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.
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.
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."
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.
