Dr. Kirk Calhoun brings expertise and vision to UNTHSC
Kirk Calhoun, M.D., FACP, brings more than 30 years of experience in academic medicine and health care leadership to his new role as interim president of The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, a position he assumed on Feb. 1.
Calhoun most recently served as president of The University of Texas at Tyler, where he oversaw the merger of the institution’s academic and health science campuses. He led the creation of the UT Tyler School of Medicine, which welcomed its first class in 2023, and chaired UT Health East Texas, a network of 10 hospitals, 50 clinics, emergency transport services and rural health initiatives.
“I am honored to serve as interim president of UNTHSC,” Calhoun said. “This institution has a long-standing reputation for innovation and excellence in health education, research, patient care and community engagement. I look forward to working with our dedicated faculty, staff and students to advance its mission.”
He previously held roles at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Parkland Hospital and UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Nationally, he has served as board chair of the Association of American Medical Colleges and America’s Essential Hospitals.
“Dr. Calhoun is an experienced, high-performing leader with a wealth of expertise in both academic medicine and health care operations,” UNT System Chancellor Michael R. Williams said. “His leadership will ensure that UNTHSC continues to grow as a leader in medical education, research and public health.”
Calhoun’s accomplishments include the development of partnerships to expand health care access, his role in the establishment of the UT Tyler School of Medicine, and his leadership in health care delivery in underserved regions.
“Dr. Calhoun has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving health outcomes and advancing medical education,” said Laura Wright, chair of the UNT System Board of Regents. “We are confident his visionary leadership will help guide UNTHSC through this transition.”
Calhoun earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Northwestern University and a fellowship in clinical nephrology, hypertension and metabolism at the University of Chicago.
Throughout his career, Calhoun has received numerous accolades, including 2021 induction into the Doctor Luke Society. He and his wife, Jeanette, were named 2021 T.B. Butler Citizens of the Year for their contributions to the Tyler community.
Calhoun’s interests include health care delivery, finance, leadership and fostering public-private partnerships. His leadership will help guide UNTHSC as it continues to transform lives through education, research and patient care.
Calhoun was named interim president following the resignation of UNTHSC President Sylvia Trent-Adams.
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