UTMBPresident

Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD, President of UTMB and CEO, UTMB Health System

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

On Veterans Day, I join our UTMB community in honoring all who have served. To our veterans, including those who work and learn alongside us at UTMB, thank you for your courage, your sacrifice and the example you set for us all.

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

It was an honor to welcome @utsystem Regent Nolan Perez to UTMB today for a visit across our Clear Lake, League City and Galveston campuses.

Joined by Drs. Marlo Silva, William Newman and Gabriela Bedolla, along with Maria Cisneros of Texas Digestive Specialists (@TXDigestiveCare), Regent Perez had the opportunity to experience firsthand the breadth of clinical services and expertise across our health system.

From labor and delivery suites and dialysis services to post-operative care and emergency medicine, the visit offered a closer look at the people and operations that make exceptional patient care possible. I was especially pleased that Regent Perez had the opportunity to engage directly with our physicians, nurses and staff whose dedication is central to everything we do.

I am incredibly proud of our teams and the work taking place across UTMB Health as we continue to strengthen access to high-quality healthcare throughout our region.

My sincere thanks to Regent Perez and our guests from Texas Digestive Specialists for spending the day with us.

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

Throughout my time at UTMB, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary generosity of our employees.

Whether caring for patients, advancing discovery, educating future health professionals or serving our communities, UTMB people are driven by a desire to improve lives. The State Employee Charitable Campaign provides another opportunity to support causes that matter and help strengthen communities across Texas and beyond.

For 32 years, UTMB employees have been part of this tradition of giving. As the 2026 campaign begins, I hope you'll take time to explore the many organizations and opportunities available through SECC.

Learn more at https://t.co/QEIMNMpe9o.

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

Achieving the rank of professor is one of the highest honors in academia.

In FY26, UTMB appointed or promoted 17 new professors. Last week, I joined members of our leadership team and colleagues at the Professors' Dinner to recognize and celebrate this remarkable achievement.

Our professors are instrumental in educating, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of physicians, nurses, scientists and healthcare professionals.

Congratulations to all on this well-deserved milestone in your academic careers.

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the UTMB All Schools' Scholarship Luncheon, a meaningful celebration of generosity and its impact on the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Across our five schools at @utmbhealth, scholarships help ease financial burdens, allowing students to focus on their education and future careers.

What makes this event especially meaningful is the opportunity for students to connect with donors and scholarship representatives, gain a deeper understanding of the purpose behind their support, and see firsthand the generosity that empowers their success.

These scholarships represent more than financial assistance. They represent opportunity, encouragement and a shared investment in the future of health care.

@utmb_jssom @utmbson @UTMBGSBS @SHPUTMB @utmb_spph

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

It was an honor for @utmbhealth and @bmb_utmb to host, Nobel Laureate Dr. James E. Rothman, for a special lecture last week. Opportunities to learn from pioneering scientists like Dr. Rothman strengthen our commitment to advancing research, education and innovation in health care.

[UTMB Provost's Office @UTMBProvost]

UTMB had the honor of hosting a distinguished guest, Nobel Laureate Dr. James E. Rothman, for a special lecture on Thursday, 10/29. Thanks to @bmb_utmb for hosting him. We were thrilled for the opportunity to hear from one of the world's most renowned biochemists/cell biologists.

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

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.

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

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!

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

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.

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

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: https://t.co/orsDplkYpA

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

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.

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

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!

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

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: https://t.co/iALtWTgyPw

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

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.

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

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.

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

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: https://t.co/WAw8EnS3fs

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

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: https://t.co/7LEyDcfFIN

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

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.

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

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: https://t.co/EwaIptYe7D

[UTMBPresident @UTMBPresident]

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: https://t.co/oHSerww778