UTMBPresident

I recently joined @BeckersHR for a conversation about the journey that brought me from Germany to academic medicine in the United States and ultimately to @utmbhealth. We talked about the importance of human connection in healthcare, maintaining physical and emotional well-being, staying disciplined, and the people and experiences that continue to shape my perspective today. I appreciated the opportunity to reflect on both the personal and professional moments that have influenced my path. Take a listen.

In less than a month, leaders from across health care, neuroscience, business and policy will come together in Houston for the Texas Brain Economy Summit. I’m looking forward to joining fellow speakers from @UTMBHealth and organizations across the country for important conversations about how brain health shapes the future of our communities, workforce and economy. I’m proud that UTMB Health alongside Center for Houston’s Future (@FutureHouston) and Project Metis, is helping bring this event to life. I hope you’ll join us June 9–10 at Helix Park as we learn from one another, share ideas and continue building momentum around brain health and economic resilience. Grab your seat, registration is open. utmb.us/fky

@utmb_jssom Such an important cause. Great work! 👏

It was more than just a walk. It was awareness. It was prevention in real time, Galveston’s Steps Against Melanoma Walk. Our students came together with melanoma survivors, families, and local supporters, engaging directly with patients beyond a clinical setting. #UTMB #MedEd

Congratulations to the incoming School of Nursing @utmbson students who participated in yesterday’s White Coat Ceremony, marking the beginning of an exciting journey into nursing. We hope you are inspired by your coursework, faculty and fellow classmates as you begin this new chapter. We look forward to the impact you will make in health care and in the lives of others.

Tonight, during the Jennie Sealy Hospital 10-year anniversary celebration, I looked across a lobby filled with employees from across @UTMBHealth gathered together to celebrate this important milestone. As we reflected on the past decade through stories, memories, music and laughter, I was inspired not only by how far Jennie Sealy Hospital has come, but by the future ahead for UTMB. Hearing stories of perseverance, compassion and dedication from employees across the institution was a powerful reminder of what makes this health system so special. It is an honor to help lead an institution that is so essential to Southeast Texas and built by people who show up every day with purpose, compassion and commitment to others. Thank you to the teams across UTMB whose hard work continues to shape the future of health care for the patients and communities we serve.

During Health System and Nurses Week, I want to thank the extraordinary teams across @utmbhealth who make a difference every day. Whether your role is in patient care, education, research, operations, administration, or support services, each of you play an important role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care to our communities. Your professionalism, expertise, and compassion continue to make UTMB Health a true reflection of where purpose meets passion.

During National Nurses Week, The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) is announcing a $4 million gift from the Sealy & Smith Foundation to launch the ISLAND (Integrating Student Living to Advance Nursing Development) Promise. This transformational initiative will provide tuition assistance, housing support, and a direct pathway to employment at @utmbhealth for selected UTMB School of Nursing in Galveston (@utmbson) students, helping remove financial barriers while strengthening the future nursing workforce. The ISLAND Promise reflects a shared commitment to investing in nurses at every stage while addressing critical workforce needs in healthcare. It also serves as a powerful reminder that honoring nurses means investing in their future. Thank you to the Sealy & Smith Foundation for its enduring commitment to nursing excellence at UTMB, and to our nurses, whose compassion, expertise, and dedication make a difference every day. Read more: utmb.us/fu9 #WherePurposeMeetsPassion

This morning, teams at our Clear Lake and League City hospitals were jumping for joy for good reason. Both hospitals earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The @LeapfrogGroup in its spring 2026 ratings. Today, leadership visited departments from the NICU to the ICU to personally thank employees for their dedication to patient safety and high quality care. Thank you to every nurse, physician, employee and leader at our League City and Clear Lake campuses whose commitment to patient safety continues to shape the way we care for our patients and one another at @utmbhealth. This achievement reflects the dedication and teamwork happening across our hospitals every day. Patient safety remains at the heart of everything we do at UTMB! See more: utmb.us/fu3

The inaugural European Brain Economy (@EU_Brain) in Brussels is off to a strong start! 

I shared how @utmbhealth is advancing brain health through our Brain Health Initiative, including @BlueZones and Project Metis, and the impact of Texas’ multi-billion-dollar DPRIT investment.

As AI continues to reshape industries and the workforce, the future of economic growth is becoming increasingly tied to brain health, human potential and brain capital. I’m looking forward to joining global leaders at the Texas Brain Economy Summit, hosted by UTMB (@utmbhealth), Center for Houston's Future (@FutureHouston) and Project Metis. 📅 June 9–10, 2026 📍 Helix Park The Summit will bring together leaders across academia, industry, investment and government — including collaborators from the World Economic Forum (@wef) and U.S. Chamber of Commerce (@USChamber) — to explore how brain capital is shaping innovation, workforce transformation and long-term economic resilience in the age of AI. I’m also proud to join my colleagues from UTMB, including Drs. Alan Landay, Vineet Gupta (@Gupta_Vineet), Giulio Taglialatela and Harris Eyre (@HarrisAEyre), as we contribute to conversations focused on the future of brain health and economic resilience. Register today: utmb.us/fky

Encouraged to see @utmbhealth recognized through the @CIOCHIME Most Wired® Program, a reflection of our vision to build a technologically advanced academic health system that embraces innovation at every level of care and operations. At UTMB, we are continuing to advance digital and innovative technologies across our processes to strengthen interoperability, enhance the patient experience, support our clinical teams and drive operational excellence throughout our health system. This recognition reinforces our commitment to shaping the future of health care through smart, connected and forward-thinking technology. Read more: utmb.us/ft1

I’m pleased to announce Jayson Laban as Vice President and Chief Information Officer for UTMB. Since serving as interim CIO beginning in 2026, Jayson has provided strong leadership during a transformative time for our institution. With more than 26 years of experience in healthcare IT and innovation strategy, I look forward to the vision he will bring as we continue advancing technology in support of patient care, education and research. Read more here: utmb.us/ft2

I’m headed to Brussels for the first European Brain Economy Summit (@eu_brain), where global leaders will gather to explore how brain health and human potential are shaping the future of economic growth. I’m honored to be presenting alongside policymakers, strategists, scientists and industry leaders committed to advancing a brain-positive transition in the age of AI. During the Summit, I’ll present The Brain Positive Cities: Building Houston’s Brain Economy Lighthouse, highlighting how @UTMBHealth and its collaborators are helping drive brain health innovation with impact that reaches far beyond Houston. I look forward to the conversations ahead and the opportunity to collaborate with leaders from around the world who are working to shape a healthier future for generations to come. Learn more about the event: utmb.us/fsd

Proud to see Dr. Peter McCaffrey, VP & Chief Digital Officer, representing UTMB at the @ScottsdaleInst Annual Conference, where healthcare leaders are tackling AI’s most urgent opportunities and challenges. His session, “Build Your First AI Agent,” alongside Nishith Khandwala of @joinBunkerhill, reflects exactly where the field is headed, moving beyond theory to real, scalable solutions. At UTMB, Peter is playing a leading role in integrating AI across our academic health system—from clinical care to operations—and he’s become a sought-after voice nationally because of it. We’re proud of the work he’s leading to ensure AI is implemented responsibly, thoughtfully, and in ways that truly improve care for the patients and communities we serve.

Throughout April, Wellness Wednesday, sponsored by the Academic Enterprise Office of Wellness, brought employees together each each week to encourage movement, connection and community across the Galveston Campus.   The initiative created opportunities for employees to step away from their desks, get active and connect with colleagues in a meaningful way. Today’s session included special guest Dr. Susan Chubinskaya, senior vice president, provost and chief academic officer, and an avid walker, who joined participants and shared insights on the importance of staying active. Tyler Morrison and Cade Sattelmaier, exercise physiologists with UTMB Rehabilitation Services, also joined the session to lead a warm-up and share guidance on fitness and overall wellness.   Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make Wellness Wednesday a positive experience throughout the month.

@utmbson We are so proud the 2026 @utmbson graduates ! 👏

The celebration may be over, but the feeling is still here. From the first step across the stage to the celebrations that followed, this reel captures just a glimpse of what made commencement unforgettable for the Class of 2026. Congratulations again, graduates!

@utmbson Congrats Dr. Rabe!

Congratulations to Dr. Cora Rabe, Nurse Anesthesia Program Director and Associate Professor in the UTMB School of Nursing, on being selected as a 2026 Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA)!

Grateful to @BeckersHR for highlighting @utmbhealth's bold commitment to the brain economy. As health care and AI continue to converge, investing in brain health, brain skills, and human potential is essential to the future of medicine, our workforce, and the communities we serve. Proud of the visionary work happening across UTMB. beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-manag…

At @utmbhealth, we’re continuing to explore innovative ways to support our clinicians and staff while protecting the integrity of sensitive data. Our new HIPAA-compliant AI-powered web search tool allows teams to securely access real-time information — from clinical guidelines to FDA safety communications — without leaving protected enterprise workflows. By reducing the need to move across multiple platforms, this technology helps streamline decision-making and better support the important work happening across our health system every day. Learn more: utmb.us/fqj