The Cary Council hosted its annual What’s Up, Doc? program on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The program brought together members, supporters, and community leaders to spotlight the innovative medical research shaping the future of health care at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The evening featured engaging conversations, meaningful networking, and the introduction of The Cary Council’s 2025 DocStars.
Celebrating the 2025 DocStars
The program opened with welcoming remarks from Jonathan Dietz, Chair of The Cary Council, who celebrated the council’s 10-year anniversary and highlighted the organization’s mission to accelerate early-stage medical research. Since its founding in 2015, The Cary Council has awarded more than $1.2 million in seed funding, fueling the work of 24 researchers we call “DocStars.” Collectively, those investments have been leveraged into more than $30 million in subsequent follow-on funding. Each DocStar receives a $50,000 Early-Stage Research Grant, providing the resources and recognition needed to transform bold ideas into breakthroughs that improve lives.
This year’s DocStars included R. Nicholas Burns, M.D.; Timothy J. Brown, M.D., M.S.C.E.; and Jeff Schaffert, Ph.D. Each DocStar shared more details about their research projects in an intimate setting with the community leaders who are supporting their work.
- Dr. Burns | Modernizing medical education to better prepare our future surgeons.
- Dr. Brown | Seeking a lasting cure for upper GI cancers using novel treatment combinations.
- Dr. Schaffert | Uncovering long-term brain changes from head impacts in former amateur football players.
Learn More About the 2025 DocStars>
Photo Gallery: Meet The Cary Council’s 2025 DocStars at What’s Up, Doc?
Discussion: The Impact of Early-Stage Research Grants
One of the evening’s highlights was a special update from UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Vice Provost and Dean of Basic Research, Joan Conaway, Ph.D. and one of the 2021 DocStars, Emily Adhikari, M.D.
Joan Conaway, Ph.D., who has been instrumental in supporting the Early-Stage Research Grant program, recognized The Cary Council members for their dedication to medical advancement over the last 10 years. She also addressed the current state of research funding in our nation and called upon these community leaders to stay engaged and involved in supporting the next generation of breakthrough research.
Dr. Adhikari discussed the work she has been involved in since receiving her Early-Stage Research Grant in 2021 and subsequent follow-on funding of $1.4 million. Dr. Adhikari credited The Cary Council’s Early-Stage Research Grant with helping her develop a reputation at the state and national levels in the field of infectious diseases in pregnancy. Her post-pandemic efforts have focused on understanding the effects of syphilis in pregnancy on the placenta and preterm birth related to
congenital syphilis.
Looking Ahead: An Evening with DocStars
An Evening with DocStars is on November 6, 2025 and is a celebration of this year’s Early-Stage Research Grant recipients. Additionally, proceeds from the event will go to support future grants and more promising UT Southwestern scientists. Featuring fascinating innovation stations, fun music, and gourmet food and drinks, it’s an evening you don’t want to miss! Tickets and sponsorships are available online through our event page.