A legacy that leads: Honoring a beloved physician through the future of clinical medicine
A student’s vision, a physician’s dedication, and Cohens' generosity ignite a groundbreaking course
Harvey D. and Janet G. Cohen Leadership in Clinical Medicine Program
To those who knew Janet Cohen best, she is remembered as a no-nonsense, passionate woman who cared deeply about the well-being of others. She was wife to Harvey D. Cohen, mother to Frances Cohen and was known for her philanthropic endeavors in Naples, Florida as well as the Greater Cincinnati area.
Janet Cohen was surrounded by devoted friends and family who were committed to upholding the Cohen legacy. Among them was friend and advocate, Gregory Rouan, MD, Med ’80 — professor emeritus and past chair Department of Internal Medicine — who supported her both as a physician and a trusted confidant.
Gregory Rouan, MD, Med ’80 and John Tew Jr., MD. Photo/Colleen Kelley for the UC Foundation.
After Cohen’s passing in 2023, the Harvey D. and Janet G. Cohen Charitable Foundation was established. With the establishment of the foundation, the Cohen trustees searched for a way to create lasting impact in Janet Cohen’s hometown while recognizing the compassion and dedication of her dear friend, Dr. Rouan.
So, when the trustees heard of a truly special opportunity, one that not only honored Dr. Rouan but also offered a meaningful way to carry forward the Cohen family legacy, the trustees recognized it as something extraordinary.
Making meaning out of injury
This remarkable opportunity traces its beginnings to the bold vision of one UC student.
Over a year ago Pano Mavridis, Med ’26, severely injured his knee during a soccer game. During his treatment, Mavridis found that while many physicians excelled at diagnosing, few offered the empathy and bedside manner needed in a life-altering moment. As president of his UC club soccer team, Mavridis was no stranger to stepping up and uniting people around a shared goal. His injury pushed him to discover a new way to lead.
Pano Mavridis, Med '26. Photo/Colleen Kelley for the UC Foundation.
Mavridis has never been the type to sit back and wait for change. He decided to use his time off the field to explore how leadership training could reshape the medical industry. Inspired by the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, he wanted to create a course that would equip future medical professionals with the tools to become empathetic, trustworthy leaders. After connecting with College of Medicine leadership, Mavridis was introduced to Dr. Rouan and Kevin Haworth, PhD, associate dean for baccalaureate education at the College of Medicine.
When vision meets opportunity
Together, Mavridis, Dr. Rouan and Dr. Haworth, with help from the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute’s successful framework, developed the initial structure for what would become the Harvey D. and Janet G. Cohen Leadership in Clinical Medicine Program.
The honors course introduces undergraduate students to the vital role of leadership in the health care industry.
"Pano's maturity, vision and passion made an immediate impression on us," says Cohen trustee Jim Nathan. "He is clearly aligned with Dr. Rouan's mission to elevate leadership in medicine. Developing clinicians who lead with both technical excellence and humanity isn't just an idea we support — it's one we believe in deeply."
Group photo of the first class of the Harvey D. and Janet G. Cohen Leadership in Clinical Medicine Program with John Tew Jr., MD. Photo/Colleen Kelley for the UC Foundation.
The trustees provided Mavridis, Dr. Rouan and Dr. Haworth with the resources needed to further advance their vision, supporting the inclusion of distinguished guest speakers and creating opportunities for students to attend national conferences and engage in high‑level leadership experiences.
“Effective leadership leads to better patient outcomes,” Mavridis emphasizes, “and we want to produce empathetic, compassionate leaders.”
Dr. Rouan says the “planets seemed to align” when it came to developing the course. With the support of an incredible team of doctors and educators like Bi Awosika, MD, assistant dean at the College of Medicine, the team ensures students are prepared for the realities of leading in a medical profession.
The future of student leadership
The Harvey D. and Janet G. Cohen Leadership in Clinical Medicine Program is designed to alter the trajectory of the health care industry. By cultivating empathetic, reflective leaders, the program ensures that the Cohen legacy and its commitment to human‑centered care continues to shape the health care field for generations to come.
“The students are all very inspiring and that allows us as educators to really understand how the next generation of leaders and health care providers are going to be transforming both the practice of health care and interactions with patients. We are helping to prepare students so they themselves can become future department chairs, deans and other leaders throughout the nation,” says Dr. Rouan.
The Cohen trustees believe the Harvey D. and Janet G. Cohen Leadership in Clinical Medicine Program is a fitting tribute to the Cohen family and a meaningful way to honor their trusted friend Dr. Rouan.
Featured image at the top: Group photo of the first class of the Harvey D. and Janet G. Cohen Leadership in Clinical Medicine Program. Photo/Colleen Kelley for the UC Foundation.
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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