Institutional Service Award

This award honors clinical faculty who consistently share time and expertise in service to internal committees, task forces, and other institutional activities that make a significant impact on the care delivered to UT Southwestern patients.

See our Past Clinical Excellence Award Winners

The 2024 Winners:

Jonathan E. Dowell, M.D.

Professor of Internal Medicine
Division of Hematology and Oncology

The hallmark of a selfless leader is one who serves others, and since joining the UT Southwestern faculty almost 25 years ago, Dr. Jonathan “Jed” Dowell has demonstrated an exceptional and impactful dedication to his institutional roles and to the care of his patients.

Among his many past and present appointments, Dr. Dowell currently serves as Chief of Hematology and Oncology at the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center. During his tenure, he expanded a staff of seven (three physicians and four registered nurses) to a team of 22 that now also includes RN navigators, advanced practice nurses, and pharmacy specialists, which has led to an increase in the capacity, efficiency, and quality of clinical operations.

One colleague remarked that Dr. Dowell “has shown consistent organizational citizenship for UT Southwestern, for the Dallas VA, and for the scientific, clinical, and educational missions of our enterprise.”

Additionally, Dr. Dowell launched a clinical research program at the VA Medical Center that includes participation in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cohort Consortium and the VA Precision Oncology Program.

“More than any other individual, Jed has led the modernization of oncology care at our Center,” his nominator wrote.

Dr. Dowell serves as Chair of the Data and Safety Monitoring Committee at the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center (2009-present), which has grown in scope and membership through initial NCI designation in 2010, comprehensive designation in 2015, and re-designation in 2021, while ensuring the highest level of care quality and safety.

Passionate about medical education, Dr. Dowell also previously served as Director of the Hematology Oncology Fellowship program, where he oversaw its transformation from clinical education geared toward private practice into a nationally recognized training program.

One colleague noted, “His impact has not only been from his expertise in clinical research operations, but also from his ability to develop collaborative efforts to solve problems. He navigates problems effectively, listening and responding to important stakeholders, while protecting faculty interests.”

In addition to the numerous hours devoted, an essential requirement for quality service on clinically related institutional committees is being clinically exceptional, and Dr. Dowell achieves this consistently, keenly understanding the field and his patients.

“Jed is an outstanding leader and role model for faculty and other health care professionals and trainees – the picture of maturity and professionalism,” commented one Department Chair, who added that Dr. Dowell’s relationship with nursing is “exemplary.”

A UTSW administrator noted, “He is thoughtful about decisions, keeping both scientific integrity and patient safety at the top of mind.”

Dr. Dowell earned his medical degree at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He completed a residency in internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and gained advanced training through a hematology and oncology fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

He has received the Core Clerkship Teaching Award for Internal Medicine Subspecialties and the Eugene P. Frenkel Outstanding Teaching Award. He has been named a D Magazine Best Doctor in Dallas and a Castle Connolly Top Doctor multiple times as well as to the Texas Super Doctors list every year since 2010.

In his words: First, I want to thank Dr. [Daniel K.] Podolsky, the awards committee, and my colleague and friend, Dr. David Gerber, for this honor. I have never served out of obligation or for recognition, but rather, because it seemed like the right thing to do. That conviction can be traced back to some of my leaders and mentors during my residency at UT Southwestern. Drs. Daniel Foster, David Hillis, and Mark Feldman (to name just a few) often put service to their institution above personal recognition and achievement (though they achieved a lot), and that ideal resonated with me early in my training. It has been a privilege to support the institutions I value dearly, UTSW and the Dallas VA Medical Center, during my 24 years on the faculty, and I hope to have the opportunity to continue to do so for many years to come.

Heidi Jacobe, M.D., M.S.C.S.

Professor of Dermatology
Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health
Associate Dean, Clinical Research Development

An institutional thinker and natural collaborator who embodies the true spirit of servant leadership – those are innate qualities of Dr. Heidi Jacobe, whose record of service to UT Southwestern demonstrates continuous excellence in clinical care, education, and research.

She is highly regarded for her sustained leadership, patient care, education, and research along with service on institutional committees and task forces that bring together diverse expertise from various disciplines.

Dr. Jacobe is an international expert in the care of sclerosing skin disorders, which overlaps with her research in morphea or localized scleroderma. To provide excellent clinical care to patients who are referred from all over the United States, Dr. Jacobe developed multidisciplinary collaborations with UTSW providers across campus, contributing to the elevation of UTSW’s reputation.

Said one colleague and nominator: “Her ability to work effectively within these groups fosters a collaborative environment where different perspectives are valued and innovative solutions to clinical challenges are developed. This interdisciplinary approach leads to comprehensive and improved patient care strategies.”

As an educator and mentor, Dr. Jacobe led the medical student educational efforts for the Department of Dermatology for nearly 20 years and has continuously taught students in her clinic and guided more than 50 medical students through scholarly activity rotation, as well as the Summer Research and Dean’s Scholars programs. She also served as the Department’s Associate Residency Program Director, leading the resident research program. Beyond medical students, she has mentored students in the UTSW Physician Assistant program, Ph.D. program, undergraduates, and postbaccalaureates. In addition, she serves as a formal and informal career mentor to early-career faculty in her Department, as well as institutionally and nationally for groups like the Women’s Dermatologic Society and Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance.

These accomplishments prompted her election to the UT Southwestern Academy of Teachers (SWAT), where Dr. Jacobe has been involved in promoting educational excellence and innovation, collaborating with fellow educators to enhance teaching methodologies, mentoring junior faculty, and contributing to the overall advancement of the academic environment at UTSW.

Additionally, Dr. Jacobe is a member of the Promotion and Tenure Committee, where she has been instrumental in evaluating and guiding the professional advancement of her colleagues.

As a clinical and translational researcher, Dr. Jacobe leads National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded work that has contributed to the development of clinical and patient-reported outcomes as well as biomarkers for a rare disease called morphea. She founded and directs the Morphea in Adults and Children Cohort, which represents the largest collection of adults and children with morphea in the world. For her, excellence in clinical care is interconnected with her research.

“My patients’ questions and lived experience inspire my research,” she said. “There is absolutely nothing better than being able to answer my patients’ questions and discover new therapies using the results of my research. Research makes me a better doctor, and taking care of patients makes me a better researcher.”

Dr. Jacobe’s passion for education, mentorship, and research, combined with her visionary leadership, has significantly enriched the academic and research environment at UTSW as well. At UTSW, Dr. Jacobe serves as the founding Associate Dean of Clinical Research Development, where she created the Clinical Research Accelerator program.

She oversees comprehensive education and development programs for faculty, trainees, and staff across all four schools, emphasizing teamwork and collaboration. She also serves as the founding Director of the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation in the O’Donnell School of Public Health, where she aims to grow a program for health care professionals to provide the tools needed to conduct high-quality research, leading to evidence-based improvements in clinical care practices and innovative treatment options for patients.

“Heidi has a unique talent for breaking down silos to create impactful, collaborative programs,” another colleague noted. “She effectively unites leaders in education, basic science, public health, clinical care, and clinical research, fostering all types of research that drive innovations in health care. Her infectious enthusiasm and passion inspire those around her, making her a catalyst for positive change in patient care, education, and research at UT Southwestern.”

Dr. Jacobe earned her medical degree with honors at Baylor College of Medicine and completed a residency in dermatology at UT Southwestern Medical School, where she served as Chief Resident. She was also selected as an inaugural Dean’s Scholar and KL2 Scholar at UTSW, which she credits with launching her career.

In her words: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader,” John Quincy Adams said. This idea has been at the heart of my career as a physician, mentor, educator, and researcher. I have always believed in the power of maximizing human potential and the transformative nature of mentorship and learning. Whether it’s caring for patients, guiding the next generation of health care professionals, or dedicating myself to research that improves the lives of people with an orphan disease, my journey has been shaped by a willingness to take on tough tasks and a deep commitment to servant leadership. UTSW has been a cornerstone of my growth beginning as a resident in dermatology, providing me with the opportunity to lean into these values and make a meaningful impact. I am deeply thankful for the support I’ve received and honored to contribute to the vibrant UTSW community. I am truly humbled to receive this award and to continue serving this institution and community.

Dr. Jacobe holds the James N. Gilliam, M.D. Chair in Dermatology.