Seven years ago, when Aasem Khalil relocated to Texas, the change brought with it a lot of firsts. Born on the outskirts of Toronto, Canada, the investment banker had grown up in New York. More familiar with the waterfront than the Wild West, he had launched a thriving career with Goldman Sachs.

Almost two decades later, the opportunity to lead the investment firm’s operations in Dallas presented itself. Embracing the family’s new home, Mr. Khalil thought it vital to understand the local medical community, including UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Today, Mr. Khalil is a Partner at Goldman Sachs, where he serves as Global Head of Investment Banking Services and the Head of the Firm’s Dallas Office. Much like his trajectory with the global financial institution, his connection with UT Southwestern has also grown. He serves as Chair of the Finance Committee and as a member of the Executive Committee for UT Southwestern’s President’s Advisory Board, the group providing President Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D., and the institution’s leadership with guidance on opportunities and challenges across its mission. Recently, he reflected on the synergy between UT Southwestern and Dallas and shared the family history that contributes to his strong ties with the institution.

How has UT Southwestern impacted you and your family?

When we first moved to Dallas, it became quickly evident that Dallas was a city with an extraordinary collection of medical institutions, with UT Southwestern at the top of the heap. In the instances where we have needed medical attention, UT Southwestern provided that care in its singularly unique way. The doctors and staff are exceedingly knowledgeable, responsive, and courteous. They treat their patients with the utmost respect and care. We have tremendous peace of mind knowing that when our family needs medical help, UT Southwestern is there to provide it.

What distinguishes this institution as a national leader in academic medicine?

UT Southwestern is both broad and deep in its various disciplines. One would be hard-pressed to find another medical institution that touches virtually every aspect of medicine. UT Southwestern has a best-in-class research program and remains at the cutting edge with developing and incubating new businesses that impact communities for years to come. On a personal level, my mother suffered from a terribly debilitating disease her entire life, and UT Southwestern is one of the few institutions in the country with a doctor and team dedicated to studying and curing this relatively obscure disease. That speaks volumes about the breadth of UT Southwestern’s focus on medical advancement.

What have you learned about UT Southwestern?

UT Southwestern sets the standard for its commitment to patients and the community. The researchers and medical professionals are passionate and relentless about finding solutions for patients. Under the stewardship of Dr. Podolsky and his staff, UT Southwestern has developed a reputation for providing the best care and fostering an environment of innovation.

As a donor, why do you continue to give?

Giving to UT Southwestern has been a philanthropic priority. Research, innovation, and care all require significant investment. If we invest in our medical institutions, the broader community will benefit. Dallas is a city that believes in the greater good and that it is incumbent upon those who can contribute financially to do so for the benefit of the community. And having one of the best medical institutions in the country in Dallas only further highlights and augments the city’s place on the global stage.

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

UT Southwestern serves as the bedrock of the medical community in Dallas. The institution is continuing to innovate and expand to address a broad, diverse, and growing population. And the Medical Center remains committed to expanding into other disciplines such as mental health. There is great peace of mind in knowing that virtually every type of care is provided at UT Southwestern and will be for decades to come.

• 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.