How Two Baylor Trustees Champion Global Health Advances 

On February 28, 2024, donors and friends of Baylor College of Medicine met with President, CEO and Executive Dean Paul Klotman, M.D., Sharmila Anandasabapathy, M.D., and Rachel Davis, M.D. ’14, Res. ’21, to discuss the future of healthcare and Baylor’s global reach. At the Baylor President’s Circle donor event, Drs. Anandasabapathy and Davis showcased medical devices and shared their passion for bringing cutting-edge surgical techniques to countries worldwide. 

It was a vote of confidence in Baylor’s global programs when Chuck Watson, a College Board of Trustees member, stood up and pledged $50,000 to further Baylor’s global initiatives and encouraged attendees to match his commitment. 

His call was instantly answered—Trini Mendenhall-Royalty, fellow Trustee, matched his gift.  

“This generous support will be used to fund global health educational efforts, including training courses in lifesaving medical and surgical skills, such as anesthesia care, obstetrics and cancer screening,” Dr.  Anandasabapathy said of Mr. Watson’s initial $50,000 gift.  

Mrs. Mendenhall-Royalty’s gift will go directly to Baylor’s Global Programs Travel Fund. This fund finances travel for the doctors and practitioners who mentor medical personnel overseas. 

“If you want to give to a cause where you know your dollars will be put to good use and actually make a difference in people’s lives, I suggest you donate to Baylor Global Health,” Mrs. Mendenhall-Royalty said. “Saving the lives of citizens both here in Houston and across the world is what Baylor does on a daily basis.”  

Mr. Watson, who also recently established the Watson Global Endowed Fund with a $500,000 gift in April 2024, extends his philanthropy to countries around the globe where treatable diseases turn into endemics due to a lack of resources.  

“As a member of the Board of Trustees and having been involved with Baylor for over 20 years, I am inspired by Baylor’s outstanding leadership,” Mr. Watson said. “Because of Dr. Anandasabapathy’s vision and initiative, Baylor Global Programs has accelerated its impact across the world, bringing Baylor’s cutting-edge research and top-tier clinical care to thousands of underserved individuals.” se the number of patients who can be seen and rehabilitated. These efforts will also significantly lower the costs of orthotics and prosthetics, thanks to the Yengs’ generous investment, which has opened a whole new world for people in need of new limbs and rehabilitative care.