The Fitz Era (2003–2009)

By 2003, the Department of Internal Medicine had been guided for more than half a century by just two chairs, Drs. Seldin and Foster, whose combined leadership spanned 52 years. When Gregory Fitz arrived from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, he stepped into a department steeped in tradition yet poised for change. Dr. Fitz, an acclaimed hepatologist and Duke Medical School graduate, had started his career at the University of California San Francisco, where he earned a reputation for scientific rigor and visionary leadership.

A Call that Changed Everything

His recruitment began with a phone call from Nobel laureate Michael Brown, who chaired the search committee. Dr. Fitz recalled sitting in his lab, surrounded by 30 inches of Colorado snow, when Dr. Brown’s voice came over the line. “I had always known UT Southwestern by reputation,” Dr. Fitz said, “but I had never imagined leading its largest department.” Intrigued, Dr. Fitz flew to Dallas and was struck by the institution’s unique character: It was a medical school deeply committed to science and anchored by its historic partnership with Parkland Hospital.

Balancing Tradition and Transformation

Dr. Fitz faced a delicate challenge: How to honor UT Southwestern’s legacy of indigent care while expanding clinical programs to meet the demands of a changing healthcare landscape. His vision was clear: Maintain excellence at Parkland while building a robust private referral base and creating new outlets for the Department’s scientific strength. “You need all flavors of opportunity,” he explained, “but also a way to put science into people.”

To achieve this, Dr. Fitz relied on collaboration. He worked closely with Al Gilman, Nobel laureate and champion of basic science, and with clinical leaders like John McConnell to advance initiatives that would reshape UT Southwestern’s clinical footprint. Dr. Fitz also recruited key faculty who would become pillars of research and patient care, people like Philip Scherer and Joel Elmquist, who helped build a powerhouse in metabolic studies alongside established giants like Helen Hobbs and Jay Horton.

Expanding Clinical Horizons

Dr. Fitz also spearheaded efforts in oncology, laying the foundation for UT Southwestern’s NCI-designated cancer center, and expanded solid organ transplantation programs in partnership with surgical colleagues. These moves were bold, signaling a shift toward comprehensive, multidisciplinary care that complemented the institution’s scientific excellence.

After six years as chair, Dr. Fitz was tapped to become dean of the medical school and executive vice president for academic affairs in 2009. Reflecting on his tenure, he said, “I still think the best job I ever had was Chair of Medicine.” His era left the department stronger, more diverse in its clinical offerings, and ready for the next phase of growth.