Donors

Jane C.K. Fitch, M.D., '88

By Camille Webb

Jane C.K. Fitch, M.D., a 1988 graduate of the Medical School, was born and raised in North Carolina but now lives in Oklahoma with her husband of 30 years, John Fitch, who incidentally is also her high school sweetheart. The Fitches admit to being very low maintenance and have no children, pets, or live plants but simply enjoy each other's company.

Dr. Fitch is currently professor and chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, where she also serves as residency program director. Another hat she wears is chief of the Anesthesia Service for OU Medical Center, which also is located in Oklahoma City.

Why was it important for you to give back to the Medical School?

Medical school provided me with a great education and prepared me for my residency training at the University of Washington. These experiences made it possible for me to become a physician and change the world – one patient at a time and one resident at a time. For that, I will be forever grateful!

Why did you choose to support student scholarships?

I chose to support student scholarships because of the tremendous financial burden incurred today during the medical education and training process. I would like students to be able to choose their specialty based on their interests and talents, not based on debt repayment.

Did you receive a scholarship as a student?

I did not receive a formal scholarship as a student; rather, my husband was my scholarship! He worked and supported me throughout my entire education – nursing, then nurse anesthesia, then medical school, and residency – so I was fortunate to graduate from medical school debt free.

What message would you tell your fellow alumni about investing in the school?

I would like to challenge all of my classmates to please give back to the university who made it possible for us to be where we are today, doing what we are doing. Students need our support. We must ensure the continued education and training of the next generation of physicians, who will be out there taking care of all of us!