A “Texas Hammer” Legacy: Jim and Deborah Adler invest in the next generation of healers

Known across the state as the “Texas Hammer,” Jim Adler built his career as a personal injury attorney advocating for others. Together with his wife, Deborah, that same belief in standing up for people now guides their philanthropy at UTHealth Houston.

In early 2025, the Adlers established the Jim and Deborah Adler McGovern Medical Scholarship, an endowment designed to help medical students pursue their calling without the long-term burden of debt. With the UTHealth Houston Trailblazers matching program, their gift is having twice the impact on students’ lives.

“Young people shouldn’t have to carry student loans for decades, as so many of them do,” says Deborah. “If we can ease that struggle even a little, that’s what we want to do.”

The Adlers’ connection to UTHealth Houston is personal—their son, Michael Adler, MD ’06, completed his medical degree and residency at the school—but their motivation to give extends beyond family ties.

“It’s important to not get in such a bubble in our lives that we can’t reach out to other people. Life is all about helping others,” says Jim.

“We have been truly blessed,” adds Deborah. “And what we have, we can share.”

Later that fall, the Adlers met the inaugural recipients of their medical school scholarship, putting faces to the impact of their giving and gaining a deeper appreciation for the aspirations their support is helping make possible.

Joseph “Joey” Aldrich’s interest in medicine was shaped by his family’s journey fleeing war in Laos and the barriers they faced accessing health care after resettling in rural Iowa. Those experiences influenced his commitment to serving vulnerable communities. Joey hopes to become a general surgeon and practice in rural Texas, where physician shortages remain severe.

“The Adlers’ generous support has already made a real difference in my life, easing financial stress and reminding me that I’m not alone in this journey,” he says.

Edward “Eddie” Chen, a native Houstonian, plans to pursue neurology. His interest stems from his grandfather’s stroke and the neurological care that gave their family valuable time together. His grandfather also taught him to draw, a hobby Eddie continues today.

“This scholarship has lifted a huge burden off my shoulders,” Eddie says. “I hope to make the Adlers proud by becoming the best physician I can be.”

Amy Morka, who grew up outside of Dallas, is passionate about children’s health and mental well-being. Years of working with kids—from Sunday school to substitute teaching to serving in a free health clinic—deepened her calling, particularly after forming a meaningful connection with a young boy who had autism, Down syndrome, and partial blindness.

“The Adlers’ support motivates me to work even harder to become the best physician I can be and to honor the trust and investment they’ve placed in me,” she says.

Andrew “Andy” Schmidt traces his interest in medicine to his grandfather’s service as a helicopter medic in Vietnam and their shared desire to help save lives. Now considering a career in gastroenterology, Andy says the scholarship brought tremendous relief to him and his wife.

“I will strive to make the absolute most of this support and model this generosity for those who follow me,” he says.

For Jim and Deborah, hearing from the students reinforced the long-term impact of their giving.

“It’s flattering to think we played some small part in helping these students pursue careers that will serve so many others,” says Jim.

The Adlers expanded their support by creating an additional medical student scholarship and establishing a scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. Leveraging the university’s special 3-to-1 match, the nursing scholarship reflects the Adlers’ belief that the rising cost of education should not deter talented, service-minded students from pursuing careers in nursing.

Together, their gifts reflect a commitment to strengthening the health care workforce across disciplines, supporting both future physicians and nurses who will serve patients for decades to come.