McGovern Medical School student hangs upside down from a rope over the lake during an outdoor activity at the Henry W. Strobel Retreat.

Class of 2030 attends 50th Strobel Retreat

The McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston Class of 2030 officially kicked off the 2026-27 school year with the 50th Henry Strobel Retreat July 31 at Camp Boxwoods in Livingston, Texas. The first-year students spent the day competing in outdoor…

Dr. Qingchun Tong poses for a professional headshot in a black suite and black shirt in front of a gray background.

Stress-related brain cells reveal unexpected link to obesity

Stress can influence how much people eat and how their bodies regulate weight, but how the brain connects stress with obesity has remained unclear. However, new research from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston is uncovering part of that connection…

Medical team members in blue scrubs rush a patient on a hospital bed down a hallway while an IV bag hangs beside the bed.

Grants support next generation of emergency care

The Emergency and Trauma Care Education Partnership Program has awarded the Department of Emergency Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston with a pair of grants, supporting its efforts to strengthen the pipeline of physicians trained to provide critical…

Dr. Devin McBride poses for a professional headshot with a black suit, blue shirt, and yellow and blue tie

McBride awarded grant to advance brain aneurysm research

Devin McBride, PhD, associate professor in the Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, has received a 2026 research grant from the Brain Aneurysm Foundation to investigate a potentially devastating complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage…

Dr. Samden Lhatoo poses for a professional headshot in a black suit with white shirt and maroon tie

Samden Lhatoo, MD, named Department of Neurology chair

Following a national search, Samden Lhatoo, MD, is the new chair of the Department of Neurology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, effective Oct. 1, 2026. “This transition represents an important moment for the Department of Neurology,” said LaTanya…

Five medical students wearing helmets and life jackets ride two inflatable towable tubes across a lake during the Henry Strobel Retreat, smiling as a boat pulls them over the water with lakeside cabins and trees in the background.

50 years later, Henry Strobel Retreat continues to build lifelong bonds

Every year, before the first lab or lecture begins, the Henry W. Strobel Retreat brings a new class of medical students together to do something just as important: become a community. On July 31, that tradition reached a milestone as…

A group of medical students gathers with a therapy dog in the McGovern Medical School student commons on the first day of the academic year.

Medical students return to campus

McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston students enjoy their first day of classes for the 2026-27 academic school year on Aug. 3.

A family of four stands at the base of a towering giant sequoia tree in Sequoia National Park, highlighting the immense size of the ancient tree.

In the Moment

Whether it’s standing among towering trees, exploring a new country, spending time fishing, or making music with friends, members of the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston community recharge in unique ways. This week’s photos highlight the experiences that help…

A new generation of scientists took its first steps toward advancing congenital heart disease research this summer as students from across the country explored leading-edge science, engineered living tissues, and gained hands-on laboratory experience through the inaugural Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease Summer Institute. The monthlong program brought together 32 exceptional high school and undergraduate students for an immersive curriculum spanning cardiovascular science, regenerative medicine, and biomedical engineering. The institute was delivered in two phases: a two-week virtual lecture series from June 15-26 that included 27 students, followed by a two-week, hands-on research experience for 13 students from July 1-15 at UTHealth Houston. Participants attended lectures, participated in laboratory workshops, engaged in leading-edge research, and collaborated on team projects under the mentorship of center faculty, trainees, and staff. “It was truly inspiring to see these young scholars immerse themselves in cardiovascular science, 3D bioprinting, and translational research with remarkable enthusiasm and curiosity,” said Vahid Serpooshan, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics and director of the Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease. “Beyond the scientific knowledge they gained, the program fostered critical thinking, teamwork, and lasting mentorships.” This year’s institute finished with a research symposium and poster presentation, where participants showcased the innovative projects they developed during the program. Their presentations reflected not only scientific curiosity and creativity, but also the significant growth they achieved throughout the month. “We are incredibly proud of what this year’s scholars accomplished,” Serpooshan said. “Most importantly, these students will continue their journey with our center as Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease Scholars, remaining engaged with our research and educational activities for years to come. In fact, several have already returned to UTHealth Houston as volunteers and visiting student researchers, underscoring the lasting impact of this program and the vibrant community it continues to build.” The Center for Innovation in Congenital Heart Disease’s inaugural institute came to a close in July, capping a month of scientific exploration, mentorship, and hands-on discovery for participants.

Congenital heart disease institute inspires future innovators

A new generation of scientists took its first steps toward advancing congenital heart disease research this summer as students from across the country explored leading-edge science, engineered living tissues, and gained hands-on laboratory experience through the inaugural Center for Innovation…

Dr. Kevin Schulz stands in front of a pair of Houston emergency vehicles at night

Schulz selected as EMS physician director for the city of Houston

The city of Houston announced today that Kevin Schulz, MD, has been selected as the next EMS physician director, succeeding David Persse, MD, who retired in April after 29 years of service. “I’m honored and privileged that the city of Houston and…

Pages