I was honored to announce the Nature Medicine Commission on Brain Health for Economic Resilience at the Texas Brain Economy Summit this week. I am pleased to serve as a commissioner alongside Dr. Harris Eyre, presidential fellow at UTMB, lead of the Global Brain Economy Initiative, and senior fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. The launch of this commission reflects the growing credibility of the brain health movement and underscores the importance of sustained scientific rigor and global attention, with the support of a leading journal such as @NatureMedicine. Learn more: utmb.us/g1g

Today, I had the privilege of welcoming Lieutenant Governor of Texas @DanPatrick to the stage at the Texas Brain Economy Summit. His remarks focused on a topic that touches countless Texas families: the fight against dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Hearing about Texas’ commitment to investing in brain health research over the next decade through the Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT) was both encouraging and inspiring. UTMB is grateful for the efforts of the Legislature to ensure our state is a national leader in biomedical innovation and discovery for these devastating diseases, to improve the health of current and future Texans.

“We really are all in (brain health) as an institution, and AI is enabling us to transform how we operate, how we educate our faculty, and how we help patients, especially on the primary care side. We want to move from treating disease to a preventive approach.” I enjoyed our conversations with Katie Evans (@alzassociation) and Dr. Zia Agha (@WestHealth) on "Systems Transformation for the Brain Economy" this morning.

The momentum continues this morning as we begin the final day of the Texas Brain Economy Summit at TMC3 in Houston. Dr. Vineet Gupta (@gupta__vineet), vice president for innovation, technology development and transfer at UTMB (@UTMBinnovations), opened today’s sessions around the theme, “VentureX: Scaling Innovation & AI Solutions.” Looking forward to continuing important conversations about the connection between brain health, innovation and economic growth. Today’s event includes contributions from UTMB leadership including Gupta, Dr. Giulio Taglialatela and Dr. Harris Eyre whose expertise will help advance important conversations across the summit, and also will feature a keynote from Texas Lt. Gov. @DanPatrick.

What’s good for the heart is good for the brain,” Dr. Hani Jneid (@docHJ), director of the Sealy Heart & Vascular Institute and vice president of Cardiovascular Operations at UTMB (@utmbcardiology), told the crowd at the #TexasBrainEconomy Summit during his keynote, “Brain-Heart Connection,” on Tuesday. “The same factors that protect cardiovascular health also help preserve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia.” Jneid added that nearly 45 percent of dementia cases are attributable to modifiable risk factors. “Prevention is not only possible—it is one of the most powerful tools we have,” he said.

Dr. Alan Landay, vice president of Team Science at @utmbhealth, leads a panel on Healthy Aging that included Dr. Mitchell Elkind from @Columbia, Dr. Jim Ray from the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Joanne Pike from the @alzassociation, and Dr. Andrew Nevin from @UT_Dallas. The panel was part of the Day 1 agenda at the #TexasBrainEconomy Summit at TMC3 in Houston which is titled Enabling Human Flourishing and Economic Growth.

The Texas Brain Economy Summit is in full swing this morning at TMC3 in the Texas Medical Center in Houston with a packed house on hand. Presented by @utmbhealth, Center for Houston’s Future (@FutureHouston) and Project Metis, this two-day summit brings together global leaders in neuroscience, healthcare, business, technology, public policy and innovation to explore one of the most important opportunities of our time: advancing brain health to improve lives, strengthen communities and drive economic growth. The conversations happening here will help shape the future of how we think about healthy aging, workforce resilience, cognitive well-being and the role brain health plays in our collective prosperity. Grateful to welcome so many outstanding partners and thought leaders to Houston as we work together to build a healthier future for Texas and beyond. #TexasBrainEconomy #BrainHealth #HealthyAging #Innovation

It was an honor and a privilege to receive the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellow medal this week, joining a distinguished group of innovators whose work advances discovery and improves lives. This recognition is a meaningful career milestone, but it also reflects the colleagues, collaborators and mentors who helped make it possible. Innovation is never achieved alone. I also want to congratulate Dr. Vineet Gupta (@gupta__vineet), vice president for Innovation, Technology Development and Transfer at UTMB, for being recognized by the NAI (@AcadofInventors). His distinction highlights the depth of talent and innovation across UTMB. At UTMB, innovation means turning ideas into solutions that improve health and advance discovery. I am grateful to be part of an institution that fosters collaboration, curiosity and innovation. I am humbled by this honor and inspired to continue supporting the innovators, researchers and clinicians shaping the future of health care.

Faculty gathered today for a Tour de Blue Zones luncheon, an educational experience that explored the culture, traditions and lifestyle practices of Ikaria, Greece, one of the world's five Blue Zones regions. Hosted as part of @utmbhealth's partnership with Blue Zones Project Galveston, the event offered an opportunity to learn more about the habits that contribute to longevity, well-being and healthier communities. Through experiences like these, UTMB is helping support the broader @BlueZones Project Galveston initiative and its mission to make healthy choices easier throughout the county.

Just one week until the inaugural Texas Brain Economy Summit. I'm looking forward to joining leaders from across health care, research, business and policy to explore how brain health is shaping the future of our communities, workforce and economy. I'm especially proud to join my @utmbhealth colleagues Alan Landay, PhD, Vineet Gupta, PhD (@gupta__vineet), Hani Jneid, MD (@docHJ), Giulio Taglialatela, PhD, and Harris Eyre, MBA, MD, PhD, as we contribute our expertise to these important conversations. UTMB is proud to partner with the @FutureHouston and Project Metis to bring together thought leaders from around the world focused on advancing brain health and brain capital. To see the full agenda visit: utmb.us/fky

Congratulations to the John Sealy School of (@utmb_jssom) Class of 2026! Today, we celebrated more than a milestone, we celebrated years of dedication, resilience and a commitment to serving others. As these graduates enter one of society's most trusted professions, they carry forward the knowledge, compassion and sense of purpose that define exceptional physicians. A special thank you to Dr. Barry S. Coller of @RockefellerUniv for delivering an inspiring commencement address and sharing his perspective with our graduates. I am proud of all you have accomplished and confident that the communities you serve will be stronger because of you. Congrats, Class of 2026!

It was such a privilege to welcome Dr. Barry Coller to our @utmbhealth Galveston Campus this morning in advance of tomorrow’s John Sealy School of Medicine (@utmb_jssom) Commencement Ceremony. Dr Coller, the David Rockefeller Professor of Medicine, Physician-in-Chief at Rockefeller University Hospital (@RockefellerUniv) and Vice President for Medical Affairs at Rockefeller University in New York City, is the keynote speaker at this year’s commencement, which takes place at Moody Gardens from 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow. To watch the commencement livestream, visit : utmb.us/fyj

I was deeply honored and humbled to receive the 2026 Business Person of the Year Award from The Galveston County Daily News this evening at the San Luis Hotel in Galveston. Leading @UTMBHealth and serving our faculty, staff, students, patients and the communities in Galveston and Brazoria counties and throughout Texas is truly a great privilege. This recognition reflects the extraordinary people of UTMB — individuals who dedicate themselves every day to advancing health, discovery, education and innovation while caring for others with compassion and purpose. Thank you to @GalvNews for this meaningful honor, and thank you to our community partners and supporters who help make UTMB’s mission possible. Together, we are building a healthier, stronger future for Texas and beyond.

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice reminds us of the true cost of freedom and the enduring strength of their commitment to something greater than themselves. At @utmbhealth, we are humbled by their courage and forever grateful for their legacy.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this week’s UTMB Health System leadership retreat. The retreat brought leaders from across the health system together for important conversations focused on our people, culture and the future of @utmbhealth. Throughout the day, teams reflected on employee engagement, culture of safety, workforce retention, nursing excellence and the ongoing Magnet journey — all critical to strengthening the experience for employees, teams and patients across our organization. A special thank you to Nell Buhlman, Chief Strategy Officer at @PressGaney, for sharing valuable insights on social capital and the powerful connection between trust, relationships, collaboration and organizational performance. Her perspective reinforced the important role human connection plays in building resilient teams and healthier organizations. We’re grateful to all of our leaders for their engagement, collaboration and continued commitment to creating a culture where employees feel connected, valued and inspired by the work we do together in service to our patients and communities.

During EMS Week, I want to personally thank the EMS professionals who serve our communities with urgency, compassion and unwavering dedication. In some of life’s most critical moments, EMS teams are among the very first to respond, providing skilled care and helping ensure patients arrive ready for treatment. Their work plays an important role in improving outcomes and supporting the continuum of care for our patients. Thank you for all that you do each day to care for others. Your commitment does not go unnoticed.

I recently joined @BeckersHR for a conversation about the journey that brought me from Germany to academic medicine in the United States and ultimately to @utmbhealth. We talked about the importance of human connection in healthcare, maintaining physical and emotional well-being, staying disciplined, and the people and experiences that continue to shape my perspective today. I appreciated the opportunity to reflect on both the personal and professional moments that have influenced my path. Take a listen.

In less than a month, leaders from across health care, neuroscience, business and policy will come together in Houston for the Texas Brain Economy Summit. I’m looking forward to joining fellow speakers from @UTMBHealth and organizations across the country for important conversations about how brain health shapes the future of our communities, workforce and economy. I’m proud that UTMB Health alongside Center for Houston’s Future (@FutureHouston) and Project Metis, is helping bring this event to life. I hope you’ll join us June 9–10 at Helix Park as we learn from one another, share ideas and continue building momentum around brain health and economic resilience. Grab your seat, registration is open. utmb.us/fky