Professionalism at UTMB Health

About the Professionalism Committee

In 2002, UTMB was one of five medical schools selected to participate in a medical professionalism pilot project sponsored by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Foundation's. The goal of the project, entitled Putting the Charter Into Practice, is for participating institutions to apply the principles and responsibilities of the Physician Charter that was published by the ABIM in 2002 to its medical school student body.

The Professionalism Committee was established to develop a multidisciplinary approach to advancing professionalism, recognizing that a fundamental concern for a supportive and productive environment that advances educational, patient and institutional outcomes is our prime objective. Committee membership includes individuals from across the mission areas and workforce segments (e.g. academic and health system administration, physicians, nurses, faculty and students from all four UTMB schools). The broad representation ensures that efforts will address and impact all areas of our community. Members are appointed by the President and have demonstrated a commitment to professionalism and to act as effective change agents. The committee's major activities include: updating the Professionalism Charter, managing the Professionalism online reporting tool, and hosting campus wide lectures, brown bag discussions, workshops and training.

If you would like more information you may contact a member of the committee.

FY2025 Professionalism Committee include:

  • Dr. Karen Szauter, Co-chair, Assistant Dean, Education Affairs, John Sealy School of Medicine 
  • Sara Niebuhr, Co-chair, Nursing Program Manager, Nursing Program Development
  • Bruce Adcock, Associate Professor of Instruction, Respiratory Care, School of Health Professions
  • Dr. Christine Baker, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, School of Health Professions
  • Tilly Clark, Assistant Director, Presidential Affairs (EAC representative)
  • Dr. Janice Endsley, Professor, Microbiology & Immunology
  • Stephanie Guzik, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Office of the President
  • Dr. Julie Kutac, Associate Professor of Instruction, JSSOM Physician Assistant Studies 
  • Stephanie Lamar-Breaux, Sr. Employee Relations Advisor, Human Resources
  • Meisha Leonard-Wilson, PT, Rehabilitation Services Manager, ADC Physical Therapy
  • Dr. Christopher Messenger, Assistant Professor, Nutrition, Metabolism, & Rehabilitation Sciences
  • Dr. Olugbenga Ojo, Chief Medical Officer, Hospital Galveston
  • Mary Ann Pedraza, Asso. Director, Business Ops., Office of the President (Committee Support)
  • Dr. Diana Presley, Associate Dean, Admission & Student Affairs, School of Nursing
  • Dr. John Prochaska, Associate Dean Student Affairs, School of Public and Population Health
  • Jerri Denee Robison, Regional Nurse Manager, Central Medical Administration (CMC)
  • Dr. Juan Rojo, Assistant Professor Instruction, Clinical Lab. Sciences, School of Health Professions
  • Dr. Dana Wild, Assistant Dean, Student Affairs, School of Health Professions
  • Kaitlyn Williams, Associate Legal Officer, Legal Affairs