Perspectives

Southwestern Medical Foundation is dedicated to engaging the public in important conversations about progress in medicine. Perspectives is a medical blog featuring inspiring stories of research, philanthropy, medicine, and more.

Community

Civic Leadership and the Future of America with Shilo Brooks

Civic Leadership and the Future of America with Shilo Brooks

Shilo Brooks, President & CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, reflects on America’s 250th anniversary as an opportunity to renew civic leadership, strengthen civil discourse, and invest in trusted institutions. In this Learning From Leaders conversation, Brooks explores why curiosity, humility, philanthropy, and local community life are essential to the future of self-government — and to building stronger, healthier communities.
Launching Innovation

Building a World-Class Biotech Ecosystem in Dallas-Fort Worth

What does it really take to build a biotech ecosystem in Dallas-Fort Worth? Gabby Everett, Ph.D. of BioLabs Pegasus Park shares how shared infrastructure, partnerships, and community help startups move from idea to impact.
Community

Inside the Mavericks’ Future: Rick Welts Talks Basketball, Culture, and a New Arena District at Learning From Leaders

A live Learning from Leaders podcast event featuring a conversation with Dallas Mavericks CEO, Rick Welts. This event was hosted in collaboration with George W. Bush Presidential Center’s Young Professionals Group on the Old Parkland campus.
Leading Cancer Care

Breast Cancer Immunotherapy & Early-Onset Colon Cancer Prevention: Research and Optimism on Two Prevalent Forms of Cancer

Two physician-scientists at UT Southwestern are tackling urgent cancer questions: why colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults, and how immunotherapy is reshaping breast cancer outcomes.

Explore Areas of Focus

arrow Launching Innovation
From the Human Genome Project to CRISPR Cas-9, let's look at how we got here and what the future may hold
head line image Advancing Brain Treatment
Take a look at the leading edge of treatment and cures for brain disease
circle with a cross in the middle Advancing Public Health
Let's explore the impact of a community investing in its collective well-being
ribbon Leading Cancer Care
Cancer is among the leading causes of death worldwide, but tremendous hope lives in progress being made today
paper and apple Promoting Wellness
Disease prevention begins with healthy choices based in quality science

Popular Topics

Research

MRI images showing white matter tracts in the brain.

Repetitive Head Impacts: What Former Athletes Should Know

Using blood biomarkers, advanced MRI, and cognitive testing, UT Southwestern neuropsychologist Dr. Jeff Schaffert is studying whether former collegiate football players show early, subtle signs of brain change years after their playing days. Here’s what the research can (and can’t) tell us today.

An Evening with DocStars 2025: Continuing the Legacy of Supporting Early-Stage Research

The Cary Council hosts An Evening with DocStars 2025 on the Campus of UT Southwestern, celebrating innovation in early-stage research.

Graduate Student Yehui Sun Receives 2025 Ida M. Green Award for Gene Therapy Research

Yehui Sun has been honored with the 2025 Ida M. Green Award for her work developing nanoparticles for promising cystic fibrosis treatment.

An Evening with DocStars 2024: A Celebration of Innovation and Generosity

The Cary Council hosts An Evening with DocStars 2024 on the Campus of UT Southwestern, celebrating innovation in early-stage research.

Graduate Student Maggie Wang Receives 2024 Ida M. Green Award for Cancer Immunotherapy Research

Maggie Wang, a graduate student in the Gao Lab, has been honored with the 2024 Ida M. Green Award for research that could advance nanoparticle-based cancer immunotherapies.

Donor Stories

Marion T. Flores Creates Lasting Impact with Legacy Gift

Expanding the possibilities of human health has been a lifelong passion for Marion Flores. Now, through a legacy gift, that dedication will be everlasting.

Strengthening the Future of Cancer Care and Discovery through a Planned Gift from Debra and Frank Merlino

Helping others has always defined Debra and Frank Merlino. Now, that legacy will live on forever with an estate gift to Southwestern Medical Foundation, benefiting the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern.

Karee and Greg Sampson: Inspiring Philanthropy Through UT Southwestern’s Vanguard and Estate Planning Initiatives

Karee and Greg Sampson Inspire Philanthropy at UT Southwestern through the Vanguard and Estate Planning Council.

Recent Articles

Civic Leadership and the Future of America with Shilo Brooks

Shilo Brooks, President & CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, reflects on America’s 250th anniversary as an opportunity to renew civic leadership, strengthen civil discourse, and invest in trusted institutions. In this Learning From Leaders conversation, Brooks explores why curiosity, humility, philanthropy, and local community life are essential to the future of self-government — and to building stronger, healthier communities.

Building a World-Class Biotech Ecosystem in Dallas-Fort Worth

What does it really take to build a biotech ecosystem in Dallas-Fort Worth? Gabby Everett, Ph.D. of BioLabs Pegasus Park shares how shared infrastructure, partnerships, and community help startups move from idea to impact.

The Wildenthal Society Luncheon 2026

Members of The Wildenthal Society gather to learn more about the medical progress being made at UT Southwestern.

A Mental Health Curriculum for Elementary Kids: Dr. Jessica Gomez on Prevention and Resilience

What if mental health were something we teach as early as age three instead of something we only address in crisis? Dr. Jessica Gomez of Momentous Institute shares practical ways schools, parents, and communities can approach mental health.

Southwestern Medical Foundation Announces Its New 2026 Board of Trustees Members

The Foundation welcomes 8 prominent members of the North Texas community as new members to its Board of Trustees.

Planning Matters Spring 2026: New Rules, New Opportunities

A bi-annual communication about planned giving from Southwestern Medical Foundation
and UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Southwestern Medical Foundation Annual Meeting of the Board of Trustees: 2026 Photo Gallery

Annual Meeting of the Board of Trustees 2026 photo gallery.
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May 19, 2026

Ho Din Winner has a Heart for Helping Children with Skin Conditions

Ho Din Award

In recognition of her excellence in academics, patient care, and community service, UT Southwestern Medical School graduate Hannah Chang, M.D., received the 2026 Ho Din Award.

April 24, 2026

A Structured Inheritance for Heirs Through a Charitable Gift Annuity

Planned Giving

A testamentary charitable gift annuity can provide loved ones reliable income for life without requiring them to invest or manage an investment account. Learn how this planned gift can support heirs and advance UT Southwestern’s mission.

April 23, 2026

Inside the Mavericks’ Future: Rick Welts Talks Basketball, Culture, and a New Arena District at Learning From Leaders

Community

A live Learning from Leaders podcast event featuring a conversation with Dallas Mavericks CEO, Rick Welts. This event was hosted in collaboration with George W. Bush Presidential Center’s Young Professionals Group on the Old Parkland campus.
portrait of marion flores at the southwestern medical foundation offices.

April 8, 2026

Marion T. Flores Creates Lasting Impact with Legacy Gift

Donor Stories

Expanding the possibilities of human health has been a lifelong passion for Marion Flores. Now, through a legacy gift, that dedication will be everlasting.

April 1, 2026

UT Southwestern and Children’s Health℠ receive $100 million gift from The Stephens Greth Foundation for New Pediatric Campus

In The News

Richard Greth and Lyndal Stephens Greth commit $100 million towards the future of pediatric care with a major gift from the Stephens Greth Foundation.