UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine

For students pursuing careers in medicine and health care, there are a few moments that stand out as milestones. Receiving a white coat is one of them.

This week, students in UTMB's Physician Assistant Studies program marked the beginning of their clinical training, celebrating alongside the family members, friends, faculty, and mentors who have supported them along the way.

As they step into clinical settings and begin caring for patients as part of health care teams, we are proud to recognize this important moment in their journey.

Please join us in congratulating these future physician assistants.

Years of dedication, expertise, and service often lead to moments like this.

Congratulations to Dr. Esosa Odigie-Okon, MD, MSc, FACC, FSCMR, Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine, on being named a Fellow of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR).

The fellowship recognizes her significant contributions to the global cardiovascular imaging community and her commitment to advancing patient care through cardiac MRI.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Odigie-Okon on this outstanding achievement.

Why do some burn patients experience more complications after skin graft surgery than others?

That question led UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine students Philong Nguyen and Joshua Wang to examine whether medications patients are already taking before treatment may influence recovery.

Using data from a large national database, the team found that patients taking a commonly prescribed class of medications for acid reflux and other gastrointestinal conditions had higher rates of skin graft complications and scarring.

The project included Kamryn Kai Baker and Kelli Blackwell, with guidance from Dr. Yousef Tanas and Dr. Jong Lee, along with additional contributing members of the research team.

Their work was recognized at the 2026 American Burn Association (ABA) Annual Meeting, receiving Best in Category: Reconstruction and Clinical Management of Scars, and was also published in the Journal of Burn Care & Research.

We’re proud to recognize this team’s achievement.

Halfway through the JAMP Summer II Internship! ✨🩺

The Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) supports Texas students pursuing a career in medicine through scholarships, mentorship, and a pathway to medical school.

Learn more at www.texasjamp.org

This Academic Medicine Week, we're celebrating the people who will help shape the future of medicine.

We're proud to recognize the UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine students elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, a distinction that honors not only academic excellence, but also leadership, service, professionalism, and a commitment to caring for others.

Please join us in congratulating this year's inductees on this outstanding achievement.

AAMC

Most of us hope to stay healthy as we get older. But what many people fear most isn't a physical change. It's losing the memories, independence, and connections that help make us who we are.

The good news is that researchers are learning more every day about how the brain ages and what may help support cognitive health throughout life.

In our latest blog, UTMB faculty experts share what current science tells us about healthy brain aging, Alzheimer's disease, and the factors that may influence brain health over time.

Read the blog: https://utmb.us/g19



UTMB Sealy Center on Aging

Academic medicine advances through leaders who drive innovation, mentor future physicians and scientists, and help shape the future of patient care.

As we celebrate Academic Medicine Week, we're pleased to share that Harsh Thaker, MD, PhD, has been named Chair of the Department of Pathology at UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine after serving as interim chair since July 2025.

From advancing innovation in pathology to supporting education, research, and clinical excellence, Dr. Thaker has brought a wide range of expertise and leadership to UTMB.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Thaker on this appointment.

AAMC

In this Galveston Health News update, we highlight the changes in nutrition curriculum at the school of medicine.

Read the full article here: https://www.utmb.edu/news/article/utmb-news/2026/06/08/utmb-integrates-40-hours-of-nutrition-education-to-strengthen-prevention—chronic-disease-care

For many patients, hearing "How can I help you?" in their preferred language can make all the difference.

As we celebrate Academic Medicine Week, we're recognizing the many ways medical education helps strengthen patient care and improve health in our communities.

These UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine students recently earned certification to provide language-concordant care to Spanish-speaking patients, helping strengthen communication, build trust, and create a better experience for the people they serve.

Amanda Romero; Giovanny Reyes; Valeria Perez; Catherine D'Hennezel; Jairy Medina; Rosario Lopez Roca Fernandez; Darcy Kobs; Parker Rincon Jensen

Join us in congratulating them on this achievement.

AAMC

Good medicine is about more than treating illness, it's also about helping people stay healthy.

That's why UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine is launching a new Nutrition Curriculum that will prepare future physicians to incorporate evidence-based nutrition into patient care, disease prevention, and public health.

During Academic Medicine Week, we're proud to highlight this investment in the next generation of physicians and the communities they will serve. Through case-based learning, simulation, community engagement, and experiential training, students will learn how nutrition can be part of better health outcomes for patients at every stage of life.

AAMC