Strengthening a sense of community
A joyous return of more live events in 2023 engaged the community as we moved beyond COVID-19. People were eager to learn how UT Southwestern could help them achieve their full potential in a healthier way.
Carnaval de Salud, an annual community health fair organized by UT Southwestern medical students for nearly two decades, returned to Thomas J. Rusk Middle School for the first time since 2019 and received a heartwarming response, while a new program on weight wellness brought out hundreds seeking answers. Outreach also came in the form of patient resources, such as growth of a support group for young cancer patients and a personal touch from a postdoctoral researcher who knows firsthand how to navigate liver transplants.
Health fair reunites Dallas community
UT Southwestern medical students, faculty, and volunteers welcomed the return in April of Carnaval de Salud, a free community health fair held at Thomas J. Rusk Middle School in Dallas dating back to 2004 that had been paused since 2019. More than 500 volunteers provided free health screenings, medical information, and interactive educational activities for kids of all ages.
Supporting young cancer patients
A support group for young adult cancer patients at the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center has grown exponentially, offering access to valuable resources for families during a challenging time. The 9474 Foundation has stepped in to provide generous additional funding for this program.
Volunteers reconnect over lunch
UTSW volunteers reunited in April for the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, an event that had been scaled back or canceled the past few years. “It’s so nice to be able to rub elbows again,” said the Rev. John O’Neal, Director of Spiritual Care and Support and Volunteer Services. About 50 volunteers exchanged heartwarming stories of their service at the event and received awards for milestones of up to 3,500 hours of volunteer service.
Leaders in neurological surgery
UT Southwestern hosted The Society of Neurological Surgeons 2023 Annual Meeting for the first time in May, bringing the top neurosurgeons from around the world to Dallas to talk about innovations in the field. Entrepreneur Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, sat down for a fireside chat at the event with UTSW Chair of Neurological Surgery Nader Pouratian, M.D., Ph.D., and Jonathan White, M.D., Professor of Neurological Surgery, to discuss the pharmaceutical industry and creating an equitable future for health care.
A doctor who can relate
The health challenges that postdoctoral researcher Ahmad Anouti, M.D., faced growing up led him to become a specialist and advocate for liver transplantation. He endured dozens of medical procedures and numerous setbacks before a liver transplant at age 17 saved his life. Today, he is a postdoctoral fellow at UT Southwestern with a passion to become a transplant hepatologist, helping others facing similar liver disease issues.
Helping people get healthy
On Oct. 14, UTSW hosted Weight Wellness Day, a free community event featuring the latest information on medications to aid weight loss, healthy cooking demonstrations, and an overview of obesity care advances. The afternoon featured an obesity boot camp for health care professionals that was also open to the public. The event was sponsored by the UTSW Nutrition and Obesity Research Center (NORC) − one of only 11 such centers in the nation.
Connecting with our employees
Numerous campus and community events in 2023 honored employee service, cultural diversity, and commitment to charitable causes. Below are highlights from a few of the many events that fostered employee engagement and community.
Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall challenged the audience to follow the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s example in responding to this era’s tumultuous events with courage and character in an uplifting presentation.
Marissa Solis, an NFL marketing executive, shared her insights and inspiration as a high-profile working mother in the traditionally male-dominated field of professional sports.
On May 24, an event on South Campus celebrated Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to honor those of this nationality. The keynote speaker shared how she uses the five G’s – genuine, grit, grace, gratitude and gravitas – to achieve success despite cultural clashes.
In June, UTSW community members demonstrated their support for the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month. Among campus activities were a Pride Month Signature Event and a Pride Brunch.
More than 80 UT Southwestern employees were honored in June in recognition of exceptional career longevity as part of a campuswide Employee Recognition Week celebration. Watch the archived Quarter Century Club event and a special celebratory video on some of the honorees.
Thousands of UTSW employees, friends, and family members turned out Sept. 23 for the 2023 Dallas Heart Walk. The event drew more than 2,700 registered walkers and 198 teams from UTSW, raising over $39,000 for the American Heart Association.
Hispanic-Latino food, music, discussion, and art were part of a celebration in October as the UT Southwestern community gathered for National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Five UTSW physicians performed in local concerts for World Doctors Orchestra in October. The orchestra is a nonprofit organization that brings together physicians from around the globe to present concerts for charitable causes. Also check out a Center Times Plus photo gallery from the local concerts.
In October, UT Southwestern honored veterans and active-duty service members at its ninth annual Tribute to Veterans celebration. UTSW is home to nearly 800 community members who identify as veterans.
A Look Back at the Year in Pictures
Enjoy images capturing the heart and soul of UT Southwestern over the past 12 months. None of what we have achieved is possible without the loyalty and dedication of our staff, faculty, and students. Thank you.
