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Vol. 9 | April 2022 – 4 minute read

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New Master's Program for Genetic Counseling

UT Southwestern will launch a new Master of Genetic Counseling program next year to meet the projected growth of genetic medicine and support the development of genetic counseling services in key areas of prenatal, pediatric, adult, cancer, and cardiovascular care.


Genetic counselors are master's-level health care professionals who combine their knowledge of science, medical genetics, epidemiological principles, and counseling theories to help people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease.


The Master of Genetic Counseling program will be housed in the School of Health Professions and currently anticipates welcoming its first class in the fall of 2023. A national search for the program director will start this month. Kim Hoggatt Krumwiede, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor in the School of Health Professions, will serve as Chair of the Search Committee.


As a leading health care and research institution, UT Southwestern has the expertise, reputation and infrastructure to support this program, which will help us quickly become a recognized national leader in the growing field of genetic medicine.

Did you know?


The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of genetic counselors to grow 26% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.


This expected growth is based on rapid scientific advances in genomics with a growing number of tests a genetic counselor can administer, as well as increased patient awareness, knowledge, and demand for services, coupled with expanded coverage by insurance providers.  

Induction to the National Academy of Sciences

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The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) will induct the classes of 2019, 2020, and 2021 later this month and six UT Southwestern faculty members will be inducted. Congratulations Dr. Joan Conaway, Dr. Sean Morrison, Dr. Kim Orth, Dr. Michael K. Rosen (Class of 2020), Dr. Donald Hilgemann, and Dr. Margaret Phillips (Class of 2021)!


Established in 1863, the NAS is charged with providing independent, objective advice to the nation on matters related to science and technology. UT Southwestern now has 25 faculty who have been elected by their peers to membership in the NAS for outstanding contributions to science.


This important recognition reflects the breadth and quality of research underway at our institution, and serves as inspiration for new generations of trainees and scientists to carry on the tradition of discovery that is the hallmark of distinguished academic medical centers.

Faculty Announcements

New Chair of Radiation Oncology

Robert D. Timmerman, M.D., is the new Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, where he has served in various leadership roles since 2004, including Interim Chair for the last six months.


An expert in diseases of the central nervous system, Dr. Timmerman worked with other researchers to develop a method – known as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SAbR) or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) – that uses sophisticated image guidance and tracking to safely deliver radiation to areas of the body where natural motion, such as breathing, challenges precision. This seminal contribution is widely regarded to have transformed the field of radiation oncology.


His research and leadership in various clinical trials have resulted in new standards of care that reduce the levels of toxicity, allowing patients to tolerate the treatment better with fewer side effects.


As Chair, Dr. Timmerman will further elevate UT Southwestern as a national hub for innovation and personalized care in cancer treatment. Read more.

Inaugural Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health

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L. Joseph Su, Ph.D., M.P.H. is the inaugural Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health. 


He joins us from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he was Professor of Epidemiology at the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, and Associate Director of Population Sciences and co-Director of Cancer Control and Population Sciences at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute.


Dr. Su is an experienced investigator in the field of public health, where he has studied the role of nutrition and lifestyle in prostate and breast cancers, and epigenetic effects of environmental contaminants. Over his academic career, Dr. Su served as director of curriculum at various public health schools. He also held leadership positions at the National Cancer Institute and the Food and Drug Administration.


Dr. Su’s breadth of experience and proven skills will enhance our efforts in curriculum development and accreditation of the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health.

Congratulations, Dr. Jiang and Dr. Siegwart

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Steve Jiang, Ph.D.

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Daniel Siegwart, Ph.D.

Steve Jiang, Ph.D., and Daniel Siegwart, Ph.D., have been selected to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows Class of 2022, which recognizes the most accomplished medical and biological engineers in academia, industry, education, clinical practice, and government.


AIMBE Fellows represent the top 2% of medical and biological engineers. UT Southwestern now has eight faculty members as Fellows of the AIMBE. Read more.

Match Day Highlights

After two years of virtual events, fourth-year medical students gathered in person for Match Day. Of the 205 students who matched in the Class of 2022, 64 will complete residencies at UT Southwestern, 102 will train in Texas, while the rest disperse to top institutions across the country.


This year, the top five residency specialties selected by UTSW students were: Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, and Psychiatry. View the full Match Day 2022 specialty list.

Center for Implementation Science

UT Southwestern received $1.8 million in federal support to establish a Center for Implementation Science (CIS) in the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health.


The field of implementation science studies systematic uptake of effective interventions and research discoveries to improve health care quality and patient outcomes. The CIS will help meet needs of integrating evidence-based interventions and innovative research discoveries through:


  1. Training: It will offer complementary didactic and interactive learning opportunities to cultivate expertise of public health professionals working to support the implementation of evidence-based interventions and research discoveries, as well as scientists who set research agendas.
  2. Research: It will build capacity on the UT Southwestern campus to conduct cutting-edge implementation science research by developing necessary research infrastructure and hiring promising scientists.
  3. Community Engagement: It will incorporate stakeholder-engaged approaches to secure ongoing feedback from community members and key stakeholders, and ensure alignment of work with local, regional, and national priorities. 


This approach will strengthen our region’s capacity to respond to future public health challenges and proactively address evidence-based prevention and management of chronic diseases.

Upcoming Events

Alfred G. Gilman Educational Symposium

Hosted by the Southwestern Academy of Teachers (SWAT), this year's symposium offers both in-person and virtual attendance options.

  • Friday, April 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register to attend.


Women in Science and Medicine Advisory Committee (WISMAC)

Visiting Professor Jo Handelsman, Ph.D., keynotes the Ida M. Green Distinguished Visiting Professorship with the lecture, "A World Without Soil."  

  • Wednesday, April 20, from 4-5 p.m. Register to attend.



Request for Proposals: SWAT Small Grants Program

This program grants up to $3,500 per project to faculty members engaged in education research and program development. Trainees are eligible to apply in active collaboration with a faculty sponsor.


Health Equity Discussion Group

Join a conversation about The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez.

  • Wednesday, May 4, at 5 p.m. Register to attend.
  • Friday, May 6, at noon. Register to attend.


Registration Open: Simulation (SIM) Center Forum

This forum brings together individuals from a broad array of backgrounds, all with a common interest in health care simulation, quality improvement, and research.

  • Wednesday, May 11, 8 a.m. Register to attend. 


Save the Date: Wellness Week

A combination of workshops and webinars will cover how to go from surviving to thriving during this year's Wellness Week, hosted by the Office of Faculty Wellness.

Annual Compliance Training Due May 5

To ensure operations are conducted responsibly, the Office of Institutional Compliance requires every employee to complete annual compliance training on laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. 


This year’s training consists of two modules and takes about an hour and thirty minutes. Just over 1,000 faculty members have already completed both modules.


Every UTSW employee must complete the compliance training by Thursday, May 5, or face disciplinary action up to termination. 

Staying Connected, Informed, and Involved

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