The 2025 Texas Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (TAAHP) Conference, held in Fort Worth and hosted by the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU, underscored a powerful theme: the transformative power of partnership—and the individuals who bring it to life.
This year’s conference brought together a dynamic network of health professions advisors, institutional leaders, and organizational partners from across Texas. Through keynote sessions, panels, and collaborative discussions, participants reaffirmed a shared vision: cultivating a healthcare workforce that is skilled, compassionate, and reflective of Texas’ unique communities.
A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the TXHES Annual Awards, recognizing
three outstanding leaders who exemplify the organization's mission to build the healthcare workforce to meet the needs of Texas. TXHES Executive Director Dr. Matthew Meeks presented the awards, honoring each recipient for their contributions to strengthening the healthcare pipeline. 
The awards, signed by UT System Health Affairs leaders, including Dr. David Lakey, Dr. John Zerwas, and Dr. Matthew Meeks, underscore the impact of these exceptional individuals.
The conference also showcased how meaningful partnerships across institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies are vital to shaping the future healthcare workforce. Advisors and leaders from more than 20 Texas health professions schools—alongside organizations such as TMDSAS, JAMP, TXHES, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), and the AAMC—engaged in dialogue around student preparation, admissions practices, and workforce sustainability.
Sessions ranged from practical advising tools, such as Appreciative Advising and AI integration, to professional development tracks focused on leadership agility and executive presence—reflecting an investment in the people who mentor and guide future healthcare professionals.
What sets the TAAHP Conference apart is how it transforms conversations into community-wide impact. Relationships built at the event—through panels, hallway conversations, and campus tours—laid the groundwork for long-term collaboration, insightful data sharing, and strategies to meet the evolving needs of Texas’ healthcare system.
TCU’s role as host, including tours of its innovative facilities, served as a fitting backdrop for a conference centered on growth, inclusion, and leadership.
The 2025 TAAHP Conference affirmed a core truth: the future of healthcare in Texas is shaped not just by institutions, but by the passionate individuals who drive change. Through honoring outstanding leaders and deepening partnerships, the community took a decisive step toward building a stronger healthcare workforce for the future of Texas.
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