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UT Southwestern steps up for heart health

Published on: November 04, 2026 By: Lauren Warner

Heartwalk 2026 banner — UT Southwestern walkers gather for a group photo at the 2026 Dallas Heart Walk.

More than 2,200 UT Southwestern walkers united in Irving for the American Heart Association Dallas Heart Walk on Oct. 17 to support cardiovascular health and raise awareness of heart disease.

Representing 147 teams, UT Southwestern had the largest organization or company presence at the event. Participants raised more than $38,000 for the American Heart Association, helping advance its work in cardiovascular research, education, and prevention.

Despite chilly temperatures, walkers turned out in force to support a shared mission of improving heart health and saving lives.

Click through the photo gallery below for highlights from this year’s event.

Select an image to begin the slideshow.

Customized paddles decorate the UT Southwestern tables.

The photo booth is always a great addition!

A group poses with their furry friends.

Cold temperatures can’t stop UTSW teams from showing up to walk.

Bundled up walkers take time for a photo before the event begins.

Employees bring out their best costumes for the occasion.

Amit Khera, M.D., M.Sc., Clinical Chief of Cardiology and Director of Preventive Cardiology, hands out swag bags ahead of the walk.

Walkers enjoy the photo booth props.

Traci d’Auguste, M.B.A., M.S.H.A., Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, greets UTSW walkers with a smile.

Members of Human Resources show off their Heart Walk signs.

A walker shows her spirit, complete with a custom picture frame.

Heart-shaped sunglasses are a must-have, even in the cold weather.

Jonathan Efron, M.D., Executive Vice President for Health System Affairs, poses ahead of the walk with his wife, Jami Terry.

From left: Shawna Nesbitt, M.D., M.S., Vice President and Chief Institutional Opportunity Officer and Professor of Internal Medicine; UTSW President Daniel K. Podolsky, M.D.; and Marc A. Nivet, Ed.D., M.B.A., Executive Vice President for Business Affairs, connect with the community.

UTSW walkers show off their new paddles in the annual group photo.

Let the stepping begin!

Walkers of all ages join in to support heart health.

This group gathers for a celebratory photo at the finish line.

Walkers show off their survivor medals at the finish line.

Crossing the finish line is a victory for these UTSW walkers.

Participants could celebrate completion of their walk by pounding the drum.

Three UTSW walkers strike a pose against a Dallas Heart Walk backdrop.

Three walkers show they are all heart as the event gets set to begin.

Walkers celebrate their big finish!

UTSW’s cheerleaders prepare for a fun morning.