From Battle Dress to Boardroom: Dr. Shan Bagby's Continued Service
From commanding the Department of Defense’s sole Level I trauma center to championing health care equity in San Antonio, Brigadier General (Ret.) Dr. Shan K. Bagby has never stopped serving.
As Chair of University Health Foundation's Board of Directors, Dr. Bagby embodies University Health's tradition of clinical excellence. He served as Commanding General of Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), where he oversaw a $1.2 billion operation that served military families and the San Antonio community. His tenure at BAMC fostered a deep connection to San Antonio, and through collaboration with University Health, he saw the transformative impact of true commitment to serving all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.
With a career focused on leading high-performing teams and driving continuous improvement, one theme has remained constant: Wherever he lands, Dr. Bagby is determined to add value.
Now that his family has chosen San Antonio as home, Dr. Bagby’s focus as he serves on the Foundation is to give back and strengthen the safety net hospital system that supports this community. Since joining the board in 2023, Dr. Bagby has made a substantial impact by leading the Nominating and Governance Committee. He and his wife, Melanie, have also twice chaired the annual Medical Miracles Gala committee, and they continue to support the Foundation as dedicated donors.
Of his many contributions to University Health Foundation, the one most meaningful to Dr. Bagby is his donation to the George B. Hernández Jr. Health Care Administration Scholarship, which helps develop future health care leaders.
"The George B. Hernández Jr. Scholarship is deeply personal to me because my own journey was shaped by mentors who saw potential in me before I saw it in myself, from instructors who pushed me beyond what I thought possible to senior officers who opened doors I didn't know existed," Dr. Bagby said. "Investing in someone's future can change everything, not just for them, but for everyone they go on to impact."
As the Foundation's board chair, Dr. Bagby hopes to bring stable, mission-driven leadership while expanding community partnerships and donor engagement. With experience leading multibillion-dollar organizations, his focus is to maximize impact, support University Health's rapid growth and amplify its story, particularly highlighting how it breaks down barriers to care and delivers hope to those who need it most.
As University Health has entered one of the largest expansion efforts in its history, Dr. Bagby believes philanthropy will play a critical role in funding innovative approaches and addressing long-term gaps that traditional funding cannot fill, such as mental health integration and culturally responsive care models. He envisions the Foundation as a catalyst for bold, community-driven solutions that advance health equity and expand access to care.
"What inspires me is witnessing community leaders, many with no ties to health care, step up because of their personal experiences with University Health," Dr. Bagby said. "They recognize the high-quality care we provide, regardless of someone's ability to pay. That kind of involvement is essential to sustaining our mission and making this institution even stronger."
To learn how you can support University Health Foundation's mission alongside leaders like Dr. Bagby, contact us by phone at 210-358-9860 or by email at Foundation@uhtx.com.