Type of Art
Photograph
Preview
Description
Plaque adjacent to the photgraph reads:
Mervin Lee Trail, M.D.
December 2, 1933 – January 3, 2001
One of Louisiana’s foremost head and neck surgeons. Dr. Merv Trail was appointed Chancellor of the LSU Health Sciences Center on December 9, 1994. Six months after he assumed duties as the Acting Chancellor. Dr. Trail was named Senior Vice President and CEO of the LSU Health Sciences Center August 18, 2000.
Born in Cumberland, Maryland, Dr. Trail earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and completed a residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at John Hopkins. A board certified ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr. Trail was recruited by the LSU School of Medicine in 1968 where he initiated an educational process for the residency program in his specialty. Dr. Trail devoted his professional life to the LSU Health Sciences Center where he headed various academic and clinical programs including the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. He founded the Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center and was its first director.
Dr. Trail was the Chief Executive Officer of a statewide comprehensive public health care education and delivery system—arguably the largest academic health center in the U.S.—comprising six professional schools and ten hospitals. With approximately 3,000 students and more than a thousand residents and fellows enrolled in its programs, Dr. Trail governed a system that educates about 70% of the health professionals practicing in Louisiana. Under his leadership, the Center grew into the one of the states most powerful economic engines. Generating nearly 25,000 jobs and an annual economic impact of about $3 billion.
Dr. Trail’s talents were also in great demand by civic and community groups. No one individual contributed more to the prosperity of New Orleans through sports, special events and the building of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Although repeatedly honored by National, local and regional professional and civic organizations, Dr. Trail’s greatest pride was in his students and faculty and their accomplishments.
Biographical Information
Head of Otorhinolaryngology, 1993-1994; Chancellor 1994-2000
Size
36 1/4" x 32 1/2"
Physical Location
CSRB 1st floor Lobby
Date at Location
2-7-2025