgery through the Alan R. Kohlhaas, MD Directorship in Orthopaedic Education Fund at Loyola Medicine. Dr. Kohlhaas’ generosity touches nearly every aspect of the orthopaedic surgery resident experience, including enhanced professional development opportunities, wellness and engagement, and hands-on learning that help prepare residents for successful careers in orthopaedic surgery.

Under the leadership of Adam Schiff, MD, who holds the title of Alan R. Kohlhaas, MD Director of Orthopaedic Education, the Kohlhaas Fund has provided educational subscriptions, board preparation resources, and support for residents to attend national meetings hosted by organizations such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Orthopaedic Association. These experiences expose residents to the latest advances in the field while connecting them with peers, mentors, and leaders from across the country.

Resident engagement and well-being have also been central to the fund's impact. Support for retreats, educational gatherings, and team-building opportunities has strengthened connections among residents and faculty while fostering a culture of collaboration and mentorship. These experiences help build relationships, support systems, and sense of belonging that are essential to a thriving residency program and are hallmarks of the Loyola experience. By promoting community, resilience, and wellness, the Fund helps ensure residents are equipped to excel during their training and throughout their careers.

These initiatives are complemented by resources that advance hands-on training and clinical education. Through Dr. Kohlhaas’ support, incoming residents receive a toolkit which includes specialized equipment and educational tools that advance their development throughout residency and into their professional careers. The Kohlhaas fund has also helped expand Loyola's hands-on training capabilities through investments in both surgical and arthroscopic simulation technology. By providing access to state-of-the-art training simulators, Loyola offers one of the Midwest's most comprehensive orthopaedic surgery residency programs, allowing residents to develop and refine their skills in a controlled environment before applying them to patient care. 

Through his thoughtful philanthropy, Dr. Kohlhaas is helping Loyola attract, develop, and support the next generation of orthopaedic leaders. Much of Dr. Kohlhaas' giving has been made through distributions from his IRA that help satisfy his annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD), a strategy that allows him to support the future of orthopaedic education while aligning his philanthropic goals with his financial planning. “Making charitable gifts directly from my IRA to the endowment has been one of the most meaningful ways I support Loyola Medicine,” said Dr. Kohlhaas. “Not only is the process simple, but it reduces my taxable income. Knowing my IRA distribution can help improve the camaraderie, resilience, and education of Loyola’s future physician leaders while also satisfying my required minimum distribution makes it a win-win.”