August 2019 A Publication of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Campus Edition Three years running, UT Southwestern ranked No. 1 hospital in DFW

By Amy Stumbris • Diabetes & Endocrinology • Urology or a third consecutive year, • Cardiology & Heart Surgery UT Southwestern Medical Center • Ear, Nose & Throat is the No. 1 hospital in Dallas- Fort Worth and No. 2 in Texas, U.S. News & World Report also gave Faccording to U.S. News & World UT Southwestern nationally recognized Report’s annual Best Hospitals listings high-performing ratings in five addi- released July 30. UT Southwestern also tional specialties – cancer, gastroenter- ranked nationally in seven specialties ology and GI surgery, ophthalmology, including heart and neurological care. orthopedics, and pulmonary and lung The announcement, which focuses surgery – as well as for procedures for on clinical care, follows recognitions No. 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, of UT Southwestern earlier in the year and No. 2 hospital in Texas, UT South- aortic valve surgery, heart failure, colon from U.S. News & World Report as one of western received national rankings in cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, and the top medical schools in the country the following seven specialties, placing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. and, for a second consecutive year, each within the top 50 out of 4,500 “The innovative and data-driven from Nature Index as one of the top 10 medical centers evaluated by U.S. News care our dedicated physicians, nurses, health care institutions in the world & World Report for 2019-2020: and staff are able to provide at for publishing high-quality scientific • Neurology & Neurosurgery UT Southwestern University Hospitals Patients are the focus of care at UT Southwestern — ranked No. 1 in Dallas-Fort research. • Geriatrics Worth by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to being ranked as the • Nephrology Please see RANKINGS on page 4

Dauer shares team-based vision for O’Donnell Brain Institute growth IN MEMORIAM By Steve Kaskovich H. Ross Perot Sr.: The renowned scientific culture at UT Southwestern was a major attraction for Inspiring leader Dr. William T. Dauer, an acclaimed physician-investigator and loyal UTSW in dystonia and Parkinson’s disease who was recruited in a benefactor national search to become the inaugural Director of the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute. From Staff Reports But it was the deep commit- One of UT Southwestern Medical ment of UT Southwestern’s Center’s most steadfast benefac- leadership and community tors for more than three decades, Margot and H. Ross Perot Sr. supporters to create a leading legendary Texan H. Ross Perot Sr. center for the study and treat- passed away July 9 at the age of 89, drive, enviable business acumen, and million to UT Southwestern, including ment of brain disease that leaving an enduring legacy. keen intellect, with a clear sense of more than $50 million to the Innova- convinced Dr. Dauer of the An enormously successful busi- when and how he might improve the tions in Medicine campaign. unprecedented opportunity be- Dr. William T. Dauer nessman, political leader, and philan- human condition. “Mr. Perot’s extraordinary support fore him. thropist, Mr. Perot was known for UT Southwestern benefitedfor UT Southwestern enabled us to “The commitment of both the University and the surrounding his loyalty and commitment to his immensely from his generosity and establish and provide exceptional community, with Mr. Peter O’Donnell at the forefront, is really country, community, and family – leadership. Mr. Perot and his wife, educational opportunities for genera- unparalleled in any environment I know of,” Dr. Dauer said. “The typifying the great American citizen. Margot, and the Perot Foundation dedication to make this an important priority – not just for one, He was a man possessed of tremendous have contributed more than $90 Please see PEROT on page 6 Please see DAUER on page 7

Researchers find evidence a cancer drug Herring, Lee honored as may be extended to many more patients ‘Outstanding’ educators by UT System Board of Regents By Patrick McGee

A new molecular mechanism discovered By Nyshicka Jordan by UT Southwestern researchers indicates that drugs currently used to treat less than Dr. John Herring, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at 10 percent of breast cancer patients could UT Southwestern and Chief of Staff Emeritus at Texas Scottish Dr. John Herring have broader effectiveness in treating all Rite Hospital for Children, and Dr. Won Lee, Associate Professor cancers where the drugs are used, including of Internal Medicine and a Distinguished Teaching Professor, have ovarian and prostate cancers. been recognized with the UT System’s highest educational honor The new study also revealed a potential – the Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award – for their academic biomarker indicating when these drugs, prowess and mentoring talent. called PARP inhibitors, can be unleashed in With their selection as recipients of 2019 Regents’ Outstanding the fight against cancer. Teaching Awards (ROTA), UT Southwestern now has more than “These findings could increase the 50 faculty members who have been honored with this prestigious patient population benefiting from these award, which recognizes outstanding teaching, mentoring, and drugs by two-, three-, or fourfold. Up to 70 personal commitment to students and the learning process. Please see PARP on page 3 Drs. W. Lee Kraus (left) and Dae-Seok Kim Please see AWARD on page 5 Dr. Won Lee

INSIDE THIS ISSUE PAGE Distinguished Honors Generous Alumnus Proud Moments In Memoriam 2 Early career faculty members Drs. Former faculty member and patient The UTSW community celebrates Pride Faculty Honors 2-3 Rodney Infante and Chad Newton Dr. Donald Meier and his wife give Month with a campus event and a receive support to further their research $500,000 to research the brain graduate student flies to Germany to Education News 6 from the President’s Research Council. disease cerebral amyloid angiopathy. meet and learn from Nobel Prize winners. Class Notes 7 Visit our website at ct.utsouthwestern.edu Page 3 Page 7 Page 8 Page 2 August 2019 Evans receives Lifetime Achievement Award for work with patients, cancer groups

By Patrick McGee Advancing breast cancer care Dr. Phil Evans is so deeply involved Improving breast cancer care is the ultimate goal for Dr. Phil Evans, who in work with nonprofit cancer groups works closely with other physicians and within institutions. In 2013, D Magazine that a luncheon with the National named him one of “The Dallas Dozen,” the magazine’s annual list of 12 influen- Breast Cancer Foundation seemed a tial people in Dallas. The magazine described that year’s distinguished group as routine item on his calendar. But the people who “would rather be in the trenches getting things done.” event turned out to be far from ordi- Such is the case with Dr. Evans’ work on the Planning Committee of the Wendy nary – Dr. Evans was surprised with a and Emery Reves International Breast Cancer Symposium. The event, hosted by Lifetime Achievement Award. UT Southwestern’s Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, will spot- “I was just floored. I couldn’t believe light recent progress in breast cancer research and clinical care. it. It was just such a surprise,” said Dr. Dr. Evans has recruited two speakers for the Sept. 20-21 symposium: Dr. Evans, Professor of Radiology and Chief Debra Monticciolo, President of the American College of Radiology, and Dr. of the Breast Imaging Division. Robert Nishikawa, an artificial intelligence expert at the University of Pittsburgh. The Frisco-based breast cancer charity honored Dr. Evans in May for his decades of work with and on behalf foundation based in Dallas. decades, said she trusted him so much of breast cancer patients, including his PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION “That’s the way you get things she followed him from one hospital recent efforts to help raise $40 million Dr. Phil Evans, holding the Lifetime Achievement Award he received from the done,” he said. to the next and later had her own for a new breast center at Parkland National Breast Cancer Foundation, with Foundation officers Douglas Feil, left, and Dr. Evans cites nonprofit work daughter become one of his patients. Memorial Hospital, UT Southwestern’s Janelle and Kevin Hail. and patient groups as major partners “I just have absolute trust in primary teaching hospital. Scheduled in cutting the breast cancer mortality him and his knowledge,” she said, to open in 2021, the center will more doctor made him ideal for the award. she said. rate in recent decades. Breast cancer explaining that patients appreciate his than double the number of breast “For 40-plus years, Dr. Evans has The National Breast Cancer Founda- deaths dropped 39 percent from 1989 warm smile and calming voice. “His cancer patients visits from 40,000 to devoted his career to improving the tion is one of many organizations that to 2015, according to the American bedside manner is probably the best 100,000. health of women. As a diagnostic Dr. Evans has worked with to advance Cancer Society. I’ve ever seen in any physician – ever.” National Breast Cancer Founda- radiologist, he has fought tirelessly cancer care. He has served as Presi- His affable demeanor, well known ■ tion founder and CEO Janelle Hail said to screen and diagnose women early dent of the Society of Breast Imaging among the nonprofit groups, extends Dr. Evans’ work on the fundraising while serving on the medical staff and and the American Cancer Society and into patient care. Dr. Evans holds The George and Carol campaign coupled with his reputa- also as a leader at one of our most pres- joined several committees of Susan G. Frisco resident Linda Neal, a Poston Professorship in Breast Cancer tion as a compassionate and attentive tigious partner hospitals, Parkland,” Komen, the prominent breast cancer patient of Dr. Evans for more than two Research.

IN MEMORIAM IN MEMORIAM Dr. Joseph Sambrook: Former McDermott Dr. Eugene P. Frenkel: Longtime leader of Center Director and Chair of Biochemistry Hematology and Oncology Division Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, Cali- plines related to the care of patients with cancer. From Staff Reports fornia (1967-1969). From Staff Reports Dr. Frenkel held two distinguished chairs Dr. Joseph Frank Sambrook, a preeminent In 1969, during his postdoctoral work at the Dr. Eugene P. Frenkel, an internationally recog- created in his honor – the Raymond D. and Patsy R. and internationally known molecular biologist Salk Institute, Dr. Sambrook met and impressed nized cancer researcher and admired clinician and Nasher Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research, in involved in pioneering molecular cloning, died Dr. James Watson, co-discoverer of the structure of educator who pioneered UT Southwestern’s Divi- Honor of Eugene P. Frenkel, M.D., created in 1990, June 14 at age 80. Dr. Sambrook was recruited to DNA and Director of the Cold Spring Harbor Labo- sion of Hematology and Oncology, died June 21. and the Elaine Dewey Sammons Distinguished UT Southwestern in the 1980s as Chairman of ratory. He worked there for the next 16 years. He was 89. Chair in Cancer Research, in Honor of Eugene P. Biochemistry and later served as Director of the Dr. Sambrook and his Tumor Virus Group at Dr. Frenkel, a National Cancer Institute Inves- Frenkel, M.D., established in 2004. He also held the Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified and tigator known for discoveries linking vitamin B12 A. Kenneth Pye Professorship in Cancer Research. Development. mapped the major genes of adenoviruses and metabolism and cancer, remained committed In 2001, the Sydney and J.L. Huffines Distinguished The native of SV40, determined their transcriptional control in to translational cancer Chair in Cancer Research in Honor of Eugene England was a member infected and transformed cells, and demonstrated research throughout Frenkel, M.D., currently held by Dr. Robert Collins, of the Genome Research the mechanism of integration of these viruses into his career. He also was was created. Review Committee of the genome of the host cell. revered for his compas- Projects and funds contributed in his honor the National Insti- Building on this work, Dr. Sambrook was sionate bedside care and include the J.L. Huffines Cancer Research Fund in tutes of Health (NIH). one of the first to design viral vectors to express was highly respected Honor of Dr. Eugene Frenkel; the Edgar A. Robinson He proudly served as cloned genes in eukaryotic cells, which were as an academic mentor Family Fund in Cancer Research in Honor of Eugene Chairman of the NIH/ used in a collaboration with his wife-to-be, who supported the Frenkel, M.D.; the John R. and Mary A. Watson Department of Energy Dr. Mary-Jane Gething, to express cloned influ- career development Endowment Fund for Cancer Research in Honor of Advisory Committee on enza virus hemagglutinin and other membrane of countless students, Eugene Frenkel, M.D.; the John Bunker Sands Fund DNA Sequencing and Dr. Joseph Sambrook glycoproteins and to make important contribu- residents, fellows, and Dr. Eugene P. Frenkel for Cancer Research Honoring Dr. Eugene P. Frenkel; led UT Southwestern researchers at the McDermott tions to the understanding of intracellular traffic junior faculty during a remarkable 57-year career at the Reece A. Overcash, Jr. Center for Research on Center in a pivotal role in the Human Genome and protein folding. Drs. Sambrook and Gething UT Southwestern. Dr. Frenkel, Professor of Inter- Colon Cancer, in Honor of Dr. Eugene Frenkel; and Project. cloned the cDNA encoding the enzyme tissue-type nal Medicine and Radiology, was a Master of the the Dr. Eugene P. Frenkel Cancer Research Fund. Later in his career, he was a leading breast plasminogen activator (tPA). American College of Physicians, a distinction The Detroit native earned his medical degree cancer researcher in Australia. A Fellow of The The couple joined the UT Southwestern faculty bestowed for the excellence and significance of from the University of Michigan Medical School Royal Society and of the Australian Academy of in 1985, leading research to improve thrombolytic contributions to the science and art of medicine. (1953) before completing an internship at Wayne Science, he was an influential leader in the field of agents for dissolving blood clots. This led to the “Dr. Frenkel’s contributions enhanced our County General Hospital (1953-54), as well as the molecular genetics of cancer, best known for design and synthesis of a new generation of tissue- scientific understanding of the association between an interrupted residency in internal medicine at his landmark studies on viral DNA and the molec- type plasminogen activators that are still in clinical cancer and neural function. His early research led Boston City Hospital (1954-55) and the University of Michigan Medical School (1957-59). The years ular biology of normal and neoplastic cells. use today. to the discovery that vitamin B12 deficiencies had a between were marked by military service as an “Joe Sambrook was an erudite and creative At UT Southwestern, Dr. Sambrook held The destructive effect on the myelin sheath, a covering officer and flight surgeon in the Air Force. scientist who was a mentor, friend, and colleague to Sam G. Winstead and F. Andrew Bell Distinguished that surrounds and protects nerve fibers,” said Dr. Dr. Donald Seldin, UT Southwestern’s renowned many at UT Southwestern. His significant contribu- Chair in Biochemistry, was the Peter J. O’Donnell Daniel K. Podolsky, President of UT Southwestern. Chairman of Internal Medicine, recruited Dr. tions to science are an inspirational legacy,” said Dr. Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology, and “In other studies, he helped to define the basis of Frenkel to UT Southwestern in 1962 as Chief of David Russell, Vice Provost and Dean of Research. was Director of the Bugher Center for Molecular drug resistance in the treatment of patients with the newly created Division of Hematology and Dr. Sambrook studied at the University of Cardiology. He stepped down as Chairman of breast and genitourinary cancers. Just as impor- Oncology. Dr. Frenkel additionally served as Chief Liverpool before obtaining his Ph.D. in 1966 Biochemistry in 1991 to lead the McDermott tantly, for decades, he was a medical adviser to of the Nuclear Medicine Service from 1970 to 1982 at the Australian National University. He then Center. legions of Dallasites who came to depend on his at the Veterans Administration Medical Center at conducted postdoctoral research at the Medical In late 1994, Dr. Sambrook returned to Australia wise counsel, even when he was not acting as their Dallas (now the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology to join the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in physician.” Center). in Cambridge, England (1966-1967) and the Salk Melbourne as Director of Research. He founded Dr. Frenkel’s research success attracted support “Dr. Frenkel’s enduring legacy will be remem- and directed the Kathleen Cunningham Founda- from the scientific community, including the bered by the many patients he so compassionately tion Consortium for research into Familial Breast National Institutes of Health (NIH) and American treated, the generations of medical students who cancer (kConFab). He was one of two founding Cancer Society, while the high level of personal- benefited from his rigorous mentoring, and physi- directors of Cancer 2015, a multiyear, large-scale ized care he provided to decades of grateful patients cians and scientists worldwide who were influ- program funded by the Victorian government on resulted in substantial philanthropic support given enced by his seminal work in medical oncology,” personalized treatment of cancer. in his honor that not only furthered his own Center Times is published by the Office of Com- said Dr. W. P. Andrew Lee, Executive Vice President Among his many honors were appointment research through the Harold C. Simmons Compre- munications, Marketing, and Public Affairs at for Academic Affairs, Provost, and Dean, UT South- as a Distinguished Fellow of the Peter MacCallum UT South­western Med­ical Center. UT Southwestern hensive Cancer Center, but he also used to support western Medical School. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Em- Cancer Centre in 2000 and recognition by the and advance the careers of junior colleagues. ployer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individu- Victorian Government Leadership and Innovation In 2006, Texas icon and energy entrepreneur ■ als with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Award in 2009. He was awarded honorary doctor- T. Boone Pickens gave $2 million through the Dr. Lee holds the Atticus James Gill, M.D. Chair ates by the University of Liverpool in 2007 and the T. Boone Pickens Foundation to create the Boone in Medical Science. President: Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky Watson School of Biological Sciences in 2008. Pickens Fund for Cancer Research and Treat- Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O’Bryan Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement: ■ ment Honoring Dr. Eugene Frenkel to support Montgomery, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Presidential Dr. Marc Nivet translational cancer research. Philanthropic gifts Chair in Academic Administration, and the Doris Dr. Russell holds the Eugene McDermott Distin- Interim Assistant Vice President for Communications: in his honor also created the Eugene Frenkel and Bryan Wildenthal Distinguished Chair in Jennifer Doren guished Chair in Molecular Genetics. Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award and the Medical Science. Dr. Eugene P. Frenkel Cancer Research Fund. More Director, Institutional Communications: recently, an anonymous donor established the Debbie Bolles More online: To read the full story and watch a : Read the full story on Center Times Eugene P. Frenkel, M.D. Scholars in Clinical Medi- More online video, go to ct.utsouthwestern.edu/ctplus/stories/ Design Editor: Mark Hoffer cine Program, to support the development of the Plus at ct.utsouthwestern.edu. 2019/eugene-frenkel.html. next generation of academic physicians in disci- August 2019 Page 3 PRC selects Infante, Newton for Distinguished Researcher Awards

Factors leading to cachexia could differentiate subtypes of the condition; By Patrick Wascovich also be used to study body fat regula- study molecular markers that predict The UT Southwestern President’s tion in obesity, Dr. Infante said. His rate of lung function decline across Research Council (PRC), a group of long-term goal is to discover new thera- subtypes; and investigate molecular community members committed to peutic targets to treat both conditions. markers for lung function deteriora- learning about and advancing medical “I have great expectations for Dr. tion. research at UT Southwestern, annu- Infante as a physician-scientist and I “Dr. Newton’s outstanding training ally contributes funding to support the anticipate that with the proper support and research experience form a foun- work of early career faculty. This year, he will carry out innovative research dation of clinical and translational the PRC selected two former trainees that will have a major impact in his research skills that he can use to build who are now faculty members – Dr. field,” Dr. Jay Horton, Director of the upon as he incorporates these innova- Rodney Infante and Dr. Chad Newton Center for Human Nutrition, wrote in tive techniques to discover informa- – to receive Distinguished Researcher his endorsement to the PRC. tive and impactful clinical markers,” Awards. A Medical Scientist Training said Dr. David Johnson, Chairman of The awards will support the men's Program alumnus, Dr. Infante did his Internal Medicine, in his nominating work aimed at discovering new thera- predoctoral work in the lab of Nobel correspondence to the PRC. pies for cancer patients with cachexia Laureates Drs. Michael Brown and ■ and identifying unique molecular Joseph Goldstein and received his signatures in pulmonary fibrosis. M.D. and Ph.D. degrees in 2012 before Dr. Brown, Director of the Erik Jonsson The annual awards provide research completing an internal medicine Center for Research in Molecular Genetics funding of $75,000 to each recip- residency at Massachusetts General and Human Disease, is a Regental ient and are designed to honor and Hospital. He returned to UT South- Professor and holds The W.A. (Monty) help further the work of early career western for a digestive and liver disease Moncrief Distinguished Chair in Choles- researchers who are emerging leaders Drs. Rodney Infante (left) and Chad Newton receive the PRC Distinguished Re- fellowship before joining the faculty in terol and Arteriosclerosis Research, and in their fields. searcher Awards. late 2017. the Paul J. Thomas Chair in Medicine. “We are grateful to the President’s Dr. Goldstein, Chairman of Molecular Research Council for its support of selected by the PRC,” said Dr. Infante, such prestigious recognition and Dr. Chad Newton Genetics, is a Regental Professor and holds promising laboratory work aimed at who has a secondary appointment in generous support from the President’s A faculty member since 2017, Dr. the Julie and Louis A. Beecherl, Jr. Distin- benefiting patients that Dr. Infante is Internal Medicine. “The PRC’s support Research Council,” Dr. Newton said. Newton earned his medical degree and guished Chair in Biomedical Research, pursuing to advance treatment options allows for aggressive approaches to “These funds will allow me to expo- completed his internal medicine resi- and the Paul J. Thomas Chair in Medi- dency and pulmonary and critical care for cancer patients and the research solving a syndrome with no current nentially grow my patient cohort in cine. fellowship at UTSW. During his fellow- that Dr. Newton is conducting to effective interventions.” order to accelerate the discovery of Dr. Horton, a Professor of Internal better understand and ultimately treat Dr. Newton, Assistant Professor of ship, he worked in the laboratory of informative and impactful predic- Medicine and Molecular Genetics, holds those with pulmonary fibrosis,” said Internal Medicine, has discovered that former faculty member Dr. Christine tive markers. Currently, clinicians are the Distinguished Chair in Human Nutri- Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, President of underlying genomic markers may help unable to predict which patients will Garcia, developing expertise in the tion, The Dr. Robert C. and Veronica UT Southwestern. physicians understand which pulmo- experience rapid disease progression biology and genetics of pulmonary Atkins Chair in Obesity & Diabetes Dr. Infante, Assistant Professor nary fibrosis patients are at high risk and who may benefit from earlier and fibrosis. Research, the Center for Human Nutrition in the Center for Human Nutrition, for poor outcomes. Pulmonary fibrosis, aggressive intervention.” Pulmonary fibrosis has many studies body fat regulation in cachexia also called interstitial lung disease, potential causes, but in more than half Director’s Endowed Chair, and the Scott and obesity. Cancer cachexia is a form is a disorder that has more than 200 Dr. Rodney Infante of cases doctors are unable to pinpoint Grundy Director’s Chair. of metabolic mutiny – a devastating potential causes, including exposure to Dr. Infante wants to better under- a specific cause. Symptoms can be Dr. Johnson holds the Donald W. wasting syndrome consisting of severe mold, asbestos, radiation, and certain stand how cancers can cause cachexia easily misdiagnosed, and for many Seldin Distinguished Chair in Internal weight, fat, and muscle loss that is medications, as well as systemic wasting syndrome. Not only do these patients that means rapid, irreversible Medicine. responsible for one-third of all cancer- diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis patients experience poor quality of life, loss of lung function before the right Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O’Bryan related deaths while shortening by half or lupus. Dr. Newton aims to define a but cachexia can hinder response to treatment is found. Montgomery, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Pres- the lifespans of those so affected. (See novel and consistent classification of cancer care. Because no effective treat- PRC support will allow Dr. Newton idential Chair in Academic Administra- related story on page 4.) these diseases. ments exist, doctors often use nonap- to use blood lymphocytes to discover tion, and the Doris and Bryan Wildenthal “I am extremely honored that I was “I am absolutely honored to receive proved medications of limited benefit. unique molecular signatures that Distinguished Chair in Medical Science.

tiveness in the absence of BRCA mutations. A clear molecular Continued from page 1 PARP explanation for these effects has been lacking – until now. percent of breast cancer patients could now be good candidates,” Potential biomarker identified said Dr. W. Lee Kraus, Director of the Cecil H. and Ida Green The new study maps out this molecular pathway in its entirety Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences at UT Southwestern. and identifies a potential biomarker, a clinical test that might “We have found that PARP inhibitors can act by a mechanism indicate which patients may benefit from PARP inhibitors. The that is different from those previously identified, which rely on biomarker is based on a protein called DDX21 that is required for BRCA-dependent DNA repair pathways.” the production of ribosomes in small subcellular compartments This research helps explain why breast cancer patients can be called nucleoli. The presence and function of DDX21 in the responsive to PARP inhibitors even if they don’t have BRCA gene nucleolus requires PARP-1, the target of PARP inhibitors. Treat- Watson Award joins ‘Leaders in mutations. ment with PARP inhibitors blocks DDX21 function and causes it Contributors to the study, published in Molecular Cell, to leak out of the nucleolus and disburse throughout the nucleus, Clinical Excellence’ program included lead author Dr. Dae-Seok Kim, Assistant Instructor of thus inhibiting ribosome production. High levels of DDX21 in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Dr. Cristel Camacho, Research the nucleolus indicate cancers that might be the most responsive honoring clinical faculty Scientist. Dr. Kraus will discuss the impact of his research at the to PARP inhibitors. Wendy and Emery Reves International Breast Cancer Symposium The Kraus team found the new pathway and potential From Staff Reports in September, a premier event at UT Southwestern’s Harold C. biomarker by examining a wide spectrum of breast cancer cells, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center spotlighting the most some of which naturally have low levels of PARP. The low-PARP- Last year ushered in UT Southwestern’s inaugural Leaders in recent progress in breast cancer research and clinical care. level cells behaved like cells in which PARP activity was reduced Clinical Excellence Awards program, designed to honor faculty PARP inhibitors were approved by the FDA in 2014 for the by PARP inhibitors. The discovery builds on 15 years of PARP who embody the very best in clinical and institutional excel- treatment of ovarian cancers containing BRCA mutations, rare research so intense that Dr. Kraus’ laboratory team put a molec- lence. This year will continue the tradition of celebrating excel- genetic mutations that disable a DNA repair pathway in cancer ular model of PARP-1 on his birthday cake. lence – with a prestigious addition. cells. The FDA also approved PARP inhibitors for breast cancer “We started by trying to identify new molecular mechanisms The awards program now includes the Patricia and William treatment in 2018. In their current use, doctors prescribe PARP and pursued this line of inquiry. We didn’t know where the L. Watson Jr., M.D. Award for Excellence in Clinical Medicine. inhibitors to disable a second DNA repair pathway, making it diffi- study would lead,” he said. “We started as pure basic scientists, Awards for both programs will be conferred at a campus event cult for cancer cells to survive. but as the study progressed, the clinical relevance became more and celebration on Nov. 6. Dr. Kraus’ lab discovered that while this war on DNA repair is evident.” “Exceptional clinical care is integral to UT Southwestern’s being waged, PARP inhibitors are also battling for dominance else- He is currently developing ovarian cancer research trials with mission of promoting health and a healthy society that enables where in the cancer cell. It is an important, effective fight previ- Dr. Jayanthi Lea, Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gyne- achievement of full human potential,” said UT Southwestern ously unknown to science. The PARP inhibitors also attack the cology, and breast cancer research trials with Dr. Barbara Haley, President Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky. “The Leaders in Clinical Excel- machinery that makes proteins, called ribosomes. Professor of Internal Medicine. lence Awards recognize the strength of the UT Southwestern “Cancer cells are addicted to ribosomes. Cancer cells grow fast Dr. Carlos L. Arteaga, Director of the Simmons Cancer Center, Health System, which stems from the expertise, commitment and must make proteins to support cell division and other essen- asked Dr. Kraus to speak about this potential new application of to innovation, and compassionate care delivered by UT South- tial processes going on in the cell. If you can slow down or inhibit PARP inhibitors at the Reves Symposium on Sept. 20 and 21. western clinical faculty.” the production of ribosomes, then you can slow down the growth “This is a stellar example of our commitment to translational The Watson Award, the institution’s highest honor for clin- of the cancer cell,” Dr. Kraus said. research; Dr. Kraus sought and secured Institutional Review ical excellence, was established in 2009 through a generous gift Board approval for clinical trials with PARP inhibitors before the from Dr. and Mrs. Watson. It creates an annual opportunity to New view of how drugs work article was even published. This speaks to the commitment of recognize a UT Southwestern faculty physician who exemplifies excellence in patient care and is a leader in advancing clinical This new understanding changes the way that scientists and the Cancer Center to bringing the benefits of our basic science innovations. clinicians think about PARP inhibitors and their clinical applica- discoveries in cancer directly to patients,” Dr. Arteaga said. The Leaders in Clinical Excellence Awards honor exceptional tions, which previously have been focused on DNA repair path- Dr. Kraus is a founder and consultant for Ribon Therapeu- contributions of clinical faculty – at any site of service – to the ways since the initial discoveries in 2005. It took more than a tics Inc., which studies PARP inhibitors, and he holds a patent care of UTSW patients, to the education and training of the decade to get PARP inhibitors approved by the FDA. New appli- covering reagents used in this research. next generation of health care professionals, and to UT South- cations of PARP inhibitors based on Dr. Kraus’ discovery could ■ western overall. They are presented in six categories: Diversity reach patients much quicker because three PARP inhibitor drugs and Humanism in Clinical Care Award, Institutional Service are already approved and in use. Dr. Arteaga holds The Lisa K. Simmons Distinguished Chair in Award, Mentoring Award, Patient and Family Recognition “The historical view is that cancers need the mutated BRCA Comprehensive Oncology. Award, Program Development Award, and Rising Star Award, gene to be sensitive to PARP inhibitors. That’s what most scientists Dr. Haley holds the Charles Cameron Sprague, M.D. Chair in Clin- with nominations from June 24 to Aug. 12. and clinicians thought,” Dr. Kraus said. “But what the field is now ical Oncology. coming to realize is that’s just not true.” Dr. Kraus holds the Cecil H. and Ida Green Distinguished Chair in ■ The realizations Dr. Kraus mentioned come from recent labo- Reproductive Biology Sciences. See the endowed Chairs held by Dr. Podolsky above. ratory science, preclinical studies, and clinical trials throughout Dr. Lea holds the Patricia Duniven Fletcher Distinguished Profes- the nation that show additional signs of PARP inhibitors’ effec- sorship in Gynecological Oncology. Page 4 August 2019 Life-threatening genetic cholesterol condition could be identified through routine blood donations

family members who are at risk.” develop a process for following up with people who By Lori Sundeen Soderbergh The study in JAMA Cardiology concludes that are identified, connecting them with the appro- What if your blood donation held clues to blood donation programs represent a unique priate medical care including family screening, a dangerous genetic cholesterol condition that opportunity as a public health portal to screen for and to continue studying the effectiveness of these could also affect the health of your loved ones? diseases such as FH. According to the American interventions. Cardiologists know that familial hypercholes- Association of Blood Banks, approximately 6.8 “The blood donor screening program could terolemia (FH), a condition that causes extremely million people in the U.S. donate blood every year, be a novel strategy to detect and notify people high levels of cholesterol at an early age, is genetic. and 32.3 percent are first-time donors. with potential FH, particularly younger people in When one person is diagnosed, other family Up to 1.2 million people in the U.S. are esti- whom early detection and treatment is especially members can be identified. However, only an esti- mated to have FH. The standard treatment is diet impactful, as well as to guide screening of family mated 10 percent of those with FH are diagnosed. and exercise, followed by the addition of statins in members,” Dr. Khera said. “For someone with FH, the risk of heart later childhood. ■ disease is higher because their clock started early. Dr. Khera’s team worked closely with Carter They’ve been bathed in high cholesterol since BloodCare in Dallas to review 1,178,102 individual Dr. Khera holds the Dallas Heart Ball Chair in birth. At the same time, they may not know their blood donation records. They found 3,473 people Hypertension and Heart Disease. kids are at risk,” said Professor of Internal Medi- who met criteria for FH based on their cholesterol cine Dr. Amit Khera, Principal Investigator for levels, similar to the estimated prevalence in the More online: To read the full story on Center general population. the study. “Sometimes by identifying one patient Times Plus, go to ct.utsouthwestern.edu. with FH, we find as many as eight or 10 more The UT Southwestern cardiology team plans to Dr. Amit Khera

Burroughs Wellcome Fund supports UTSW investigators

he Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF), an independent private foundation dedicated to advancing Dr. Rodney Infante: Dr. John Schoggins: Investigator in the the biomedical sciences, has Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease Tselected two UT Southwestern investigators Career Award for Medical Scientists to receive five-year awards that begin this year. By Patrick Wascovich By Deborah Wormser Dr. Rodney Infante, Assistant Professor Dr. Rodney Infante, who studies cancer cachexia, has been named a 2019 Dr. John Schoggins, known for his studies on antiviral immunity, in the Center for Human Nutrition and recipient of a Career Award for Medical Scientists by the Burroughs Wellcome has been named a 2019 Investigator in the Pathogenesis of Infec- of Internal Medicine, will receive support Fund (BWF). He is among 13 scientists selected for this research grant, which tious Disease. He is among 11 early career scientists selected for the through the Fund’s Career Awards for provides support of $700,000 over five Burroughs Wellcome Fund (BWF) Medical Scientists (CAMS) program, while years. award, which provides research Dr. John Schoggins, Assistant Professor of Dr. Infante, Assistant Professor in the funding of $500,000 over five years. Microbiology, was selected through the Center for Human Nutrition and of Internal The Assistant Professor of Micro- Investigators in the Pathogenesis of Infec- Medicine and a UTSW Medical Scientist biology investigates the innate tious Disease (PATH) program. The BWF’s Training Program alumnus, studies body immune response to viral infection 2019 awardees will be recognized Oct. 2-3 at fat regulation in cachexia and obesity. Dr. by studying a family of nasty patho- the Fund’s office in Research Triangle Park, Infante did his predoctoral work in the gens called flaviviruses that can North Carolina. laboratories of Nobel Laureates Drs. Michael cause life-threatening diseases such The CAMS program was established in Brown and Joseph Goldstein and received as West Nile encephalitis, congenital 2007 and has now dispensed $102.9 million his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees in 2012. As a Zika syndrome, and dengue fever. to support the work of nearly 150 scientists graduate student, he had multiple first- and In one study, his lab used CRISPR across the country. Dr. Infante is the sixth senior-author papers published, including technology to screen for proteins UTSW faculty member so recognized. some on 12-transmembrane domain Dr. Rodney Infante involved in the body’s defense. Dr. John Schoggins The BWF has supported research in protein (NPC1) now regarded as classics in That study revealed a human gene infectious disease since 1981, funding the field of cholesterol transport. (See related story on page 3.) encoding a protein that blocks viral replication. In 2016, his group modern molecular approaches to under- “I am extremely excited to be selected for such a prestigious award,” Dr. showed that the Zika virus directly infects brain cells and evades standing what have been called the great Infante said. “The type of support provided by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund immune system detection. neglected diseases – malaria, the pathogenic is critical for an early career investigator such as myself.” “I am thrilled to be chosen for this honor,” Dr. Schoggins said. fungi, and human parasites – that primarily Cancer cachexia syndrome is a form of metabolic mutiny – a devastating “Support from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund will allow us to imple- affect people in underdeveloped countries. wasting syndrome consisting of severe weight, fat, and muscle loss that is ment innovative approaches to understand how the immune system In 2000, the PATH track turned its atten- responsible for one-third of all cancer-related deaths while shortening by half controls viral infections.” tion to the larger issues of human-pathogen the lifespans of those so affected. Factors leading to cachexia could also be He said the BWF support will enable his team to combine cell interactions in these infectious diseases and used to study body fat regulation in obesity, Dr. Infante said. His long-term culture models with biochemical, genetic, and molecular approaches others, opening the door for funding work goal is to discover new therapeutic targets to treat both conditions. to develop a more holistic view of how mammals mount an innate in bacterial and viral diseases. In all, UTSW “Dr. Infante is an outstanding physician-scientist with an exceptionally immune response to limit viral infection. has had 11 investigators selected within this bright future,” said Dr. David Russell, Vice Provost and Dean of Research. “The “Dr. Schoggins is a bold scientific innovator who precisely meets enlarged scope. proposed research offers unique discovery opportunities and all the necessary the spirit and substance of the Burroughs Wellcome program in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease. I am thrilled that his pioneering BWF, which is governed by a board of resources for success in the project are at hand. Dr. Infante’s career has been characterized by creativity, productivity, hard work, and superb training, and work has been aptly recognized by the BWF scientific advisory board,” distinguished scientists and business leaders, there’s every reason to believe that he will continue on an exponential vector.” said Dr. Michael Norgard, Professor and Chair of Microbiology. “Dr. was founded in 1955 as the corporate foun- Schoggins’ progressive ideas regarding innate immunity against dation of the pharmaceutical firm Burroughs ■ viruses engender fresh viewpoints on how to discern new antiviral Wellcome Co. In 1993, a gift from the Well- Dr. Brown, Director of the Erik Jonsson Center for Research in Molecular mechanisms by the clever, integrative use of the latest methods in come Trust in the United Kingdom enabled Genetics and Human Disease, is a Regental Professor and holds The W.A. molecular genetics and animal models of infection. He clearly is at the BWF to become fully independent from the (Monty) Moncrief Distinguished Chair in Cholesterol and Arteriosclerosis cutting edge of some major new discoveries.” company, which was acquired two years Research, and the Paul J. Thomas Chair in Medicine. later by Glaxo. ■ Dr. Goldstein, Chairman of Molecular Genetics, is a Regental Professor and The Fund’s primary goals are to help early holds the Julie and Louis A. Beecherl, Jr. Distinguished Chair in Biomedical Dr. Norgard holds the B.B. Owen Distinguished Chair in Molecular career scientists develop as independent Research, and the Paul J. Thomas Chair in Medicine. Research. investigators and to advance basic biomed- Dr. Russell holds the Eugene McDermott Distinguished Chair in Molecular Dr. Schoggins is a Nancy Cain and Jeffrey A. Marcus Scholar in ical sciences fields that are undervalued or in Genetics. Medical Research, in Honor of Dr. Bill S. Vowell. need of particular encouragement.

neurological care through the Peter centers in Richardson/Plano, Park Texas Health Resources, encompasses Rankings Continued from page 1 O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, and Cities, Las Colinas, and Fort Worth. four of the top five ranked hospitals in include two floors dedicated to inpa- • The recently opened nine-story Dallas-Fort Worth: UT Southwestern, tient cancer care for UT Southwest- West Campus Building 3 holds more Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital ern’s Harold C. Simmons Comprehen- than 305,000 square feet of outpatient Dallas (No. 3), Texas Health Harris continues to be reflected in high levels to its distinctive academic medicine sive Cancer Center, the only National clinical space, along with a state-of- Methodist Hospital Fort Worth (No. of patient satisfaction and most impor- through new facilities and innovative Cancer Institute-designated Compre- the-art simulation center for training 4), and Texas Health Harris Methodist tantly in the outcomes we are able to partnerships that improve efficiencies hensive Cancer Center in North Texas the health care professionals of Hospital Southwest Fort Worth (tied achieve,” said Dr. John Warner, Execu- and lower the overall cost of care. Proj- and one of just 50 in the nation. tomorrow. Another nine-story tower for No. 5). tive Vice President for Health System ects include: • In late 2019, the four-story planned for 2022 will expand outpa- ■ Affairs, which includes William P. • A $480 million expansion of its UT Southwestern Medical Center at tient care for the Simmons Cancer Clements Jr. University Hospital and flagship Clements University Hospital Frisco multispecialty clinic complex Center, along with a new Radiation Zale Lipshy University Hospital, along will add 300 beds for a total of 760, will open. It is part of a collaborative Oncology Building. Dr. Warner holds the Jim and Norma with its associated networks of clinics making it among the largest in the 20-acre medical and 132-bed hospital In addition to UT Southwestern’s Smith Distinguished Chair for Interven- and outpatient services. nation. Scheduled to open in 2020, campus with Texas Health Resources. hospitals being ranked No. 1, South- tional Cardiology, and the Nancy and Recognition comes as UT South- the 12-story third tower will expand The Frisco initiative complements western Health Resources, the inte- Jeremy Halbreich, Susan and Theodore western continues to expand access Emergency Department care, provide current off-campus regional medical grated network formed with its partner Strauss Professorship in Cardiology. August 2019 Page 5

Study sheds new light on urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women

Zimmern honored with Cain Chair in Women’s Health for urology work

By Nyshicka Jordan Through the years, many women suffer from urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, or pelvic prolapse – conditions that can become chronic and reduce their quality of life. “Fifty percent of women will have a bladder infection at least once in their life. For urinary incontinence, about 35 to 40 percent of women experience this condition, and prolapse will happen to about 15 to 20 percent of women,” said Dr. Philippe Zimmern, Professor of Urology at UT Southwestern. To support women’s urologic health research – and hopefully lead to new and better treatments – the Felecia and John Cain Chair in Women’s Health, in Honor of Philippe Zimmern, M.D. has been established. The inaugural holder is Dr. Zimmern. “I wish that I could just take Dr. Zimmern and multiply him all over the country – that is really my dream,” said Felecia Cain. The Cain Foun- dation has established other endowments at UT Southwestern, in addition From left, Drs. Kim Orth, Nicole De Nisco, and Philippe Zimmern look over samples of bacteria. to this newest one. In 1994, Mrs. Cain was diagnosed with the Since the advent of antibiotics in the 1950s, patients bladder condition interstitial cystitis. Over five By Patrick Wascovich and physicians have relied on antibiotics for UTI treat- years, she saw multiple doctors for chronic pain, UT Southwestern study suggests why urinary tract ment. but felt little relief until she was referred to Dr. infections (UTIs) have such a high recurrence rate “As time went on, however, major antibiotic allergy Zimmern. Like many other patients he had A in postmenopausal women – several species of and resistance issues have emerged, leading to very chal- treated, Dr. Zimmern discovered, Mrs. Cain had bacteria can invade the bladder walls. lenging and complex situations for which few treatment been misdiagnosed. UTI treatment is the most common reason for anti- choices are left and one’s life can be on the line,” said Dr. “I think previous doctors had a preconceived biotic prescriptions in older adults. Because of the preva- Philippe Zimmern, Professor of Urology and a co-senior idea about what I had based on past medical lence of UTIs, the societal impact is high and treatment author. “Therefore, this new body of data in women exams. But with Dr. Zimmern, I felt like he Dr. Philippe Zimmern costs billions of dollars annually. affected by RUTIs exemplifies what a multidisciplinary listened to me,” she said. “When I first went to “Recurrent UTI (RUTI) reduces quality of life, places a collaboration can achieve going back and forth between him, he treated me with as much kindness, professionalism, and grace as significant burden on the health care system, and contrib- the laboratory and the clinic.” he does today.” utes to antimicrobial resistance,” said Dr. Kim Orth, UTIs are one of the most common types of bacterial After tests ruled out interstitial cystitis, Dr. Zimmern determined that Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at UTSW infections in women, accounting for nearly 25 percent of Mrs. Cain had other urology issues. Since receiving the proper diagnosis, and senior author of the study, published in the Journal of all infections. Recurrence can range from 16-36 percent Mrs. Cain has recommended Dr. Zimmern to other women, who have Molecular Biology. in premenopausal women to 55 percent following meno- experienced relief as well. The investigation demonstrates that several species pause. Factors thought to drive higher UTI rates in post- Later, the Cain Foundation along with Mrs. Cain’s husband, John, of bacteria can work their way inside the human blad- menopausal women include pelvic organ prolapse, established the Felecia Cain Fellowship to attract and train other doctors der’s surface area, called the urothelium, in RUTI patients. diabetes, lack of estrogen, loss of Lactobacilli in the vaginal wishing to specialize in women’s health related to urology, a urological Bacterial diversity, antibiotic resistance, and the adaptive flora, and increased colonization of tissues surrounding subspecialty also known as female pelvic medicine and reconstructive immune response all play important roles in this disease, the urethra by Escherichia coli (E. coli). surgery and that requires passing a board exam. the study suggests. The latest findings build on decades of clinical UTI With the success of the two-year fellowship program, the Cain Foun- “Our findings represent a step in understanding RUTIs discoveries by Dr. Zimmern, who suggested the collabora- dation sought another way to support Dr. Zimmern’s work. A donation in postmenopausal women,” said Dr. Orth, also an Inves- tion to Dr. Orth, along with other UT System colleagues. established the new chair, allowing Dr. Zimmern to focus more on trans- tigator of the prestigious Howard Hughes Medical Insti- “The bacteria we observed are able to infiltrate deep lational research. tute. “We will need to use methods other than antibiotics into the bladder wall tissue, even past the urothelium Dr. Zimmern has various research collaborations in the works, including to treat this disease, as now we observe diverse types of layer,” said first and co-corresponding author Dr. Nicole with UT Arlington on a project to detect and repair vaginal prolapse in bacteria in the bladder wall of these patients.” De Nisco, an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at early stages, with UT Dallas to study urinary incontinence related to aging UT Dallas who initiated this research as a postdoctoral and multiple childbirths, and with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) fellow in Dr. Orth’s lab. “We also found that the adaptive to investigate treatment for antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections, immune response is quite active in human RUTIs.” or UTIs. Among the NIH projects, Dr. Zimmern is looking closer at recur- Future studies will focus on determining effective tech- rent UTIs in postmenopausal and diabetic women. One of the problems bladder niques to remove these bacteria and chronic inflamma- researchers are trying to combat is antibiotic resistance, which has made it tion from the bladder, finding new strategies to enhance difficult to treat bladder infections in women as they age. immune system response, and pinpointing the various “The antibiotics we give to women have been given since the 1960s Recurrent UTI bacterial pathogens involved in RUTIs. and have run their course. People have developed allergies and resistance The study was funded by the National Institutes of to them. We have patients for whom nothing works anymore, so we’re Health, The Welch Foundation, Once Upon a Time …, desperately looking for other forms of treatments for these infections,” and the Cecil H. and Ida Green Chair in Systems Biology he said. Science. Dr. Zimmern is hopeful the support from the Cain Foundation will encourage more health organizations to support urology research. ■ “I am personally enormously indebted to the Cains and the Cain chronic inflammation bacterial invasion Dr. Orth holds the Earl A. Forsythe Chair in Biomedical Foundation for all that they have done for me because since we met and The study showed that in recurrent urinary tract infec- Science and is a W.W. Caruth, Jr. Scholar in Biomedical they’ve started to support my academic work, both teaching and research, tions, several species of bacteria can invade bladder walls, Research. my life has really been transformed for the better. Every day I come here leading to a vicious cycle of chronic inflammation and in- Dr. Zimmern holds the Felecia and John Cain Chair in and I am thankful for what they have done for me,” he said. fection. Women’s Health, in his honor.

Scientific Paper Award. A Fellow of the and Breathing Disorders at UT South- ship Training Program, has been Award Continued from page 1 Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, western, is well recognized as a dedi- frequently awarded Best Doctor by he is editor of the third and fourth cated educator. He received the 2011 D Magazine, and has national exper- editions of Tachdjian’s Pediatric Ortho- Outstanding Teaching Faculty Award tise in management of neuromuscular “Both Dr. Herring and Dr. Lee are faculty is the key,” UT System Chan- paedics textbook and received the from UT Southwestern’s Department pulmonary disorders, chronic respi- exemplary scholars and educators, cellor James B. Milliken said. “I’m American Academy of Orthopaedic of Internal Medicine Residency Pro- ratory failure, and sleep disordered and we are truly delighted that the grateful to the Board of Regents for Surgeons Achievement Award, among gram and the 2013 Outstanding breathing. He has research interests in Board of Regents has recognized their its continued commitment to great many others. He was recipient of the Teaching Faculty of the Year Award simulation education training – in all commitment to our students and other teaching, and I’m thankful that these prestigious Russell A. Hibbs Award for from the Division of Pulmonary and areas of education and health care. learners,” said Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, exceptional educators are serving our Clinical Research from the Scoliosis Critical Care Medicine. In 2015, the “I am honored to contribute to President of UT Southwestern. “Their students and Texas.” Research Society, Fort Worth Scottish UT Southwestern Medical School innovative educational initiatives dedication and talents as teachers Rite Foundation Inc.’s Anson Jones revised its curriculum and Dr. Lee throughout UT Southwestern, partic- make it possible for UT Southwestern Dr. John Herring Award for outstanding societal contri- became Director for the Respira- ularly during a time of expansive to prepare the future physicians and Dr. Herring, who served as Chief butions, and the American Medical tory Course – subsequently voted by growth for the Health System and the scientists who will improve the health of Staff for Scottish Rite Hospital for Association’s Benjamin Rush Award. medical students as the top-ranked Medical School,” Dr. Lee said. “I espe- and well-being of our community and Children for 34 years and now is Chief “All of us are beneficiaries of more course in 2016, 2017, and 2018. cially value the opportunity to serve as those beyond.” of Staff Emeritus, has helped train than a few wonderful teachers who As testament to his dedication a true clinician-educator – as a physi- The 2019 Regents’ Outstanding nearly 200 fellows and an estimated have influenced us at various stages of and mentoring accomplishments, cian with expertise caring for patients Teaching Awards were presented to 27 400 orthopedic residents during his our lives. They inspire as well as inform, in 2017 he was inducted into the along with serving as an educator in UT System faculty members during the 40-plus-year career as a scholar and and by example help us to be better UT Southwestern Academy of Teachers various training programs within the Board of Regents meeting Aug. 14 in educator. people,” Dr. Herring said. “I am very (SWAT). The Academy represents an institution. I find great personal satis- Austin. Honorees received a certificate, Dr. Herring also served as Chairman proud to think that I have had that sort elite group of UT Southwestern educa- faction in teaching; I’m truly lucky to a medallion, and $25,000 in apprecia- of the Pediatric Committee of the of influence on so many – ‘students’ tors who strive to provide an academic do what I do.” tion for their impact on students and American Academy of Orthopaedic of all ages that I have encountered and organizational environment that ■ their institutions. Surgeons and President of the Pediatric throughout my career. To be considered fosters excellence in teaching at all “This awards program is an invest- Orthopaedic Society of North America, a good teacher is a great reward.” levels, rewards superb teachers, stimu- Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O’Bryan ment in both faculty and students, which honored him with the Award lates innovation in education, and Montgomery, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Pres- because when it comes to student for Distinguished Achievement, the Dr. Won Lee promotes scholarship in education. idential Chair in Academic Administra- success – and subsequently real-world Arthur H. Huene Memorial Award, Dr. Lee, who also serves as Medical Dr. Lee is Associate Program tion, and the Doris and Bryan Wildenthal success – recruiting and retaining great and the Stuart L. Weinstein Clinical Director of the Clinical Center for Sleep Director of the Sleep Medicine Fellow- Distinguished Chair in Medical Science. Page 6 August 2019 Velez selected as Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and fellowship programs at UT South- guished Teaching Professor and serves as Emergency Medicine Residency Direc- By Steve Kaskovich western. The appointment took effect Vice Chair for Education in the Depart- tors. Dr. Larissa Velez, who has led the Aug. 1. ment of Emergency Medicine. Under her “Dr. Velez has distinguished herself as Emergency Medicine Residency Program “I am passionate about graduate leadership as Assistant Director and then an exemplary mentor and role model for at UT Southwestern since 2011, has been medical education and I am honored to Director of the Emergency Medicine the way she works with medical students, selected as the new Associate Dean for take on this leadership role,” Dr. Velez Residency Program, it has become one of residents, fellows, and faculty,” said Dr. Graduate Medical Education. said. “My priorities for the position the largest emergency medicine training W. P. Andrew Lee, Executive Vice Presi- She succeeds Dr. Bradley Marple, who include developing and supporting best programs in the country. dent for Academic Affairs, Provost, and guided the growth of graduate medical practices for GME programs in collabo- She has received the Emergency Dean, UT Southwestern Medical School. education (GME) at UT Southwestern for ration with the UT Southwestern Health Medicine Department’s Teaching Excel- ■ nearly a decade. Dr. Marple, who stepped System and affiliated partner hospitals; lence Award three times and last year down as Associate Dean to focus full time recruiting and retaining a high-quality, was honored with a Leaders in Clinical Dr. Lee holds the Atticus James Gill, on his role as Chair of Otolaryngology – diverse workforce; creating professional Excellence Mentoring Award for her M.D. Chair in Medical Science. Head and Neck Surgery, will continue to development opportunities for program work with residents and junior faculty. Dr. Marple holds the Arthur E. serve as an Institutional GME Consul- directors, coordinators, and core faculty; Dr. Velez also has been actively involved Meyerhoff Chair in Otolaryngology/Head tant. and supporting an educational environ- in graduate medical education on the and Neck Surgery. As Associate Dean for Graduate ment that promotes wellness.” national level through organizations Dr. Velez holds the Michael Wainscott, Medical Education, Dr. Velez is respon- Dr. Velez, who joined the UT South- such as the Society for Academic Emer- M.D. Professorship in Emergency Medi- Dr. Larissa Velez sible for the broad spectrum of residency western faculty in 2001, is a Distin- gency Medicine and the Council of cine.

Perot Continued from page 1 Five graduate students honored tions of future physician-scientists and deliver impactful research and care that has left a lasting impact on Texas and the nation,” said Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, President of with NSF fellowships UT Southwestern. Born in Texarkana, Texas, on June 27, 1930, Mr. Perot From Staff Reports began his service to his country in 1949, when he enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. He Five UT Southwestern graduate students have been awarded three-year thrived at the Naval Academy, becoming class president in grants from the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship his junior and senior years. While there, he met his future Program, or GRFP. wife, Margot Birmingham. The pair married in 1956 and The Program supports outstanding graduate students pursuing research- The Gulf War syndrome research of Dr. Robert Haley, (left) later had five children: Ross Jr., Nancy, Suzanne, Carolyn, based master’s and doctoral degrees in STEM fields. Established in 1952, the was supported by Ross Perot Sr. (right) and Sen. Kay and Katherine. GRFP is the oldest graduate fellowship of its kind and is highly selective, with Bailey Hutchison. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Perot worked for only about 10 percent of applicants chosen. Past GRFP awardees include 42 IBM before forming his own company, Electronic Data make important medical breakthroughs in the future.” Nobel Laureates and over 450 members of the National Academy of Sciences. Systems (EDS) in 1962. Mr. Perot sold EDS to General “Ross Perot’s support made it possible for hundreds of Motors in 1984 and four years later founded Perot Systems, bright young people to train to be scientists as well as physi- Here are snapshots of the grant winners and their research: purchased by Dell for $3.9 billion in 2009. cians, earning Ph.D. degrees as well as M.D. degrees,” said • Haley Barlow, working in the Genetics, Develop- Mr. Perot may be best known as one of the most Dr. Brown, Director of the Erik Jonsson Center for Research ment and Disease Graduate Program in the Depart- successful independent candidates for the U.S. presidency, in Molecular Genetics and Human Disease. “Some of our ment of Molecular Biology, associated with the Hamon winning nearly 19 percent of the popular vote in 1992. He brightest faculty got their start in the Perot program. Mr. Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, is ran for President again in 1996 as a Reform Party candi- Perot insisted on only one thing: We had to recruit the ‘best studying the molecular mechanisms that govern lumen date. Mr. Perot also authored several books, including and the brightest.’ To make certain that we met this require- formation in growing blood vessels. Her research has Ross Perot: My Life & the Principles for Success and United We ment, he attended our final recruiting dinner each year. the potential to support or block blood vessel growth in Stand: How We Can Take Back Our Country. He navigated the room, shook hands with the applicants, disease. What does she love about science? “Whether and engaged them in deep discussions. Then he gave a stir- I’m expounding an obscene amount of detail to a room Early UTSW loyalty ring motivational speech, telling the applicants that they of fellow scientists or breaking down how DNA helps Mr. Perot had philanthropic goals in addition to his had a sacred duty to use their gift of intelligence to benefit make us who we are to a group of second graders, I get a Haley Barlow entrepreneurial and political ambitions, and he set his humanity. His words touched the hearts of even the most huge burst of energy from discussing science.” sights on supporting “world-class” institutions. Mr. Perot jaded college seniors.” • Annie Y. Heble, working in the Organic Chemistry was impressed with UT Southwestern’s advancement from Graduate Program, is trying to develop a nanotech- its humble beginnings in the 1940s and was aware of the Commitment to veterans nology platform to encapsulate enzymes in porous increasing number of faculty members gaining admission As a man deeply committed to those who served in our silica nanoparticles that shield them from interac- to the esteemed National Academy of Sciences. Armed Forces, Mr. Perot often reached out to seek help for tion with the body, such as allergic reactions or rapid That prestige reached a new level on Oct. 14, 1985, those who had been wounded or were otherwise in need. deactivation. On giving back to the community: “I when Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Joseph Goldstein won He vigorously supported the Medical Center’s Gulf War am passionate about extending outreach to younger the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discov- syndrome research efforts after hearing stories of soldiers minority populations, especially women and those who eries concerning the regulation of cholesterol metabolism. who returned from the Gulf War becoming sick or disabled come from low-income backgrounds.” Never before had a Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for unknown reasons. In recognition of his contributions • Matthew McDougal, working in the Molecular been awarded for research conducted exclusively within to “liberty and national security,” Mr. Perot received the Microbiology Graduate Program, studies the mecha- the state of Texas. It was a pioneering discovery that would coveted Eisenhower Award from the Business Executives for nisms by which innate immune responses control viral Annie Y. Heble lead to the development of statin drugs, which help regu- National Security organization. pathogens. Insight into how proteins restrict viral infec- late cholesterol, improve the quality of life for millions of “We would never have redirected our ongoing research tion may provide a foundation for the development of people, and save lives. priorities to Gulf War illness had Ross Perot not called our new therapies targeting viral infections. On inspiring With this achievement, UT Southwestern captured Mr. attention to the problem and urged us to provide an inde- future generations: “I plan to start a program in which Perot’s attention. He honored the two Nobel Prize winners pendent scientific opinion,” said Dr. Robert Haley, a Distin- graduate students partner with AVID (Advancement Via with a dinner that drew 300 community leaders. The cele- guished Teaching Professor and Chief of the Division of Individual Determination) programs at high schools bration marked the beginning of significant local support Epidemiology. “It had been widely accepted that over 100,000 in the Dallas area to inform students of the exciting for UT Southwestern’s biomedical education and research. members of the all-volunteer Army had returned home from advances in science and to help promote STEM research “One of the great blessings to befall Mike Brown and the brief war disabled by ‘deployment stress,’ and only the and careers, focusing on high schools with many at-risk me after we won the Nobel Prize in 1985 was getting to publication of strong counter-current scientific evidence of students.” know Ross Perot,” said Dr. Goldstein, Chairman of Molec- brain effects from toxic chemicals could have rekindled broad • Mauricio Antonio Marquez Palencia, working in the research toward what is now the leading theory.” Matthew McDougal ular Genetics. “Prior to the Nobel Prize, the then-President of Cancer Biology Graduate Program, focuses on under- UT Southwestern, Dr. Charles Sprague, approached Mr. Most recently, the Perot Foundation established the Perot standing the role of metabolic and epigenetic factors Perot for a donation to the Medical School. Mr. Perot’s Foundation Neuroscience Translational Research Center at that may trigger metastatic breakout in mice harboring response was that he didn’t know much about the Medical UT Southwestern. This latest expression of the Perot family’s latent disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) from HER2- School since he had never read about it on the front page generosity is supporting translational research at the Peter positive breast adenocarcinomas. Knowledge about of The New York Times. Fortunately, the Times reported our O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute to move science more quickly these mechanisms will provide a wealth of information Nobel Prize on its front page with our pictures. Mr. Perot did from the laboratory to the patient’s bedside and transform for how to better eradicate DTCs and thereby prevent not waste a minute in placing a congratulatory call to Dr. research discoveries into improved and innovative drugs, overt metastasis. As a bilingual student: “I knew first- Sprague, which was the beginning of 30 years of generous devices, and treatments. hand that science is a language by itself, and even philanthropic support for the M.D./Ph.D. program and “Mr. Perot was a true friend to the Medical Center and more challenging for students with English as a second many other research endeavors on our campus.” a remarkable man whose inspirational leadership touched language. My tutoring in community college focused all who knew him,” Dr. Podolsky said. “He will be deeply on biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry; Mauricio Antonio MSTP program support missed.” my goal was to help my classmates understand basic Over the next few years, Mr. Perot became more involved ■ science material and excel in their studies.” Marquez Palencia with the Medical Center. The Perots and their Foundation Dr. Brown, a Regental Professor, holds The W.A. (Monty) • Spencer Shelton, working in the Cell and Molecular provided generous support of UT Southwestern’s Medical Moncrief Distinguished Chair in Cholesterol and Arterioscle- Biology Graduate Program at the Children’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) as well as the research rosis Research, and the Paul J. Thomas Chair in Medicine. Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern, is inves- of Nobel Laureates Dr. Brown and Dr. Goldstein and their Dr. Goldstein, a Regental Professor, holds the Julie and tigating the role of mitochondrial DNA variations in protégés. The MSTP, which trains the next generation Louis A. Beecherl, Jr. Distinguished Chair in Biomedical melanoma metastatic potential. On effecting change: of leaders in academic medicine by offering a combined Research, and the Paul J. Thomas Chair in Medicine. “I felt a need to become involved and encourage policy- M.D./Ph.D. degree, is an important part of Mr. Perot’s Dr. Haley holds the U.S. Armed Forces Veterans Distin- makers to promote the American scientific enterprise. legacy at UT Southwestern. guished Chair for Medical Research, Honoring Robert Haley, Through my involvement in Science Policy, Education, Mr. Perot’s support of the program was more than finan- M.D., and America’s Gulf War Veterans. and Communication (SPEaC), my goals are to educate cial. He personally attended MSTP functions and spoke to Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O’Bryan Montgomery, Jr., other students about science policy and increase scien- potential candidates. In 1996, the Perots provided addi- M.D. Distinguished Presidential Chair in Academic Admin- tists’ participation in policymaking.” Spencer Shelton tional funding to strengthen training for these medical istration, and the Doris and Bryan Wildenthal Distinguished scientists and to enhance biomedical research. When Mr. Chair in Medical Science. Perot made his initial contribution in 1987 to support the More online: To read the full story, including profiles of the honorable mention program, he said, “This is an investment in people and intel- More online: To read the full story, go to utsouthwestern. lect that will bring enormous rewards in the years to come. recipients, go to Center Time Plus at ct.utsouthwestern.edu. edu/newsroom/articles/year-2019/h-ross-perot.html. These funds will help train young scientists who might well August 2019 Page 7

Lives helping others: Meiers give $500,000 CLASS for cerebral amyloid angiopathy research NOTES

By Julie Henley IN MEMORIAM Dr. Donald E. and Patsy Meier are no strangers to living charitably. The retired Medical School medical missionaries have dedicated their George Clyde Curry, M.D. (’62) lives to the surgical education of underserved Charles Lee Sledge, M.D. (’67) communities. Jesse Raymond Thomas, M.D. (’78) Now they want to give back even more, Geri Grace Brown, M.D. (’88): The Geri Brown, inspired by Dr. Meier’s diagnosis in 2015 with M.D. Lectureship in Digestive and Liver Diseases cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), a degen- has been established through generous donations erative condition of the brain that has no in honor of Dr. Brown. effective therapies. The couple have made a generous $500,000 gift to support CAA research School of Health Professions at UT Southwestern’s Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Avis Deloris Huffstutler Sylvester (’75) Institute that will screen for new drugs and test Pamela Gay Hale Abernethy (’87) potential new treatments for the disease. Dr. Meier spent 12 years building local pedi- atric and global surgery programs. He retired MEDICAL SCHOOL as Professor Emeritus from the Division of Class of 1969: Ralph McCleskey, M.D., former Medical Pediatric Surgery at the Texas Tech University Director of Cardiac Rehab and Heart Failure at Health Sciences Center El Paso Paul L. Foster Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas, was School of Medicine. One year into retirement, elected 2019 Distinguished Alumni at McMurry he experienced a CAA-induced massive cere- University in that city. Dr. McCleskey was also bral hemorrhage that left him unable to walk, selected for a one-man photography show at Amy speak, or raise his arms. This event, followed by Dr. and Mrs. Meier in front of their church in Dallas Graves Ryan Gallery in Abilene. two grand mal seizures, prompted the couple’s Class of 1988: Peter A. McCullough, M.D., M.P.H., was move back to Dallas in 2017 to seek care at tarian appointment lasted nearly two decades selected as this year’s Helen Dunham Cardio-Renal UT Southwestern, where Dr. Meier once trained in Ogbomosho, Nigeria, where Dr. Meier Lecturer and in May delivered cardiovascular as a resident and served on the faculty. Since trained local residents and Mrs. Meier served as and nephrology grand rounds and led discussion then, he has regained much of his physical the head operating room nurse. Together, they groups with fellows in both divisions at Brigham mobility, speech, and hope. built a sustainable health care practice that the and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Dr. McCullough, “Don Meier’s trust in UT Southwestern as local physicians could pass on to future genera- a founder and President of the Cardio Renal Society he has made a journey from resident to faculty, tions of practitioners. of America, has published in more than 1,000 and now patient and donor, is a true inspira- “During 17 years in Nigeria, I never scientific publications and received more than tion to us,” said Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, Presi- conducted an operation without supervising a 500 citations in the National Library of Medicine dent of UT Southwestern. “We are grateful for resident and encouraging them to do the same for advances in internal medicine, cardiology, and the Meiers’ generosity, and their confidence in for others,” Dr. Meier said. “The highlight of nephrology. our faculty is a further catalyst for UT South- Dr. and Mrs. Meier at a celebration in their my whole life was watching people whom I western researchers’ efforts to develop tomor- honor given by the King of Ogbomosho, Nigeria, taught go on to teach others.” row’s life-changing therapies.” in 1984 After returning from West Africa, the Meiers FORMER HOUSESTAFF “My husband’s experience with CAA continued working to reduce health disparities prompted us to look for answers,” Mrs. Meier tics of both stroke and Alzheimer’s disease, it in low-income areas both abroad and stateside. Residency alumnus Michael Weisberg, M.D., has written said. “At the time of Don’s diagnosis, the is still a relatively unstudied condition,” said Dr. Meier was recently awarded the American and released a medical thriller novel, The End, which only substantial research being conducted Dr. Mark Goldberg, Professor of Neurology and Pediatric Surgical Association’s first Surgical takes places in the Dallas medical profession. on CAA was at a hospital across the country. Neurotherapeutics and Associate Vice President Humanitarian Award and is writing a memoir When we learned that all of his tests would for Institutional Advancement at UT South- about their life’s work providing health care to be referred there, we were inspired to support western with a focus on the Peter O’Donnell Jr. limited-resource populations. For the latest updates on alumni events and news, CAA research at UT Southwestern. The disease Brain Institute. “The Meiers’ generous support ■ visit engage.utsouthwestern.edu/alumni and follow can be hereditary, and we feel a responsibility will help our team better understand the @utswalumni on Facebook. toward our children to do all that we can.” disease and lay the necessary groundwork for Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O’Bryan Please send your Class Notes contributions or address CAA has the potential to cause devas- future clinical trials.” Montgomery, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Presidential changes to the Office of Development and Alumni Rela- tating brain hemorrhages, ischemic strokes, The Meiers have spent a lifetime laying such Chair in Academic Administration, and the Doris tions, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry and progressive cognitive impairment in older groundwork for others, working as mission- and Bryan Wildenthal Distinguished Chair in Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9009, email alumni@ patients. “Although CAA shares characteris- aries around the globe. Their longest humani- Medical Science. utsouthwestern.edu, or call 214-648-4539.

physical therapist will work together to prevent it altogether. and harm brain cells. Dauer Continued from page 1 build the best plan for the patient. One of the exciting advances has The second pillar is harnessing the been to use new neuroimaging tech- There is a lot of talk about creating two, or three years but for the enduring Building teams across disciplines, tremendous scientific excellence of niques to look inside the brain, both in synergies within the O’Donnell Brain future – to change the lives of people among both scientists and clinicians, UT Southwestern, ranging from molec- humans and animals in experimental Institute. What does that mean? with brain disease, I think will be the will be a key focus of the O’Donnell ular to behavioral to human subject research. Related to that are a suite of It’s important to understand that key ingredient for success.” Brain Institute as it seeks to uncover the investigation. We will nucleate groups of new tools that allow us to manipulate science is increasingly a team effort. Dr. Dauer joined UT Southwestern fundamental causes of brain disease and the best scientists in the world to tackle specific sets of brain cells. For example, Many scientific disciplines have grown as Director of the O’Donnell Brain Insti- translate discoveries into treatments. key areas that are ripe for human trans- in Parkinson’s, there are a few particular up and are sufficiently sophisticated that tute and Professor of Neurology and “UT Southwestern has a uniquely lation. This will include scientists who sets of brain cells out of billions that are it’s impossible for one person to figure it Neurotherapeutics and Neuroscience outstanding scientific culture,” Dr. will be located in the new O’Donnell really key to producing the symptoms. all out. What we need to do is assemble on July 1. In the new role, he is respon- Dauer said. “It’s really the perfect place Brain Institute Research Tower as well as The ability to study those in isolation groups of people with varying expertise sible for integrating the work of scien- to bring together the best minds in the a vigorous effort to create an exemplary is something new that could never be – in basic molecular function, in brain tists and clinicians in fields that include country, or even the world, to work on clinical trials unit that will allow us to done before. circuit function, in computing – to work neurology, neuroscience, neurosurgery, brain science with the important goal of be a magnet for human subject research, Similarly, there are new techniques together on common problems of brain physical medicine and rehabilitation, improving the lives of people with brain including “first-in-brain” humanthat allow us to deliver proteins or function and health. neuroradiology, and psychiatry. diseases.” studies. genes into the nervous system in a Similarly, in the clinical arena the “Dr. Dauer’s arrival on campus marks In an interview during his first The third pillar, which really will highly focused way. In recent years, a key goal will be to create integrated care, a significant milestone for the O’Donnell week on campus, Dr. Dauer shared his enable the other two, is to enrich the retinal disease that causes blindness where a variety of services, including Brain Institute, which aims to accel- thoughts about the O’Donnell Brain tremendous scientific community that and a neuromuscular disease that causes research, will be co-located so the erate discoveries into the underlying Institute’s mission and the future of already exists here to amplify brain death in infancy have been dramati- patient is cared for by a team. The key is causes of brain disorders by facilitating brain science. research. That will include efforts to cally changed or sometimes cured with to provide not only the best care for the synergies across many disciplines,” said recruit key faculty in areas that are gene therapy. In fact, some of the most patient but to build systems that opti- Dr. W. P. Andrew Lee, Executive Vice What are your priorities as Director of primed for advancement, as well as exciting work in Duchenne muscular mize the patient experience and allow President for Academic Affairs, Provost, the O’Donnell Brain Institute? attracting and supporting the best dystrophy is happening here at them to access care in the most efficient and Dean of UT Southwestern Medical The long-term priority is to be the trainees to neuroscience and brain UT Southwestern, led by Dr. Eric Olson, way possible. School. “The recent groundbreaking for leading center for caring for people with disease studies. We’ll focus on the people Chair of Molecular Biology and Director ■ a new Research Tower for the O’Donnell brain disease, including both neurologic who are working today, but this is a large of the Hamon Center for Regenerative Brain Institute on North Campus and and psychiatric illness. problem and so we also need to build Science and Medicine. Dr. Dauer holds the Lois C.A. and the ongoing expansion of William P. In the short term, there are really the best minds for tomorrow. Ultimately, we want to prevent Darwin E. Smith Distinguished Chair in Clements Jr. University Hospital, where three pillars, each of which is essential to the onset of disease and not have to Neurological Mobility Research. the new third tower will serve as the meet our long-term goal. One is creating What progress is being made in brain deal with symptoms later. An essential Dr. Diamond, Director of the Center O’Donnell Brain Institute’s clinical outstanding clinical care, with teams science and why are you optimistic element of the O’Donnell Brain Insti- for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative home, represent UT Southwestern’s of individuals who talk to each other that there will be significant break- tute and cause for great excitement is Diseases, holds the Distinguished Chair commitment to the study and treat- to provide integrated care for patients. throughs? the understanding of the fundamental in Basic Brain Injury and Repair. ment of brain diseases, the last frontier Integrated care means that when a This is a tremendously exciting time molecular features of brain disease. In Dr. Lee holds the Atticus James Gill, in medicine.” patient with a neurologic or psychiatric for brain science. There have been a neurodegenerative disease in particular, M.D. Chair in Medical Science. Dr. Dauer came to UT Southwestern disease comes to a clinic, they won’t just number of very important advances there have been fundamental advances Dr. Olson holds the Pogue Distin- from the University of Michigan, where see a physician and then go back and in the last decade that are helping us over the last 10 years, as exemplified guished Chair in Research on Cardiac he was Director of the Movement Disor- forth to see all the ancillary people who understand how the brain works and by the work of Dr. Marc Diamond with Birth Defects, The Robert A. Welch ders Group and Director of the Morris K. are important to their care. A variety also how diseases disrupt that func- Alzheimer’s disease, where we are begin- Distinguished Chair in Science, and the Udall Center of Excellence for Parkin- of services will be co-located; so, for tion, which gives us key clues to devise ning to understand how molecules can Annie and Willie Nelson Professorship in son’s Disease Research. example, a physician, social worker, and therapies to either lessen suffering or to take on a different shape, become toxic, Stem Cell Research. Page 8 August 2019 UTSW Pride Month celebration event filled with history and hope

By Ashley Green-Jones On the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, which sparked the beginning of the modern fight for LGBT rights, UT Southwestern hosted its first Pride Month celebration on South Campus. The event, held in the D1.602 Lecture Hall, featured an inspirational song, a brief history of the LGBT rights movement, and an illuminating over- view of the hurdles and strides in LGBT patient care. Dr. Marc Nivet, Executive Vice Presi- dent for Institutional Advancement, opened the program and expressed grat- itude that our institution is continuing to recognize the diversity of the campus and the community we serve. “It really is wonderful to see the turnout that we have today and to Dr. Roberto de la Cruz, a native of Puerto Rico, shares a timeline of significant Chris Jacobson-Chism from Cathedral of Hope church belts out his inspiring see UT Southwestern continue on the moments in LGBTQ history. original song, “Visible.” perpetual journey of inclusive excel- lence,” Dr. Nivet said. can affect LGBT patient care on both prevalence of HIV, STDs, victimization, The celebration revved up as Chris About Roberto de la Cruz the patient and physician side. mental health issues, and suicide.” Jacobson-Chism from Cathedral of Dr. Roberto de la Cruz is the Executive Vice President and Chief Medical “In the past, a major structural Dr. Elizabeth Paulk, Professor of Hope church gave a rousing perfor- Officer at Parkland Memorial Hospital. He has participated in AIDS/Life- barrier in the medical field was lack Internal Medicine and Chair of the mance of “Visible,” an original ballad Cycle, a seven-day, 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles of recognition of same-sex partners,” LGBTA BRG, closed the program by he wrote encouraging the LGBT that benefits the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Dr. de la Cruz said. “Lack of provider encouraging attendees to pick up the community to shine. Cathedral of Center, and continues his activism in the LGBT community at Parkland. training in the late ’80s – particularly provided LGBT educational materials Hope, located in Dallas, is known to Parkland hosts two transgender clinics that serve 300 patients. In 2013, for transgender patients – contrib- and symbols of support in the lobby, have the world’s largest gay congrega- Parkland banned discrimination on the basis of gender identity, gender uted to physicians feeling uncomfort- such as Pride-themed rainbow ribbons tion, with over 4,000 members. expression, or genetic information. UT Southwestern policy prohibits able with providing care to the LGBT and lapel pins. Dr. David Weigle, Assistant Dean discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender community, although this number has ■ for Graduate Medical Education and expression. declined substantially.” Executive Sponsor of the LGBTA Busi- In the LGBT community, those Dr. Paulk holds the Distinguished ness Resource Group, introduced the who identify as transgender experience Professorship in Palliative Care, in Honor keynote speaker, Dr. Roberto de la Cruz. Where We Can Be Tomorrow, and How was the Stonewall uprising in 1969, the higher rates of joblessness, poverty, of Steven Leach, M.D. Dr. de la Cruz, Executive Vice Presi- You Can Help Us Get There,” by walking LGBT community’s response to a brutal and lack of health insurance than their dent and Chief Medical Officer at Park- the audience through a timeline of police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay lesbian, gay, or bisexual counterparts, More online: To read the full story land Memorial Hospital, is a native of significant moments in the medical, bar in New York City. he said. and see more photos, go to Puerto Rico and member of the LGBT political, social, and pop culture history Dr. de la Cruz also briefly touched “Transgender patients are at the ct.utsouthwestern.edu/ctplus/stories/ on the HIV/AIDS epidemic but focused community. He began his presentation, of the LGBT community in America. greatest risk of all,” Dr. de la Cruz said. 2019/pride-month-celebration.html. “LGBTQ+ Health: Where We Are Today, One of the most significant milestones mainly on the stigmas and barriers that “These individuals also have a high

A researcher’s Valhalla: Grad student attends Nobel Laureate gathering in Germany

By Carol Marie Cropper Whitney Costello’s life reads a bit like Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss. The UT Southwestern graduate student researcher grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, and started out thinking she would become a meteo- rologist before veering into molecular biophysics instead. That change in direction has led her to study in Italy, to work as a researcher in China, and most recently to participate as one of about 600 prom- ising students from around the world in the rarefied air of the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, held each year in Germany. The event took place the first week of July on the picturesque island of Lindau in Lake Constance, near Germany’s southern border with Austria and Switzerland, with the Alps as a backdrop. Ms. Costello wasn’t the only member of the UT Southwestern community in attendance. Dr. Johann Deisenhofer, UTSW Professor Emeritus of Biophysics and an emeritus member of the Cecil H. and Ida Green Comprehensive Center for Molecular, Computational, and Systems Biology, was among nearly 40 Nobel Laureates speaking at the event. Graduate student Whitney Costello got a chance to meet some of the world’s top scientists at the Nobel Laureate Meetings in Lindau, Germany, in early July. Also Dr. Deisenhofer, who shared the 1988 Nobel Prize attending was UTSW Nobel Laureate Dr. Johann Deisenhofer, one of the event's speakers. The Meetings are held each year on an island in Lake Constance, Germany. in Chemistry, gave a talk about photosynthesis, the topic that won him his prize after he uncovered During her six days at Lindau, Ms. Costello (“It’s very difficult to predict weather patterns,” she the structure of the reaction center involved in that attended many lectures, including Dr. Deisenhofer’s added.) natural process. talk and one by Dr. Steven Chu, co-recipient of the Watching her grandmother and grandfather die The Lindau Meetings began in 1951 as a way 1997 Nobel Prize in Physics for work in laser cooling while she was in college – both from neurological to bring together college undergraduates, Ph.D. and atom trapping. diseases – is what drove her to focus on biophysics, students, and postdoctoral researchers to meet and She also was chosen to speak about her own a field that uses the math of physics to describe and attend lectures and panel discussions by Nobel research at the prestigious Max Planck Institute of understand biology, she said. “I felt no one should Laureates. The event is designed to foster dialogue Biophysics in Frankfurt. have to suffer like that,” she said of her grandpar- between Nobel Laureates and young scientists. But, for her, the highlight was the lunch she sat ents. “It’s a great opportunity to network with scien- down to at an Italian restaurant with just a handful In her current research, Ms. Costello studies tists all over the world,” Ms. Costello said. “You of students and Nobel Laureate Dr. Ada E. Yonath. amyloid proteins in the cellular context. Amyloid never know what collaborations will come. And it’s Dr. Yonath, who grew up in Israel, won the Nobel protein aggregates are associated with Alzheim- not every day that you get to be in a room with 30 Prize in Chemistry in 2009 for her studies of the Dr. Klaus von Klitzing, of the Max Planck Institute er’s, the disease that killed her grandmother. She people and a Nobel Laureate. It’s a truly amazing structure and function of the ribosome – studies for Solid State Research in Stuttgart, Germany, is looking at how yeast organize amyloid prion experience.” made possible after she cracked the code on how won the 1985 Nobel Prize in Physics and was one proteins without creating the problem of the huge, unorganized aggregates sometimes seen in humans “Whitney is training on the cutting edge of to create the first ribosome microcrystals and later of the Meetings’ speakers. a new and exciting field and technique that sits published a three-dimensional structure of the that may lead to cell death. squarely at the interface of physics, physical chem- elusive cell particle that builds life’s proteins. talk about her family, including a granddaughter Does Ms. Costello plan to return to Lindau istry, and biology, and she has the scholarly atti- “She’s a very great biophysicist. People told her who invited the respected scientist to speak to a soon? tude, intellectual talent, and personal determina- she’d never solve the structure of the ribosome, and kindergarten class about the ribosome. “No. No. If you go back, it must be as a Nobel tion to make a mark,” said Dr. Luke Rice, Associate she did it,” Ms. Costello said. “It’s really nice to see Ms. Costello was always good in math and Laureate,” she said. “I think some luck is involved Professor of Biophysics and Biochemistry and Chair her passion for the ribosome after all these years. science but felt too much of an introvert to ever with that.” of the Molecular Biophysics Graduate Program, She still really loves it.” become a doctor. ■ who sent Ms. Costello’s nomination to Lindau. For Ms. Costello, who serves as the grad- An inspiring high school physics teacher and a “Whitney is also admirably engaged as an advocate uate student representative on UT Southwest- stint working on a college research project led her Dr. Deisenhofer is a Regental Professor. for women in science. We are so proud that she was ern’s Women in Science and Medicine Advisory to switch her major from meteorology to physics as Dr. Rice is a Thomas O. Hicks Scholar in Medical selected to attend the Lindau Meetings.” Committee, it was reassuring to hear Dr. Yonath an undergraduate at the University of Oklahoma. Research.