UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine
Training future physicians. The legacy continues.
Med student life, research, match day & more.
Official account of the John Sealy School of Medicine at UTMB – the first academic medical center in Texas.
som.utmb.edu
- New promotion: Shannan Rossi, PhD, MBA, FASTMH, to Prof, Tenure‑Track, Pathology Dept. Her research on emerging viruses, early discovery, preclinical vaccines strengthens our scientific community & students she mentors w/ impact across research/education/collaboration #UTMB #MedEd #MedicalResearch
- Want your work in education to directly impact future doctors? UTMB JSSOM seeks Senior Medical Educator to lead #MedEd initiatives, assess learning outcomes, drive continuous improvement. Ed.D. or Ph.D. + 2 yrs experience required. Apply 👉 utmb.us/f2h #MedicalEducation #HigherEdJobs #UTMB
- Why do some serious wounds get infected while others heal? Dr. Joseph Wenke, UTMB professor and Director of Research at Shriners Hospitals, received a US Army grant to study how early wound stabilization can prevent infections in combat injuries, critical moments for recovery. #MedEd #MedSky
- How does a pediatric ENT manage four kids, a busy clinic, and hobbies like geocaching, martial arts, and scuba diving? Dr. Harold Pine somehow does it, all while living by Expect Excellence. #UTMB #Pediatrics #FacultyExcellence
- Ready to lead the way in #medical #education? #UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine seeks a Senior Medical Educator to design, implement & oversee systems that measure student learning, assess program effectiveness & support continuous improvement. Apply: utmb.us/f2h #Jobs #MedEd #Hiring
- HPV is best known for its link to cancer, but its impact may start much earlier. With support from a NIAID grant, Dr. Abbey Berenson is leading a cohort study to better understand how HPV may influence pregnancy risk, building on decades of work in women’s health and clinical care. #UTMB #MedSky
- Cold weather affects the body in real ways, increasing heart rate & blood pressure, impacting breathing, & slowing circulation to hands & feet. In extreme cold, risk of hypothermia and frostbite increases. A little awareness goes a long way in helping recognize early signs. #Health #UTMB #MedSky
- We talk a lot about healthy living, but how often do we talk about the thyroid’s role in it? UTMB Health invites you to a Lunch and Learn focused on thyroid health. Tues., Jan. 27, 11:00am-1:00pm Open Gates Conference Center, Gold Room RSVP: loblackw@utmb.edu #MedThreads #MedSky
- 🌟 Meet UTMB’s new Director of Wellness, Julie Griffith, MPH! She brings leadership experience from Texas Children’s Hospital and a passion for creating healthy, thriving workplaces. Full announcement: utmb.us/f0n
- Most heart damage doesn’t begin in the heart. Chagas disease can smolder for years before turning into cardiomyopathy. At #UTMB, Nisha Garg, PhD is continuing research into how immune & oxidative stress responses push the heart from adaptation to failure, w/ support from 5-year NIAID grant. #MedSky
- Great educators don’t just teach; they shape who future physicians become. #UTMB Academy of Master Teachers recognized Dr. Erin Hommel & Dr. Bi-Hung Peng as Educators of the Quarter for their outstanding teaching, innovation & commitment to learners at John Sealy School of Medicine. #MedEd #MedSky
- After the flu, the immune system is still vulnerable. New NIAID-funded research from Dr. Keer Sun, Associate Professor, UTMB JSSOM Department of Microbiology and Immunology, looks at why serious bacterial infections strike during recovery, and how to prevent them. #UTMB #MedEd #MedSky
- If you’re in the final stretch of ranking programs, this is your reminder. Rank lists are due January 30 at 5 PM CST. UTMB students do well here, and the data reflects it. Check out the infographic below and take a closer look: 👉https://utmb.us/ezn #UTMB #MedEd #MedThreads
- We’re extending the application deadline, because exceptional student research deserves to be seen! The 67th National Student Research Forum brings students nationwide to present work across science, clinical research, and the humanities. ⏳ Apply by Jan 26 utmb.us/ez5 #MedEd #UTMB #MedSky
- Student research, national conversation. 67th Annual NSRF. Present work in basic science, clinical research & medical humanities. 📍 UTMB University of Texas Medical Branch 🗓 Mar 7, 2026 Apply today: utmb.us/ez5 ✉ nsrfgalv@utmb.edu ⏳ Deadline Jan 12 #NSRF2026
- Recognizing excellence in teaching, one of the most meaningful ways we invest in future of health care. Julie Kutac, MA, PhD, #UTMB PAS, selected for UT System Kenneth I. Shine, MD, Academy of Health Science Education, honoring faculty contributions to education, scholarship, and leadership. #MedSky
- What if infectious disease could be stopped before causing serious harm? Drs. Bin Gong, MD, PhD, and Lynn Soong, MD, PhD, at UTMB study how rickettsial infections disrupt cells early in disease. Their work could enable earlier diagnosis, precise treatment, and prevent critical illness. #UTMB #MedSky
- Why doesn’t immune activation always lead to TB clearance? National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute-funded study at #UTMB is examining how immune pathways reshape macrophage metabolism during TB infection focusing on what happens inside the lung when response doesn’t equal resolution. #MedEd #MedSky
- What if life-saving treatments could reach patients faster by rethinking what we already have? That’s the focus of new NIAID-funded research led by #UTMB’s Dr. Bin Gong and Dr. Yuejin Liang, exploring FDA-approved therapies to combat lethal rickettsial infections. #MedicalResearch #MedEd #MedSky
- What does it really take to practice medicine in a rural community? At UTMB, students learn by showing up; building partnerships, understanding local culture, and solving real health challenges alongside the people they serve. Education rooted in community, not just curriculum. #RuralHealth
- As we welcome the year ahead, we look forward with optimism and gratitude, for our community, our shared purpose, and the opportunity to advance health through education, research, and care. May the new year bring good health, progress, and possibility for all. #UTMB #HappyNewYear #SkyMed
- How can we improve outcomes for women facing gynecological cancers? Surendra Sharma, MD, PhD, #UTMB Gynecological #Oncology Professor, is advancing research as the inaugural Frances Eastland Connally Professor, translating discoveries into better prevention, diagnosis, & treatment. #MedSky
- For over 100 years, UTMB researchers have followed one simple habit: paying attention to winter. ❄️ Part of our Pioneers in Medicine series, this story uncovers the discoveries that quietly shaped medical research. Link: utmb.us/exg #UTMB #MedSky
- Cells can “feel” their surroundings, but how? Yunfeng Chen, PhD, Asst Prof of Biochem & Molecular Biology at #UTMB JSSOM, received a 5-year NIGMS grant to study mechanosignaling. His research could help develop new treatments for cancer, heart disease, immune disorders. #BiomedicalResearch #MedSky
- Great geriatric care starts with understanding aging itself. UTMB students in the Geriatric Scholarly Concentration learn to distinguish normal aging from disease, navigate complex care needs, and advocate for safer, more responsive systems for older adults. #UTMB #MedSky #GeriatricMedicine
- Happy Holidays from UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine. This season, we’re grateful for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, patients, and partners who make our mission possible every day. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, restful holiday season and a healthy, hopeful year ahead.
- Addiction is more than behavior; it’s a signal from the brain. #UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine's Drs. Cunningham & Allen are exploring GPR6, a circuit-level target in cocaine addiction, w/ the hope of developing treatments that could impact millions affected by brain disorders. #MedSky #MedEd
- Deadly viruses carried by mosquitoes/ticks don’t wait; neither does science. Scott C. Weaver, PhD, #UTMB Prof & Dir of IHII and Galveston National Lab, earns Richard M. Taylor Award for research that protects communities & trains the next generation of scientists. #GlobalHealth #Research #MedSky
- How does biomedical research thrive? Strong leadership. Abbey Berenson, MD, PhD, Vice Dean for Research at #UTMB JSSOM, brings her expertise as Prof of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Dir of CIRWH to guide research strategy, support collaboration, translate discoveries into real-world impact. #MedSky
- Imagine your medical training taking you beyond one hospital or one country. UTMB’s Global Health Scholarly Concentration equips students to understand global disease, culture, and care, and apply it where impact matters most. 🌍 #UTMB #GlobalHealth #MedEd #MedSky
- How do cells fight mosquitoes/ticks/sandflies-carried viruses? Minghua Li, PhD, Asst Prof Pathology #UTMB, is studying vector-borne bunyaviruses & proteins that help cells detect infection helping scientists find new ways to prevent/treat serious viral illnesses. #MedicalResearch #InfectiousDiseases
- What if an infection could rewire how our cells function? #UTMB Pathology Professor Jere McBride, PhD, received a 5-year NIAID grant to study how bacterium disrupts key cell processes, helping better understand how infections cause disease. #InfectiousDiseases #BiomedicalResearch #MedSky #MedEd
- Deadly pathogens don’t wait, and neither should leaders. Congrats to Susan McLellan, MD, MPH, UTMB JSSOM Professor & Biocontainment Care Unit Director, for winning the 2025 Martin S. Wolfe Mentoring Award for training the next generation of global health heroes #UTMB #Mentorship #GlobalHealth #MedEd
- Why do stomach bugs like norovirus keep winning? Thomas Smith, PhD, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at #UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine, received a 4-year NIAID grant to study how the virus evades our immune system, paving the way for better vaccines & treatments. #MedEd #MedSky
- At UTMB, first-year students start clinical experiences early, building skills and confidence with real patients. #UTMB #MedEd #ClinicalTraining #MedSky #DidYouKnow
- What does it take to shape the future of infectious disease research? Dr. David H. Walker, #UTMB JSSOM Pathology Professor & 2025 American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Walter Reed Medal winner is showing the way. His work strengthens global health & inspires the next generation. #MedSky
- 🎉 Big congratulations to Abbey Berenson, MD, MMS, PhD, on a new 5-year NIAMS physician–scientist grant supporting the BIRCWH program! In its 20th year, BIRCWH continues to grow leaders in women’s health research, with $79M+ earned by past scholars. Proud moment for UTMB! #UTMB #WomensHealth #BIRCWH
- Research Spotlight: Dr. Xiaoyong Bao, JSSOM Professor of Pediatrics, has received a 1-year AMRAA grant for her project, “tRNA-Derived RNA Fragments and Their Potential Role in Mediating Multiple Sclerosis Associated with Epstein–Barr Virus.” #UTMB #ResearchExcellence #Research #Pediatrics #MS #EBV
- 🎉 Brittany L. Smalls, PhD, MHSA, MSHPsych, Assoc. Prof. & Vice Chair for Research, received her inaugural appointment as holder of the Sam & Elizabeth Nixon Chair of Family Practice at UTMB JSSOM, opening new doors for student mentorship, research & leadership. #UTMB #MedEd #MedSky #MedicalEducation
- At our Interprofessional Simulation Center students practice hands-on complex procedures in realistic environments, building confidence & teamwork before they ever touch a patient. See how simulation is shaping the future of care: utmb.us/bgi #UTMB #MedicalSchool #HealthcareInnovation #MedEd #MedSky
- Proud to recognize Dr. Kimberly Grayson, UTMB JSSOM Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, on her appointment as holder of the Harry K. Davis, MD Professorship for Excellence in #PsychiatricMedicine. #UTMB #WeAreUTMB #MedEd #MedSky #MedicalEducation
- We’re pleased to announce that Patrick Sweet, DO, Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice, has been named the inaugural holder of the M. Ruth Baxter, MD and Virgil C. Baxter, MD Professorship in Internal Medicine. Effective Apr 1, 2025–Mar 31, 2028. #UTMB #MedEd #MedSky #WherePurposeMeetsPassion
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- Research moves fast but understanding how we work can reshape projects. In an ARM session, Dr. Daniel Jupiter, Associate Professor Neurology (UTMB John Sealy SOM) & Associate Dean Academic Affairs (Grad School Biomed Sciences) shared strategies on Deep Work & habits. More: utmb.us/eth #MedEd #MedSky
- Leaders in medical research! Two #UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine faculty are on Clarivate’s 2025 Highly Cited Researchers list. Dr. Erez Lieberman Aiden and Dr. Pei-yong Shi are among 1 in 1,000 scientists worldwide chosen. #ResearchExcellence #MedicalEducation #researcher #MedEd #MedSky
- Congrats to UTMB JSSOM's Dr. Alok Dabi, Associate Prof & Chief of Neurocritical Care, and Dr. Elena Shanina, Associate Prof of Clinical Practice & Chief of Neuromuscular Medicine, new inductees into the #UTMB Academy of Master Teachers! 🌟 #MedicalEducation #MedEd #MedicalSchool #MedSky
- Did you know UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine trains physicians to treat diving injuries and high-pressure emergencies through its Undersea, Diving & Hyperbaric Medicine program? #UTMB #UnderseaMedicine #HyperbaricMedicine #Innovation
- Congrats to Dr. Joseph Wenke, Professor at UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine and Director of Research at Shriners Children’s Texas, on receiving the Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity grant for “Wound Stabilization to Prevent Combat Infections.” #UTMB #MedSky
- We’re pleased to share that Dr. Cheng Huang, Assistant Professor of Research in Pathology at UTMB’s John Sealy School of Medicine, has been awarded a 5-year NIAID grant for his project on the role of NP Exoribonuclease in Lassa virus infection. #MedEd #MedSky #NIAID
- From Galveston to the frontlines, generations of UTMB students, faculty & alumni have answered the call to serve. Today, we also honor our current veteran students & colleagues, continuing that proud legacy of service & compassion. Read their story: utmb.us/esh #VeteransDay #UTMBProud #LegacyOfServi
- Congrats to Dr. Arun Paul, MD, PhD, on being named the Claude Davis Professor of Radiation Oncology at UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine! Honoring his dedication to clinical excellence, research & education. Proud moment! #UTMB #FacultyExcellence #RadiationOncology #MedEd #MedSky #MedicalEducation
