Mission, Goals, Vision, & Values
Our Mission and Goals
The mission of UTMB is to improve health for the people of Texas and around the world. Consistently, our department aims to serve our patients locally, nationally, and internationally by practicing academic cardiovascular medicine in the true sense of the word – the dynamic integration of clinical practice, research, and education into compassionate and innovative patient care.
Our Vision
We work together to work wonders as we define the future of health care and strive to be the best in all of our endeavors. Our group's vision is to be the best academic cardiovascular medicine department in the state of Texas, known for the highest quality cardiovascular medicine care that is made possible by the dynamic integration of research, education, and clinical practice.
Our Values
We demonstrate compassion for all, always act with integrity, show respect to everyone we meet, and promote excellence and innovation through lifelong learning. In addition to all the above, the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine values:
- Generation of knowledge through clinically relevant research
- Professional growth through mentorship, education, and training
- Compassionate patient care with quality, excellence, and innovation
- Leadership and teamwork
History
History
The University of Texas Medical Branch opened its doors on October 5, 1891, as the first medical school in the state of Texas, welcoming 23 students and 13 faculty members. The Ashbel Smith Building – commonly known as “Old Red” – served as the university’s sole classroom and research facility. Today, it stands as the oldest surviving medical school building west of the Mississippi River. For more than a century, UTMB has remained committed to its founding mission of delivering exceptional medical care and training the next generation of physicians.
The Division of Cardiology was established in the early 1950s within the Department of Internal Medicine and was shaped by several distinguished academic leaders, including Dr. Jack Wallace, Dr. Marvin W. Kronenberg, Dr. Marschall S. Runge (1992–1999), and Dr. Barry Uretsky (2000–2006). In the spring of 2025, the Division of Cardiology became a standalone entity, now known as the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, reflecting its growth, scope, and strategic importance within the institution.
Fellowship Programs and Recognition Awards
The General Cardiovascular Fellowship Program has trained specialists in cardiovascular disease for over forty years and is accredited by the ACGME. The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program began in 2001 and is also accredited by the ACGME. The Advanced Heart Failure Fellowship Program began in 2005 and is approved by the Texas Medical Board. The Advanced Heart Failure Fellowship will be ACGME-accredited starting in 2014.
George Herrmann Scholar Award
The George R. Herrmann Scholarship is awarded to one first-year fellow in the Cardiovascular Fellowship Program here at UTMB. The ideal candidate should demonstrate scholarly excellence, compassionate patient care, and clinical excellence and is chosen by the faculty of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine. The individual selected will receive a cash reward to help facilitate his or her educational activities, including trips to national meetings.
Best Graduating Fellow Award
The Best Graduating Fellow Award is awarded to one graduating fellow in one of our three fellowship programs here at UTMB. The ideal candidate should demonstrate leadership among peers and junior fellows, maintain the highest degree of professionalism, provide outstanding clinical care to our patients, and support the educational, clinical, and research missions of UTMB and the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine. This award is chosen by the faculty of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine. The individual selected will receive a cash reward to congratulate him or her for their outstanding performance.