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Dr. Gurpreet Ahuja Named Inaugural Cheng Family Chair in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
ORANGE, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2026) — Rady Children’s Health Orange County (Rady Children’s), formerly CHOC, announced the establishment of the Cheng Family Chair in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, a transformative investment that will accelerate innovation, research, education and access to world-class pediatric ear, nose and throat (ENT) care. The new endowed chair, funded in perpetuity by the generosity of the Cheng Family Foundation, is the second chair established at Rady Children’s this year and reinforces the organization’s standing as a destination for highly specialized pediatric care.
Gurpreet Singh Ahuja, M.D., F.A.A.P., division chief and medical director of otolaryngology at Rady Children’s, has been installed as the inaugural chairholder. In this role, Dr. Ahuja will lead efforts to expand the division’s clinical programs and treatment pathways, ensuring every child across Southern California and beyond has access to expert ENT care and the latest pediatric surgical interventions.
“This extraordinary endowment by the Cheng Family Foundation provides critical monetary support to help us build upon our clinical excellence by advancing research and facilitating recruitment of faculty to newly developing areas of otolaryngology,” said Dr. Ahuja. “I sincerely hope that the Cheng family’s generosity will inspire others to invest in Rady Children’s Health Orange County and our quest to be a national leader in pediatric healthcare.”
A nationally respected pediatric otolaryngologist with more than 30 years of experience, Dr. Ahuja recently completed a four-year term as Vice President of Surgical Services for the Pediatric Subspecialty Faculty at Rady Children’s—a leading pediatric medical group dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of children—and served on the organization’s board for 14 years. A past president of the medical staff, he currently serves as Chair of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology’s Development Committee. His clinical expertise includes treating complex pediatric airway disorders and performing advanced airway reconstruction.
In addition to his clinical leadership, Dr. Ahuja is Clinical Professor of Otolaryngology at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and is widely recognized for his commitment to education and mentorship. He has received numerous teaching awards from UCI residents, including recognition in 2026. A longtime OC Top Doctor and Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Dr. Ahuja has authored and presented several publications focused on the pathophysiology of airway disorders and improving patient outcomes.
“Dr. Ahuja is one of the most sincere people I’ve ever met, let alone an incredible doctor doing incredible work,” said a member of the Cheng Family Foundation. “Knowing first-hand how life-changing these interventions can be, we wanted to enable Dr. Ahuja and his world-class team to keep up the good work, conduct research, and push the boundaries of what is possible.”
Beyond establishing the endowed chair, the Cheng Family Foundation has been a valued partner of Rady Children’s through its volunteerism and philanthropic support of many initiatives, including art therapy, the Resident Dog Program, The Richard C. and Virginia A. Hunsaker Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Child Life Program, and The Sharon Disney Lund Medical Intelligence, Information, Investigation, and Innovation Institute.
Rady Children’s is deeply grateful to the Cheng family for their leadership, generosity, and steadfast belief in the power of pediatric healthcare innovation. The Cheng Family Chair in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery marks a significant step toward advancing pediatric ENT care, surgical innovation, and medical excellence.
“Through their enduring commitment, the Cheng family gives Rady Children’s a powerful opportunity to improve the lives of countless children across our region—delivering excellence today and transforming care for tomorrow,” said Kim Milstien, Rady Children’s Health regional president, Orange County.
About Rady Children’s Health
Rady Children’s Health (RCH), a premier pediatric healthcare system in Southern California, unites the expertise of Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego.
With three hospitals, a growing network of primary and specialty care centers spanning six counties, and two of the region’s Level 1 pediatric trauma centers, RCH is a trusted partner for families seeking safe, high-quality care. Building on a combined legacy of more than a century of clinical excellence, RCH is dedicated to advancing children’s health through leading-edge research, innovative treatments, and compassionate care. RCH is committed to serving its local communities while providing the benefits of an integrated organization.
About the Cheng Family Foundation
The Cheng Family Foundation strives to make transformative gifts that push the boundaries of healthcare, elevate education for all, and safeguard the well-being of children.
