Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD, President of UTMB and CEO, UTMB Health System
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Today, I had the pleasure of welcoming Janiece Longoria, Vice Chairman of the UT System Board of Regents (@utsystem) for a tour of our Clear Lake Campus, League City Campus and Friendswood Clinic, alongside members of our leadership team.
Throughout our visits, she had the opportunity to connect with some of our outstanding leaders and see firsthand the incredible work our teams are doing to provide exceptional patient care.
It was especially meaningful to hear her impressions of our facilities and the welcoming environment created by our dedicated staff.
It's always a pleasure to showcase the incredible people, expertise and facilities that make UTMB Health such a special place to serve our communities.
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An evening filled with smiles, laughter and a little Halloween fun!
Members of our UTMB leadership team and I had a wonderful time visiting the Ronald McDonald House of Galveston for a special evening with children and their families.
We enjoyed dinner together, played games and shared healthy treats ahead of this weekend’s festivities.
It was heartwarming to see so many bright smiles and spend time with these incredible children and their families. Moments like these remind us that caring for our patients extends far beyond the walls of our hospitals.
Thank you to the Ronald McDonald House team and families for welcoming us and allowing us to be part of such a special evening!
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Today, I joined Col. Michael Fossum of Texas A&M University at Galveston (@AggiesByTheSea) and Dr. Tracee Watts of Galveston College (@GalvestonEdu) at the Galveston Economic Development Partnership Summit to discuss the important role our institutions play in shaping education, strengthening our workforce and driving economic growth across the region.
I had the opportunity to spotlight some of the transformative initiatives underway at UTMB Health, from apprenticeship programs creating new pathways for career advancement and financial stability to major investments in heart health, brain health and cancer research, including our vision for the future of cancer care in our region.
These efforts are about more than institutional growth. They’re about strengthening the economic vitality of Galveston while improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
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ALT Dr. Jochen Reiser and Col. Michael Fossum are seated in chairs on a stage with a blue curtain backdrop.
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I'm pleased to welcome Dr. Charlotte Royeen as the new chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at the UTMB School of Health Professions (@shputmb).
Dr. Royeen brings extensive experience as a clinician, educator, researcher and academic leader, most recently serving as dean of the College of Health Sciences at RUSH University in Chicago.
Her commitment to innovation, student success and faculty development aligns with the important work happening across UTMB.
I look forward to working with Dr. Royeen as we continue strengthening our academic programs and preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Welcome to Galveston, Dr. Royeen!
Learn more: utmb.us/gy1
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On Tuesday evening, we celebrated a defining milestone for UTMB and the future of aerospace medicine.
We began with the @UTMBProvost Lecture Series, where UTMB alumnus Dr. J.D. Polk, NASA’s Chief Health and Medical Officer, shared his vision for “The Road Ahead in Space Medicine.”
We then marked the official launch of the UTMB Department of Aerospace and Exploration Medicine (@utmb_aerospace), a bold step that reinforces our leadership in this rapidly advancing field, and proudly recognized Dr. Ronak Shah as the department’s inaugural chair.
My thanks to State Representative Dennis Paul (@DennisPaulTexas) for his keynote remarks and to Dean of @utmb_spph Kristen Peek for her leadership in bringing this vision to life.
Together with our faculty, staff, community partners, and state and federal leaders, we are advancing the mission of UTMB and helping shape the future of human health on Earth and beyond.
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On Monday, UTMB was honored to welcome House Speaker and Appropriations Committee staff to our Galveston campus. Our teams enjoyed sharing what makes UTMB special in advancing high-quality, patient-centered care, groundbreaking research, and excellence in education, with highlights including our Texas Age-Tech Initiative, Galveston National Laboratory (GNL), Gene Therapy Program, Hospital Galveston (HG), and Biocontainment Care Unit (BCU). We appreciate your thoughtful engagement and work on behalf of Texans!
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Congratulations to Dr. Abbey Berenson, professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at @utmbhealth, on receiving the 2026 Texans Conquer Cancer Award! @CPRITTexas
I am proud to recognize her groundbreaking research and efforts to expand HPV vaccination access in underserved communities, helping advance cancer prevention and improve health outcomes across Texas.
This well-deserved recognition reflects the meaningful impact of her work and continued dedication to improving lives.
Learn more: utmb.us/gxr
ALT A photo of Dr. Abbey Bereson, she is wearing a blue suit jacket and pearls.
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Last week, I had a productive meeting with Bobby Lumpkin, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and his team. Our conversation centered on a shared priority: UTMB’s correctional managed care (CMC) strengthens outcomes for patients and supports safer communities. I'm proud of the work our teams are doing together.
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Reflecting on last week’s @utsystem UT REAL Health AI Symposium, where I joined Mikele Epperly, VP of Brain Health Transformation at @utmbhealth, for a panel discussion on “Using AI to Strengthen Humanity in Healthcare.”
Our conversation reinforced an important point: Technology should not create distance between clinicians and patients. It should bring them closer.
As AI continues to evolve, events like this help ensure the conversation remains focused on what matters most: improving the patient and clinician experience. I’m excited to see how the ideas and collaborations sparked at this year’s symposium translate into meaningful impact in the years ahead.
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Congratulations to Gene Olinger, director of the Galveston National Laboratory at UTMB, on receiving the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program Award from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (@FulbrightPrgrm).
Gene's scientific expertise and leadership have been instrumental in advancing research and helping establish new opportunities for artificial intelligence at @utmbhealth.
This well-deserved recognition will take him to Dublin, Ireland, where he will share his expertise through educational and training activities, further strengthening international collaboration.
I have no doubt Gene will represent UTMB exceptionally well. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Learn more: utmb.us/grc
ALT An individual stands in front of Galveston National Lab/Keiller Building, wearing a business suit.
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I have had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Kristen Starnes-Ott and have seen firsthand the thoughtfulness and experience she brings to her leadership of the UTMB School of Nursing.
Kristen understands that preparing the next generation of nurses means supporting students, strengthening mentorship and equipping nurses for an evolving health care environment.
What has impressed me most is the intentionality she brings to this work. The programs and strategies she is advancing today will strengthen the @utmbson and the nursing workforce for years to come.
Learn more about Dr. Starnes-Ott’s vision for nursing at UTMB: utmb.us/gqe
ALT Dr. Starnes-Ott stands smiling on an indoor balcony with a display of colorful circular artworks resembling microscopic images behind them. Sunlight filters through large windows, providing a bright and pleasant ambiance
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Today I had the opportunity to deliver a keynote at the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) Fall Symposium in Austin, where I discussed the impact of AI on healthcare and how @utmbhealth is putting these tools to work across our organization.
From improving patient outcomes and supporting the learning environment for our students to advancing research and strengthening operations, AI has tremendous potential. Successful implementation also requires thoughtful leadership, collaboration and trust.
At UTMB, we are focused on adopting AI responsibly, with patients at the center, while continuing to explore how these technologies can help us innovate across academic medicine and healthcare.
Thank you to Dr. Peter McCaffrey, our Chief Digital + AI Officer for kicking off today’s event and helping set the stage for an important conversation about the future of AI in healthcare.
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Today is Giving Day, an opportunity to support the people and programs that make so much of our work at @utmbhealth possible.
Gifts help strengthen patient care, support our students, advance research and discovery, and invest in new ideas that can improve health and healthcare.
I’m grateful to everyone who chooses to support this work. If you’re able, I hope you’ll join me today and be #AllInforUTMB.
Learn more about Giving Day and ways to support UTMB: utmb.us/gpv
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Today’s Town Hall offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on 135 years of @utmbhealth and the people who have helped shape its story.
Employees were able to take a visual journey through UTMB history, from our earliest beginnings to some of the defining moments and milestones of 2026.
In a conversation with Mikele Epperly, Vice President of Brain Health Transformation, we shared our paths to UTMB, reflected on the evolution of the institution and looked back at the trailblazers who paved the way for the leaders and innovators joining us today.
As we celebrate Founders Day, we honor 135 years of advancing healthcare, education, research and innovation while looking ahead to all that is still possible.
Explore 135 years of UTMB history and the heroes who shaped it: utmb.us/gpu
ALT Dr. Reiser stands on a stage next to large illuminated numbers "135". The backdrop includes a colorful balloon arrangement and a floral display.
ALT Dr. Epperly and Dr. Reiser are seated on beige armchairs, engaging in conversation. A table between them holds a lamp, glasses of water, and floral arrangements.
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It was a pleasure to spend time today with UTMB alumni at the San Luis Resort and to be joined by James Gallo, VP and Chief Development Officer, for a conversation about where @utmbhealth is today and where we are headed.
We discussed efforts to establish a Blue Zone in the Galveston area, new innovations across our campuses, and our continued commitment to strengthening education for our students.
I appreciated the thoughtful questions and engaging conversation. Spending time with our alumni is always a reminder of the rich history, strong sense of community and people who have helped shape UTMB.
As we prepare to mark 135 years of UTMB on Monday, today was a meaningful reminder that while we reflect on our past, there is much to look forward to in our future.
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This Monday, Oct. 5, I invite you to join us for a special Town Hall as we reflect on the past year and look ahead to our FY2027 priorities.
The timing is especially meaningful as we gather on Founder's Day, marking 135 years since UTMB’s founding and celebrating the people and progress that continue to shape our institution.
The Town Hall will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in Levin Hall on the Galveston campus. Join us in person or tune in live: utmb.us/ef2
I look forward to sharing this update and celebrating this milestone together.
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The future of healthcare depends on the people we prepare to lead it.
ISLAND Promise is an investment in that future. By helping remove financial barriers for @utmbson nursing students, we are giving talented students greater opportunity to focus on their education, build community and prepare for meaningful careers in nursing.
I’m grateful for the support of the Sealy & Smith Foundation and for their shared commitment to strengthening the nursing workforce. The inaugural group of ISLAND Promise scholars represents the beginning of something truly meaningful for UTMB and the communities we serve.
Learn more about Island Promise: utmb.us/gmw
ALT A group of people stand together smiling outside a building. They are in front of a large Auburn University sign with balloons in the background.
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There is an important difference between lifespan and health span. Living longer is only part of the goal. We also want those years to be healthy, productive and fulfilling.
I was honored to join our Project Metis partners in this video, Rewire: A Brain Health + Human Flourishing Story, to highlight why brain health is central to achieving that goal.
Thank you to @FutureHouston, @Accenture and Project Metis.
piped.video/lwi7yRRiZ8w?si=o-Yb…
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Our collaboration with @OpenEvidence is an important step in how UTMB is responsibly integrating AI into healthcare delivery.
By bringing evidence-based AI directly into clinical workflows, we can give clinicians more seamless access to trusted medical literature and clinical guidance at the point of care.
This is where AI can make a meaningful difference: supporting clinicians with the right information, within the right workflow, while maintaining the security and standards our patients and teams expect.
Learn more about this collaboration: utmb.us/gmk
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I’m incredibly proud of our @utmbhealth teams for once again earning national recognition from Vizient.
For the second consecutive year, UTMB Health was named a top performer for pediatric hospital services, making us the only academic medical center in Texas to earn this recognition. Our ambulatory and inpatient services were also recognized for their strong performance.
These achievements reflect the commitment our teams bring to delivering exceptional care every day. Congratulations to everyone whose work made this recognition possible.
To learn more about Vizient and UTMB Health’s latest recognitions, visit: utmb.us/gmo
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