More than 120 students from the UT Southwestern School of Health Professions celebrated graduation in December. The following degrees were awarded: Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Clinical Research, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Clinical Nutrition, Master of Physician Assistant Studies, and Master of Prosthetics-Orthotics. In addition, seven students obtained their Master of Science in Health Informatics – four awarded by the School of Health Professions and three by the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, where the program moved in August 2025.

Jonathan Efron, M.D., Executive Vice President for Health System Affairs, gave the commencement address, inspiring the graduates to make an impact as health care professionals. These future leaders now begin a new chapter of growth and community impact, launching careers as physician assistants, physical therapists, prosthetists/orthotists, independent clinician investigators, and other allied health professionals.

UTSW’s School of Health Professions – founded in 1969 as the School of Allied Health Professions – emerged during a period of rapid medical advancement and rising demand for talented clinical professionals. In September 1970, the school welcomed its first 57 students, and today it offers a wide range of innovative programs, supported by more than 60 full-time faculty and hundreds of adjunct instructors and clinical preceptors across the DFW metroplex.

Over the past five decades, thousands of graduates have delivered advanced clinical counseling, restorative movement and rehabilitation expertise, healthy eating guidance, and precision design and fabrication skills, becoming leaders in their fields and making a meaningful contribution to their communities.