Lee Nauss, M.D. and Maria Rosenau met as students at the Allen Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, where they both graduated in 1956. Lee later became the school’s first male graduate, completing the Nurse Anesthesia program in 1958.

After beginning his career in anesthesia in Alaska, Lee pursued his medical degree, earning his M.D. from the University of Arkansas in 1971. He completed postgraduate training in anesthesia and joined Mayo Clinic in Rochester in 1973, where he spent the remainder of his career. At Mayo, Dr. Nauss helped establish what became the Pain Clinic at Methodist Hospital and was recognized with multiple Teacher of the Year Awards for his dedication to educating anesthesiology residents. A gifted clinician and storyteller, he was known for his humility, generosity and commitment to patient care and medical education.

Maria passed away in 2006. In 2009, Lee married Geri, who remains his partner today. Their meeting was a fitting connection to Lee and Maria’s shared love of Alaska—they were introduced by friends with whom Lee and Maria had once shared a cabin near Denali. Lee and Geri continue to reside in Rochester. Throughout his life, Dr. Nauss has exemplified the lasting impact of an Allen education through a career dedicated to healthcare, medical education and service.