• JSSOM Call for Curriculum Committee Members

    As we prepare for FY27 and continue strengthening the governance and oversight structure of the John Sealy School of Medicine (JSSOM), I am requesting your assistance in identifying and nominating faculty members from your department to serve on the JSSOM Curriculum Committee.

    This is essential to maintaining a fully functioning and effective curriculum governance structure, as per UTMB bylaws and required by LCME.

    At this time, we are seeking the JSSOM Faculty as Curriculum Committee Members from the following clinical departments:

    • Family Medicine
    • Internal Medicine
    • Pediatrics
    • Pathology
    • Neurology

    The Curriculum Committee plays a critical role in:

    • Oversight and evaluation of the medical education curriculum
    • Monitoring curriculum quality and effectiveness
    • Identifying curricular gaps, redundancies, and opportunities for improvement
    • Supporting continuous curriculum enhancement initiatives across the institution

    Curriculum Committee Meetings: 
    On the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 4:30-6:30 of each month. Virtual participation is an option; In-person participation is recommended.

    Eligibility for Membership: 
    Any member of the JSSOM Faculty, preferably with engagement in undergraduate medical education (UME), curriculum development, student assessment, course or clerkship leadership, or other educational activities within the JSSOM. 

    Committee members will receive 2% administrative time towards their FTE. 

    Thank you!
    Tony Bianco

  • The Spring 2026 Call for Authors for American Family Physician is Now Open

     **Sharing on behalf of the AFP Editor, Sumi Sexton. Please reach out directly to afpjournal@aafp.org with questions**

    If interested, and to expedite correspondence, we ask that you let us know your top 3 topics of interest via our online submission site, ScholarOne (https://mc04.manuscriptcentral.com/afp) by Friday, May 29th. If you do not already have an account, you will need to create one. Click on your author center tab, click "Start New Submission," then select "Begin Submission".  Please choose "Call for Authors" from the list to indicate your topics of interest.

    We continue to encourage experienced authors to mentor a less experienced coauthor including those from a racial, ethnic or other group underrepresented in medicine. Authors who can engage in this invaluable mentoring process will still be expected to serve as first and corresponding author. Please note our policy/preference for 3 authors or less per article www.aafp.org/journals/afp/authors.html.

    Please also note that we anticipate having more authors than available topics, so unfortunately we cannot guarantee that all interested authors will be assigned a topic. However, if we don't have a topic for you this round, we'll keep in touch with you for future articles. You can also review our guidelines for author proposals in the Authors' Guide (https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/authors.html) if you have other topic suggestions.

    We thank you for your interest in AFP.

    TOPICS AVAILABLE – Spring 2026

    1.     Care of the Nursing Home Patient [2-part article: Principles, Clinical Aspects]
    2.     Common Dental Problems [original images required]
    3.     Concussion/Minimal Brain Injury [video demonstrating SCAT6 required]
    4.     Congenital Heart Defects
    5.     Contact Dermatitis (Rapid Evidence Review) [original images required)
    6.     Diplopia [video with comprehensive eye exam required]
    7.     Erythema Nodosum [original images required]
    8.     Testicular Torsion [POCUS video demonstrating torsion required]
    9.     Bereavement and Complicated Grief (Q&A format)
    10.  Tension Headache (Rapid Evidence Review)
    11.  Hearing Screen - Newborn and Children
    12.  Herpes Simplex, Non-Genital (Rapid Evidence Review) [original images required]
    13.  Laceration Repair/Suturing [original images/videos required]
    14.  Methamphetamine Abuse/Designer Drugs
    15.  Prostate Cancer - Treatment
    16.  Restless Legs Syndrome

    Manuscripts typically run 1,500-1,800 words, unless otherwise instructed, with a due date approximately 3 months from receipt of the formal solicit letter.

    More information for authors is available at: https://www.aafp.org/journals/afp/authors.html.

                   

  • Texas Brain Economy Summit

    We are excited to share that UTMB is a proud partner of the Texas Brain Economy Summit, taking place on June 9 and 10, 2026, at Helix Park in the Texas Medical Center.

    This inaugural summit brings together global leaders across neuroscience, artificial intelligence, healthcare, venture capital, and policy to advance one of the fastest-growing sectors: the brain economy.

    As part of our partnership, UTMB faculty, staff, and trainees are eligible for an exclusive 50% registration discount.

    Register here: Texas Brain Economy Summit - Brain Capital HTX
    Use code:  TexasBrainHalf
    Deadline for discount: May 20, 2026
    Why attend:

    • Hear from global leaders in brain health, AI, and investment
    • Engage in cross-sector collaboration opportunities
    • Help shape the future of brain health innovation and policy

    This is a unique opportunity to represent UTMB at a high-impact, global-facing event aligned with our leadership in brain health and the Brain Economy initiative.

    We encourage you to register early as space is limited.

    For more details, please contact: UTMB Office of Innovation & Commercialization | innovate@utmb.edu

  • Public Health Symposium 2026

    The Annual UTMB Health School of Public and Population Health Symposium will be held April 8, 2026.  

    The purpose of the poster session is to identify and recognize individuals and groups who are addressing health issues by participating a project with public health components.

    Abstract submission deadline with March 2, 2026.

  • SOAR Scholarship Applications Now Open!

    image of SOAR logo
    We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the SOAR (Strengthening Outcomes and Assessment in Residency) Scholar Program, a unique research opportunity offered through the collaboration of the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors (AFMRD) and the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Foundation. This year, we have two (2) scholar positions available.
    This is your chance to advance your scholarship, deepen your understanding of family medicine residency design, and contribute meaningfully to the future of family medicine residency innovation.
    WHAT IS THE SOAR SCHOLAR PROGRAM?
    The SOAR Scholar Program provides residency leaders with a structured, mentored research experience in partnership with ABFM. Scholars gain access to ABFM and other GME data, expert mentorship, and dedicated time to pursue a research question that matters to you and to the field.
    ELIGIBILITY
    Applications are open to residency leaders with an active AFMRD member on faculty at their program or in their family medicine department. Eligible roles include:
    • Program Directors
    • Associate Program Directors
    • CCC Chairs
    • PEC Chairs
    • Research Directors
    • Directors of Osteopathic Education
    • Medical Directors
    • Educational/Curriculum and Instruction Directors
    • Residency Program Administrators/Coordinators
    Please note: Only one applicant per residency program may apply per cycle.
    PROGRAM COMMITMENTS
    Selected scholars will be expected to:
    • Complete a 5-consecutive-business-day in-person residency at the ABFM in Lexington, KY within 4 months of acceptance (dates are flexible and set by mutual agreement)
    • Attend a virtual orientation with ABFM staff
    • Participate in regular updates and ongoing communication with ABFM staff and mentors
    • Complete data analysis within 12 months of program start
    • Present research within 18 to 24 months of beginning the program (funded by AFMRD)
    Travel and lodging expenses are reimbursed per AFMRD policy. Per diem and family travel expenses are not covered.
    APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
    Your application must include a letter of support from your Program Director, Department Chair, Designated Institutional Official, or GME Chair acknowledging your time away from the program for the Lexington, KY residency and protected time for project work at your home institution.
    SELECTION PROCESS
    SOAR Staff will review all applications within 4 weeks of the application cycle closure to confirm fit of research interests to the SOAR aims. The AFMRD Board of Directors will then review confirmed applications to select the two SOAR Scholars.
    DEADLINE
    Applications are due May 15, 2026.
    We strongly encourage you to apply, or to share this opportunity with a colleague who would be an excellent candidate. We believe the AFMRD community is full of talented residency leaders that can help identify key drivers for future success.
    For full program details and to apply, click HERE.
    Questions? Contact us at help@fmsoar.org or Jay Fetter at 877-223-7437.
    We look forward to receiving your application!

    ------------------------------
    Lisa Ochs
    Executive Director
    AFMRD
    ------------------------------

  • Partners in Care: Promoting Health and Wellbeing in Our Community

    The UTMB School of Nursing and the Office of Team Science will host an insightful day of exploring community partnered research programs at UTMB Health on June 17th from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm at Levin Hall, 1006 Market St. Galveston, TX 77550.  Contact Darpan Patel, PhD daipatel@utmb.edu for questions.

    Flyer for the Partners in Care: Promoting Health and Wellbeing in Our Community Discussion

  • Seeking Faculty Champions to Volunteer for Residency Topics

    We are seeking faculty champions for each topic (see the full list of topics here), individuals who can present at the monthly Bread and Butter lecture series, the weekly didactic sessions, or lead a workshop for our residents on a recurring basis.

    If you are interested in championing a topic, please type your name in the row(s) next to the topic(s) you would like to lead. Your involvement is essential in shaping a robust, high‑quality educational experience for our residents. Note, by selecting a topic you will own it for this academic year. 

    Thank you in advance for your support and for the expertise you continue to bring to our program.
    Ernst J. Nicanord

  • Flyer invitation to the second annual cardiovascular symposium at the San Luis Resort

    Second Annual AHA/UTMB Cardiovascular Symposium

    It's Island Time! Come and Learn about Cardiovascular Medicine

    Dear Colleagues:

    I would like to invite you to join us on Saturday, May 30th, 2026 for the second annual AHA/UTMB Cardiovascular Symposium hosted by the American Heart Association and the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Sealy Heart & Vascular Institute at The University of Texas Medical Branch! The event will be from 8:00am to 5:00pm, with an award reception to follow.

    This educational conference geared for non-cardiovascular specialists will cover updates on clinical practice guidelines for a variety of cardiovascular diseases and conditions. Throughout the event, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your professional skillset while learning from expert cardiologists working at UTMB and obtaining CME and CNE credits. The schedule of talks for the day, which will include topics such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and valvular heart disease, will be provided soon.

    Registration for the event is now open, and can be accessed through the event's webpage! Additionally, please consider submitting an abstract for consideration as a poster. Abstracts will be accepted until end of day March 31st. All areas of research within cardiovascular medicine will be considered. Abstracts will be reviewed and the top 20 will be selected to be showcased at the conference. Only one submission per presenting author is permitted.

    The meeting will be hosted at the San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center in Galveston, Texas, a luxurious four-star hotel located right next to the beach. A room block has been secured, and is open through Friday, May 8, 2026 based on availability. For discounted room rates, please call the San Luis Reservations Department directly at (409) 744-1500 (toll free) and identify yourself as being with the AHA Room Block.

    For event-related questions, please contact Alex Lukina (Alexandra.Lukina@heart.org). For agenda-related questions, please contact Brian Katz (brkatz@utmb.edu).

  • The ABFM Research and Editing Fellowship

    The American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Foundation, the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine (JABFM), and The Department of Family Medicine of the Medical College of Georgia are pleased to announce the creation of a new Research and Editing Fellowship.

    This fellowship is designed to develop skills and provide experience to a family medicine faculty person with interests in evidence-based medicine, clinical research, and medical editing.  A graduate of this fellowship will be able to conduct high-quality critical appraisal of primary care research, to write manuscripts for the peer-reviewed medical literature, and to serve on a family medicine journal’s editorial board or editor team.

    The application deadline for 2026 has passed. Please check back in Fall 2026 for 2027 dates. However, if you do have questions about the program, please contact us at jabfm@augusta.edu.

    The direct link to their website for more information is here.

  • 4 MPH Students Headed to Family Medicine

    As you all may know, we have historically engaged students in the MPH program to help us move projects along that help support the strategy map and the needs of the department. We will have four students this year helping us in 3 different domains.

    • Preconception care - work around FM OB needs building as we work to reboot women's health in the department
    • The history of Family Medicine education in the US and in the state of TX - this is educational scholarship that will center around increasing the FMCH clerkship to 6 weeks
    • Galveston Island Project - this is ongoing work to help us better understand health and health needs of Galveston Island
    There will be times where we may need faculty to assist with parts of this work. We want to be sure you are aware in case we need to call on you for assistance! 

  • Co-Authorship Opportunity

    Dr. Campbell is writing a Family Medicine Focus submission for our journal Family Medicine as a work-life balance submission. He is looking for an assistant professor who has never published in the peer reviewed literature to take the lead on this project, to include contributing to the concepts, writing and submitting the manuscript. This kind of article would be great for someone just starting to write. I anticipate that it would take a total of around 10 -12 hours of total work to complete. I have included an example of a Family Medicine Focus that was recently published as well as information about the article type from the journal.

    Kaplan B, Boggiano V, Rydel TA, Schillinger E. Twelve Tips for Teaching and Practicing Patient-Centered Time Management. Fam Med. 2025;57(10):764-764. https://doi.org/10.22454/FamMed.2025.712049.

    Family Medicine Focus

    "Family Medicine Focus" is a new, one-page article in an infographic format. Family Medicine Focus features topics relevant to work life including faculty development topics. These easy-to-read infographics provide up-to-date, evidence-based information for new and experienced faculty. The goal of a Family Medicine Focus article is to share high-yield information for current and aspiring faculty in an informative, innovative, and engaging way. Due to limited space for text, narrow topics and succinct writing are recommended. Submissions are welcome and must conform to the following guidelines:

    • Maximum word count: 500
    • Maximum number of references: 5
    • Submit the Family Medicine Focus manuscript in text format. The Family Medicine publishing team will place text into an infographic before sending it out for review to ensure uniformity of manuscripts.
    • Topics related to family medicine education are welcome, including submissions on work-life balance, scholarship, mentoring, and tips for teaching effectively.
    • Clinical topics will not be considered.

    Family Medicine Focus submissions that conform to the above guidelines may be submitted via the journal's submission system, choosing the "Family Medicine Focus" manuscript type option in submission step 1.

    Please let Dr. Campbell know directly if you are interested interested.