A Message From the President

When I joined the faculty of what is now our McGovern Medical School in 1995 as an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics, I never imagined the opportunities that awaited me here at UTHealth Houston. At that time, I expected my career to be spent primarily as an educator training future generations of health providers, as a clinician seeing patients in the clinic and hospital, and as an investigator researching treatments for pulmonary disorders. What has unfolded over these past 29 years has been the honor—and the adventure—of a lifetime. 

I will admit that I stepped into my subsequent roles as Chair, Dean and now President with some hesitation. There is simply no training to truly prepare us for these positions. But I have been fortunate to work with and learn from this amazing community—the “many faces of UTHealth Houston”—and you have guided me both professionally and personally throughout my tenure. The passion of our students, the brilliance of our faculty members, the unwavering commitment of our staff, the vision and generosity of our Development Board, and the steadfast support of our Regents and colleagues across The University of Texas System—you have all served as my mentors and partners in furthering the mission areas of this university, and I am so proud of what we have collectively accomplished. 

It is therefore with an overwhelming sense of gratitude that I am announcing my intention to step down as President of UTHealth Houston. It has been a privilege to work alongside each of you for these past 12 years as our university has grown by every possible measure. Together we have weathered storms both literal and figurative, and I am proud to say that today UTHealth Houston is home to unparalleled talents spanning the spectrum of health care—a testament to the exceptional community and collaborative culture we have built. 

I will continue to serve as President while a search is conducted for my successor, and my door remains open for any questions you may have during this transition. For now, let me thank you for sharing your support, your expertise, your tenacity, and your compassion with me and with this community. I am confident that the great days for UTHealth Houston are just beginning, and I look forward to celebrating our future accomplishments together.