President Eighmy Appoints Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D. as Senior Executive Vice President for Health Affairs & Health System at UT Health San Antonio
January 23, 2025
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) President and Acting President of UT Health San Antonio, Taylor Eighmy, has appointed Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., as the Senior Executive Vice President for Health Affairs & Health System at UT Health San Antonio, a newly established role effective March 1, 2025. This strategic appointment comes at a pivotal moment as UTSA and UT Health San Antonio progress through their merger, further advancing the academic, research, and clinical missions of both the health science center and its health system enterprise across Texas and beyond.
Advancing Integration and Innovation
Dr. Cigarroa’s appointment represents a visionary and strategic decision at a defining moment in the institution’s history. With over 30 years of exemplary service in health care and higher education, Dr. Cigarroa's unparalleled leadership, expertise, and legacy of success make him uniquely positioned to guide UT Health San Antonio through this next phase of growth and impact.
A respected national leader in academic medicine, research, innovation, and patient care, Dr. Cigarroa has held roles that have advanced UT institutions nationally and elevated UT Health San Antonio’s reputation for driving excellence and delivering meaningful impact. His proven ability to foster collaboration and achieve positive outcomes across complex organizations strengthens our missions in education, research, and patient care—enhancing student success, paving the way for new discoveries, and improving patient outcomes—positioning him to lead with distinction during this period of unprecedented growth and complexity.
“At this pivotal moment of unprecedented opportunity and complexity, Dr. Cigarroa’s lifelong commitment to excellence and unmatched expertise make him the ideal partner to help me successfully lead the integration of our institutions expanding our impact and also guide this exceedingly important next phase of UT Health San Antonio’s educational, research, and clinical care missions. His proven ability to navigate the evolving dynamics of health care delivery, biomedical research, and higher education ensures the institution remains at the forefront of medical discovery, patient care, and academic achievement as the largest academic medical institution in the region. Dr. Cigarroa is a really terrific leader, and I am very excited to work closely with him as we go forward,” said President Eighmy.
A Vision for Growth and Excellence
In this transformative inaugural role, Dr. Cigarroa will lead the strategic integration of UT Health San Antonio’s six nationally recognized health professional schools, its biomedical research portfolio, and its expanding health system, including the UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital, the Mays Cancer Center, and UT Health Physicians. His focus will be on driving transformation, growth, innovation, and operational excellence while fostering collaboration across the health sciences, healthcare enterprise, and research pillars. Additionally, he will play a pivotal role in supporting the seamless integration of UT Health San Antonio and UTSA.
"This historic merger presents an unprecedented opportunity to establish one of the nation’s most distinguished universities, uniting the strengths of two world-class institutions," said Eighmy. "Dr. Cigarroa’s expansive experience in higher education, academic medical centers, and patient care and thought leadership at a national level, make him exceptionally suited to lead our health affairs and expanding health system enterprise during this transformative time. His vision and commitment to collaboration will be invaluable as we integrate and elevate our missions, positioning UT Health San Antonio and our new university as a national and global leader in education, innovation, and health care excellence. I am looking forward to our close collaboration on integration and building this world-class university for our community, Texas and the nation."
Leadership for a Transformative Era
Dr. Eighmy’s appointment of Dr. Cigarroa comes as the University of Texas System Chancellor James B. Milliken named Eighmy as Acting President of UT Health San Antonio, effective February 1, 2025. Dr. Eighmy will continue serving as UTSA President and is positioned to become the first president of the merged institution following the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) review.
Dr. Francisco Cigarroa shared his vision for the future, stating, “I am deeply honored to step into this substantive role at such a momentous time in our history. As we look ahead, we are guided by a vision for the future rooted in service and shaped by the dedication and insights of past presidents who have positioned UT Health San Antonio for excellence. Our mission is clear: to make lives better by serving Texans with the absolute best that academia, research, and patient care have to offer. We will harness the strengths of this new university to enhance public health, drive groundbreaking research, embark upon innovations in education and clinical care, and foster meaningful partnerships that reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people of San Antonio and beyond. The opportunity before us is extraordinary—together, we will transform San Antonio and leave an indelible mark on Texas. The power behind this integration is not just a moment to embrace, but a calling to fulfill. I am excited about the opportunity to work closely with President Eighmy and the leadership team to realize this vision. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me and will most certainly be a capstone in my professional career. I embrace this profound responsibility with great enthusiasm as the work ahead will influence generations throughout time.”
Acknowledging Leadership and Commitment
Dr. Eighmy expressed his profound gratitude to Dr. Robert Hromas for his dedicated service as Acting President of UT Health San Antonio since March 2024, following the passing of Dr. William L. Henrich. Dr. Hromas will now return to his role as Dean of the Long School of Medicine, where he continues to lead one of the nation’s most distinguished medical schools. Under his visionary leadership, the Long School of Medicine has achieved national recognition across multiple programs. "We are indebted to Dr. Hromas for his unwavering dedication and steady leadership during this period of transition. I am grateful for his passion for the mission of our institution, and I look forward to his bringing that passion back to the Long School of Medicine and working with him in that essential role," said Dr. Eighmy.
About Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D.
Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa is a renowned physician, academic leader, and public servant whose career reflects an unwavering commitment to health care excellence, innovation, and service. A third-generation physician, Dr. Cigarroa earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University and his medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in 1983. He completed his general surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident, followed by prestigious fellowships in pediatric and transplant surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. During his surgical training, he conducted groundbreaking research on fetal growth factors, in the laboratory of Patricia Donahoe, MD, FACS at Mass General.
Upon completing his training, Dr. Cigarroa joined the faculty of UT Health San Antonio in 1995, where he quickly rose to prominence as Director of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Transplantation. He established a multidisciplinary pediatric transplant program recognized for exceptional outcomes in kidney, liver, and intestinal transplants. His leadership in this field has had a lasting impact on transplant medicine in South Texas and beyond.
In 2000, Dr. Cigarroa was appointed President of UT Health San Antonio. His tenure was marked by significant achievements, including modernizing the clinical practice, expanding research initiatives, and securing transformational philanthropic support.
In 2009, Dr. Cigarroa became Chancellor of The University of Texas System, where he championed initiatives that reshaped public higher education in Texas. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Dell Medical School at UT Austin and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and its School of Medicine, securing permanent funding for the region through the Permanent University Fund for the first time in history.
After concluding his tenure as Chancellor in 2015, Dr. Cigarroa returned to UT Health San Antonio as Director of the Pediatric Transplant Program and, later, Director of the Transplant Center. His leadership transformed the center into one of the nation’s most innovative and successful transplant programs, recognized for innovation and exceptional patient outcomes at both the Malú and Carlos Alvarez Center for Transplantation, Hepatobiliary Surgery, and Innovation and the University Health Transplant Institute, which has been recognized as one of the most elite transplant programs in the United States.
Dr. Cigarroa’s contributions to medicine and education have earned him numerous accolades, including membership in the United States’ National Academy of Medicine, Mexico’s National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Council on Foreign Relations. He has been honored with the Massachusetts General Hospital Trustees’ Medal and the American Medical Association’s highest award for medical education. He serves on important local and national boards focused on education, health education, the arts, and improving the quality of life.
Next Steps in the Merger Process
Dr. Eighmy and Dr. Cigarroa will prioritize defining an ambitious long-term vision that will serve as the cornerstone for the health science center and health system enterprise to advance research and innovation, foster interdisciplinary excellence and amplify the transformative impact on health outcomes and economic growth in Texas and beyond.
A top priority for Dr. Cigarroa is to strengthen collaboration with essential partners, such as University Health System—one of the largest public health systems in the nation and the primary teaching hospital of UT Health San Antonio—to enhance patient care and improve health outcomes across the region. Dr. Cigarroa’s partnership with University Health showcases the power of collaboration, uniting UT Health San Antonio’s world-class faculty with University Health’s commitment to clinical excellence. Together, they have propelled the University Health Transplant Institute to national prominence, achieving elite status and setting a benchmark for excellence in patient care. In one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas, the focus on expanding care, advancing specialty services, and increasing access to comprehensive health care remain critical priorities.
Eighmy and Cigarroa will be updating the community in the coming weeks about integration planning.
For the latest updates, detailed information, and insights on the integration process between The University of Texas at San Antonio and UT Health San Antonio, visit www.UTSanAntonioTogether.org.
Advancing Integration and Innovation
Dr. Cigarroa’s appointment represents a visionary and strategic decision at a defining moment in the institution’s history. With over 30 years of exemplary service in health care and higher education, Dr. Cigarroa's unparalleled leadership, expertise, and legacy of success make him uniquely positioned to guide UT Health San Antonio through this next phase of growth and impact.
A respected national leader in academic medicine, research, innovation, and patient care, Dr. Cigarroa has held roles that have advanced UT institutions nationally and elevated UT Health San Antonio’s reputation for driving excellence and delivering meaningful impact. His proven ability to foster collaboration and achieve positive outcomes across complex organizations strengthens our missions in education, research, and patient care—enhancing student success, paving the way for new discoveries, and improving patient outcomes—positioning him to lead with distinction during this period of unprecedented growth and complexity.
“At this pivotal moment of unprecedented opportunity and complexity, Dr. Cigarroa’s lifelong commitment to excellence and unmatched expertise make him the ideal partner to help me successfully lead the integration of our institutions expanding our impact and also guide this exceedingly important next phase of UT Health San Antonio’s educational, research, and clinical care missions. His proven ability to navigate the evolving dynamics of health care delivery, biomedical research, and higher education ensures the institution remains at the forefront of medical discovery, patient care, and academic achievement as the largest academic medical institution in the region. Dr. Cigarroa is a really terrific leader, and I am very excited to work closely with him as we go forward,” said President Eighmy.
A Vision for Growth and Excellence
In this transformative inaugural role, Dr. Cigarroa will lead the strategic integration of UT Health San Antonio’s six nationally recognized health professional schools, its biomedical research portfolio, and its expanding health system, including the UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital, the Mays Cancer Center, and UT Health Physicians. His focus will be on driving transformation, growth, innovation, and operational excellence while fostering collaboration across the health sciences, healthcare enterprise, and research pillars. Additionally, he will play a pivotal role in supporting the seamless integration of UT Health San Antonio and UTSA.
"This historic merger presents an unprecedented opportunity to establish one of the nation’s most distinguished universities, uniting the strengths of two world-class institutions," said Eighmy. "Dr. Cigarroa’s expansive experience in higher education, academic medical centers, and patient care and thought leadership at a national level, make him exceptionally suited to lead our health affairs and expanding health system enterprise during this transformative time. His vision and commitment to collaboration will be invaluable as we integrate and elevate our missions, positioning UT Health San Antonio and our new university as a national and global leader in education, innovation, and health care excellence. I am looking forward to our close collaboration on integration and building this world-class university for our community, Texas and the nation."
Leadership for a Transformative Era
Dr. Eighmy’s appointment of Dr. Cigarroa comes as the University of Texas System Chancellor James B. Milliken named Eighmy as Acting President of UT Health San Antonio, effective February 1, 2025. Dr. Eighmy will continue serving as UTSA President and is positioned to become the first president of the merged institution following the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) review.
Dr. Francisco Cigarroa shared his vision for the future, stating, “I am deeply honored to step into this substantive role at such a momentous time in our history. As we look ahead, we are guided by a vision for the future rooted in service and shaped by the dedication and insights of past presidents who have positioned UT Health San Antonio for excellence. Our mission is clear: to make lives better by serving Texans with the absolute best that academia, research, and patient care have to offer. We will harness the strengths of this new university to enhance public health, drive groundbreaking research, embark upon innovations in education and clinical care, and foster meaningful partnerships that reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people of San Antonio and beyond. The opportunity before us is extraordinary—together, we will transform San Antonio and leave an indelible mark on Texas. The power behind this integration is not just a moment to embrace, but a calling to fulfill. I am excited about the opportunity to work closely with President Eighmy and the leadership team to realize this vision. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me and will most certainly be a capstone in my professional career. I embrace this profound responsibility with great enthusiasm as the work ahead will influence generations throughout time.”
Acknowledging Leadership and Commitment
Dr. Eighmy expressed his profound gratitude to Dr. Robert Hromas for his dedicated service as Acting President of UT Health San Antonio since March 2024, following the passing of Dr. William L. Henrich. Dr. Hromas will now return to his role as Dean of the Long School of Medicine, where he continues to lead one of the nation’s most distinguished medical schools. Under his visionary leadership, the Long School of Medicine has achieved national recognition across multiple programs. "We are indebted to Dr. Hromas for his unwavering dedication and steady leadership during this period of transition. I am grateful for his passion for the mission of our institution, and I look forward to his bringing that passion back to the Long School of Medicine and working with him in that essential role," said Dr. Eighmy.
About Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D.
Dr. Francisco G. Cigarroa is a renowned physician, academic leader, and public servant whose career reflects an unwavering commitment to health care excellence, innovation, and service. A third-generation physician, Dr. Cigarroa earned his undergraduate degree from Yale University and his medical degree from UT Southwestern Medical School in 1983. He completed his general surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident, followed by prestigious fellowships in pediatric and transplant surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. During his surgical training, he conducted groundbreaking research on fetal growth factors, in the laboratory of Patricia Donahoe, MD, FACS at Mass General.
Upon completing his training, Dr. Cigarroa joined the faculty of UT Health San Antonio in 1995, where he quickly rose to prominence as Director of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Transplantation. He established a multidisciplinary pediatric transplant program recognized for exceptional outcomes in kidney, liver, and intestinal transplants. His leadership in this field has had a lasting impact on transplant medicine in South Texas and beyond.
In 2000, Dr. Cigarroa was appointed President of UT Health San Antonio. His tenure was marked by significant achievements, including modernizing the clinical practice, expanding research initiatives, and securing transformational philanthropic support.
In 2009, Dr. Cigarroa became Chancellor of The University of Texas System, where he championed initiatives that reshaped public higher education in Texas. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Dell Medical School at UT Austin and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and its School of Medicine, securing permanent funding for the region through the Permanent University Fund for the first time in history.
After concluding his tenure as Chancellor in 2015, Dr. Cigarroa returned to UT Health San Antonio as Director of the Pediatric Transplant Program and, later, Director of the Transplant Center. His leadership transformed the center into one of the nation’s most innovative and successful transplant programs, recognized for innovation and exceptional patient outcomes at both the Malú and Carlos Alvarez Center for Transplantation, Hepatobiliary Surgery, and Innovation and the University Health Transplant Institute, which has been recognized as one of the most elite transplant programs in the United States.
Dr. Cigarroa’s contributions to medicine and education have earned him numerous accolades, including membership in the United States’ National Academy of Medicine, Mexico’s National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the Council on Foreign Relations. He has been honored with the Massachusetts General Hospital Trustees’ Medal and the American Medical Association’s highest award for medical education. He serves on important local and national boards focused on education, health education, the arts, and improving the quality of life.
Next Steps in the Merger Process
Dr. Eighmy and Dr. Cigarroa will prioritize defining an ambitious long-term vision that will serve as the cornerstone for the health science center and health system enterprise to advance research and innovation, foster interdisciplinary excellence and amplify the transformative impact on health outcomes and economic growth in Texas and beyond.
A top priority for Dr. Cigarroa is to strengthen collaboration with essential partners, such as University Health System—one of the largest public health systems in the nation and the primary teaching hospital of UT Health San Antonio—to enhance patient care and improve health outcomes across the region. Dr. Cigarroa’s partnership with University Health showcases the power of collaboration, uniting UT Health San Antonio’s world-class faculty with University Health’s commitment to clinical excellence. Together, they have propelled the University Health Transplant Institute to national prominence, achieving elite status and setting a benchmark for excellence in patient care. In one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas, the focus on expanding care, advancing specialty services, and increasing access to comprehensive health care remain critical priorities.
Eighmy and Cigarroa will be updating the community in the coming weeks about integration planning.
For the latest updates, detailed information, and insights on the integration process between The University of Texas at San Antonio and UT Health San Antonio, visit www.UTSanAntonioTogether.org.
