Strengthening a sense of community
The past two years have been tough. The turmoil of the pandemic, political and racial unrest, and economic challenges gave all of us reason to reevaluate values such as freedom, diversity and inclusion, excellence, and compassion.
Never has the University’s commitment to those beliefs been stronger, intertwined with efforts to engage and inform the community. This past year, for example, the Medical Center partnered with the Dallas Independent School District to open a unique biomedical elementary school, informed the public about breakthrough research through its popular Science Café series, and launched a patient-care app to simplify communications with patients in the communities we serve.
On campus, the Medical Center debuted a multimedia display to honor trailblazing UT Southwestern women and selected Shawna Nesbitt, M.D., as inaugural Vice President and Chief Institutional Opportunity Officer, to lead diversity and equity initiatives.
Educating the youngest
The new Biomedical Preparatory at UT Southwestern school opened in the fall, focused on STEM-based education as part of a unique collaboration between UTSW and the Dallas Independent School District. With an inaugural class of 127 students in prekindergarten through first grade, the school inspires youngsters to think like scientists from an early age.
HealthFest showcases RedBird
Southwestern Dallas county residents, business owners, and regional leaders gathered in September to celebrate the opening of UT Southwestern Medical Center at RedBird, the largest of UTSW’s regional campuses and the first to bring academic medicine to this region.
Connecting to care in a new way
Early in the year, UT Southwestern launched a patient-care app that streamlines communication. In addition to offering a simple digital care experience that helps patients easily manage their health and stay connected with their providers, the UTSWMyCare app features an on-campus navigation tool, embedded video-visit functionality, and the full MyChart experience.
Honoring trailblazing UTSW women
In July, a multimedia display that highlights the accomplishments of pioneering women called Celebrating Breakthroughs Together debuted at UT Southwestern. The display on South Campus includes a wall of photos and a video timeline with an accompanying online component. The goal is to inspire females of all ages to pursue careers in STEMM fields.
Science Café connects the community
UT Southwestern’s Science Café continued program and audience growth this year, with 15 episodes, 23 faculty presenters, and one special guest, Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, who shared her personal story with colon cancer. Programs ranged from Gulf War Illness and clinical trial eligibility to minority cancer awareness and musculoskeletal, brain, and heart topics. Check out all the recorded Science Cafés.
Growing employee connections
Campus events in 2022 honored employee service, diversity, and inclusion. Below are highlights from a few of many events that fostered employee engagement and community.
One hundred 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.
In June, UTSW community members demonstrated their support for the LGBTQ community during Pride Month. Among campus activities were a Pride Month Signature Celebration and a Pride Brunch.
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.
On May 23, a hybrid event on South Campus celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to honor those in the Asian-Pacific Islander community who have risen above challenges throughout history.
