Jochen Reiser, MD, PhD, President of UTMB and CEO, UTMB Health System
Joined June 2023
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Last week, I had a productive meeting with Bobby Lumpkin, Executive Director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and his team. Our conversation centered on a shared priority: UTMB’s correctional managed care (CMC) strengthens outcomes for patients and supports safer communities. I'm proud of the work our teams are doing together.
ALT Two people are standing and shaking hands in an office setting. They are both smiling, and one is wearing a suit while the other is dressed in a blazer with a tie. Behind them is a framed American flag mounted on the wall.
ALT A group of seven people standing in a room with an American flag on the wall. They are dressed in formal attire, smiling at the camera. The room has beige walls and a carpeted floor.
Reflecting on last week’s @utsystem UT REAL Health AI Symposium, where I joined Mikele Epperly, VP of Brain Health Transformation at @utmbhealth, for a panel discussion on “Using AI to Strengthen Humanity in Healthcare.”
Our conversation reinforced an important point: Technology should not create distance between clinicians and patients. It should bring them closer.
As AI continues to evolve, events like this help ensure the conversation remains focused on what matters most: improving the patient and clinician experience. I’m excited to see how the ideas and collaborations sparked at this year’s symposium translate into meaningful impact in the years ahead.
Congratulations to Gene Olinger, director of the Galveston National Laboratory at UTMB, on receiving the prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program Award from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (@FulbrightPrgrm).
Gene's scientific expertise and leadership have been instrumental in advancing research and helping establish new opportunities for artificial intelligence at @utmbhealth.
This well-deserved recognition will take him to Dublin, Ireland, where he will share his expertise through educational and training activities, further strengthening international collaboration.
I have no doubt Gene will represent UTMB exceptionally well. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Learn more: utmb.us/grc
ALT An individual stands in front of Galveston National Lab/Keiller Building, wearing a business suit.
I have had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Kristen Starnes-Ott and have seen firsthand the thoughtfulness and experience she brings to her leadership of the UTMB School of Nursing.
Kristen understands that preparing the next generation of nurses means supporting students, strengthening mentorship and equipping nurses for an evolving health care environment.
What has impressed me most is the intentionality she brings to this work. The programs and strategies she is advancing today will strengthen the @utmbson and the nursing workforce for years to come.
Learn more about Dr. Starnes-Ott’s vision for nursing at UTMB: utmb.us/gqe
ALT Dr. Starnes-Ott stands smiling on an indoor balcony with a display of colorful circular artworks resembling microscopic images behind them. Sunlight filters through large windows, providing a bright and pleasant ambiance
Today I had the opportunity to deliver a keynote at the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) Fall Symposium in Austin, where I discussed the impact of AI on healthcare and how @utmbhealth is putting these tools to work across our organization.
From improving patient outcomes and supporting the learning environment for our students to advancing research and strengthening operations, AI has tremendous potential. Successful implementation also requires thoughtful leadership, collaboration and trust.
At UTMB, we are focused on adopting AI responsibly, with patients at the center, while continuing to explore how these technologies can help us innovate across academic medicine and healthcare.
Thank you to Dr. Peter McCaffrey, our Chief Digital + AI Officer for kicking off today’s event and helping set the stage for an important conversation about the future of AI in healthcare.
Today is Giving Day, an opportunity to support the people and programs that make so much of our work at @utmbhealth possible.
Gifts help strengthen patient care, support our students, advance research and discovery, and invest in new ideas that can improve health and healthcare.
I’m grateful to everyone who chooses to support this work. If you’re able, I hope you’ll join me today and be #AllInforUTMB.
Learn more about Giving Day and ways to support UTMB: utmb.us/gpv
Today’s Town Hall offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on 135 years of @utmbhealth and the people who have helped shape its story.
Employees were able to take a visual journey through UTMB history, from our earliest beginnings to some of the defining moments and milestones of 2026.
In a conversation with Mikele Epperly, Vice President of Brain Health Transformation, we shared our paths to UTMB, reflected on the evolution of the institution and looked back at the trailblazers who paved the way for the leaders and innovators joining us today.
As we celebrate Founders Day, we honor 135 years of advancing healthcare, education, research and innovation while looking ahead to all that is still possible.
Explore 135 years of UTMB history and the heroes who shaped it: utmb.us/gpu
ALT Dr. Reiser stands on a stage next to large illuminated numbers "135". The backdrop includes a colorful balloon arrangement and a floral display.
ALT Dr. Epperly and Dr. Reiser are seated on beige armchairs, engaging in conversation. A table between them holds a lamp, glasses of water, and floral arrangements.
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It was a pleasure to spend time today with UTMB alumni at the San Luis Resort and to be joined by James Gallo, VP and Chief Development Officer, for a conversation about where @utmbhealth is today and where we are headed.
We discussed efforts to establish a Blue Zone in the Galveston area, new innovations across our campuses, and our continued commitment to strengthening education for our students.
I appreciated the thoughtful questions and engaging conversation. Spending time with our alumni is always a reminder of the rich history, strong sense of community and people who have helped shape UTMB.
As we prepare to mark 135 years of UTMB on Monday, today was a meaningful reminder that while we reflect on our past, there is much to look forward to in our future.
This Monday, Oct. 5, I invite you to join us for a special Town Hall as we reflect on the past year and look ahead to our FY2027 priorities.
The timing is especially meaningful as we gather on Founder's Day, marking 135 years since UTMB’s founding and celebrating the people and progress that continue to shape our institution.
The Town Hall will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in Levin Hall on the Galveston campus. Join us in person or tune in live: utmb.us/ef2
I look forward to sharing this update and celebrating this milestone together.
The future of healthcare depends on the people we prepare to lead it.
ISLAND Promise is an investment in that future. By helping remove financial barriers for @utmbson nursing students, we are giving talented students greater opportunity to focus on their education, build community and prepare for meaningful careers in nursing.
I’m grateful for the support of the Sealy & Smith Foundation and for their shared commitment to strengthening the nursing workforce. The inaugural group of ISLAND Promise scholars represents the beginning of something truly meaningful for UTMB and the communities we serve.
Learn more about Island Promise: utmb.us/gmw
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There is an important difference between lifespan and health span. Living longer is only part of the goal. We also want those years to be healthy, productive and fulfilling.
I was honored to join our Project Metis partners in this video, Rewire: A Brain Health + Human Flourishing Story, to highlight why brain health is central to achieving that goal.
Thank you to @FutureHouston, @Accenture and Project Metis.
youtu.be/lwi7yRRiZ8w?si=o-Yb…
Our collaboration with @OpenEvidence is an important step in how UTMB is responsibly integrating AI into healthcare delivery.
By bringing evidence-based AI directly into clinical workflows, we can give clinicians more seamless access to trusted medical literature and clinical guidance at the point of care.
This is where AI can make a meaningful difference: supporting clinicians with the right information, within the right workflow, while maintaining the security and standards our patients and teams expect.
Learn more about this collaboration: utmb.us/gmk
I’m incredibly proud of our @utmbhealth teams for once again earning national recognition from Vizient.
For the second consecutive year, UTMB Health was named a top performer for pediatric hospital services, making us the only academic medical center in Texas to earn this recognition. Our ambulatory and inpatient services were also recognized for their strong performance.
These achievements reflect the commitment our teams bring to delivering exceptional care every day. Congratulations to everyone whose work made this recognition possible.
To learn more about Vizient and UTMB Health’s latest recognitions, visit: utmb.us/gmo
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I am proud to share that @UTMBHealth has been named as one of America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals 2026 by @Forbes for the second consecutive year!
This recognition belongs to the people of UTMB. Their dedication, collaboration and commitment to excellence shape the experience of working here and strengthen the care, research and education we provide every day.
Read more about this honor: utmb.us/gmi
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Today, I represented @utmbhealth at the Global Brain Economy Summit held in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly in New York, joining leaders in medicine, health policy and philanthropy for the “Brain Health is Health: Health Systems Transformation” panel.
Our discussion examined the role health systems can play in advancing brain capital and how responsible use of artificial intelligence can support a more proactive approach to care.
Get a full recap of today’s summit and UTMB’s role in the conversation here: utmb.us/gma
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Healthy brains are among our most valuable assets. In a new publication, Drs. Harris Eyre, Mikele Epperly, and I highlight how brain economy principles can guide a new era of clinical care focused on prevention, resilience, and long-term well-being. UTMB is proud to be contributing to global brain health initiatives and collaborating with international partners to help build healthier, more thriving communities around the world. utmb.us/gm2
ALT A digital illustration of a human brain depicted with a network of interconnected nodes and lines, set against a dark blue background.
Tomorrow, I’ll represent @UTMBHealth at the Global Brain Economy Summit during #UNGA81 in New York.
Attending with Dr. Harris Eyre, a senior fellow at UTMB, and Mikele Epperly, UTMB's VP of Brain Health Transformation, I'm proud to recognize how UTMB is contributing to the growing conversation around brain capital and the role health systems, AI and communities can play in strengthening human potential and economic prosperity.
Great insights from @UTMBHealth EVP and CFO Jamie Bailey in his conversation with Becker’s Healthcare (@beckershr) on UTMB’s growth, our focus on AI and innovation, and the opportunities ahead. Listen now.
Listen Here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas…
Jamie Bailey, MBA, CPA, CFE, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, The University of Texas Medical Branch, discusses UTMB’s growth strategy, its expanding focus on AI and opportunities to improve efficiency across healthcare operations. He also shares his approach to empowering teams, developing people and helping leaders move from task execution to strategic leadership. #podcast #healthcare #leadership
I recently had the opportunity to join colleagues from across UTMB for the Faculty Recognition reception, hosted by @UTMBProvost, celebrating nine outstanding faculty members for their achievements and contributions to education, research, innovation and clinical care.
Throughout the evening, we heard about faculty who are educating and mentoring the next generation, advancing research with impact beyond UTMB and finding new ways to improve patient care.
As each honoree took the stage, one theme stood out to me: teamwork. Again and again, they acknowledged the colleagues, mentors, students and teams who have contributed to their work and success.
It was a powerful reminder that while individual achievement deserves to be celebrated, meaningful progress is rarely accomplished alone. Our greatest impact comes from bringing together people with different expertise, perspectives and experiences around a shared purpose.
Congratulations to all nine honorees on this well-deserved recognition and the impact you continue to make at UTMB and beyond.
What an inspiring day at the 19th Annual Galveston Women’s Conference! 💙
Thank you to everyone who helped create such meaningful conversations around leadership, purpose, health and community. I was especially proud to celebrate Becky Korenek, UTMB Executive Vice President and Chief Business & Strategy Officer, on being named one of the @GalvChamber's Women of the Year. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and your outstanding leadership.
