Dr. Lisa Fannin, a neuroanesthesiologist, joined ARCS in 2010 and will fund the Dr. Lisa Fannin Scholar Award in 2013 and 2014.  She retired from the Flinn Foundation Board last year after 16 years and as one of the Foundation’s longest-serving members.  In honor of Dr. Fannin’s service, the Flinn Foundation awarded her $25,000, to be donated at her discretion.  ARCS was fortunate to receive $15,000 to fund an ARCS Scholar for two years.  The other $10,000 was given to a Staff Education Fund at the Barrow Neurological Institute, a fund she initiated when she retired from active practice.  The ARCS Awards Dinner will be held April 26 at the Phoenix Art Museum.

Dr. Fannin earned her medical degree at the University of London and her career began as a house physician in neurology and general medicine at Royal Free Hospital in London.  A native of England, Lisa later joined the academic staff at McGill University in Montreal and worked at the city’s Royal Victoria Hospital.

Her career took a turn to the Southwest in 1974 when she became the first neuroanesthesiologist at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix where she established the Division of Neuroanesthesia.  For three years Lisa was the only neuroanesthesiologist on staff which resulted in long hours and constant call.  Dr. Fannin retired from active practice in 2006.  In addition to the Flinn Foundation Board and ARCS, she has also served on the boards of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Mercy Housing, Blood Systems Inc, and the Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists.

Lisa is married to Robert Fannin who is an attorney and has also been very active in Phoenix and Arizona community service. He served as the US Ambassador to the Dominican Republic in 2007-2009.  Lisa states that their time in the Dominican Republic was a unique experience and it was an honor for both of them to represent their country in that capacity.