WHAT: The “Compassion Path,” a tree-lined walkway of serenity, reflection and hope at UT Health San Antonio, will be dedicated. The path was envisioned following a pledge from Mayor Ron Nirenberg and the City Council to donate trees to institutions that participated in a six-week Compassion Integrity Training. The trees were planted in December 2020.
WHEN: 10 a.m. today — Tuesday, April 19.
WHERE: UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78229. The dedication will begin in the lobby of the Academic and Administration Building and continue on the Compassion Path.
WHO: Ten faculty members are part of the first Compassion Cohort at UT Health San Antonio formed in 2020 as part of Mayor Nirenberg’s Compassionate San Antonio Resolution. UT Health San Antonio, along with other educational institutions in the city, joined the effort. The mayor is scheduled to attend and be greeted by Robert Hromas, MD, dean of the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs.
PURPOSE: To cultivate gratitude, resilience and civic leadership in health care education. Also, self-compassion is an essential component of preventing burnout in trainees, faculty and staff.
FACTS:
- In recognition of the faculty members’ participation in the inaugural course, the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department gifted eight trees to UT Health San Antonio.
- The “Compassionistas,” as faculty participants are called, created the trail on the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Campus to serve as a physical reminder of the importance of compassion.
- Three additional trees were donated by UT Health San Antonio’s grounds management department.
- The trail begins near the guard station on Floyd Curl Drive and ends at the second guard station on Louis Pasteur Drive. Plaques with inspiration quotes are installed by trees.
- The young trees, protected by wire enclosures, include lacey oaks, bur oaks, Sierra red oaks, pecans and big tooth maples.
- For quotes, a list of Compassionistas and more information, visit Faculty cultivate compassion on campus.