Dr. Bill Culp Pledges $500K for UAMS Radiology Professorship

Dr. William “Bill” Culp has pledged $500,000 to establish the Dr. William Culp Endowed Professorship in Interventional Radiology at UAMS, the university announced Thursday.

The professorship aims to contribute to the publication of research and the development of new techniques and devices in the field.

Culp is a retired professor of radiology, surgery and neurology, who served as vice chair for radiology research in the UAMS Department of Radiology. He has experience developing new stroke therapies as well as studying stroke treatments.

“After my wonderful experience in interventional radiology for many years, it is my desire to share this subspecialty with others at UAMS,” Culp said in a news release. “The critical essence of this was the study, discovery, invention and application of these steps to clinical care — caring for the human beings of our community.”

Before joining the UAMS faculty in 2001, Culp practiced in Fort Smith, as well as at the University of Florida in Gainesville, and the University of Nebraska in Omaha. In 2016, Culp became the first person to hold the Jonathan S. Fitch Distinguished Chair in Stroke and Neurocritical Care. He retired from practice in 2021.

“My own research and general academic time were most productive when two days a week or even more were protected and used for research,” Culp said. “By supporting the academic side of a professor’s time and adding recognition to research efforts, I hope my donation enhances the appointed professor’s ability to focus on research and build a bridge to innovation — the key to what I have loved in this specialty.”

Dr. Susan Smyth, executive vice chancellor of UAMS and dean of the College of Medicine, called Culp a “the epitome of a visionary and forward-thinking scientist”. She said his gift will support research in interventional radiology for decades to come.  

Dr. Arabinda Choudhary, chair of the department in the UAMS College of Medicine, shared a similar sentiment.

“We are thankful and grateful for Dr. Culp’s continued devotion to the Department of Radiology,” she said in the release. “This endowed professorship will be instrumental in advancing the department’s research efforts and will help innovate new practices for clinical care.”