History of the Department

The Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center stands as one of the most distinguished academic medical departments in the nation, but its origins were far more modest. Established in 1944, the department began with a single full-time faculty member working in a cluster of wooden shacks near a railway overpass in Dallas. Resources were scarce, facilities were rudimentary, and the future was uncertain. Yet from these humble beginnings emerged a department that would become a global leader in medical education, research, and patient care.

Visionary Leadership

Over the decades, the Department has been shaped by visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Each era brought new challenges and opportunities, from the pioneering efforts of Tinsley Harrison, who authored the landmark textbook Principles of Internal Medicine, to the transformative tenure of Donald Seldin, whose bold vision and relentless pursuit of talent turned a struggling program into a world-class academic powerhouse. Under Dr. Seldin’s guidance, the Department cultivated a culture of intellectual rigor and collegiality, attracting brilliant minds and producing groundbreaking discoveries, including the Nobel Prize-winning research of Michael Brown and Joseph Goldstein.

Bulding a Culture of Excellence

Subsequent chairs built upon this foundation, expanding subspecialty programs, launching landmark studies such as the Dallas Heart Study, and strengthening clinical services to match the institution’s scientific prowess. From Dan Foster’s emphasis on resident education and mentorship and Gregory Fitz’s strategic development of cancer and transplant programs, to David Johnson’s focus on translational research and patient-centered care and Thomas Wang’s oversight of one of the most intense periods of growth, each leader left an indelible mark on the Department’s evolution.

Expanding Horizons

Today, the Department of Internal Medicine includes more than 1,000 faculty members in 15 divisions and five centers dedicated to advancing knowledge and improving lives. Its legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and an enduring commitment to excellence, a story that continues under the leadership of Ezra Burstein, who is guiding the Department into a new era of discovery and impact.