JAMP’s Summer Internship Curriculum Innovations Advance Pre-Medical Preparation
JAMP Summer Internship 2025 Impact
TXHES Names Annual Award Recipients at the 2025 TAAHP Conference
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.
Celebrating Excellence: TXHES Annual Awards Presentation
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. 
- Recognition for Innovation in Outreach: Dr. Matt Chumchal
Director, Pre-Health Professions Institute, Texas Christian University
Dr. Chumchal was honored for his remarkable efforts to expand access to medical careers for underrepresented students. Through initiatives like the TCU-High School STEM Mentoring Program and the Mini-Medical School Summer Camp, he has created sustained mentorship opportunities that empower hundreds of students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue careers in medicine.
- Recognition for Leadership in Health Education: Dr. Pierre Banks
(Former) Assistant Dean of Admissions & Recruitment, John Sealy School of Medicine at UTMB
A tireless advocate for improving admissions practices and student support systems, Dr. Banks has helped shape initiatives such as JAMP and TMDSAS, inspiring colleagues to build more equitable pathways to healthcare careers.
- The Third Annual TXHES Expanding Access Award: Dr. Judianne Kellaway
Associate Dean of Admissions and Outreach, Long School of Medicine at UT San Antonio
Dr. Kellaway was recognized for her outstanding commitment to expanding access to medical education for all Texans.
Dr. Meeks commended her as a transformative leader in admissions, highlighting her nearly two decades of shaping policy, practice, and thought across the state. Her outreach efforts have ranged from conducting workshops across Texas on the medical school application process to volunteering clinical care at community health clinics. Her career spans influential roles at McGovern Medical School, Long School of Medicine, and statewide initiatives like JAMP. Nationally, she has served as a representative to the AAMC Committee on Admissions, contributing to major initiatives supporting pre-health students and advisors.
In every role, Dr. Kellaway has embodied a blend of compassion, academic excellence, and advocacy, opening doors for countless students and strengthening the future of healthcare in Texas and beyond.
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.
Strengthening the Health Education Pipeline
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.
Turning Connection into Action
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.
Conclusion: Celebrating Progress Through Partnership
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.
Inside Health Education
View Related Items
JAMP
TMDSAS
Record Shattered: TMDSAS Application Volume Hits All-Time High
TMDSAS reports a historic high in applications for Entry Year 2026, marking a new record in submissions to Texas medical, dental, and veterinary schools.
JAMP
The Power of Belonging and Community: Dr. Mahnoor Liaqat's Journey from JAMP Scholar to Texas Physician
Discover one of the standout JAMP success stories as Dr. Mahnoor Liaqat, a Central Texas physician, shares how a transformative internship experience helped launch her medical career.
