Letter From Leadership

The latest edition of Discovery at UT Southwestern features the stories of scientists who are working across the spectrum of biomedical and clinical research against the backdrop of the collaborative scientific culture that sets our institution apart.

As one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers, UT Southwestern is known for impactful discoveries. Our faculty approach their work with curiosity and collegiality, often partnering with colleagues in other disciplines and nurturing the careers of rising stars. They are pushing the boundaries of what we know and inspiring what can be.

For example, a multidisciplinary team of researchers has upended the traditional view of how healthy and cancerous cells acquire their supplies of purines – vital components of DNA, RNA, and other cellular systems. A story on cancermetabolism explains how the impact of their findings ranges from showing how chemotherapy resistance occurs to identifying metabolic dysfunction in other diseases.Another research team of biomedical engineers, biochemists, oncologists, and pharmacologists developed a system in which nanocarriers direct genetic medicines to desired organs.

A pilot program that introduced the OR Black Box to William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital revealed this technology improved safety, outcomes, and efficiencies, and strengthened surgical teams.

UT Southwestern’s wealth of research infrastructure and clinical resources is enhanced by robust connections with partner institutions that make conducting large-scale, pragmatic clinical trials and quality improvement initiatives possible.

We are committed to fostering an environment where faculty, trainees, students, and staff feel supported and empowered to actively participate in our mission to promote health and a healthy society that enables individuals to achieve their full potential.

Sincerely,

W.P. Andrew Lee, M.D.Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost, and Dean,UT Southwestern Medical School

Joan W. Conaway, Ph.D.Vice Provost and Dean for Basic Science

Alyssa H. Hasty, Ph.D.Vice Provost and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Career Development

Sherry C. Huang, M.D.Vice Provost and Senior Associate Dean for Education

Eric Peterson, M.D., M.P.H.Vice Provost and Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Research

From left: Drs. Huang, Hasty, Lee, Conaway, and Peterson Photo Credit : Mei - chun Jau / UT Southwestern Medical Center