
When faculty members Norman Meyer, MD, PhD, and Owen Phillips, MD, noticed a gap in funding for young medical professionals eager to innovate in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, they took action.
In a move designed to propel the College of Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology into the forefront of academic medicine, Dr. Meyer and Dr. Phillips have launched the Meyer-Phillips Resident and Fellow Research and Education Fund. The fund is set to fuel innovation and professional growth by providing critical financial support for residents and fellows throughout the research process.
According to Dr. Phillips, as the department has grown under the leadership of Department Chair John Schorge, MD, so too have the academic expectations for its trainees. “This growth has included solidifying academic expectations among residents that include research, publishing, and traveling to conferences to present,” she said. “In addition, our MFM (Maternal-Fetal Medicine) Fellowship program was back on the map as an academic enterprise drawing top-notch fellows from all over the country. Their expectation is to publish and present.”
While the department’s growth and rising academic expectations have been positive, Dr. Phillips and Dr. Meyer noticed there was room for improvement in supporting these initiatives. “Norman and I recognized a gap in funding for research start-up projects. We began talking about starting an endowment for this purpose. It was Norman who felt that money was also needed to extend educational opportunities for fellows, such as conferences and courses,” Dr. Phillips said.
“A lot of attention has been given to funding research for fellows and residents, and that is extremely important since adequate funding is not easy to obtain. But there has not been much effort to support educational courses and conferences and the associated travel and lodging expenses incurred on a resident/fellow stipend,” Dr. Meyer said. “Online courses and conferences are also available and can be an invaluable educational opportunity, but again, unfortunately are not typically funded by institutions. It is our desire that the funds available through the endowment will facilitate resident/fellow opportunities to engage in educational opportunities outside of their institution as well as help fund research endeavors.”
“It’s humbling to see the generosity of two long-time pillars of OB-GYN establish this fund at UT Health Science Center…Nothing could more prominently demonstrate that they believe in our future.”
Dr. John Schorge
The two faculty members consulted with Kelly Davis, the College of Medicine’s senior director of Development, to formulate a plan. The two-tiered plan involved making money available for use through a fund they established immediately, and then creating a legacy endowment that will be self-sustaining. The effort quickly gained momentum, with contributions doubling in the first year after a successful fundraising push during the annual UT Health Science Center Giving Day.
“We will consider funding proposals for the first time this year, mostly for resident travel to meetings where they present their research and positively represent the department and UT Health Science Center,” Dr. Phillips said. “We hope to not to have to say ‘no’ to anyone.”
“It’s humbling to see the generosity of two long-time pillars of OB-GYN establish this fund at UT Health Science Center,” Dr. Schorge said. “Dr. Meyer and Dr. Phillips have been leaders in the department while providing exceptional clinical care for decades at Regional One Health. Nothing could more prominently demonstrate that they believe in our future. Our residents and fellows will now have the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research to further benefit patients in our community.”
By providing these opportunities, Dr. Phillips and Dr. Meyer hope the fund will create a lasting impact on the department’s academic endeavors, ensuring that residents and fellows can continue to advance both their research and clinical skills while representing UT Health Science Center on a national stage.
Please consider donating to the Meyer-Phillips Resident and Fellow Research and Educational Fund by visiting giving.uthsc.edu/meyerphillips.
This story was originally featured in the Winter 2025 issue of the College of Medicine Magazine.