Dominican Republic knights Davidson in honor of his achievements

Published on: July 15, 2024 By: Jan Jarvis

Smiling man with gray hair wearing a gray suit, white shirt, and red tie, with a red and silver medal pinned to his lapel. Next to him on a UT Southwestern Medical Center podium is a large certificate. — Jaime Davidson, M.D., Adjunct Professor of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern, receives a rare honor – knighthood – from the Dominican Republic for his achievements in endocrinology.

Jaime Davidson, M.D., an internationally recognized physician and educator, was knighted by the Dominican Republic’s Heraldic Order of Christopher Columbus in honor of his achievements in endocrinology, diabetes, and nutrition.

Dr. Davidson, an Adjunct Professor of Internal Medicine in UT Southwestern’s Touchstone Center for Diabetes Research, expressed gratitude to the Dominican Republic for the distinction and its appreciation of medical education. He also thanked UTSW for affording him an opportunity to teach in other countries. At least yearly, he travels to the Dominican Republic to educate physicians there.

Red and silver medal suspended from a red ribbon on the lapel of a gray suit to the right of a white shirt and red tie.

A closeup shows the intricately detailed medal pinned to Dr. Davidson’s jacket.

“I love what I do,” he said. “UT Southwestern has given me the opportunity to educate people in the United States and around the world.”

The Heraldic Order of Christopher Columbus is bestowed in Latin America and Spain on individuals who have shown exceptional contributions in fields such as science, culture, diplomacy, and academia. Throughout his career, Dr. Davidson has been very influential across South America and the Caribbean.

In March, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic conferred the Heraldic Order in the rank of Knight on Dr. Davidson. Victor Atallah, M.D., the country’s Public Health Minister, and Sherezade Hasbun, M.D., President of the Dominican Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SODENN), presented the achievement, although Dr. Davidson was unable to attend in person.

Because Dr. Davidson could not travel at that time, the Society offered to deliver his award personally. On June 25, a delegation that included Emelin N. Mercedes Guaba, Vice Consul of the Dominican Republic Consulate in Houston; Dolores Mejia, M.D., SODENN Past President; and Rita Desangles, M.D., SODENN Vice President, attended the knighting ceremony/reception at UT Southwestern.

Smiling gray-haired man wearing a gray suit, white shirt, and red tie, with red and silver medal pinned to his lapel, holding a large certificate. He is flanked by a blond man wearing a blue sport jacket and a woman with long dark hair wearing a black dress.

Emelin N. Mercedes Guaba, Vice Consul of the Dominican Republic Consulate in Houston (right), presents Dr. Davidson (center) with a certificate and medal in recognition of his work. By his side is Philipp Scherer, Ph.D., Director of the Touchstone Center for Diabetes Research.

At the event, Dr. Mejía praised Dr. Davidson for enriching the lives of the thousands of physicians he has inspired worldwide.

“We are here to celebrate the magnificent accomplishments of Dr. Davidson, who has left an indelible mark on our community,” Dr. Mejia said. “He has made significant contributions and transformed the field of medicine for more than 50 years.”

During the ceremony, Dr. Davidson recalled a pivotal moment early in his career. In the mid-1970s, while lecturing in San Antonio, he discovered high rates of diabetes complications among Latino patients in the intensive care unit. Motivated to address this issue, he became deeply involved in research and education throughout the Americas.

Dr. Desangles said Dr. Davidson has had a lasting impact on endocrinology that will be felt by physicians and patients for years.

“What we have learned from him is for the benefit of our patients, so there have been hundreds and thousands of beneficiaries,” Dr. Desangles said. “All of us are following in the footsteps of this great teacher.”

Dr. Davidson’s impact at UTSW over the past two decades has been significant, said Philipp E. Scherer, Ph.D., Director of the Touchstone Center and Professor of Internal Medicine and Cell Biology.

Smiling woman wearing a white blouse, in a conference room standing, next to a smiling gray-haired man wearing a gray suit and red tie, seated in a motorized wheelchair.

Dr. Davidson and his wife, Ana, were appreciative of the reception attended by Dominican Republic dignitaries and UTSW executives.

“He is well known for his contributions and service and, most importantly, for his influence in education,” Dr. Scherer said. “Dr. Davidson is one of the most influential endocrinologists in South America and the Caribbean and has served an integral function in the continued teaching of our endocrinologists.”

Born in Costa Rica, Dr. Davidson graduated from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. He completed his internship and an internal medicine residency at Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas, and an endocrinology residency at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Since moving to Dallas in 1974, Dr. Davidson has served in multiple leadership positions to drive change for diabetes care and prevention, including President of the Texas affiliate of the American Diabetes Association, President of the Worldwide Initiative for Diabetes Education, Chair of the Texas Diabetes Council, and a member of the Diabetes Task Force of the National Minority Quality Forum.

“His effort, strength, and commitment give us a bright future,” Dr. Mejia said.