Judge Garry Weber's gifts advance brain, spine, and urologic research

By Erin Prather-Stafford and Sharon Reynolds 

The Honorable Garry A. Weber, a former Dallas County judge, says he has experienced “top-notch patient care” at UT Southwestern and feels complete trust in his medical team. He wanted to assist UTSW so that future patients would have a similar experience and benefit from the expertise and resources found at the Medical Center.

To support UT Southwestern’s mission, Judge Weber joined The Heritage Society by generously making a planned gift of $3 million. It will be divided three ways: bolstering spine-related research at the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, in honor of Dr. Carlos Bagley, Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery; supporting urological disease research at the Department of Urology, in honor of Dr. Claus Roehrborn, Professor and Chair of Urology; and aiding addiction research, also at the O’Donnell Brain Institute. 

“All of my doctors are at UT Southwestern,” said Judge Weber, who is now CEO and Chairman of the Board of Weber Financial Inc., a full-service investment firm. “I am grateful for access to health care at an institution that values the personal touch of patient-physician relationships. I hope my gift helps the faculty to better care for more people and develop new treatments through research.” 

In 2017, he created the Garry Weber Physician Assistant Postgraduate Fund in Urology at UT Southwestern to prepare physician assistants interested in urology for a meaningful career. He supports the Fund with annual gifts.

“Through the years, Judge Weber’s visionary leadership has been a boon to our community. His support of our efforts at UT Southwestern has helped advance science and improve the health of patients and their families. We are deeply grateful for his longtime friendship and ongoing support of our efforts,” said Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky, President of UT Southwestern.

Research, education, and patient care

Judge Weber’s gift will help in several significant areas.

As a neurosurgeon, Dr. Bagley’s niche is in complex spine surgeries and advanced minimally invasive techniques, including the latest surgical treatments for spinal tumors and spinal deformities such as scoliosis and kyphosis. His focus is not just on the single event of a surgical procedure, but rather on total spine care and the constant pursuit of better patient outcomes.  

"This gift from Judge Weber is an example of extraordinary foresight." - Dr. Roehrborn

“At UT Southwestern, we simply don’t settle for what can be accomplished now, but we work to advance science that will improve care,” explained Dr. Bagley, Director of  UT Southwestern’s multidisciplinary Spine Center. “We’re fortunate to have the resources and expertise to assist patients who have been told nothing can be done for them, when actually it’s that nothing easy can be done for them. I am deeply grateful to Judge Weber for this gift, which allows us to keep pushing forward with significant advances in care.”

Dr. Roehrborn is grateful for Judge Weber’s generous gift to support urologic research, as well as continued funding of physician assistant education that emphasizes all clinical, research, and teaching aspects of urology.

“This gift from Judge Weber is an example of extraordinary foresight,” Dr. Roehrborn said. “Given there are shortages of urology physicians nationwide, his generosity will allow us to offer a fellowship in urology to advanced practice providers. This unique program will be essential to ensuring that excellent care is delivered in all of UT Southwestern’s urology clinics, both on our main campus and in locations throughout the Metroplex.”

Deep connection to Dallas

Judge Weber’s family moved to Dallas when he was in sixth grade. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he played football for the Mustangs. In his former roles as both a Dallas County Judge and Dallas City Councilman, he worked closely with UT Southwestern and other hospital systems in the city to make sure all citizens had access to the best medical care possible. Throughout his lifetime, he has witnessed the tremendous growth of Dallas and its surrounding areas into what is today’s thriving Metroplex.

“I remember when there was old Parkland Hospital, and that was it. When I drive past UT Southwestern today, I marvel at all of the buildings and the contributions that people from the community have made. It’s fabulous. People in Dallas are welcoming and very caring. Our citizens give generously to the community, which is a distinguishing factor that makes our city unique,” he said.

He has served on SMU’s Board of Trustees, Investment Committee, and Cox School of Business Executive Board. In 1998, he received the SMU Distinguished Alumni Award. He is an avid outdoor and wildlife enthusiast. As a member of both the International Council of Advisors for the National Geographic Society and the Whale Trust Advisory Board, he has traveled the world to enjoy unforgettable moments of interacting with gorillas and swimming with whales. 

 

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.

Dr. Roehrborn holds the E.E. Fogelson and Greer Garson Fogelson Distinguished Chair in Urology and the S.T. Harris Family Chair in Medical Science, in Honor of John D. McConnell, M.D.