Leaders from across the state gathered at UNT Health Fort Worth this month as part
of Leadership Texas, a prestigious, year-long program designed to develop and connect
women leaders shaping the future of Texas.
The visit was part of the 2026 Leadership Texas cohort’s first session, an immersive
experience that brings participants together to explore key issues impacting communities
across the state.
During their stop in Fort Worth, participants engaged with experts across sectors
before visiting UNT Health, where they learned how academic medicine, research and
community partnerships are advancing health outcomes and driving innovation.
Showcasing leadership in health and research
The cohort was welcomed by UNT Health leaders, including president Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun
and community leader Dr. Jeanette Deas Calhoun, a member of the Leadership Texas Class
of 2012.
Dr. Jeanette Calhoun reflected on the impact of the program, describing it as a transformative
experience that strengthens leadership, connection and purpose among women across
Texas.
Dr. Kirk Calhoun highlighted UNT Health’s role as a growing academic medical center
and research institution, emphasizing its commitment to education, discovery and collaboration.
“Universities exist to share knowledge through education and to discover new knowledge
through research,” Dr. Kirk Calhoun said. “At UNT Health, we’re proud to do both while
serving the people of Texas.”
Advancing brain health for all
A central highlight of the visit was a presentation by Dr. Sid O’Bryant, executive
director of the Institute for Translational Research, whose work is transforming how
Alzheimer’s disease is understood, diagnosed and treated.
O’Bryant leads the Health & Aging Brain Study – Health Disparities, one of the most
comprehensive Alzheimer’s studies ever conducted. The study includes more than 4,000
participants across diverse populations and has generated more than 20,000 brain scans—creating
one of the largest datasets of its kind in the world.
The work is helping researchers better understand how biological, environmental and
social factors influence brain health and Alzheimer’s disease risk across different
populations.
“Our goal is simple: a world of optimal brain health for all,” O’Bryant said. “Everything
we do is focused on ensuring that prevention, diagnosis and treatment can be tailored
to each individual.”
As part of that effort, O’Bryant also shared new developments aimed at expanding access
to early detection and research participation. UNT Health and its partners are working
to provide up to 100,000 free Alzheimer’s assessments globally, including memory testing
and blood-based screenings, with the long-term goal of reaching even more individuals.
The initiative is designed to improve early diagnosis and connect participants to
education, resources and potential clinical trials—particularly among communities
that have historically been underrepresented in research.
O’Bryant emphasized that brain health is not just a medical issue, but a lifelong
process influenced by factors such as sleep, nutrition, exercise and mental well-being.
“What you do now matters for how your brain looks later,” he said. “There are things
each of us can do to take ownership of our brain health.”
From research to real-world impact
The visit concluded with a panel discussion, “From Brain Health to Community Impact:
A Holistic View of Aging,” featuring leaders working across clinical care, education
and community services.
Panelists included Jamie Cobb Tinsley, vice president of family & professional education
at the James L. West Center for Dementia Care; Dr. Sarah Ross, associate professor
of internal medicine and geriatrics at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine at
UNT Health; and Lyn Scott, CEO of Guardianship Services, Inc.
The discussion highlighted how brain health research translates into patient care,
caregiver support and community-based services. Panelists shared insights from their
work supporting individuals and families affected by dementia, emphasizing the importance
of education, culturally responsive care and resources for caregivers.
Through audience questions and conversation, the panel underscored the need for collaboration
across healthcare, nonprofit and community organizations to improve quality of life
for aging populations.
Connecting leadership to community impact
The visit underscored the connection between leadership, health and community impact—core
themes of the Leadership Texas program, which has empowered women leaders for more
than four decades.
Participants explored how collaboration across disciplines—from healthcare and research
to business and public policy—can drive meaningful change in communities across Texas.
For UNT Health, hosting the cohort provided an opportunity to showcase its growing
role in advancing health education, research and innovation, while also strengthening
partnerships with leaders across the state, Dr. Kirk Calhoun said.
