Dear Friends,
As we reflect on 2024, a year that marked Southwestern Medical Foundation’s 85th anniversary, we are filled with gratitude for the extraordinary milestones we’ve achieved together. This year was a celebration of lasting leadership and enduring impact, made possible through the collective strength of our community. Thanks to your steadfast support, our mission to advance medical research, education, and patient care continues to thrive. Here are 10 Foundation highlights we celebrate in supporting medical progress in 2024.
Welcoming New Board Members
We were honored to welcome 12 distinguished leaders to our Board of Trustees: Liz Armstrong, Jennifer Chandler, Kathy Crow, Curt Farmer, Mandy Ginsberg, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Jacob Jones, Todd Lemkin, Kyle Miller, Josie Sewell, Charmaine Tang, and Dennis Wong. Their diverse expertise will guide us as we address evolving community needs. Read more
Honoring Excellence with The Sprague Award
We celebrated Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. as recipients of The Sprague Award for their extraordinary commitment to advancing medicine and fostering a healthier future. Over the past 40 years, the Perots and their family’s commitment and contributions to Southwestern Medical Foundation and UT Southwestern Medical Center have paved the way for crucial medical advancements, leading to Nobel Prize-winning research, health care betterment, and life-saving treatments. Read more | Video | Event photos
Launching Learning from Leaders Podcast
This year, we introduced Learning from Leaders, our new podcast that spotlights visionary figures sharing inspiring stories about leadership, success, failure, and growth. Through candid conversations, we explore innovation and the path toward meaningful progress.
Season 1 featured remarkable guests such as Michael “Rod” Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation; Chief David Brown, former Chief of the Dallas Police Department; Dr. Andy Keller, President and CEO of the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, and Dr. Joan Buchanan Hill, leadership and innovation advocate; Nicole Small, CEO of LH Capital and President of the Lyda Hill Foundation, and Matt Crommett, Director of Investments at LH Capital; Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, former U.S. Ambassador to NATO; and Ambassador Robert Jordan, former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Hosted by The Cary Council members Lili Clark and Mason Smith, the podcast brought together voices from diverse fields to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping our future. Listen or Watch Now
Breaking Ground on the Future of Pediatric Care
Our community celebrated the official groundbreaking of the UT Southwestern Medical Center/Children’s Health New Dallas Pediatric Campus pediatric campus, a transformative step for children’s health in our region. This state-of-the-art facility will bring advanced care, innovation, and hope to families across North Texas. Read more
Celebrating 85 Years of Leadership
Our 85th anniversary was a time to honor the enduring partnerships and bold vision that have shaped our journey. Our anniversary issue of Perspectives magazine reflected on past milestones while highlighting the innovation that continues to drive us forward. Read Perspectives
Recognized as a Best Place to Work
We were honored to be named a Best Place to Work by the Dallas Business Journal, a testament to our team’s exceptional dedication and collaboration. This recognition reflects the culture of purpose and excellence that fuels our mission every day. Read more
Supporting the Next Generation of Scholars
Through the Dedman Family Endowed Program for Scholars in Clinical Care, we welcomed Margaret “Katie” Hoge, M.D. (also a 2023 Cary Council Early-Stage Research Grant recipient), and Daniel X. Yang, M.D., and celebrated 15 years of this program unlocking potential for UT Southwestern’s rising star clinicians. Read more
The Cary Council: Advancing Medical Innovation
At the sixth annual An Evening with DocStars, The Cary Council awarded $50,000 seed grants to three promising UT Southwestern researchers: Sarah R. Lieber, M.D., M.S.C.R., who focuses on liver transplant outcomes; Ethan Sanford, M.D., who works to reduce brain injuries in critically ill children; and Anezi Uzendu, M.D., F.A.C.C., who is transforming CPR education in Dallas.
Since 2015, The Cary Council has funded 21 researchers, resulting in over $21 million in follow-on funding. This year’s grants exemplify the Council’s commitment to advancing early-stage medical research and fostering a culture of innovation. Read more | Video | Event photos
Welcoming New Leadership in Finance
This year, we recognized Kay Schlankey’s exceptional service as Senior Vice President and CFO and honored her many contributions to the Foundation’s success. We also welcomed Sarah Fletcher as our new CFO, bringing a wealth of experience to help steward our resources and ensure our mission thrives for years to come. Read more
The Ho Din Award Legacy
Alexa Wilden, M.D., was honored with the Ho Din Award, our highest medical student distinction. Dr. Wilden’s journey into medicine was profoundly influenced by her mother’s battle with a rare neurological condition, motivating her to pursue a career dedicated to compassionate patient care. Her unwavering commitment to excellence and empathy embodies the spirit of Ho Din, reflecting the ideals of medical wisdom and human understanding that the award represents. Read more
Each of these milestones reflects the collective strength of our community, and none would have been possible without your support. As we look to the future, we are filled with hope and appreciation for the many ways you help bring our mission to life.
May your holiday season be filled with health, happiness, and cherished moments.
Sincerely,
Michael McMahan
President & CEO
Southwestern Medical Foundation
