UTMB Announcements for 12/17/2025

Roberto Logroño, MD Award
for Professionalism in Healthcare

CALL FOR FACULTY NOMINATIONS

Award
We seek nominations for the annual Roberto Logroño, MD Award for Professionalism in Healthcare for meritorious faculty of UTMB’s five schools: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Professions, School of Medicine, School of Nursing and School of Public and Population Health. This lectureship and award are given annually in memory of Roberto Logroño, M.D., a Tenured Professor and Director of Cytopathology in the Department of Pathology from 1997 until his unexpected death in 2006. Dr. Logroño exemplified many of the attributes of professionalism, including altruism, accountability, excellence, duty, honor and integrity, and respect for others.

This year’s award ceremony will celebrate UTMB exemplars of professionalism from the past (Dr. Logrono), the present (a faculty member), and the future (a trainee). The Logrono award recipients will be honored at a ceremony to be held in Spring 2026. Awardees will be asked to present their insight about professionalism.

Award Criteria
The nominee should be a UTMB faculty member noted for a high level of professionalism in teaching, research, patient care, or service. Nominees must clearly manifest their commitment to professionalism and nominations should be based on these qualities rather than length of UTMB service or professional achievements. Desired features include but are not limited to:

• Evidence of altruistic activities that benefit others (e.g., putting the needs of patients, trainees, or others above their own, volunteer or pro bono service, advocacy)
• Demonstration of going above and beyond in service of patients, peers, and/or students of UTMB (e.g., mentorship)
• Commitment to accountability, duty, and integrity (e.g., transparent communication, self-identifying mistakes or challenges and correcting them, actively seeking feedback to improve personally and professionally)
• Commitment to excellence (e.g., exemplary clinical/teaching/research practice, recognizing and promoting ethical innovation, ethical attitude and response in interactions, particularly in challenging situations).

Nominations
Students, faculty and staff may nominate a candidate. Nominations should include a nomination letter (maximum 500 words) describing in detail, with specific examples, how the candidate exemplifies the principles of professionalism in daily interactions with colleagues, students, patients, and community partners. The nomination should also include the candidate’s curriculum vitae (CV) and up to two (2) additional letters of support (maximum 500 words each) from colleagues (including mentees and learners) who are well acquainted with the candidate. Nomination packets that exceed the word or letter counts will not be reviewed.

The deadline for nominations is January 2, 2026.Supporting documents should be sent together to Ms. Angela Culler at anculler@utmb.edu, with subject heading “Roberto Logroño Lectureship”. Documents should be sent as one single PDF file for each nomination. All nominees will need to be available to attend the ceremony on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 4:00pm.

Roberto Logroño, MD Award and Lectureship
for Professionalism in Healthcare

CALL FOR STUDENT/FELLOW/TRAINEE NOMINATIONS

Award
We seek nominations for the annual Roberto Logroño, MD Award and Lectureship for Professionalism in Healthcare for meritorious trainees (students, fellows, residents) of any of UTMB’s five schools: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Professions, School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and School of Public and Population Health. This lectureship and award is given annually in memory of Roberto Logroño, M.D., a Tenured Professor and Director of Cytopathology in the Department of Pathology from 1997 until his unexpected death in 2006. Dr. Logroño exemplified many of the attributes of professionalism, including altruism, accountability, excellence, duty, honor and integrity, and respect for others.

This year’s award ceremony will celebrate UTMB exemplars of professionalism from the past (Dr. Logrono), the present (a faculty member), and the future (a trainee). The recipients of the Logrono award will be honored at a ceremony to be held in Spring 2025. Awardees will be asked to present their insight about professionalism.

Award Criteria
The nominee should be a UTMB student, resident, post-doctoral fellow or other trainee who is recognized for a high level of professionalism in their daily interactions and daily work. Desired features include but are not limited to

• Evidence of altruistic activities that benefit others (e.g., volunteer or pro bono service, advocacy)
• Demonstration of going above and beyond in service of patients, peers, and/or UTMB students (e.g., mentorship)
• Commitment to accountability, duty, and integrity (e.g., transparent communication, self-identifying mistakes or challenges and correcting them, actively seeking feedback to improve personally and professionally)
• Commitment to excellence (e.g., exemplary clinical/teaching/research practice, recognizing and promoting ethical innovation, ethical attitude and response in interactions, particularly in challenging situations).

Nominations
Students, faculty and staff may nominate a student/fellow/trainee candidate. Nominations should include a nomination letter (maximum 500 words) describing in detail, with specific examples, how the candidate exemplifies the principles of professionalism in daily interactions with members of the UTMB and/or surrounding community. The nomination packet should also include the candidate’s curriculum vitae (CV) and up to two (2) additional letters of support (maximum 500 words each) from peers, mentors, faculty members, or staff members who are well acquainted with the candidate. Nomination packets that exceed the word or letter counts will not be reviewed.

The deadline for nominations is January 2, 2026. Supporting documents should be sent together to Ms. Angela Culler at anculler@utmb.edu, with subject heading “Roberto Logroño Lectureship”. Documents should be sent as one single PDF file for each nomination. All nominees will need to be available to attend the ceremony on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 4:00pm.

Join us for a dynamic seminar where early-career faculty in the Advancing Research through Mentorship program present their latest projects and discoveries. This is a unique opportunity to hear fresh ideas, connect with rising scholars, and celebrate the innovative work happening across our institution. Come support your colleagues, ask questions, and be inspired by the next generation of research leaders!

Speakers: Dr. Emily Lantz & Dr. Ryan Pontiff

Date: January 7, 2026

Time: 3:30 - 5:00 pm

Location: HEC, 3.201

Your presence makes a difference - come ready to listen, learn and be inspired!

Click here to register

For many years, the GEM Program has been a cornerstone of our culture, helping us recognize colleagues who go the extra mile in their daily work.

That spirit of appreciation now continues through Wambi, UTMB’s new recognition platform, and the GEM Program has come to a close.

With Wambi, you can acknowledge colleagues in real time, celebrate the values that unite us, and highlight the everyday moments that truly make a difference. This platform allows us to carry forward what made the GEM Program special and gives us even more opportunities to connect and show gratitude.

Ready to brighten someone’s day? Click here to send a Wambi.

Want more information first? Click here for details and tips on using Wambi.

Ideal for anyone supporting adults with IDD and dementia - from caregivers and clinicians to program staff, advocates, and families.

Can't attend the workshop in person? No problem! We're offering a livestream option so you can participate from anywhere. Simply select the livestream registration option when you sign up to join us virtually. 

When: Monday-Wednesday, January 26-28, 2026 | 9:00am - 4:30pm Daily

Location: Levin Hall 3.324 | 3rd Floor | William C. Levin Hall Building | 1006 Market Street Galveston, TX 77555 

Optional 3rd day to become an NTG Affiliated Regional Trainer and part of the NTG's Lone Star Trainer Network.

Discounted Registration - Two-Day Foundation Workshop FREE for Texas residents. Normally, $275. | Full 3-Day Train-the-Trainer Workshop. FREE for Texas residents. Normally $475

REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.the-ntg.org/event-details/id-dementia-workshop-galveston-tx 

On Thursday December 18, 2025 at the Health Education Center, the UTMB Police Department will be conducting "free basic" Bicycle Maintenance. The maintenance provided includes air in the tire and oil on the chain. The UTMB PD will also register bicycles. Registering bicycles helps to deter bicycle theft and it also aids law enforcement in the recovery of lost/stolen bicycles. Those registering their bicycles will receive a free U-lock and lights for their bicycles (while supplies last). The service will be held at 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. and is provided to all UTMB Students, Faculty, and Staff. All are required to have valid identification and their UTMB ID badge. If you have any questions, please contact Michael Peltier at 409-772-2691.  

Explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of research at UTMB. AI Horizon convenes the UTMB community to examine where AI in research is headed and how these tools are being applied across discovery, clinical research, and population health.

Event Details

What: A campus-wide symposium focused on the future of AI in research at UTMB
When: Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Levin Hall Dining Room, 2.217

Keynote Speakers:
Charley Taylor, PhD – National Academy of Engineering member, founder of HeartFlow, and Director of the Center for Computational Medicine, UT Austin

Elmer Bernstam, MD, MSE – Physician-informatician and national leader in clinical and translational informatics, UT Health Houston

Register here: AI Horizon: AI in Research at UTMB

Questions? Please contact Matt Mendoza at malmendo@utmb.edu or Gene Olinger at ggolinge@utmb.edu.

You’re invited to join us in learning about interprofessional teams in all healthcare settings from UTMB and regional health experts!

Please register for the upcoming sessions below.

January 9, 2026

Topic: Human Trafficking

February 6, 2026

Topic: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Healthcare

GTX-GEMS: Sparking Conversations, Igniting Action, Building a Healthier Future Together

Bringing together leaders from government, healthcare, education, industry, advocacy, and the community to address key health issues through an interprofessional approach and using open dialogue, policy advocacy, research, and public health initiatives

7:30 am to 9:30 am in the Levin Hall Dining Room.

 Light breakfast will be served.

Questions?

Contact Zoeieann Townsend

OLLI’s Spring Semester Registration Is Now Open!

Join us for lifelong learning, connection and healthy longevity.  

CLICK HERE to register and save your spot!

Not a member yet? Be sure to join or renew your membership before class registration.

Save the Date: The 31st Annual Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging

The Lefeber Hughes Winter Series on Aging, now in its 31st year, features nationally recognized experts in gerontology, including research educators, basic scientists, clinicians, and social scientists. This five-week series of presentations is open to all, and we invite UTMB faculty, staff, students, trainees, and members of the local community to attend.

Event Info

Date: Tuesdays, Jan 27 - Feb 24, 2026

Time: Lecture at 5-6 PM, reception to follow

Location: 2nd floor, Health Education Center (HEC), 301 11th St, Galveston, TX 77550

Parking: Free parking in the lot between 12th & 13th Streets on Mechanic

Learn more: http://utmb.us/3qb

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of a non-invasive, low-intensity brain stimulation, called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on locomotor skill learning and training. We wish to look at how tDCS impacts learning and overall motor function in people with chronic stroke.

We are looking for adults who had a stroke at least 6 months and can walk safely with or without an assistive device (ex. cane) for more than 100 feet.

All participants will be compensated for their time!

PI: Shih-Chiao Tseng, PT, PhD shtseng@utmb.edu 409-772-9555

Each week, the Pastoral Care Department brings you a Moment of Hope and a Weekly Anchor to encourage you.

The MyPTO Maximization Program launches soon, and this week’s Maxed Out Mondays message takes a closer look at what your selected enrollment option means for you. Each option works differently, and understanding the details will help you prepare for the transition and the year ahead.

Immediate Enrollment Option

• With the Immediate Enrollment option, your previously accrued PTO hours will move into a Vested PTO Hours account in Kronos, and your original PTO account will close.
• These hours will be frozen and paid to you in three equal installments: Jan. 16, 2026, Jan. 15, 2027, and Jan. 14, 2028. The payments will be calculated at 50% of your hourly base pay rate as of Dec. 31, 2025.
• You will also begin receiving a full grant of new PTO hours on Jan. 3, 2026, based on your total years of state service and FTE status. The hours will be placed in a Paid Time Off Grant account in Kronos.
• These new PTO hours are subject to the program’s annual 40-hour carryforward limit (prorated for FTE status). Any unused hours above this limit at the end of the calendar year will expire.

Deferred Enrollment Option

• If you selected the Deferred Enrollment option, your previously accrued PTO hours will remain in your existing PTO account in Kronos.
• You will continue to use these hours at your own pace until the balance is fully exhausted.
• Once the balance is gone, you will receive a prorated grant of new PTO hours for the remainder of the calendar year based on your total years of state service and FTE status. The hours will be placed in a Paid Time Off Grant account in Kronos, and your original PTO account will close.
• Only these new PTO hours are subject to the program’s annual 40-hour carryforward limit (prorated for FTE status). Any unused hours above this limit at the end of the calendar year will expire.
• Please note: Your prorated grant of new PTO hours will be available in Kronos within two to three weeks after your existing balance is exhausted. If you need time off before the grant is available, you may need to use leave without pay to cover the hours.

Draw Down Enrollment Option

• Under the Draw Down Enrollment option, you will have three calendar years—2026, 2027, and 2028—to use your previously accrued PTO hours.
• The hours will be divided evenly into three separate accounts in Kronos: VPH2026, VPH2027, and VPH2028. You will have the full calendar year to use the allocated hours. Any hours remaining from that year’s allocation will be paid to you at 50% of your hourly base pay rate as of Dec. 31, 2025.
• Each account will close once the hours are gone or at the end of that calendar year, whichever occurs first.
• You will also begin receiving a full grant of new PTO hours on Jan. 3, 2026, based on your total years of state service and FTE status. The hours will be placed in a Paid Time Off Grant account in Kronos.
• These new PTO hours are subject to the program’s annual 40-hour carryforward limit (prorated for FTE status). Any unused hours above this limit at the end of the calendar year will expire.
• Please note: You must exhaust all the vested PTO hours allocated for each year before using your new PTO hours.

Want to learn more? Click here for additional information about your selected enrollment option. You can also visit the MyPTO Maximization Program website for resources and tools to help you navigate the program and make the most of your PTO.

Max Out Your Benefits
Need a medical claim form and not sure where to start? The Form Finder tool from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas makes it easy to search for and download commonly used forms to help you manage your health plan. With access to more than 50 forms, you can quickly find what you need for authorizations, transition of care, enrollment changes, pharmacy requests, and more. Click here to browse the available forms.

We are reaching out to request your support in identifying faculty who may be interested in serving as facilitators for our Problem-Based Learning (PBL) program for MD students in the JSSOM. PBL is a foundational component of the pre-clerkship curriculum, and we are excited to continue expanding a strong team of engaged facilitators for the coming year.

Please note that facilitators do not need to be content experts; rather, they should be enthusiastic about supporting student learning and committed to guiding small-group discussion. All faculty facilitators must have a MD, PhD or DO and will complete the required 1-2 hours of facilitator training to ensure they are well prepared for this role.  We are in need for faculty to fill the facilitator slots int he following courses:

We would be grateful if you could share this opportunity within your department and forward the names of any interested faculty directly to Jennifer Earl (jsfaircl@utmb.edu ) or Lisa Elferink (laelferi@utmb.edu). Your partnership is invaluable in helping us maintain a robust and high-quality PBL experience for our students.

LEAGUE CITY HOSPITAL ENTRYWAY

The Gourmet Cupboard sells dry ingredients that, when mixed with wet ingredients,

make full meals, entrees, sides, soups, breads, dips, beverages, crock pot meals, etc. 

They also sell salsas, pickles, and spreads from Crosby, TX.

Easily plan your weekly meals!!!

                THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18^TH              

AND

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19^TH

8:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.

LEAGUE CITY HOSPITAL ENTRYWAY

Cash, Debit Cards, MasterCard, Visa, Discover,

and American Express are all accepted.

Proceeds benefit patient and volunteer programs.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

CLEAR LAKE CAMPUS

Grace Anna’s Boutique offers $6. jewelry and much more – including

necklace sets, rings, bracelets, earrings, fashion accessories, scarves,

scrubs, dresses, tops, electronics, and more.

They’re also having a Lavish Linens Sale to include sheet sets and bamboo pillows.

   WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17^TH   

11:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18^TH    

8:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19^TH   

8:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

1^ST FLOOR – MAIN LOBBY

Cash, debit cards, and credit cards are all accepted.

Proceeds benefit patient and volunteer programs.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!