This award honors clinical faculty whose dedication to the compassionate, respectful delivery of exceptional patient care has garnered the highest degree of patient trust and satisfaction.

Yu-Guang He, M.D.

James F. Thornton, M.D.

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Yu-Guang He, M.D.

Professor of Ophthalmology

Dr. Yu-Guang He once imagined a future in transplant surgery. But a series of unexpected turns in 1980s China led him to ophthalmology, where he discovered a calling.

After he completed medical school there, the government informed him that because of a shortage of ophthalmologists in the country, he would specialize in ophthalmology.

It turned out to be a brilliant match.

“I love the active, problem-solving aspects of ophthalmology,” Dr. He said. “I can see what’s causing my patients’ vision problems and put together a customized treatment plan for them. There’s been incredible progress from just 20 years ago, and I look forward to helping many more patients get through acute and chronic retinal problems.”

Since joining the UT Southwestern faculty in 2001, he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving retinal specialist still practicing at UT Southwestern.

His interactions with patients are marked by an extraordinary level of personalization and sincerity, reflecting a profound dedication to understanding the unique needs, concerns, and life circumstances of every individual he treats. Patients leave feeling better, knowing their concerns were heard.

Feedback continuously highlights his compassionate and exceptional care, with patients frequently commending his thorough explanations, empathetic communication, and sincere concern for their well-being, resulting in improved vision and quality of life for many.

“Dr. He is never rushed, encourages questions, and tries to make sure you and your caretaker understand,” wrote one patient, who is also a colleague. “He wants you to believe that you are very much a participant in your care and is always very gentle and approachable. You know that he genuinely cares about you as his patient.”

His innovative approach to treating age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy contributed to the development of the “myVisionTrack” application, a tool for early diagnosis and continuous monitoring. This innovation has significantly enhanced patient care and management, allowing for timely interventions that improve patient outcomes.

For the past decade, Dr. He has also been providing outstanding care to the most vulnerable babies by performing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) eye exams with cutting-edge therapies, laser treatments, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medicines, as well as updating families in the kindest ways.

“Dr. He makes time for Texas Health Dallas babies every Saturday, and each and every family comments on his amazing bedside manner when dealing with sick newborns. He makes them all feel like VIPs,” wrote another nominator.

“I experienced his care for one of my own family members, and it was impeccable and made my family feel safe,” continued his nominator. “He is the North Star for clinical compassion and care.”

Beyond the clinical setting, Dr. He’s caring demeanor and exemplary professionalism serve as powerful sources of inspiration and motivation to his colleagues, peers, and the broader medical community, continually fostering collaboration. His research on age-related macular degeneration, related geographic atrophy, and choroid neovascular membrane has advanced the field of ophthalmology, benefiting patients and clinicians alike.

As an educator and mentor, he has been generous in sharing his expertise with colleagues and trainees. Over the years at UT Southwestern, he has trained hundreds of ophthalmology residents and more than 40 retinal specialists.

He previously served as the Director of the Vitreoretinal Fellowship Program, where he mentored fellows and residents, imparting his extensive knowledge and experience. His commitment to improving standards of patient care is evident in his active participation in professional societies, role in organizing and presenting at national and international conferences, and involvement in clinical trials.

Dr. He earned his M.D. at Tongi Medical University in Wuhan, China, and completed his residency at UT Southwestern. He received fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.

In his words: “I remember when I was admitted to medical school, my father gave me one piece of advice: ‘Treat every patient the way you would want your own family to be treated.’ This advice has become a guiding philosophy for my practice. It means listening not just to their symptoms, but to their stories. It means taking the time to truly see them as people, not just as a diagnosis. This approach is what brings joy to my work and makes me excited to come to the clinic every day. This recognition affirms that this simple mindset has made a difference, and for that I am profoundly grateful. The greatest honor a physician can receive is a patient’s trust and confidence. This award is a testament to that sacred bond. It tells me that the compassion and care I try to bring to my practice every day are being felt by those I serve, and that means everything to me. This award is a shared one. It belongs to every patient who has trusted me and every family that has shared their journey with me. I want to thank them for allowing me to be a part of their lives. It is my privilege and my passion to care for them.”

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James F. Thornton, M.D.

Director of Facial Reconstruction
Professor of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgeons are often admired for their transformative skills – sometimes even likened to magicians. Rather than illusion, Dr. James Thornton’s work is grounded in deep expertise, compassion, and a true devotion to those in his care. His approach goes far beyond aesthetics; it’s about restoring confidence, dignity, and quality of life. With every procedure, he brings surgical precision and a deep sensitivity to the emotional and physical journey of each patient, making him a trusted healer and a true leader in his field.

Dr. Thornton’s practice focuses on the care of patients who have undergone skin cancer removal or have had traumatic injuries and are sent for reconstruction, primarily of the face. Most of these patients have newly created defects on their faces when they arrive to see him in UT Southwestern’s Outpatient Surgery Center. Many are not only struggling with the reality of a new cancer diagnosis but also coping with portions of their face being lost during the cancer treatment or trauma injury.

He carefully examines his patients, determining the best course of reconstruction while calming and reassuring them of a positive outcome. He shows tremendous patience and kindness toward his patients and their families, helping them understand what has been done, why a procedure was necessary, and what will come next.

“Dr. Thornton was friendly, comforting, and professional, and he answered all my questions and provided a thorough understanding of what the procedure entailed,” wrote one of his patients. “He made me feel very comfortable and secure in the knowledge he was the correct surgeon for my issue.”

The complexity of the cases Dr. Thornton takes on has increased over the past several years, including many patients suffering devastating losses from skin cancer, dog bites, poor healing following elective surgery elsewhere across the nation, and other causes. But despite these life-changing injuries, Dr. Thornton offers hope and encouragement, assuring his patients that things will improve.

“Dr. Thornton is absolutely amazing,” wrote another patient. “I had the Mohs surgery done on the tip of my nose, which left a nickel-sized hole in it. He did the nasal flap surgery, and it’s healing beautifully. I highly recommend him to do his magic!”

The nature of Dr. Thornton’s practice also lends itself to an elderly population that at times can be nervous and sometimes not quite prepared for the magnitude of the treatment involved. His patience and thoroughness are frequently recognized by his patients and their families.

“My father is 85, and we saw Dr. Thornton to close up an area where a melanoma was removed from my father’s face,” wrote another patient’s family member. “Dr. Thornton explained everything about the procedure and aftercare thoroughly and answered our questions and addressed our concerns. He took time to get to know what would make things easier for my father during and after the surgery. Overall, our experience was excellent.”

Following the procedures, Dr. Thornton guides his patients through the recovery period, making sure they have the ideal result, with well healed and concealed scars. And while clearly his technical abilities shine for these patients, it is his bedside manner that helps them the most during the acute recovery period.

“Dr. Thornton is a compassionate physician who not only possesses the technical expertise to reconstruct affected body parts but also the patience and compassion to support patients through challenging times,” wrote his nominator. “As a true innovator and clinical educator, he is continually seeking new and improved methods to achieve his patients’ goals, while at the same time, he is educating our young trainees on complex facial reconstruction, tissue handling, and wound care management.”

Dr. Thornton received his medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School, where he also completed a five-year residency in general surgery. He then accepted a fellowship with a specialty in plastic and reconstructive surgery under the guidance of John Bostwick, M.D., at Emory University in Atlanta.

A retired Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Dr. Thornton served for 25 years in both active and reserve duty as a squadron flight surgeon.

In his words: “The majority of my patients come to me with disfiguring facial deformities – whether from birth defects, cancer resections, dog bites, or personal assault. Many have already undergone multiple unsuccessful surgical attempts, often over years. Their desire is simple yet profound: to regain a normal appearance. Some travel across the country to seek care, committing to a series of three to seven surgeries spread over two to five months. Frequently, they relocate to Dallas during this time. These months are filled with clinic visits, operations, and sometimes hyperbaric oxygen treatments. Throughout this process, I remain deeply involved in both their medical care and their daily lives. Because of this extended, shared journey, we have ample opportunity to talk – about their families, children, hobbies, and what life in Dallas is like. With time and persistence, we steadily move toward the goal of restoring not only appearance, but also confidence and a sense of normalcy. In an era when medicine can feel increasingly impersonal and transactional, I find great meaning in the opposite: offering patients the chance at renewal through personal connection, time, and the work of my hands. The gratitude I feel for being able to share in such profoundly positive transformations is immense and irreplaceable.”