BCM Family will highlight the campus deans through a series of Q&As. The series starts off with an introduction to Dr. Christian Cable, associate dean of admissions and students at Baylor’s Temple campus and an oncologist at Baylor Scott & White Health.

After years of planning, the School of Medicine’s first regional campus opened in Temple, Texas, at the end of July with an inaugural class of 40 students. The Baylor community had the opportunity to get to know Regional Dean Dr. Alex Arroliga when he was announced as leader of the campus in 2021, and later through events like the White Coat Ceremony for Temple’s students. Now, it’s time to get know the other educational leaders on the Temple campus.

Dr. Christian Cable

What do you hope to accomplish in your role during the first year and long term?

I hope that we build the foundation for something durable and meaningful. Baylor College of Medicine and Baylor Scott & White have intertwining histories and bring such strengths to the table. I want the first cohort of BCM-Temple to experience this and to accept the challenge of us being part of history and of expanding the capabilities and compassion of physicians serving Texas.

What is your professional background?

I am an adult bone marrow transplant physician by training and a medical educator at heart. I’ve served as an internal medicine residency associate program director, hematology/oncology fellowship director and designated institutional official (responsible for residency and fellowship programs) at Baylor Scott & White Temple. I’ve had the honor of teaching medical students in the classroom and colleagues at American College of Physicians and the American Society of Hematology in my specialty and at the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education concerning training of physicians.

Why are you excited to be a leader of the new Temple campus?

Because I believe in both institutions. Baylor Scott & White is a high-functioning, customer-oriented healthcare system. Customer is not a dirty word. Patients and families are more than customers, but they are not less. Baylor College of Medicine is nationally respected for education, scientific inquiry and patient care. It is a healthy synthesis and a rare opportunity to build something special.

What makes the Temple medical school campus unique?

We play to our strengths. Forty students can be (and are) known by name. They can be connected to nearly 500 residents and fellows in more than 35 specialties. And I must confess, there are few places in the country where you can learn in a Level 1 Trauma Center with less traffic.

What would you say to an applicant about the Temple campus and community?

(The community is ) eager to meet you and to welcome you. It is far more diverse than most realize, and the spirit of the place is generous.

How will the campus, its faculty, staff and students serve the community?

Service learning was a natural fit for Temple and the Baylor College of Medicine Campus here. We’ve partnered with the United Way of Central Texas, which previously vetted multiple community needs with the Baylor Scott & White healthcare system. Establishing the Service Learning Sites is one of the most fun parts of the first year and our Baylor students have risen to the challenge.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I’m so glad you asked! Tractors, chainsaws, pickleball, Peloton, reading, journaling, church and family. The order of operations varies week to week.

Learn more about Baylor’s Temple campus and life in the city.

By Dana Benson

Students on the first day of classes at Baylor College of Medicine Temple Regional Campus.

Additional resources:

• Meet Dr. Alex Arroliga
• Baylor Scott & White Health announces new affiliations with Baylor College of Medicine and Texas A&M University to further expand the pipeline of exceptional clinical talent for Texas
• Temple White Coat Ceremony