Dr. Charles Sprague is a person whose legacy will forever be etched in the history of UT Southwestern and Southwestern Medical Foundation. Now, his famous white coat is on display in the college which bears his name. Not only did Dr. Sprague help shape the hearts and minds of aspiring physicians, but also helped shape the medical landscape in Dallas, the surrounding region, and beyond.
A Dallas Son Returns Home
Dr. Sprague was raised in Dallas and attended Southern Methodist University for his undergraduate degree. After earning his medical degree from UT Medical Branch in Galveston, Dr. Sprague also served in the Navy during World War II. Furthermore, he trained in internal medicine and hematology at Tulane University, Washington University, and Oxford. Eventually, he would go on to serve as the dean of Tulane School of Medicine.
However, it wasn’t long before Dr. Sprague set his sights on home and returned to Dallas. In 1967, he became Dean of what was then called The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. In 1972, Dr. Sprague became the institution’s first President.
Transforming the Medical Landscape of Dallas
When Dr. Sprague arrived on campus, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School had only three buildings. After 19 years of leadership, he transformed UT Southwestern into an internationally recognized research and academic medical center. The institution boasted three schools: a medical school, a biomedical graduate school, and an allied health school. Seven new buildings were constructed during his tenure, two Nobel Prizes were awarded to UTSW researchers, and countless doctors were trained to go out into the world and practice medicine at the highest level.
To honor his many contributions, three academic chairs, a building, and Southwestern Medical Foundation’s highest community service award, The Sprague Award, all bear his name.
Dr. Charles Sprague
White Coat Dedication Ceremony Photo Gallery
“I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Sprague. Like many, I was captivated by his infectious smile.”
Dr. William Turner
Master of Sprague College at UT Southwestern
The White Coat of Dr. Charles Sprague
Dr. Charles Sprague inspired many, from first-year medical students to Dallas’s most notable philanthropists. His smile and charisma were unmistakable and caught the attention of a young Dr. William Turner, who came to UT Southwestern for postgraduate training after graduating from Tulane. Dr. Sprague’s ability to connect with anyone – and remember their names – left a lasting impression on the surgical resident. “I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Sprague. Like many, I was captivated by his infectious smile,” recalled Dr. Turner.
In 2022, Kathleen Gibson, past President and CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation, invited Dr. Turner to a meeting at the Foundation offices. “Kathleen handed to me one of Dr. Sprague’s white coats with the suggestion that I should find something to do with it,” Dr. Turner said.
“Dr. Sprague’s white coat serves as a powerful symbol of his dedication to medicine and his commitment to educating future generations of physicians at UT Southwestern Medical Center.”
Michael McMahan
President & CEO, Southwestern Medical Foundation
Dr. Turner was the obvious choice to find a home for the white coat. As a former surgical resident under the leadership of Dr. Sprague, who would go on to become the Master of Sprague College at UT Southwestern, it was almost destiny. Now, Dr. Sprague’s white coat, along with his story, will continue to live on and inspire future generations of medical students.
“Dr. Sprague’s white coat serves as a powerful symbol of his dedication to medicine and his commitment to educating future generations of physicians at UT Southwestern Medical Center,” said Michael McMahan, President & CEO of Southwestern Medical Foundation. “Its display at Sprague College is a fitting tribute to his legacy and a source of inspiration for all who aspire to follow in his footsteps.”
