When Rachel Elder was diagnosed with lung cancer, her care team at UT Health North
Campus Tyler played a critical role in her recovery. Moved by their compassionate
care throughout her treatment and ongoing complications, she committed a generous
estate gift to the UT Tyler School of Medicine. “It’s not just about thanking them.
It’s about helping them keep going — helping the next generation of doctors learn
how to care, not just how to treat.”
Meet Trisha Ghotra, MS2. Her journey into medicine began in a musculoskeletal trauma
research lab where she helped military veterans in recovery. It was there that she
discovered medicine’s profound impact—not just on physical healing, but also on emotional
reassurance. “Witnessing how healing extends beyond physical recovery, and how medicine
can restore agency and dignity, made me realize that I wanted to be a part of that
transformative process."
“We give because East Texas students have big dreams and deserve every chance to chase
them. After a lifetime of teaching and building programs, we’ve learned that talent
is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. Our scholarship is our way of saying ‘yes’—to
open doors, ease burdens, and let students focus on becoming compassionate, capable
physicians.
It’s simple: we love our students, we love innovation in education, and we love the
teachers who make it possible. If our giving inspires even one person to join us,
the ripple will last for generations.”
— Sue Cox & Doug Morris
The School of Medicine is game changing for UT Tyler and for East Texas. I love that
we have the opportunity to support this new building and this program. - Susan Rossman
Coming to East Texas was a choice rooted in a larger purpose. Supporting the Faculty
and Staff Campaign allows us to invest not only in the UT Tyler School of Medicine,
but in the future physicians who will serve the people of East Texas with compassion,
excellence, and integrity. Together, we are building something that will outlast us
and strengthen the health of this region for generations. It's an honor to be part
of this. - Dr. Jarett Berry and Ashleigh Berry
Giving to the School of Medicine’s neurology program is deeply personal to me, as
neurological care touches so many families in East Texas, including my own. Access
to specialized care close to home truly matters. Supporting this program allows me
to invest in compassionate care, meaningful research, and the education of physicians
who understand East Texas and are committed to serving our neighbors for years to
come.
- Amy Doherty
As physicians in East Texas we want to support the students who will be our partners
in caring for East Texas patients and our families in the future. We want to be part
of building a culture and education of excellence for the future of healthcare here
in our community.
-Drs. Jenni & Jason Holman
The proud history of the Health Science Center and it's rich research tradition is
what brought me to UT Tyler. Teaching young scientists is what motivates me to stay.
-Torry Tucker, PhD
We are honored to support our students and residents and are privileged to be part
of the UT Tyler academic community.
- Shelly and Dave Warters, MD
"Giving back is a passion of mine. As a UT Tyler staff member (and current student),
it gives me great pleasure to give back to the institution that works to provide the
best for its students." - Jeannie M. Hurst
"The future strength of healthcare in East Texas means recruiting and training the
rising generation to be outstanding doctors, nurses and healthcare providers." - Daren
Yeager, MD
Supporting students, research, and patient care is important to us because each investment
strengthens the foundation of a healthier future. After losing a loved one in India
when medical care was out of reach, we came to understand the profound impact that
knowledge, innovation, and accessible care can have on a community. By contributing
to these efforts, we hope to help build a future in which lifesaving care is closer,
opportunities are greater, and hope is within reach for every family.
-Debbie & Dr. Karan P. Singh
Having a medical school in Tyler will bring tremendous benefits to the people of Tyler
and East Texas.
-Callie & David Northcutt
It has been a privilege and blessing to be part of the growth and development of medical
education at The University of Texas at Tyler. -Drs. Catherine & Emmanuel Elueze
I have been a long term faculty member of The University of Texas at Tyler Health
Science Center and one that is proud of what the medical profession stands for. I
remain committed to supporting mentoring, skills training and student development.-
Dr. Chiagozie and Mrs. Okwuchi Nwasuruba
I love supporting medical students in their growth.-Dr. Taylor Teague
I was inspired to donate to the White Coat Ceremony as that moment represents far
more than the beginning of medical school - it symbolizes a students' commitment to
the values of compassion, integrity, and service that define the medical profession.
It's an honor to play a small part in welcoming the next generation of physicians
and reinforcing the values that will guide them throughout their careers.- Jennifer
Rock
The decision to give was inspired by my commitment to UT Tyler’s mission and my personal
involvement in establishing the UT Tyler School of Medicine. As a native East Texan
and someone who has dedicated my career to this institution, I have seen firsthand
the need to expand medical education and grow our healthcare workforce. The School
of Medicine represents a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to invest in our community
by training future physicians locally who are committed to serving East Texas.- Stephanie
Fenter
As a member of this community, for over 15 years, it is important to ensure that quality
education and facilities are available. One way to do that is through a monetary commitment,
while another way is to be a part of the educational system that provides this much
needed service.- Greg & Vicky LaMay
I am proud to be both an alumni and long-term employee of UT Tyler, it has been a
huge part of my life and career. It is evident that the development of the School
of Medicine will have a lasting impact on the communities of East Texas for generations
to come and I am truly honored to be a part of it.- Jaema Krier, MSHRD
The School of Medicine has the potential to transform the health of children and families
in East Texas. It’s inspiring to support the founding of something that will benefit
our community for generations.- Dr. Valerie Smith
Drew and I are honored to support the UT Tyler School of Medicine. We have seen firsthand
the meaningful impact it is making in our community. Growing up in rural East Texas,
I never imagined there would be opportunities of this magnitude for medical education
right here in Tyler. Today, those opportunities are not only real but growing and
will continue to benefit generations to come.- Kate and Drew Starnes
Having worked in several other countries and seen the quality of care provided there,
it is a privilege to support the outstanding, world-class patient care provided in
the United States.- Dr. Upendran and Family
I am inspired to make this gift as I feel it is crucial to support and educate our
students now to provide the care to our patients in East Texas in the future. Additionally,
my desire as a pediatrician is to see more focus on giving our youngest East Texans
the healthiest start in life!- Dr. Lanessa Bass Malmberg
Our family has been using UT Health doctors - primary and specialists - since we moved
to the area in 2014. They have always been fantastic in their care. So, we wanted
to help contribute to investing in the next generation of medical professionals that
can continue to make an impact on families as they have ours here in East Texas.-
Kirsten and Jake Ysasi
My support of the White Coat Ceremony goes beyond that single moment: it follows that
coat right into the simulation room. As a Simulated Patient Educator, I've seen our
SP Program transform nervous students into confident, compassionate clinicians. That
same coat they receive with such pride is the one they wear when they face their first
difficult patient encounter, and watching them step into who they're becoming is deeply
meaningful. This gift is my investment in that magic. The SP Program doesn't just
teach clinical skills; it builds the human side of medicine, and it all starts with
our beautiful White Coat Ceremony.- Christie and James Hazelwood
I have been a faculty member at the Biomedical Research Center since 1990. My co-workers
and I owe much to the Health Science Center for supporting our research over these
years. This gift is a small way of saying thanks and supporting the new UT Tyler School
of Medicine.- Drs. Jayanthi and Vijay Boggaram
Tyler has long been known for its excellence in healthcare, attracting physicians
from all regions of the country and beyond our borders. This “City of Medicine” is
beyond proud to be the home for a prestigious medical school that will shape the future
of healthcare in East Texas for generations to come. It is my honor and privilege
to invest in this school, its students and future physicians who will innovate new
frontiers in the field of medicine.- Dr. Dale J. Bradley
Giving back is my way of honoring the opportunities God has placed before me and investing
in future physicians who will serve with both excellence and heart. I hope this gift
helps inspire a generation committed to healing, service, and purpose.- Dr. Stacy
Echetebu and Anthony Echetebu
We were inspired to give in supporting the future of medical care for East Texas and
beyond.- Dr. Kevin Luttrell and Denise Luttrell
I was inspired to give to the UT Tyler School of Medicine because it represents the
future of compassionate, high-quality care for East Texas. Having trained and practiced
in environments where mentorship and innovation shape outcomes, I recognize the critical
importance of investing in the next generation of physicians. This gift reflects a
commitment to advancing surgical education, supporting trainees, and strengthening
a community-centered academic mission. Giving back aims to empower young physicians
to lead, innovate, and deliver exceptional care where it is needed most.- Dr. Luis
G. Fernández and Judith Ann Fernández
Investing in the School of Medicine today means empowering the next generation of
physicians, scientists, and leaders from East Texas and beyond who will transform
patient care and advance critical scientific discoveries for years to come.- Dr. Jennifer
R. Honda and Derek K. Espiritu
The innovative, cutting edge research done by faculty in the School of Medicine inspired
me to donate.- Dr. Amy Tvinnereim and Lance Love
Students are the future, research is the foundation, and patient care is the end product.-
Dr. Maolin Lu and Yang Han
Investing in the growth and development of a School of Medicine will help to create
physicians who will bring needed medical skills, empathy, and innovation to patient
care here in East Texas.- Dr. Monika Kumaraswamy and Joshua A. Johnson
I recently accompanied my mom on a visit with Dr. Dinnerstein. He was absolutely perfect
at calmly asking questions, addressing concerns, and explaining his diagnosis. I left
feeling so encouraged, and she left with hope. We are so grateful for him.- Jared
Sexton and Juan Cerda
A desire to improve access to quality mental health care in East Texas.- Dr. John
Gregory Pogue and Shannon M. Pogue
I would like to support the growth of the Medical School here in East Texas.- Dr.
Buka Samten
Working with our medical students is inspiring. Anything I can do to help them succeed
is a gift.- Dr. Karen Lewis
The current and continued need for well-trained healthcare professionals in East Texas
and beyond is training made possible only from the generosity of those who know the
value of these contributions as an investment in the future and not simply a donation.-
Dr. Nicholas Bohannon
It is important to support because it is the only School of Medicine serving the Northeast
Texas region.- Dr. Dalia Nessim
