KF Trustee Dr. Ewa Radwanska Honored with the Medal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland

It is with immense pride and joy that we announce that Dr. Ewa Radwanska, M.D., Ph.D., a longtime friend and supporter of the Kosciuszko Foundation and a member of the KF Board of Trustees, was honored with the Medal of the Senate of the Republic of Poland.

The ceremony took place on September 2, 2026 at the Senate of the Republic of Poland in Warsaw.

Ewa Radwanska Senate Medal and KF legacy

This prestigious distinction, awarded by the Polish Senate in recognition of outstanding service to the Polish nation, was presented to Dr. Radwanska by Marshal of the Senate Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska. The ceremony brought together distinguished guests, including Dr. Radwanska’s daughter, Joanna Radwanska-Williams, as well as representatives of the academic and medical communities and the Kosciuszko Foundation, who gathered to celebrate this remarkable achievement. Marek Skulimowski, President of the Kosciuszko Foundation delivered a tribute honoring Dr. Radwanska.

“Today, we honor not only an outstanding scientist, but also someone who has spent decades building bridges between Poland and America. Dear Ewa, although America has been your home for many decades, the Republic of Poland remains your first homeland, a place you have never ceased to serve with your heart, your knowledge, and your time.” — Marek Skulimowski, President and Executive Director of the KF.

A Life Dedicated to Medicine and the Polish Community

Born in Vilnius just before the outbreak of World War II, Dr. Ewa Radwańska has devoted her life and professional career to helping others. Despite the hardships she experienced during the war, she pursued her dream of becoming a physician, studying medicine at the Medical Academy in Warsaw.

Her talent and dedication eventually led her to the United States, where she achieved remarkable success as a pioneer in infertility treatment. During more than 40 years at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, she established one of the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs in the United States, giving countless couples around the world renewed hope of becoming parents.

Her scientific and professional achievements have been recognized with numerous honors, including an honorary doctorate from the Medical University of Warsaw and the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland. Dr. Radwańska is also the author of the autobiography Helping Women and Mother Nature, in which she shares her personal journey and lifelong passion for medicine.

Philanthropist and Mentor

To the Kosciuszko Foundation, Dr. Ewa Radwańska is much more than an outstanding physician. She is our longest-serving Trustee, having been a member of the Board for 30 years. She previously also served as President of the Foundation’s Chicago Chapter.

Throughout her many years of service to the Foundation, Dr. Radwańska has demonstrated that, in addition to her extraordinary contributions to medicine, she is a dedicated fundraiser, a gifted connector of people, and an exceptionally creative mentor to younger generations.

As an active member of the Foundation’s Scholarship Committee, she personally takes part in interviews with scholarship recipients traveling to the United States through the Exchange to the U.S. program. Thanks to her initiative and collaboration with the Polish-American Medical Society in Chicago, two scholarship funds were established to support the education and development of promising young medical researchers.

A Role Model for Generations to Come

The ceremony at the Polish Senate was a deeply moving occasion, allowing Dr. Radwańska to personally accept this extraordinary recognition of her lifelong work and her dedication to serving Poland. Her story is an inspiration to us all, demonstrating how passion, commitment, and love for one’s homeland can transcend borders and build bridges between nations.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Ewa Radwanska on this well-deserved honor! We are immensely proud that you are part of the Kosciuszko Foundation family. Thank you for your many years of dedication and for the extraordinary heart you have devoted to advancing Polish science and culture. Your example continues to inspire generations to come.

Please view the photo gallery from the ceremony below.

Meet the Kosciuszko Foundation Board of Trustees: https://thekf.org/about-us/leadership/

Learn more about Rush University Medical Center: https://www.rush.edu/