Houston Methodist Hospital recently shared exciting news: the Duncan Fund is donating $25 million to its department of medicine.
This generous gift comes from the family of Charles W. Duncan, Jr., a well-respected businessman and former U.S. official who passed away in 2022. The funding will help transform the department, encouraging a shift towards personalized medicine and preventive health care. The goal is straightforward: to focus on not just living longer, but living better.
With this investment, the hospital aims to enhance care by using data and artificial intelligence to tailor treatments to individual needs. Additionally, the fund will create five new fellowships to support medical research and the integration of technology in patient care.
Dr. Eleftherios Mylonakis, the department chair, emphasized the importance of this support. “It allows us to enhance programs focused on personalized medicine and preventive care, ultimately benefiting our patients.” He aims to create a national model for continuous care that engages patients throughout their healthcare journey, from home to hospital and back again.
This initiative highlights a growing trend in healthcare: shifting from reactive to proactive measures. A recent study found that preventive care can significantly reduce healthcare costs over time, supporting healthier lifestyles. According to the CDC, investing in preventive care can save as much as $3.78 for every dollar spent on preventive health programs. This approach, highlighted by the Duncan Fund’s support, could pave the way for a healthier future for many.
As healthcare evolves, community support and funding like this can drive real change. With advanced treatments and technology, patients might experience a future where health care is not just about fixing problems but enhancing overall well-being.
(Photo credit: Wikimedia/William Jenkins)

















