October 15, 2015
Hello,
I am getting into the swing of things at UTHealth Medical School. These past few days have been a series of “firsts” for me.
Yesterday, I attended my first annual Ernst Knobil Distinguished Lecture. Our featured speaker, Susan Lindquist, Ph.D., professor of biology at MIT, gave an outstanding talk. She spoke on HSF1: A shocking factor in malignancy. The Knobil lecture series, now in its 14th year, honors former Dean Knobil and brings outstanding scientists to UTHealth.
I also had the pleasure of attending my first UTHealth Development Board meeting, led by Chair Bob Graham. I was delighted to join Dr. Margaret McNeese and five of our students, Eliel Arrey, Alixandra Baycroft, Vikas Gupta, Peter Haddad, and Matthew Whited, who not only represented our school but also had the opportunity to learn about the importance of development. I’m looking forward to getting to know our board members and am grateful for their support for all of our schools.
One topic of discussion at the board meeting was the new advertising campaign for UTHealth. The Many Faces campaign started with billboards to make the connection of our schools and UT Physicians with UTHealth. Phase 2, which will debut later this month, focuses on the people within our institution. The entire UTHealth Medical School community is invited to a special preview of the Many Faces of UTHealth ad campaign at noon, Monday, Oct. 19, in the Leather Lounge. Please join us for an insider’s view on what’s to come, and pizza!
Thank you to those who attended the town hall meeting at McGovern Medical School to discuss the Campus Carry law. More meetings are scheduled, if you would like to weigh in on this important topic.
I was glad to attend a UT Physicians patient experience retreat last week. The retreat highlighted a renewed focus by Andrew Casas and the practice plan to further engagement in this area, which all health care institutions are working to improve. How we care for our patients is a direct reflection of our culture. I know we all share a commitment to create an environment that is not only high quality and safe but also is inviting and caring. This retreat served as the first step on improving the patient experience journey, and the spark has been lit.
I also had my first faculty recruitment dinner this week. I won’t tell you which department was doing the recruiting, but it is wonderful that we have so many talented people who want to join UTHealth.
And finally, congratulations to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center on receipt of the Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Award from UHC. This recognition for quality and patient excellence is a testament to our hospital partner and physicians who work to provide the best care for our patients.
Warm regards,
Barbara
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