On September 23, 2026, nearly 500 leaders, innovators, clinicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, and community supporters gathered for the BioMedSA Awards for Innovation in Healthcare and Bioscience. Against the backdrop of stunning Hill Country views, the evening began with a lively cocktail reception filled with something that makes San Antonio’s bioscience community so special: hugs, reconnecting colleagues, new introductions, and countless conversations celebrating shared accomplishments and future possibilities.
The evening’s program was emceed by Bob Hutchens, who welcomed attendees and reflected on the remarkable growth of our healthcare and bioscience ecosystem. This year’s event marked an especially meaningful milestone with the introduction of three inaugural awards recognizing excellence across the full innovation continuum: Entrepreneur Award, Clinical Innovation Award, and Research Innovation Award.
Together, these awards tell the complete story of innovation. Great discoveries begin in the research lab, move into clinical practice where they improve patient outcomes, and ultimately reach broader communities through entrepreneurship and commercialization. That cycle is happening right here in San Antonio, strengthening patient care while also creating jobs, attracting investment, and growing our region’s economy.
The evening then turned to recognizing three leaders whose groundbreaking work and patient‑centered innovations illustrate the impact and excellence emerging from San Antonio’s biomedical community.
Innovation in Clinical Care Award: Dr. Donald H. Jenkins
The inaugural Innovation in Clinical Care Award was presented to Dr. Donald H. Jenkins, a nationally recognized trauma surgeon whose innovations have transformed emergency medicine. A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Dr. Jenkins pioneered the widely adopted “San Antonio Model” for whole blood delivery, ensuring lifesaving transfusions can begin in the field before patients reach the hospital. His work has improved trauma survival rates, strengthened collaboration among military and civilian healthcare systems, and established new standards for emergency care that are now being used across the country.
Innovation in Research Award: Dr. Robert “Bob” Clark
The inaugural Innovation in Research Award recognized Dr. Robert A. Clark, whose decades of scientific discovery have advanced our understanding of immune response and opened new pathways for treating complex diseases. Dr. Clark’s work has contributed to breakthroughs in inflammation, rare immune disorders, and promising therapies for Parkinson’s disease. Beyond his research achievements, he has played a pivotal role in building San Antonio’s translational research infrastructure, helping accelerate the movement of scientific discoveries into real-world treatments while mentoring generations of researchers and innovators.
Entrepreneur Award: Dr. James R. “Jim” Leininger
Entrepreneur Award: Dr. James R. “Jim” LeiningerThe inaugural Entrepreneur Award was presented to Dr. James R. Leininger, a physician-innovator whose vision transformed modern wound care and helped establish San Antonio as a center for medical device innovation. After recognizing unmet needs in patient care, Dr. Leininger founded Kinetic Concepts, Inc. (KCI) and led the development of groundbreaking technologies, including Vacuum-Assisted Closure (V.A.C.) Therapy, which revolutionized the treatment of complex wounds worldwide. Under his leadership, KCI grew from a startup into a multibillion-dollar enterprise, creating economic opportunity while improving outcomes for patients around the globe.
The Stories Behind the Innovations
While the awards recognized extraordinary accomplishments, the heart of the evening was found in the fireside conversations with each of the honorees. These discussions offered attendees a rare opportunity to hear the personal stories, challenges, and motivations behind innovations that have improved lives and shaped industries.
Interviewed by Marty Landon, Donald H. Jenkins, M.D., FACS shared the origins of his groundbreaking work in whole blood delivery. Drawing on lessons learned from military medicine and witnessing firsthand the impact that rapid blood transfusions had on wounded soldiers on the battlefield, Dr. Jenkins described how those experiences inspired him to build systems that could bring the same lifesaving capabilities to civilian trauma care. His story highlighted the power of translating innovation from military medicine into community healthcare, where seconds can mean the difference between life and death.
In a conversation with Larry Schlesinger, M.D., Robert A. Clark, M.D. spoke about a lifelong passion for scientific discovery and the importance of mentoring the next generation of innovators. While his research accomplishments have advanced understanding of immune disorders and Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Clark emphasized that developing future scientists and fostering collaboration across institutions may be his most enduring contribution. The numerous students in attendance were asked to stand to be acknowledged. His remarks reflected both a deep curiosity about science and a commitment to ensuring that San Antonio’s innovation ecosystem continues to thrive for decades to come.
The evening concluded with a conversation between James R. “Jim” Leininger, M.D. and longtime colleague Tara Psencik. Reflecting on the challenges of building and growing successful companies, Dr. Leininger offered a straightforward but powerful perspective: stay focused on the people. Whether discussing employees, customers, or the patients ultimately served by healthcare innovations, he reinforced that lasting success comes from putting people at the center of every decision. His remarks served as a fitting reminder that behind every breakthrough technology or successful business are individuals working to improve the lives of others.
Together, these conversations brought the evening’s theme to life, illustrating how great innovation starts with a purpose, grows through perseverance and collaboration, and ultimately creates meaningful impact for patients, communities, and future generations.
Why This Matters for San Antonio
These honorees represent more than individual achievement. Their accomplishments demonstrate the unique strength of San Antonio’s healthcare and bioscience ecosystem. Research discoveries lead to new therapies. Clinical innovations improve patient outcomes. Entrepreneurial ventures translate ideas into products, companies, and jobs.
When innovation thrives here, our community benefits at every level. Patients gain access to better care and breakthrough treatments. Students and researchers find opportunities to build careers. Companies grow and attract investment. The result is a stronger economy and a healthier region.
The 2026 Awards for Innovation celebrated exactly that vision: a community where research, clinical excellence, and entrepreneurship work together to improve lives and drive economic growth. As the evening concluded and guests lingered over conversations overlooking the lights of the Hill Country, there was a clear sense that San Antonio’s innovation story continues to grow stronger, thanks to leaders like those honored throughout the night.
Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients, and thank you to everyone who continues to make San Antonio a place where innovation can flourish from discovery to bedside to business.