A $6.5 million donation from philanthropist Harvey E. Najim will fund a new pediatric-focused training initiative at UT Health San Antonio, aimed at strengthening the region’s healthcare workforce for children.
The gift will establish the Harvey E. Najim Pediatric Health Scholars Program, which seeks to reduce financial barriers for students and trainees pursuing careers in pediatric dentistry, medicine, and nursing. The program is designed to attract and retain top talent while expanding access to specialized care for children in San Antonio and surrounding communities.
The initiative will support advanced training for 36 pediatric dental residents, 24 pediatric medical subspecialists, and 32 pediatric nurse practitioners, along with three annual scholarships for students in dentistry, medicine, and nursing who are engaged in community service.
Najim said the program is about building a strong, compassionate workforce. “Through specialized training, the Pediatric Health Scholars Program prepares students to care for children while helping meet the growing pediatric health needs across our region,” he said.
University leaders emphasized the long-term impact of the investment. Taylor Eighmy said the gift will help shape future healthcare providers, while Francisco Cigarroa called it a “transformational” contribution that will improve children’s health outcomes for decades.
The program will also address ongoing shortages of pediatric specialists across Texas—particularly in South Texas—where access to care can be limited, especially for low-income and uninsured families. According to KFF, more than 13% of Texas children were uninsured in 2024.
By investing in training locally, the initiative builds on strong retention trends, as many healthcare graduates from Texas institutions remain in the state to practice. Officials say graduates of the program are expected to care for hundreds of thousands of children over their careers, amplifying the impact of the donation across generations.
