A steadfast supporter of UT Southwestern Medical Center, Regen Horchow credits her parents, Roger and Carolyn Horchow, with setting a high bar. Her late mother co-founded the institution’s signature event for women in 1999. More than two decades later, the Carolyn P. Horchow Women’s Health Symposium provides a yearly forum to learn about current women’s health topics and interact with leading researchers and clinicians at the Medical Center.

Ms. Horchow has been engaged with the President’s Advisory Board since its launch in 2017. Her sister, Lizzie Routman, was the group’s inaugural Chair. The advisory group provides UT Southwestern President Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., and the institution’s leadership with guidance on opportunities and challenges facing the Medical Center. Ms. Horchow continues to serve on the Board’s Marketing and Communications Committee, and throughout her engagement with the institution, mental health research and treatment remain issues of great importance.

“Mental health is such a huge issue for everyone I know,” she said. “I’m not aware of a single family that has not been affected by a mental health issue in some form or fashion. And from a research perspective, I’m particularly interested in supporting those tools developed at UT Southwestern that help identify mental health issues before they become acute.”

Ms. Horchow recently reflected on her involvement with the President’s Advisory Board and how her family’s tradition of giving to UT Southwestern inspired her to chart her own volunteer and philanthropic course.

“It’s always about channeling Mom and Dad’s vision,” she said, “All of us should give what we can in time and, if possible, in resources.”

How has UT Southwestern impacted you and your family?

UT Southwestern has been the medical home for our family since soon after my parents moved to Dallas. Both of my parents received comprehensive and compassionate care from many different physicians and departments when they became ill. Knowing UT Southwestern has cared for my family over the years gives me great comfort that they are looking out for my long-term health.

What distinguishes this institution as a leader in academic medicine?

Our family has been so impressed with the breadth and caliber of research that takes place on campus. We are especially pleased that UT Southwestern has learned how to invest and commercialize the medical advances made at the institution. I am very excited about the commitment of the CORP training, which helps residents of the pediatric department engage with community organizations as partners in their work when they practice medicine.

What have you learned about UT Southwestern?

Mom felt strongly that women need information and to better advocate for their health. Brainstorming topics for the Carolyn P. Horchow Women’s Health Symposium has been so gratifying and meaningful. Each year when that event rolls around, it makes me happy to know UT Southwestern is educating women about their health in an easy to digest format. And I know Mom is smiling down on all of us as we attend.

As a donor, why do you continue to give?

I am keenly interested in the work being done at the Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care and their work with VitalSign6. The work being done to both identify issues early and then triage the response is critical to meeting the significant mental health needs of our community. Effectively using the limited resources that we have is one step towards being able to address the significant impact of mental health problems for families across North Texas.

What is UT Southwestern's biggest contribution to the community?

UT Southwestern is a trusted resource for the latest science. The research being done is significant, and the efforts that are made to translate the findings into practice is what makes the institution an asset to our community. UT Southwestern’s willingness to partner with others, both locally and around the world, is an example for other medical institutions.

• Dr. Podolsky holds the Philip O’Bryan Montgomery, Jr., M.D. Distinguished Presidential Chair in Academic Administration, and the Doris and Bryan Wildenthal Distinguished Chair in Medical Science.