Keeping Connections Vibrant and Relevant
As the challenges of the pandemic continued into 2021, UT Southwestern became even more steadfast in efforts to engage and inform the community.
Virtual events and publication of regularly updated COVID-19 forecasting data became critical tools for the public to learn how best to protect themselves from the virus as well as to learn about scientific and medical innovations. In particular, more than 250 presentations were made to civic groups during the year to educate about COVID-19.
Beyond education about the pandemic, the UTSW community got involved in other important topics this past year – including hosting a discussion to encourage more Black men to become doctors and participating in a program that promotes female role models in science. And an innovative and unique partnership arose when UT Southwestern and the Dallas ISD joined forces to launch a biomedical elementary school.
UT Southwestern and the Dallas ISD are partnering to launch a PK-8 biomedical school to inspire future scientists and health care professionals. The transformation school, slated to open next fall, will immerse students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by introducing real-world experiences in biomedical science.
UT Southwestern’s expertise in infectious diseases and data modeling has been put to work for the public good since the start of the pandemic, informing the campus and the broader North Texas community. The data modeling team produces weekly forecasts about the spread of COVID-19, helping citizens, businesses, and government officials prepare for mitigation measures as warranted.
The successful launch of UT Southwestern’s Science Café community engagement series in 2020 gained momentum this past year, growing its audience of virtual viewers. Consumer-friendly topics ranged from the science of food allergies to battling the winter blues and mapping a cure for seizures, totaling 12 events for the year.
The biweekly video web series “What to Know” hosted by John Warner, M.D., Executive Vice President for Health System Affairs, continued to educate campus and community followers on a wide range of medical issues this past year. Initially focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, including a live program on the topic at The Texas Tribune Festival, the series expanded in 2021 to include other topics such as new discoveries about Alzheimer’s disease and innovations in gene editing.
On Feb. 4, UT Southwestern held a virtual panel discussion to address the low number of Black men who pursue careers as physicians and the release of a documentary titled “Black Men in White Coats.” The film was produced by Dale Okorodudu, M.D., Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, who launched an organization of the same name in 2013 to inspire more young Black men to become doctors.
Four female faculty members were featured in an exhibit to encourage girls’ interests in science, technology, engineering, and math careers. The #IfThenSheCan – The Exhibit, which ran through October at NorthPark Center, highlighted 125 female ambassadors in statue form who represented the AAAS IF/THEN Ambassadors Program. IF/THEN is an initiative of Lyda Hill Philanthropies, owned by Ms. Hill, a longtime UTSW donor.
