Archive - News from the Department of Surgery

Congratulations to Wayne Schwesinger, MD, Professor of General and Laparooendoscopic Surgery, who recently was awarded a plaque for 35 years of dedication and service to the University and the School of Medicine. The plaque was presented to Dr. Schwesinger by University President Henrich. Dr. Schwesinger's career at the Health Science Center began in 1974. The Department of Surgery is grateful for his continued academic and clinical excellence and his dedication to the training of tomorrow's surgeons. More about Dr. Schwesinger (8-25-09)

Operation Lone Star 2009: Led by Col. Charles Bauer, MD, Professor of Surgery, Emergency Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Emergency Medicine, this year's operation provided help to more than 13,371 South Texas patients — everything from dental care, to nutritional counseling and stop-smoking assistance. "Operation Lone Star 09 has been a success," stated Col. Bauer, due to the diligence, preparation, professionalism and dedication of the personnel deployed during the exercise. More about Operation Lone Star 2009 | Complete article about Operation Lone Star 2009 (pdf) | More about Dr. Bauer (8-14-09)

Congratulations to Robert Esterl, Jr., MD, Professor of Surgery (Transplant), who has been appointed Interim Associate Dean for Student Affairs for the UT School of Medicine at San Antonio. Dr. Esterl joined our faculty in 1994, and has served as Surgical Director of the Pancreas Transplant Program at both University Hospital and the Christus Transplant Institute and as the Surgical Director of the Kidney Transplant Program at the Christus Transplant Institute. He is currently the Director of Student Education in the Department of Surgery and the Surgery Clerkship Director. Dr. Esterl has been selected numerous times by the students to serve as an Assistant Marshal at commencement and for Teaching Excellence Awards. He is a founding member of both The University of Texas Academy of Health Science Education and the UTHSCSA Academy of Master Teachers. More about Dr. Esterl (7-31-09)

Congratulations to Kenneth R. Sirinek, MD, PhD, Chief of General and Laparooendoscopic Surgery, who recently was awarded a plaque for 30 years of dedication and service to the University and the School of Medicine. The plaque was presented to Dr. Sirinek by University President Henrich. Dr. Sirinek's career at the Health Science Center began in 1979. The Department of Surgery is grateful for his continued academic and clinical excellence and his dedication to the training of tomorrow's surgeons. More about Dr. Sirinek (7-27-09)

Congratulations to Martin Schwacha, PhD, Professor of Surgery, Trauma Division and Director of the Trauma Immunopathology Research Laboratory, who has been appointed to the Research Committee of the American Burn Association (ABA). The ABA is dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by burn injury through patient care, education, research and advocacy. Dr. Schwacha's faculty profile | Trauma Immunopathology Research Laboratory (7-20-09)

Texas doctor works to revolutionize burn care: Steven Wolf, MD, Ft. Worth, Texas, native, featured in Ft. Worth Star-Telegram story about BAMC's burn center and why Dr. Wolf is doing what he is doing: research, patient care, trauma surgery. He has also emerged as one of the most creative researchers in the field and is overseeing a futuristic-sounding project to see whether troops’ limbs can regenerate, given the right cellular blueprint. Read article in Ft. Worth Star-Telegram | More about Dr. Wolf (7-20-09)

Congratulations to Paula K. Shireman, MD, Vascular Surgery, who has been awarded $166,273 additional NIH / National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute funding for her research project, 'Chemokines and immune cells in hind limb ischemia.' Dr. Shireman and her research team, including research resident Jason Wells, MD, are seeking successful strategies for muscle regeneration — ultimately improving survival rates in traumatic injuries — through studies of the interactions of bone marrow-derived cells and tissue-specific stem/progenitor cells on skeletal muscle regeneration and angiogenesis (the process of developing new blood vessels). This R01 Diversity Supplement grant will provide funding to support postdoctoral research training for Dr. Wells. More about Dr. Shireman | More about Dr. Wells | Surgery Summer 2009 Research E-News article (7-20-09)

Children and Guns don't mix! - KENS-5 Great Day SA: Learn how to protect your children from gun accidents. Ronald Stewart, MD, Chief of Trauma, Department of Surgery, and Trauma Medical Director of University Hospital, is interviewed regarding the tragic consequences of gun accidents in the home. Sunday June 21 2009, is National ASK day — Asking Saves Kids. Get involved right now, and learn more about this lifesaving message. | View the KENS-5 video of Dr. Stewart's interview (6-18-09)

Congratulations to George M. Layton, MD, South Texas Poison Center Specialist in Poison Information, whose abstract, 'Increasing Poison Center Case Reports of Male Enhancement Supplements in Texas' (Fernandez MC, Forrester MB) has been accepted by the Special Interest Group on Herbs & Dietary Supplements for presentation at the 2009 North American College of Clinical Toxicology Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX. More about South Texas Poison Center faculty and staff | South Texas Poison Center (6-16-09)

Is there a gun in your home? National Ask Day is Sunday June 21: Did you know that Nearly 1.7 million children in the U.S. under the age of 18 live in homes with firearms that are both loaded and unlocked. "They don't think it will happen to them. Car crashes, unintentional shootings, those are tragedies that involve other peoples' children," says Ronald M. Stewart, MD, Chief of Trauma and Interim Chair of the Department of Surgery.
View KENS-5 story | More about National ASK Day | More about Dr. Stewart | (6-16-09)

Congratulations to V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, Cardiothoracic Surgery, who has been selected as one of the Advanced Clinical Education Skills (ACES) Top 20 Preceptors: ACES is the 2nd year medical student course that teaches the students the intricacies of the history and physical exam on patients with abnormalities. Award-winning preceptors were selected by the students for effort and dedication to teaching excellence. Students' comments were overwhelmingly positive, making choosing the Top 20 a difficult task — a compliment to the educators selected for the Top 20. | More about Dr. Reddy (6-16-09)

Society of International Humanitarian Surgeons Spring 2009 Newsletter: More news from our residency program graduate, Adam Kushner, MD, MPH, one of the founding members of the Society of International Humanitarian Surgeons (SIHS). SIHS is one of the fastest growing international groups concerned with saving lives in the developing world by improving surgical care. Read newsletter (pdf file) | Visit the SIHS website (6-10-09)

In the Summer 2009 Vanguard Newsletter (a supplement the HSC's Mission magazine): $25,000 grant from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation to Luis Angel, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery and Pulmonary Medicine, and Director of the UT Health Science Center lung transplantation program. The award is in support of the Barbara Melikan Lung Transplantation Research Fund. More about Dr. Angel | More about our heart and lung transplant program (6-3-09)

Researchers study trauma response using near-infrared rays: Texas researchers, including Department of Surgery Associate Professor Paula K. Shireman, MD, and General Surgery Resident Carlo Martinez, MD, MSCI, are using near-infrared light waves and a contrast agent to detect tiny leaks in rodents’ blood vessels, then track the blood as it pools in tissues. Vessel leaks and muscle damage can be measured, and can serve as markers of damage or muscle death. "In the IR-820 experiments, we are attempting to measure how much albumin leaves the vascular system and how robust the injured tissue’s capacity is to remove it," Dr. Shireman said. "We are looking to see if the vascular system is not leaky anymore and whether there is regeneration of muscle."
Read complete story in the HSC News | More about Dr. Shireman | More about Dr. Martinez (6-2-09)

Trauma centers want more of the Driver Responsibility Fund - Ronald Stewart, MD, Chief of Trauma, Interim Chair of the Department of Surgery and Medical Trauma Director of University Hospital, interviewed on KENS-5: Medical workers and hospital officials don’t want the legislature to use money collected in the Driver Responsibility Fund for trauma care to go toward balancing the state budget. The fund should be used for the care of seriously injured Texans. "It really is a fee on bad driving that pays for the consequences of bad driving," Stewart explained. "It’s dramatically increased the number of trauma centers and access to care in rural counties. And it’s increased access to care for the poor," Stewart said. Read KENS-5 story, view video | Division of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | More about Dr. Stewart (5-21-09)

Outstanding Physician Award: Steve Wolf, MD, Vice Chair for Research for the Department of Surgery: More than 300 people filled the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio May 13 to honor individuals and organizations recognized as Health Care Heroes for 2009 by the San Antonio Business Journal. Dr. Steven Wolf was praised for his commitment to improving care for pediatric burn patients, for conducting research in tissue regeneration and encouraging students to improve the status quo. Read more in HSC News (5-19-09)

Congratulations to presenters at 2009 North American College of Clinical Toxicology: This annual conference provides an opportunity for physicians, pharmacists, nurses and scientists from around the world to participate in the sharing of information on a wide variety of toxicological issues. Hundreds of abstracts are submitted from researchers and poison centers around the world. Presenters / authors and abstract titles include:
• Cynthia L. Teter, PharmD; C. Lizette Villarreal, MA. 'The Impact of HIPAA on the Delivery of Poison Center Services'
• Ricardo Hernandez, MD; C. Lizette Villarreal, MA; Miguel C. Fernández, MD. 'Poison Center Data Identifies Increase in Energy Drink Consumption and Teens as Highest At-Risk Group'
• Miguel C. Fernández, MD; Alfredo Gonz·lez, RN. 'Ethiopian Mountain Viper Envenomation In South Texas'
• Darelle E. Hinson, RN; C. Lizette Villarreal, MA; Miguel C. Fernández, MD; Leslie M. DeHart, RN. 'The Impact of Nuisance Callers on Poison Center Services and Staff Efficacy'
• George M. Layton, MD; Miguel C. Fernández, MD; Mathias B. Forrester, BS. 'Increasing Poison Center Case Reports of Male Enhancement Supplements in Texas'
• Leslie M. DeHart, RN; Darelle E. Hinson, RN. 'Automation and the Hazard of Human Error Results in Unexpected Toxicity during Routine Blood Donation'
More about the South Texas Poison Center (5-19-09)

Cellular Healing: Steve Wolf, MD, Vice Chairman for Research, interviewed by Newsweek magazine - "Regenerative medicine experts are helping wounded vets regrow lost muscle tissue. Will fingers and limbs be next? In classical mythology, Prometheus was chained to a rock, where a vulture pecked out his liver every day. It would have been nothing short of a catastrophe, but, this being mythology, the organ grew back every night. In fact, liver tissue actually will regenerate, if less than half the organ is removed. (That's why transplants are possible from living donors.)" Article by Anne Underwood, Newsweek Web Exclusive, May 6, 2009 | Newsweek Health page, related articles | More about Dr. Wolf (5-12-09)

Thelma Hurd, MD, Surgical Oncology, recently presented at two national conferences:
'Breast Cancer in Hispanic Women in Texas: Where to from Here?', April 2009, Disparities in Cancer Care Symposium held during the 19th Annual meeting of the Society of Black Academic Surgeons, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
'Determinants of Cancer Screening Practices in an Urban Mexican Community,' April 2009, at the 100th American Association of Cancer Research in Denver, CO. This work was ranked among the top 3-4% of papers accepted for poster presentation and received the Highly Rated distinction. This distinction is shared by coauthors Dr. Thankum Sunil (UTSA), Dr. Virginia Mika (UHS), Dr. Frank Moore (UTSPH San Antonio Extension) and Dr. Larry Morningstar (UTHSCSA). (5-8-09)

On the occason of the UT Medical School at San Antonio's 40th Anniversary, the Department of Surgery is honored to recognize our founding faculty members: In 1965, J.B. Aust, MD, MS, PhD, was asked to be the first Chairman of the brand new Department of Surgery. On his acceptance, he brought with him six other surgeons from the University of Minnesota — Drs. Dave Root, Waid Rogers, Arthur McFee, Tony Cruz, Carlos Pestana, and Jim Story. Click here to view a Flash presentation about the history of the Department of Surgery and the School of Medicine. (5-5-09)

Congratulations and thank you to Wayne H. Schwesinger, MD, Professor and Chief of Endoscopy, and Kenneth R. Sirinek, MD, PhD, Professor and Chief, Division of General and Laparoendoscopic Surgery: In July 1974, Dr. Schwesinger began his career with the School of Medicine, and Dr. Sirinek joined our faculty in May 1979. The Department is grateful for their continued academic and clinical excellent, and for their dedication to the training of tomorrow's surgeons. More about Dr. Schwesinger | More about Dr. Sirinek | Division of General and Laparoendoscopic Surgery (5-4-09)

Congratulations to Miguel Fernández, MD, Associate Professor and Medical Director of the South Texas Poison Center, who has been appointed as the National Hispanic Medical Association representative to a two-year term on the Governing Council of the Minority Affairs Consortium (MAC) of the American Medical Association (AMA). The AMA-MAC provides a national forum for advocacy on minority health issues and professional concerns of minority physicians and medical students. More about the AMA-MAC | More about Dr. Fernández (4-27-09)

With help from valiant volunteers, Steven Wolf, MD, Vice Chairman for Research, is proving that with a little help from 'pixie dust,' limbs and lives might be saved: More than 1200 returning warriors had injuries resulting in amputations, and statistics show that more than half of all limb amputations each year in the U.S. are caused by diabetes and its complications. Dr. Wolf is working with several high-profile U.S. researchers in the field of tissue regeneration, using a substance derived from pig bladders that has the potential to regrow human tissue. Read Spring 2009 MISSION article (4-23-09)

Miguel Fernández, MD, Medical Director of the South Texas Poison Center, interviewed by KWEX-TV for A Su Salud on the subject of Poisons in the home: We all have many common items in our homes that we don't think of as poisons. Dr. Fernández discussed how families can identify some of these common household poisons (cosmetics, charcoal, soaps, plants, etc.) and how to protect their children from ingesting these items. South Texas Poison Center website | More about Dr. Fernández (4-23-09)

Steven Wolf, MD, receives San Antonio Business Journal's Health Care Heroes Outstanding Physician Award: Dr. Wolf, Vice Chairman for Research, Professor of Surgery, Betty and Bob Kelso Distinguished Chair in Burn and Trauma Surgery, Chief of Clinical Research at the US Army Institute of Surgical Research, and Director, University Hospital Pediatric Burn Program, was awarded San Antonio Business Journal's Outstanding Physician award on April 10, 2009. Dr. Wolf was one of six HSC faculty members, including interim president William L. Henrich, MD, who received Health Care Heroes awards. Inside UTHSCSA | HSC News | More about Dr. Wolf (4-21-09)

Miguel Fernández, MD, Medical Director of the South Texas Poison Center, spoke on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Poison Control Program (Health Services Administration) at the 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition of the American Pharmacists Association in San Antonio. The topic of Dr. Fernández's was 'Improving Patient Safety: Success Stories of the Patient Safety and Clinical Pharmacy Services Collaborative and the Poison Centers Role in Patient Safety.' (4-14-09)

Howard Wang, MD, Interim Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and 2008 National Endowment Grant Award Winner, interviewed by Plastic Surgery News - Exploring the promise of stem cells for reconstruction: With his research team (David Sahar, MD, and Stacy Stephenson, MD, Plastic Surgery Residents), Dr. Wang is investigating neovascularization of bony constructs using adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs). The goal is to generate tissue in vitro from a donor site and, ultimately, be able to implant this bony construct back into the patient for reconstruction. Ultimately, Dr. Wang hopes that this research will lead to new reconstruction options for patients. Read article | More about Dr. Wang | More about Drs. Sahar and Stephenson (4-8-09)

Ronald M. Stewart, MD, Surgery Interim Chairman (photo right), and Kent Van Sickle, MD, Assistant Professor, General and Laparoendoscopic Surgery, visit local schools on National Doctors' Day: On March 30, 2009, Dr. Stewart and Dr. Van Sickle spoke to future doctors Southside High School and Stevens High School, each telling their personal story of how and why they became physicians. Students received a 'FUTURE DOCTOR' t-shirt to mark the experience. Read more in the April 2009 SOM News | HSC News, 07 April 2009 (4-6-09)

Miguel Fernández, MD, Medical Director of the South Texas Poison Center, interviewed about Texas Legislature House Bill 23, regarding meth lab disclosure: This bill would add a meth lab disclosure requirement to leases. "We have a saying in toxicology that there is nothing that is not a poison," Dr. Fernández said. "It's the dose that makes the poison. And this really is pertinent to this scenario." HB 23 adds to current law regarding disclosures to homebuyers, with a further requirement for landlords to inform renters before a lease is signed that the property had been used as a methamphetamine lab. Unlike asbestos or lead contamination in a home, the effects of methamphetamine contamination may vary widely. Read story in Express-News | More about Dr. Fernández (4-3-09)

Soldiers of fortitude - HSC Mission Magazine, Spring 2009: With the help of a few brave wounded warriors, Steve Wolf, MD, Vice Chairman for Research, Department of Surgery, is helping to put the pieces back together for those who have lost limbs, whether as a result of war or disease. Through regenerative medicine research and the development of an extracellular matrix, Dr. Wolf and his associates here, at BAMC, and at other institutions are helping the wounded to re-grow missing limbs. More about Dr. Wolf (3-26-09)

Economic stress has effect on heart and overall health: Cardiothoracic surgeons V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, and Daniel T. DeArmond, MD, are interviewed by the San Antonio Express-News regarding the impact of a depressed economy on the health and healthcare of South Texas pulmonary and cardiac patients. Both the intensity of stress and the effect of stress on our bodies are potentially harmful for some post-surgical patients. Read Express-News story | More about Dr. Reddy | More about Dr. DeArmond | Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery (3-19-09)

Congratulations to South Texas Poison Center Assistant Director Lizette Villarreal, and Director, Miguel Fernández, MD, on their successful submission for presentation of two abstracts: 'Addressing health care disparities in delivering poison center services to Spanish speakers in Texas,' has been accepted for poster presentation to the 3rd Annual Health Disparities Conference in New Orleans, LA, March 2009. Their abstract 'Regional poison center hourly call-taker staffing and call volume' has been accepted for poster presentation at the 29th International Congress of the European Association of Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicologists in Stockholm, Sweden, in May 2009. More about Lizette Villarreal | More about Dr. Fernandez | South Texas Poison Center (3-12-09)

$25,000 awarded to Renata Bastos, MD, Assistant Professor, Cardiothoracic Surgery: Dr. Bastos has been awarded a South Texas Technology Management grant for her proposal, 'Inflatable Aortic Shunt.' Her award will support a multi-institutional collaborative project and will fund design, construction and testing of a prototype shunt for use in aortic surgery. Read HSC News story | More about Dr. Bastos (2-25-09)

Congratulations to Basil A. Pruitt, Jr., MD, Trauma, who has been selected to hold the Dr. Ferdinand O. Herff Chair in Surgery. Dr. Pruitt is an internationally recognized trauma surgeon, with extensive specialized research and experience in burn injuries. More about Dr. Pruitt | Learn more about the Herff family - digital book - 'The Doctors Herff: A Three-Generation Memoir' (2-25-08)

Minimally invasive heart surgery reaping maximum benefits: With traditional open-heart surgery, the sternum is split and a bypass machine is used while the cardiothoracic surgeon operates on the stopped heart. Minimally invasive heart surgery is performed through small incisions, typically between the patient's ribs. V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, Cardiothoracic Surgery, recently was interviewed by MySA.com regarding the techniques and benefits of minimally invasive heart surgery. Read complete story on MySA.com | SA Express News Video | More about Dr. Reddy | Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery (2-23-09)

Vascular Surgery begins specialty clinical services at UT Medicine Westover Hills: Beginning in March, the Division of Vascular Surgery will begin providing clinical services at our new facility in Westover Hills. Dr. Matthew Sideman, Assistant Professor of Vascular Surgery, will see patients on Wednesday mornings. Please call 567-5715 for appointments, referrals, or for additional information. More about Dr. Sideman | Division of Vascular Surgery (2-19-09)

New heart surgery promises shorter hospital stay: Seenu V. Reddy, MD, MBA, performs first-time minimally invasive heart surgery at Christus Santa Rosa. "This is a relatively newer technique," said Dr. Reddy. Instead of opening the patient's chest, a small incision is made in the groin. Wires and catheters are inserted through the incision, and will be used to insert a stent. Because this procedure is significantly less invasive than traditional heart surgery, it is especially useful for older patients who might not be in the best of health. Read story on WOAI | View WOAI Video | More about Dr. Reddy | Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery (2-10-09)

Glenn A. Halff, MD, appointed Acting Dean of the School of Medicine: Dr. Halff is currently a Professor of Surgery, Director of the Transplant Center, and Chief of the Division of Transplant Surgery. As Director of the Transplant Center, Dr. Halff leads a team of dedicated and talented physicians, nurses and staff. Under his leadership, the liver transplant team has grown to the largest in the nation. He has also served as Interim Chair of the Department of Surgery, and is highly respected by the School, our faculty, and our clinical partners, and will be an effective leader for the School of Medicine. Read HSC News article (1-21-09)

Jeffrey McNeil, MD, USAF, Cardiothoracic Surgery, researching synthetic blood products: In an effort to improve surgical outcomes, the Air Force Surgeon General, Wilford Hall Medical Center, and the UT Health Science Center San Antonio are collaborating in an ongoing research project at the Health Science Center's Research Imaging Center. Their research is testing whether a synthetic oxygen-saturated blood product can help the brain and other organs during major heart surgery, possibly providing a protective boost for patients who may be at risk for stroke or other internal injury. Read Express-News article | More about Dr. McNeil (1-15-09)

The Department of Surgery is deeply saddened to announce the death of Michael Sanchez, MD, Interim Chief of the Division of Emergency Medicine, who died Sunday January 11, 2009, when struck by a motor vehicle while jogging. Dr. Sanchez joined our Emergency Medicine Faculty in 2006, and was selected as interim chief of the Division of Emergency Medicine in August 2008. In that role, Dr. Sanchez was a tireless leader and a dynamic force engaged in revitalizing the University Hospital Emergency Center and the UT Health Science Center's Division of Emergency Medicine. Mike was a beloved figure, a passionate worker, a great clinician and a wonderful teacher. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. A memorial service was held in San Antonio on Wednesday, January, 14, 2009. Funeral and burial services were held on January 15, 2009, in New Mexico. Read more | University Health System press release (1-12-09)

William L. Henrich appointed Interim President of UT Health Science Center San Antonio: The UT System has announced the appointment of William L. Henrich, Dean of the School of Medicine, as Interim President of UTHSCSA. Henrich will serve as interim president while the search is underway for a permanent successor to Francisco G. Cigarroa, MD, who has been named Chancellor of the UT System. Dr. Henrich also serves as vice president for medical affairs for the School of Medicine. | Read UT System Announcement (1-12-09)

Congratulations to Francisco Cigarroa, MD, UT Health Science Center President and Professor, Transplant Surgery, on his appointment as Chancellor of the University of Texas System. A member of the prestigious Institute of Medicine, Cigarroa is a recognized pediatric transplant surgeon and researcher. He joined the health science center faculty in 1995, where prior to his appointment as president he was director of pediatric surgery and director of abdominal transplant surgery. He serves on the medical staffs at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital and University Hospital, among others. Read UT System News Release (1-9-09)

Congratulations to Kent Van Sickle, MD, General Surgery, director of the Johnson Center for Surgical Innovation, who has been selected as the President-Elect of the statewide Texas Association of Surgical Skills Laboratories (TASSL). As one of the founding members of TASSL, Dr. Van Sickle is strongly supportive of their mission to enhance surgical education and simulation-based training through collaboration and research. Learn more about TASSL | More about Dr. Van Sickle | Johnson Center for Surgical Innovation (1-09-09)

Congratulations to Surgery Administrator, Michelle Price, PhD, who has been selected as one of San Antonio Business Journal's '40 Under 40 Rising Stars' for 2008. This award honors young people in San Antonio who are making a difference in the business world and the community.
Read story in San Antonio Business Journal | More about Dr. Price (12-09-08)

Congratulations to Luis Angel, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery and Pulmonary Medicine on his award of $25,000 for lung transplant research from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, Menlo Park, California, for the Barbara Melikan Lung Transplantation Research Fund. More about Dr. Angel (12-8-08)

Congratulations to V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, FACS, Cardiothoracic Surgery, who has been awarded a $40,000 University Research Council grant for his ongoing research project, 'IL-18 expression in human cardiovascular tissue and its role in left ventricular hypertrophy.' Dr. Reddy and his research team have previously demonstrated in a mouse model that IL18 stimulates cardiomyocytes in a manner that is consistent with cellular hypertrophy, and that IL-18 is highly up-regulated in heart tissue biopsies of patients with pressure overload, simultaneously with increased accumulation of collagen. If IL-18 could be identified as an important factor in the hypertrophic changes that occur in patients with aortic stenosis, then pharmacological interventions could be sought, including cases where there is too little space for valve replacement. More about Dr. Reddy (12-4-08)

Congratulations to Daniel T. DeArmond, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, who has been awarded a $40k University Research Council grant for his ongoing research project, 'Differentiating between organ rejection and infection in a rat model of lung transplantation using PET scanning.' Treatment of organ rejection and infection require very different therapeutic paths - infection is treated by increasing host immune response to the infectious agents, and organ rejection is treated with immunosuppressants. Determining whether the illness is due to infection or organ rejection will allow physicians to be able to provide timely and appropriate treatment for their critically ill transplant patients. More about Dr. DeArmond (12-3-08)

Two year old Chinese boy alive thanks to new San Antonio charity: Pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons repair hole in child's heart - "He had a very formidable defect," says John Calhoon, MD, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery. "There was a blockage of blood flow to his lungs and a hole in his heart." The surgery was done last week, and now, Jian is back up and playing like a normal child. More about Dr. Calhoon | Read story on WOAI.com | More about HeartGift San Antonio (11-20-08)

Congratulations to Surgery's TopDocs, listed in the November 2008 Scene in SA Magazine: This year's Top Doctors edition of Scene in SA Monthly includes Drs. Luis Angel, John Calhoon, AJ Carpenter, Barry Cofer, Deborah L. Mueller, Scott Johnson, Ed Sako, Wayne Schwesinger, Kenneth R. Sirinek, Boulos Toursarkissian, Peter Wang. Read more (11-14-08)

Use of robotic surgery expanded to early-stage lung cancer: In mid-October, Daniel DeArmond, M.D., assistant professor of surgery, removed the lobe of a patient’s lung by making small incisions in the chest and inserting miniature instruments that he maneuvered remotely, using handles and pedals from a console six feet away. Read HSC News article | More about Dr. DeArmond | Learn more about the da Vinci® system | Physician Referrals: 210-358-4579 (11-4-0)

UT Medicine opens San Antonio Westover Hills Clinic: Our newest clinic opened Oct 20 in the rapidly-growing Westover Hills area of San Antonio. Specialty areas available will include vascular and general surgery, as well as cardiology, pulmonary medicine, gastroenterology, and family medicine. The clinic is located on Highway 151 between Wiseman and Westover Hills Boulevard. Read HSC News article (10-29-08)

Dan DeArmond, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, explains precision robotic lung cancer surgery options: Patients whose lung cancer has been caught very early now have a minimally invasive surgical option at Christus Santa Rosa Northwest — da Vinci® robotic surgery. Using the da Vinci robotic system, Dr. DeArmond is able to perform lung tissue resections with minimal incisions, greatly reducing the patient's recovery and in-patient days. "If this tool can help us to move that frontier forward, then it's an advantage to patients," says Dr. DeArmond. This surgery is not for all lung cancer patients, but for those whose disease has been caught soon enough, long-term survival rates are a very encouraging 80%. More about Dr. DeArmond | Learn more about the da Vinci® system | Physician Referrals: 210-358-4579 (10-16-08)

Congratulations to Michael Sanchez, MD, Interim Chief of Emergency Medicine, and his divisional faculty and staff, who have successfully recruited two dynamic physicians: Cristina Salmon, MD, will join our faculty as an assistant professor on December 1, 2008. Claire E. Escamilla, MD, FACEP, will also join our faculty as an assistant professor on December 1, 2008. Please visit our New Faculty and Staff welcome page for more information on our new faculty. (10-07-08)

Congratulations to Thelma C. Hurd, MD, Associate Professor and Director, Breast Surgery Program, who has recently been awarded two research grants. The first, from the National Cancer Institute (August 2008-2010, $369,994) is for her project titled 'Improved Cancer Screening: Life Skills Training in South Texas Hispanic Communities'. This project will be studying the effect of life skills training on breast and cervical cancer screening health behaviors among Mexican women in Laredo, Eagle Pass and Corpus Christi. The second grant has been awarded by the National Institutes of Health (May 2008-May 2013, $26,332,750). Dr. Hurd serves as co-investigator with the Community Engagement Core for the project titled 'Institute for Integration of Medicine & Science: A Partnership to Improve Health (U54),' implementing a Community Outreach, Participation, and Engagement (COPE) program to promote community-academic research partnerships in South Texas. More about Dr. Hurd (10-3-08)

Congratulations to Howard T. Wang, MD, Interim Chief, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, who has been awarded a $49,911 grant by the National Endowment for Plastic Surgery and the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation for Dr. Wang's research project, "Neovascularization of bony construct using adipose tissue-derived stem cells". The National Endowment was established to fund meritorious projects in the field of plastic surgery, focusing on issues of immediate need and great promise. More about Dr. Wang (10-1-08)

V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, Cardiothoracic Surgery, uses laser surgery to relieve otherwise untreatable chest pain: Many patients with chronic, life-limiting chest pain will be able to benefit from a procedure called sole therapy transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR). In San Antonio, the procedure is available only at University Hospital. Dr. Reddy is director of thoracic aortic surgery for the UT Health Science Center San Antonio Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Read more | More about Dr. Reddy
View animation video demonstrating the TMR procedure (video will open in a new browser window) | Animation video graciously provided by Cardiogenesis (9-30-08)

Kenneth R. Sirinek, MD, PhD, Chief of General and Laparoendoscopic Surgery, is very pleased to announce the successful recruitment of four strong academic general surgeons: Michelle K. Savu, MD, FACS, bariatric surgery; Alfredo A. Santillan,, MD, MPH, surgical oncology; S. Sameer Mohiuddin, DO, endocrine surgery; and Alicia Logue, MD, currently a fellow in our minimally invasive surgery program. Please visit our New Faculty and Staff welcome page for more information on our new faculty. (9-26-08)

Boulos Toursarkissian, MD, Chief of Vascular Surgery, and the Department of Surgery Chair's Office are extremely pleased to announce the recruitment of a new faculty member for vascular surgery: Matthew J. Sideman, MD. Please visit our New Faculty and Staff welcome page to learn more about our new faculty. (9-26-08)

Friday, 21 Nov 2008 - Shattered Dreams 10th Anniversary Reunion: To celebrate the program;s 10 year anniversary, the Texas Statewide Shattered Dreams Coalition would like past student participants, teachers, program coordinators, planning team members, and original program collaborators to attend a reunion celebration on Friday, November 21, 2008 at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Auditorium. More information (9-24-08)

The Department of Surgery is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Sanchez, MD, as Interim Chief of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Sanchez has been a member of the Emergency Medicine community in South Texas for the past 14 years. Two years ago he joined our faculty at UTHSCSA. Mike is committed to developing a smoothly functioning Emergency Center, and an Emergency Medicine Residency program. More about Dr. Sanchez (8-25-08)

Child Safety Seat Distribution: The UT Health Science Center Department of Surgery has received 150 child passenger safety seats to distribute to the San Antonio community. Our child passenger safety seat distribution classes will run through September. Read more about the child safety seat disbribution program - Who qualifies? How do I register? | Download flyers (8-20-08)

University Health System has one of nation's top high-tech hospitals: University Health System has been recognized as one of 100 Most Wired Hospitals and Health Systems in the country. began integrating its electronic medical record system in March of 2006, and the use of paper orders and records has been greatly decreasing ever since. “We put the patient first in every decision we make, so our commitment to integrating the latest technologies at University Hospital, and across our network of community clinics, is first and foremost about delivering the highest quality of care possible,” says University Health System President and CEO George Hernandez Jr. Read San Antonio Business Journal story (8-7-08)

Researchers exploring regeneration of human tissues: A substance derived from pig bladders is being scrutinized as a potential way to regenerate parts of the body, such as fingers and muscles, that have been lost to battlefield injuries, said Steven Wolf, MD, Vice Chair for Surgery Research, UT Health Science Center School of Medicine, Department of Surgery. Read HSC News article (8-1-08)

Steven Wolf, MD, Surgery Vice Chairman for Research, interviewed about tissue regeneration: Using a biomedically engineered matrix, surgeons and physicians are now using exciting new procedures to help damaged or missing tissue re-grow for our returning warriors. KSAT Interview (7-16-08)

Maj. James Connaughton, MD, appointed as cancer liaison physician for Wilford Hall: Dr. Connaughton, a graduate of the UTHSCSA General Surgery residency program, will be instrumental in spearheading the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer initiatives within the hospital's cancer program. Read complete WHMC News story (7-11-08)

Bexar County Commissioners set bond sales for hospital development, expansion funds: In a 4-1 vote Tuesday, July 8, 2008, commissioners voted to go forward with two bond sales to complete the first phase of a $900 million expansion and renovation of University Hospital and its downtown clinics. Dr. Ronald Stewart, chief of trauma, said the emergency room at University Hospital is often overflowing with patients because no beds are available. "Patients are at risk. Literally, lives are at risk," Stewart said. Read Express-News story | More about Dr. Stewart | More about University Hospital (7-9-08)

Congratulations to Trauma and Emergency Surgery research nurse, Janet McCarthy, RN, CCRC, who has received Nurse Imagemaker of South Texas award. The honor was bestowed jointly by the Delta Alpha chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Nursing Honor Society and the Texas Nurses Association, District 8. Read full story | More about Trauma Research (7-2-08)

Ronald Stewart, MD, Chief of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, comments on the recent rise in the number of motorcycle accident injuries. With the rising cost of fuel, many South Texans are moving to two-wheeled vehicles. And motorcycle accidents are rising proportionally. University Hospital motorcycle wreck statistics show a steady increase, along with the steady increase in the cost of gas. More about Dr. Stewart (6-26-08)

Ronald Stewart, MD, Chief of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, discusses children's risk of dog attacks during the hot summer months in KENS-5 interview. Parents can teach their children three strategies to stay safer around dangerous dogs: don't look dogs in the eyes, lie still and quietly if knocked to the ground by a dog, and don't bother a dog that is eating, drinking, or caring for puppies. More about Dr. Stewart (6-25-08)

Two Texas men breathing easier with simultaneous dual lung transplant at University Hospital: In March 2008, Dr. Scott Johnson, head of Thoracic Surgery, and Dr. Luis Angel, assistant professor of pulmonary diseases, performed the life-changing surgery for Kevin King and Kenny Deison. The dual operation marked the 300th lung transplant of the Lung Transplantation Program. Read San Antonio Express-News story | HSC News Story | More about the Lung Transplant Program | More about Dr. Johnson | More about Dr. Angel (6-18-08)

John Calhoon, MD: Heart-Felt Heart Surgery: The June-July 2008 issue of NSIDE SA Medical Journal features Dr. Calhoon, chief of cardiothoracic surgery, in an article describing Dr. Calhoon's vast knowledge and the many pathways of his 20 year career as a cardiothoracic surgeon. Read article. | More about Dr. Calhoon (6-17-08)

The Department of Surgery is pleased to announce the selection of Howard T. Wang, MD, as Interim Chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Wang attended medical school at Johns Hopkins; he completed a surgical residency and 2 year research fellowship at the University of Rochester, and a 3 year Duke University plastic surgery residency. Dr. Wang has been a member of our plastic surgery division for three years, and has served as director of the Plastic Surgery Residency Program for the past year. More about Dr. Wang | More about the Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (6-16-08)

Regenerative medicine pursued by the Pentagon and top US medical facilities: Steven Wolf, MD, Professor of Surgery and Vice-Chair for Research for the Department of Surgery, interviewed by CNN; Dr. Wolf discusses regenerative medicine and the "pixie dust" used to form a microscopic scaffold to help cells grow into the desired tissue. Read CNN.com story | San Antonio Regenerative Medicine Association (SARMA) | More about Dr. Wolf (5-28-08)

Maureen Sheehan, MD, Vascular Surgery, interviewed on WOAI San Antonio on DVT - Deep Vein Thrombosis: Long hours of driving can put us in danger of developing DVT - blood clots forming in your legs from all those hours spent sitting in the same position mile after mile. Dr. Sheehan discusses symptoms of DVT and ways to prevent and detect DVT. Read WOAI News story, view video | More about Dr. Sheehan (5-19-08)

Leo Cuello, MD, first chair of cardiothoracic surgery at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Medicine, passed away early on Monday, May 12, 2008. Dr. Cuello, who served as the chair of cardiothoracic surgery from 1966 – 1972, was an accomplished and well-respected physician and a great friend of San Antonio. He had many great achievements over his long career, and continued throughout his professional and personal life as an advocate for his patients. Dr. Cuello will be missed by the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, as well the rest of the University and the city he loved. (5-12-08)

Physician and educator shares his love of the art and science of surgery: Bob Esterl, MD, Surgery Medical School Education Director and Professor of Surgery (Transplant), is featured in the first edition of the School of Medicine's Future magazine. Since 1994, Dr. Esterl has been sharing his experience, knowledge and skills as a transplant surgeon, and has won numerous teaching awards, many of them awards from the students themselves. Read article (4-30-08)

Congratulations to Thelma Hurd, MD, Associate Professor, Surgical Oncology, who has been selected to receive the President's Volunteer Service Award and Congressinoal Awards at the United Nations General Assembly, New York, in recognition of her service and ongoing work in Nigeria with the Africa Cancer Prevention Group, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the Center for Research on Minority Health. More about Dr. Hurd | More about Dr. Hurd's award (4-30-08)

Congratulations to Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, John Calhoon, MD, who has been chosen as an Outstanding Physician – one of San Antonio's Health Care Heroes in 2008 – by the San Antonio Business Journal, recognizing health care professionals who make a difference in health care in San Antonio. (4-23-08)

Emergency rooms facing budget cuts, staffing shortages: David Hnatow, MD, Chief of Emergency Medicine, interviewed by Wendy Rigby on KENS-5 to discuss the emergency room crisis. More patients, less money, nursing shortages – all factors adding to an already frustrating problem. (4-23-08)

Less invasive procedure to treat lung cancer: Dan DeArmond, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, discusses video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) on KSAT-12. VATS is a less-invasive alternative to traditional rib-spreading surgery for lung cancer. View KSAT-12 video | More about Dr. DeArmond (4-03-08)

March 16-22 is National Poison Prevention Week: Dr. Miguel Fernández, MD, toxicologist and director of the South Texas Poison Center, reminds everyone of the services available 24/7 to the citizens of San Antonio, Bexar County and the South Texas region. Read HSC press release | Visit the STPC website (3-18-08)
HSC News - Call South Texas Poison Center for help with poison concerns (3-28-08)

New lung cancer procedure is less invasive: A new surgical procedure for early-stage lung cancer is helping patients recover more quickly and without as much pain as the traditional operation. Daniel DeArmond, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, is one of only a very small number of thoracic surgeons in San Antonio who is performing the new video-assisted thoracic surgery procedure (VATS). View KENS-5 video | More about Dr. DeArmond | More about VATS procedures (3-14-08)
HSC News - Minimally invasive surgery a new option for lung cancer (3-28-08)

Congratulations to Paula K. Shireman, MD, Vascular Surgery, on receiving R01 funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council on the recommendation of the National Institutes of Health Scientific Review Group for her research project, "Chemokines and Immune Cells in Hind Limb Ischemia." (3-07-08)

Anti-rejection nanotherapy shows promise in rodent lung transplant model: Rejection can lead to failure of transplanted lungs. Scott Johnson, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, is one of many participants in a new study testing nanoparticle aerosol therapy to prevent post-transplant rejection, in the hopes that aerosol therapy will more directly target the lungs than traditional high-dose medications. Read HSC press release. (3-6-08)

Dr. Scott Johnson interviewed on KENS-5: Local scientists testing lung transplant drug on rats. Each year 1,500 American lives are saved by lung transplants but there is a high rate of rejection. Now, some scientists are trying to find a better way .... View KENS-5 video. (3-12-08)

On Sunday, March 9, 2008, Basil A. Pruitt, Jr., MD, FACS, FACM, will be awarded the 2008 King Faisal International Prize for Medicine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Dr. Pruitt has been an innovator in trauma and burn management for nearly 50 years while caring for thousands of American soldiers. Read complete press release. | SA Biz Journal article (3-5-08)

Col. William Clouse, MD, and Col. David Smith, MD, were each awarded the Bronze Star during ceremony at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center. The Bronze Star is awarded to military personnel who distinguish themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service in connection with operations against an armed enemy. Dr. Clouse and Dr. Smith are both active leaders in the Dept of Surgery's General Surgery residency program. Read WHMC press release. (3-5-08)

Francisco Cigarroa, MD, HSC President and Professor of Surgery, Organ Transplantation, inducted into Mexican American/Hispanic Physicians Association Hall of Fame in February 2008. Dr. Cigarroa, appointed President of the University in 2000, is the first Hispanic president of a health science center in the US. Read HSC News article. (2-29-08)

Steven Wolf, MD, Bob & Betty Kelso Distinguished Chair in Burn Research and Professor of Trauma, has been appointed Vice Chairman for Research for Department of Surgery. Dr. Wolf was selected for this role based on his extensive research and administrative experience. Click here to read more. (2-29-08)

Presentations from the 2007 13th Annual Trauma Symposium available on NTI website: A large number of the 2007 trauma symposium presentations are now available on the National Trauma Institute website. Please click here to view list of available presentations. | Click here to view updated 2008 Trauma Symposium program. (2-27-08)

University Health System Foundation 2008 Medical Miracles Gala honoree, esophageal cancer survivor SAPD Officer Larry Price: In the late summer of 2006, Dr. Scott Johnson, associate professor of thoracic surgery, surgically removed a large portion of Larry's esophagus. Read more. (2-25-08)

HSC physicians take part in Nigerian medical mission: Coordinated by Stanley Okoro, MD, plastic surgery fellow, the team also included an anesthesiologist and a first-year anesthesiology resident from the HSC; the team spent two weeks caring for indigent patients in southeastern Nigeria. Read story in HSC News. (2-15-08)

The HSC Jocelyn and Joe Straus Endowed Chair in Trauma Research, established in September 2007, will be held by Ronald M. Stewart, MD, Chief of Trauma and Emergency Surgery for the UT Health Science Center San Antonio Department of Surgery. The endowment from the Straus family will help to fund research to improve traumatic injury outcomes. (1-24-08)

SURGERY RECEIVES NIH T32 RESEARCH TRAINING GRANT: The Department of Surgery is pleased to have been awarded an NIH T32 training grant to support our surgical resident research training program. The five-year grant will provide stipend and research funds for residents during their two-year research assignments (PI - Stephen M. Cohn, MD). Of the 248 U.S. surgical residency training programs, the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio's general surgery research residency program is one of only 33 to have received NIH T32 funding. (1-22-08)

The Allograft Resources Tissue Bank, part of The Transplant Center, has been awarded the prestigious accreditation of the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Read story in HSC News (1-20-08)

Surgeon has built transplant program that has real heart: (San Antonio Business Journal, 1-21-08) Dr. John Calhoon, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, is an outstanding educator, and the major clinical and educational driving force behind the UT Health Science Center's extremely successful cardiothoracic surgery program. Read article in SA Business Journal (1-18-08)

The Department of Surgery is pleased to announce NIH award of a T32 training grant to support research training. The five-year grant will provide stipend and research funds for residents during their two-year research training assignments. (PI: Stephen M. Cohn, MD) (1-18-08)

New options open up for treating heart problems in children: article (1-11-08 San Antonio Business Journal) by John Calhoon, MD, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Congenital heart disease is the leading cause of infant mortality in the US, representing 36 percent of all infant deaths due to birth defects, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Read article in San Antonio Business Journal (1-16-08)

Daniel Dent, MD, Associate Professor of Trauma Surgery, was interviewed in Spanish by Univision 41 television for a weekly news segment on 'Blood Donation with Trauma,' as part of a media campaign for community-based injury prevention awareness by the South Texas Injury Prevention and Research Center's A Su Salud program. More about A Su Salud | More about Dr. Dent's interview (1-15-08)

Wayne Schwesinger, MD, Professor of Surgery (Division of General & Laparoendoscopic Surgery), will be awarded the 2008 Clinical Excellence Award on January 31, 2008. This award recognizes Dr. Schwesinger's superlative clinical service here at the Health Science Center and in the San Antonio community. View video about Dr. Schwesinger. (1-15-08)

Early January Newsletter from Balad, Irag: Snow and surgical team replacements are arriving at the Balad Air Force Theater Hospital, and Surgery's Steve Bowers will be heading home soon. Read early January 2008 newsletter. (1-14-08)

Congratulations to Basil Pruitt, MD, Professor of Surgery, who was selected as one of two winners of the 2008 King Faisal International Prize for Medicine / Trauma Management. Dr. Pruitt's work spans more than five decades; he is internationally recognized as a cinical leader in burn surgery, as well as for his extensive research into improving the outcome of serious burn injury. King Faisal Prize Winners in 2008 Announced (Arab News) 1-9-08)
King Faisal Intl Prize for Medicine 2008
Selection procedure for the King Faisal International Prize in Medicine (1-9-08)
Saudi Arabia: Scientists and literary experts honoured in annual award (Adnkronos enews, Italy) (2-5-08)

Congratulations to V. Seenu Reddy, MD, Asst. Prof. of Cardiothoracic Surgery, on his selection as one of the San Antonio Business Journal's 2007 40 under 40, San Antonio's Rising Stars business executives who have focused at an early age on what it takes to succeed. Dr. Reddy is profiled in a special print edition of the Dec. 21, 2007, San Antonio Business Journal. (12-31-07)

Life in Balad: Late December 2007 Newsletter from the Balad Air Force Theater Hospital 332nd EMDG - Surgical Operations: Steaks, music, Robin Williams, and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders help to brighten Christmas in Balad. Click here to read newsletter. (12-31-07)

Steven Wolf, MD, professor of surgery, director of the US Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center at BAMC, director of the Pediatric Burn Program at University Hospital, and Betty and Bob Kelso Distinguished Chair in Burn and Trauma Surgery, talks with KENS-5's Wendy Rigby about the Pediatric Burn unit, and the dangers children face from fire, cooking ovens and rangetops, candles, etc. this time of year. (12-19-07)

Miguel Fernandez, Asst Prof of Surgery and Director of the South Texas Poison Center, was interviewed on KENS-5's Great Day SA to discuss one of the hottest topics this holiday season - lead in kids' toys. View KENS-5 video. (12-12-07)

Life in Balad: December 2007 Newsletter from the Balad Air Force Theater Hospital 332nd EMDG - Surgical Operations: With fewer American and more anti-Iraqi patients, it looks as though things are going well; unfortunately, still far too many children are caught in the crossfire of war. Click here to read newsletter. (12-12-07)

SA trauma institute gets $3.8 million grant for research: The Texas Emerging Technology Fund is providing the grant to the National Trauma Institute to help fund new medical devices and technology to save lives and help trauma victims. Read SA Express News article. (11-16-07)

When doctors get sick, who do they call? Congratulations to Surgery's 2007 Texas Monthly Super Docs! Drs. Wayne Schwesinger, General Surgery; Scott Johnson, John Calhoon (Chief) and Ed Sako of Cardiothoracic Surgery; and Ronny Stewart, Chief of Trauma, are all included in this year's Super Doctors for 2007. Super Docs are chosen by their peers, and are recognized for their professional, outstanding achievement. The list will be published in the December 2007 edition of Texas Monthly magazine. (11-15-07)

Scene in SA Monthly announces San Antonio's Top Doctors: Congratulations to Surgery's top doctors for 2007: Glen Halff (Transplant), John Calhoon (Cardiothoracic), John Myers (Trauma), Ronald Stewart (Trauma), Scott Johnson (Cardiothoracic), Edward Sako (Cardiothoracic), and Luis Angel (Cardiothoracic / Pulmonary).

Life in Balad: Newsletter from the Balad Air Force Theater Hospital 332nd EMDG - Surgical Operations: Halfway through a 4-month rotation, the surgeons in Balad update us - service casualties near a war-time low, but injuries of Iraqi children at a war-time high. Click here to read newsletter. (11-12-07)

HSC establishes distinguished chair in burn and trauma surgery: A $1M gift from San Antonio philanthropists Betty and Col. Robert E. Kelso to UTHSCSA will ensure that San Antonio remains the nation's leader in burn and trauma surgery. Read HSC ews story. (11-12-07)

HSC Surgery clinical faculty train Pakistanis in battlefield surgery: USAF medical professionals participate in ongoing defense mission to teach international military counterparts the latest combat-related surgical techniques. Read Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center news story. (11-9-07)

SA being positioned as a major trauma hub: San Antonio's military and civilian medical experts are positioning the city as one of the nation's major centers for trauma research and treatment. Read story in SA Express-News (11-7-07)

Study says artificial blood may carry risks: A national two-year study of an experimental blood substitute in critically injured patients, found that those transfused with the artificial blood were more likely to suffer a non-fatal heart attack. Read story in SA Express-News (11-7-07)

New surgery center gets $1 million grant: The federal Economic Development Administration has awarded $1 to the UT Health Science Center - San Antonio to support construction of the new ambulatory surgical center. Read story in SA Express-News | More in SA Express-News | Read HSC press release (11-2-07)

National Trauma Institute seeks $100 million injection: If approved, House Bill 3673 would provide a landmark financial boost to the National Trauma Institute (NTI), which was created earlier this year and is based in the Alamo City. Read article in SA Business Journal (10-30-07)

An Emergency Education: program provides entry into medical field, EMT Basic certification: Through Surgery's Division of Emergency Medicine (David Hnatow, MD, Chief) and the Brownsville Independent School District, BISD seniors are receiving training this semester as Emergency Medical Technicians. Read article in the Brownsville Herald (10-25-07)

Jocelyn and Joe Straus Endowed Chair in Trauma Research established: Life-saving trauma research is at the forefront in San Antonio because of the foresight of one of the city's most well-known and well-respected community leaders - Joci Straus - and her husband, Joe. Read HSC News article ... (10-15-07)

SA Health Science Center to study GI trauma: Armed with an $11.3 million contract with the U.S. Army, the University of Texas Health Science Center will spend the next five years on three major research projects aimed at improving the care of wounded soldiers. Read story SA Express-News (10-12-07)

SA Trauma Symposium focuses on research: The 13th Annual San Antonio Trauma Symposium, which took place Aug. 20-22 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, served as a platform to promote emergency and trauma care awareness on a national level. Read story in HSC News ... (10-5-07)

University Hospital's emergency room is in crisis: Day or night, peer through the large glass windows into University's crowded ER and you'll glimpse a microcosm of America's health care crisis. Read more in San Antonio Express-News (9-09-07)

Valero Energy Corp. donates $5 million to Health Science Center: A large part of the donation will be dedicated to transplantation research and to create a Distinguished Chair in Transplantation. This donation has a "world-changing impact," says University President Francisco Cigarroa, MD, a transplant surgeon. Read more in San Antonio Express-News (8-29-07)

Robert Esterl, MD, Professor of Surgery and Director of Medical Student Education receives title of Distinguished Teaching Professor: Selected by the University of Texas Academy of Health Science Education, this honor recognizes faculty members who have made a significant and outstanding contribution to education. Read HSC News article. (8-27-07)

Inside Job – Endovascular Experts: With new technology and the addition of top-notch faculty, the program has expanded to include the less-invasive technique for the thoracic aorta. The program takes a multidisciplinary approach to health care. Read more in the latest Mission magazine. (8-22-07)

13th Annual Trauma Symposium:
Trauma care for civilians, GIs on agenda: Caring for the injured in a war zone is about getting to the right soldier at the right time. A new technology being developed by a national trauma consortium based in San Antonio would help prioritize that process by keeping constant track of soldiers' vital signs, then beaming them back wirelessly to medics in the field. Read this and other news stories about hte Trauma Symposium (8-21-07)

Congratulations to Carlo Martinez, MD, on receiving NIH Loan Repayment approval. The NIH Health Disparities Loan Repayment Program will assist Dr. Martinez in repayment of approximately $70k in educational loans, in return for his fulfillment of a non-profit research service obligation here at the Health Science Center. For more information on how the NIH Loan Repayment Program can help you repay your educational loans, please visit the NIH LRP website. (8-08-07)

Congratulations to Thelma Hurd, MD, Surgical Oncology. Her poster presentation, "How is Cancer Information Disseminated Outside of a Formal Community Based Cancer Education Program," has been accepted for presentation as a poster at the American Association for Cancer Education annual meeting in September 2007, and will be published in the Journal of Cancer Education. (7-30-07)

Steven E. Wolf, MD, Trauma, holder of the Betty and Bob Kelso Distinguished Chair in Burn and Trauma Surgery, and Col. John B. Holcomb, MD, Trauma, are UTHSCSA faculty members of a team who developed an adjustable arm sling. The sling fits on the rails of a hospital bed, and helps soldiers heal with less swelling and impairment after serious upper-extremity burns. Read HSC News story ... (7-30-07)

Howard Wang, MD, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, interviewed on KENS-5's evening news health segment. Dr. Wang discusses the efficacy and safety of lipo dissolve treatments, an injection to dissolve fat tissue. This process is not FDA approved; Dr. Wang advises caution for patients seeking a 'quick fix' for fat loss. | (7-25-07)

Daniel Dent, MD, Trauma, and Director of the General Surgery Residency Program, has been selected as incoming chair for the University's Committee on Committees. Members of this committee are elected by the full-time faculty of the Health Science Center. (7-25-07)

Congratulations to Ronald Stewart, MD, Chief of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, on his selection as recipient of this year's Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine award. The recipient of this award is selected by both students and Health Science Center faculty. Dr. Stewart will be the keynote speaker at this year's School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony on July 22, 2007, welcoming the incoming first year medical students. (7-10-07)

Miguel Fernandez, MD, Director, South Texas Poison Center, was interviewed on KENS-5 San Antonio's evening news regarding the CDC's recent warnings about elemental mercury in some antiques. CDC: Elemental Mercury Releases ... (7-9-07)

Congratulations to Basil Pruitt, MD, who has been named 2007-2008 President of the North American/United States Shock Society, an organization dedicated to improving the care of victims of trauma, shock, and sepsis through research, education, and mentoring of the next generation of investigators and care providers. (6-28-07)

Congratulations again to Dr. Basil Pruitt, who has been awarded the Roswell Park Medal of the Buffalo Surgical Society. This prestigious honor is given annually to a surgeon who has contributed significantly to the art and science of surgery. Past winners have included Drs. Allan Whipple and Michael DeBakey, and Denton Cooley. (6-28-07)

Congratulations to Cherie Benson, Perfusionist, on her appointment to the Perioperative Blood Management Taskforce, under the auspices of the American Society of Extracorporeal Technology (AMSECT). The taskforce's goal is to identify, evaluate, and promote methods of blood management through educational processes, thereby improving patient outcomes and enhancing patient safety. (6-26-07)

Congratulations to V. Seenu Reddy, MD, MBA, Cardiothoracic Surgery, who has been selected as a member of the 2007-2008 American Heart Association Board of Directors. (6-26-07)

Johnson Center for Surgical Innovation opening ceremonies were held on June 21, 2007. More than three years of research, planning and development have culminated in a state-of-the-art training facility for surgical training for our medical students, residents, fellows and faculty. KENS-5 Video | HSC News | Read more. (6-26-07)

Congratulations to Steven Wolf, MD, Trauma on being awarded the Betty and Bob Kelso Distinguished Chair in Burn and Trauma Surgery, announced May 29, 2007, by William Henrich, MD, Dean of the School of Medicine, and Francisco Cigarroa, MD, University President. (5-31-07)

Congratulations to Dr. Renata Bastos, Cardiothoracic Surgery, who has been awarded the Department of Surgery's Dr. Witten B. Russ Developmental Research Grant for 2007. Her project, Evaluation of the effects of Clostridium botulinum toxin type A on mammary artery vessel rings, will receive $15,000 for the period June 1, 2007-May 31, 2008. (5-17-07)

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy International Referral Center: The UTHSCSA Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Clinic, staffed by both cardiologists from Medicine's Division of Cardiology and Surgery's cardiothoracic surgeons, is one of only 14 international referral centers for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, as well as being a Center of Excellence in the treatment and care of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The clinic provides a full spectrum of medical and surgical care, including medical therapy, septal alcohol ablation, and operative septal myectomy. For more info on our HCM clinic, please email Andrea Carpenter, MD. (5-4-07)

Miguel Fernandez, MD, Director, South Texas Poison Center, served as a panel moderator and led a workshop entitled "Health Professions Education: Future Direction of Medical Curriculum Development," for the 11th Annual Conference of the National Hispanic Medical Association in March 2007. Other participants and presenters included Francisco Cigarroa, MD, President of UTHSCSA, and Leonel Vela, MD, Dean, Regional Academic Health Center in Harlingen. (4-19-07)

Congratulations to Michelle Price, Surgery Administrator, who has recently been awarded her PhD in Behavioral Sciences (Biostatistics, Management & Policy minors), from the University of Texas - School of Public Health. (4-9-07)

Congratulations to Thelma Hurd, MD, General Surgery/Surgical Oncology, who has been selected as one of the minority health researchers to be honored at the upcoming National Minority Awareness Week event April 17, 2007, in Houston, TX. (4-9-07)

Department of surgery opens Latin American Student Program: The program allows students to choose six of 11 rotations (including general surgery, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, plastic surgery, transplant surgery and pediatric surgery). Read story in HSC News ... | More about the program (4-6-07)

Francisco G. Cigarroa, MD, President, receives National Kidney Foundation awards: Dr. Cigarroa (Transplant) and his wife, Graciela, received the National Kidney Foundation's 2007 Kathryn Dial Murray Gift of Life Award on Thursday, March 22. Read more ... (4-5-07)

Congratulations to Dr. John Calhoon, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, who has been honored at the 22nd Annual Heart Ball on March 30, 2007, in gratitude for his outstanding work in cardiovascular public education and supporting the mission of the AHA. Read more ... (4-2-07)

Surgery faculty noted in March 2007 issue of the ACS Surgery News: Col. Donald Jenkins, MC, USAF and Col. John Holcomb, MC, USA, in the Trauma news, and Basil A. Pruitt, Jr., MD, author of the guest editorial. (3-28-07)

Medicare approval for Adult Lung Transplant Center: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and University Health System received Medicare approval of our Adult Lung Transplant Center on March 1, 2007. Read more ... (3-1-07)

Congratulations to Dr. Luis Angel (Cardiothoracic Surgery) for achieving the goals set in the Surgery Department 2006 Lead or Senior Author Incentive Program. Dr. Angel is co-director of the lung transplantation program and head of interventional pulmonary medicine within cardiothoracic surgery. Please visit Dr. Angel's faculty profile for more information on his academic and clinical accomplishments. (3-16-07)

Congratulations to Cardiothoracic Surgery's Dr. V. Seenu Reddy, who is serving as Chair of the ACGME Resident Committee. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the organization that accredits GME programs in the U.S., consists of 28 ACGME Review Committees. Of the 28 elected chairs, 4 are held by our own UTHSCSA faculty, including Dr. Reddy.

Thelma Hurd, MD, Surgical Oncology, discusses mammography and screening on behalf of the San Antonio affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation on the Wednesday, March 14, San Antonio Living show on WOAI. San Antonio's Race for the Cure will be on Saturday, March 31, 2007 at the Alamodome. Click here to register for the race. | WOAI's San Antonio Living (3-13-07)

Congratulations to Miguel Fernández, MD, Director of the South Texas Poison Center who received the Mayoral Proclamation for National Poison Prevention Week on March 13, 2007 at the Joint Meeting of the Central Texas Society of Health System Pharmacists and the Bexar County Pharmacy Association.

24-hour Surgery Referral Line launched - 210-567-0001: Surgery's referral service for patient appointments and physician referrals recently launched. This service provides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week assistance in routing appointment and referral requests. Learn more ... (02-28-07)

Basil A. Pruitt, Jr., MD, FACS, FCCM, Professor, Division of Trauma, has received the Society of University Surgeons Lifetime Achievement Award. The award, for extraordinary achievements in the field of academic surgery, was presented at the recent Academic Surgical Congress in Phoenix, AZ. Read more about Dr. Pruitt (02-22-07)

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month!
Colorectal cancer -- cancer of the colon and rectum -- is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for both men and women combined. Approximately 90% of colorectal cancer cases and deaths are preventable. Click here to learn more ...

Dr. Boulos Toursarkissian, Chief of Vascular Surgery, discusses lifesaving ultrasound testing for abdominal aortic aneurysms with Wendy Rigby, KENS-5 news (02-01-07).

Charles Bauer, MD, Emergency Medicine, addressed the 2nd session of the 'Preparing for and Responding to Disaster in North America' conference on the topic of an avian flu pandemic. The conference, held in early November at the downtown UTSA campus, focused on US, Canadian, and Mexican efforts to plan and respond to significant natural and man-made disasters on the North American continent.

Congratulations to Dr. Boulos Toursarkissian for his selection as one of the recipients of the 2007 Presidential Clinical Excellence Award. Dr. Toursarkissian was selected for this honor by a committee of Health Science Center employees and his peers. President Cigarroa will present the award at the annual Presidential Awards Ceremony on January 25, 2007.

Dr. Boulos Toursarkissian, Chief of Vascular Surgery, has been named a Distinguished Reviewer for the Journal of Vascular Surgery. The Journal provides cardiothoracic, vascular, and general surgeons with the most recent information in vascular surgery on behalf of the Society for Vascular Surgery, and ranks in the top 5% of the almost 6000 scientific journals most frequently cited.

Congratulations to Dr. Seenu Reddy, Cardiothoracic Surgery, on his continuing service to the ACGME as a member of their Board of Directors. Dr. Reddy has been instrumental as the assistant residency program director for the cardiothoracic surgery division, and is currently working to establish the first integrated six-year thoracic surgical program nationally. Dr. Reddy also serves on ACGME's Committee for Improvement of the Learning Environment and a special task force on introducing Learning Portfolios to Resident Education.

Congratulations to Surgery employees receiving service awards: 25 years service for Patti Ruffin, Trauma, and Cynthia Garza, Accounting; 10 years service for Alfredo Gonzalez, South Texas Poison Center; and 5 year service awards for John Kodosky, James Morgan, Reenie Lopez, Kenneth Galfo, and Larry Wooldridge in Emergency Medicine, and Thelma Aguirre in Transplant.

San Antonio Scene Monthly, November 2006 - Congratulations to our Top Doctors: Morton Kahlenberg, MD, Surgical Oncology; Ronald Stewart, MD, Trauma; John Calhoon, MD, Cardiothoracic; Ed Sako, MD, Cardiothoracic; Constance Barone, MD, Plastic Surgery; and Luis Angel, MD, Pulmonary Medicine/Cardiothoracic.

Many breast cancer patients unhappy with lumpectomy look: Plastic surgeon Dr. Howard Wang operates on many breast cancer survivors, and is helping lumpectomy patients by correcting cosmetic problems.

Study confirms success of device for trauma patients: Dr. Stephen Cohn, Professor, Division of Trauma, served as lead investigator in a multi-site StO₂ trauma study; results were presented at the recent American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Meeting. Read HSC News story ...

Health Science Center breaks ground for ambulatory center: UTHSCSA held groundbreaking ceremonies Oct. 24 for construction of the new ambulatory care center for clinical, research and educational excellence.

TRISAT receives Congressional funding: The Trauma Division is pleased to announce that TRISAT has received $1 million in Congressional FY07 funds. The appropriations request was sponsored by Rep. Lamar Smith. Dr. Ronald Stewart is Chairman of the TRISAT Board and PI of this grant.

The Department of Surgery gratefully acknowledges the Ewing Halsell Foundation gift of $175,000. This generous gift will help complete funding for capital equipment for the Johnson Center for Surgical Innovation (JCSI). Learn more about the JCSI ...

Robert Esterl, MD, Transplant, one of 13 inaugural members of the University of Texas Academy of Health Science Education, has been closely involved in the education effort of our medical students. Read HSC News story ...

Dr. Boulos Toursarkissian, MD FACS was selected a 2006 Health Policy Scholar by the American College of Surgeons, Society for Vascular Surgery Health Policy Scholar. Dr. Toursarkissian was one of nine surgeons in this prestigious group that attended the Leadership Program in Health Policy Management at Brandeis University in Spring 2006. Read more ...

Surgery research residents Rachel Giese and Oscar Ochoa earn 1st place at 6th Annual Medical Student Research Day. Read more ...

President Francisco Cigarroa Elected to Institute of Medicine: The National Academies, independent advisers to the nation on science, engineering and medicine, today announced the election of Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., president of UTHSCSA and faculty member of the Department of Surgery, to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies. Read more ...

Advances help doctors, improve teaching and reduce patients' recovery time (San Antonio Express-News, Oct 10, 2006). Telesurgery, technology & education in the 21st century: Microscopic cameras at the end of scopes placed by Dr. David Jimenez, Neurosurgery, and Dr. Constance Barone, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, in their young patient's head give learners glimpses into the procedure they'd never get otherwise

The Trauma Division is pleased to announce that TRISAT (Trauma Institute of San Antonio) has been awarded a Department of Defense grant of $1.35 million for trauma and burn research. Dr. Ronald Stewart, Chief of Trauma, is the principal investigator; these funds will be used for multi-site, mutli-study research between the Health Science Center, Brooke Army Medical Center, and Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center.

Ralph Terpolilli, MD, served as an oral examiner for the American Board of Emergency Medicine. The Board has expressed their gratitude for Dr. Terpolilli's participation in this demanding and time-consuming process.

Dr. Roman Hlatky, Neurosurgery (1968-2006)
Memorial Funds & Additional Information

Dr. Scott Johnson, Chief of General Thoracic Surgery, interviewed by Jim Forsyth, WOAI-1200 News - Cancer of the Esophagus is an Alarming Threat: The death of former Gov. Ann Richards from esophageal cancer is bringing more attention to this rising cancer killer.
Transcript of interview

University Hospital - Top 50 US hospitals
University Hospital brings home national honors, again Health Science Center surgeon urges early detection for throat cancer (San Antonio Business Journal): Reflux disease can be an early warning sign for esophageal cancer, according to Scott Johnson, MD, associate professor of surgery.

Dr. John Calhoon, Cardioithoracic Surgery, joined the KENS-5 Backyard Barbecue and the family of Raymond Marek on Friday, September 1 to celebrate the 18th anniversary of Mr. Marek's heart transplant and 2 year anniversary of his kidney transplant.
Celebrate Life - become an organ donor!

Dr. Scott Johnson, Chief of General Thoracic Surgery, talks with KENS-5's Wendy Rigby about long-term antacid use masking esophageal adenocarcinoma. Worldwide in the past 25 years, incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased 350 percent faster than other forms of cancer.

Congratulations to Edward Y. Sako, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, who has been unanimously selected as a member of the VA Cardiac Surgery Consultants Board (CSCB). The CSCB is a special advisory board appointed to advise the Undersecretary of Health through the Department of Veterans Affairs Director of Surgical Service for the cardiac surgery programs.
Read HSC News story

Congratulations to Dr. Boulos Toursarkissian, Vascular Surgery, who has been honored by being selected to fill a 3-year term as an Examination Consultant by the Vascular Surgery Board of the American Board of Surgery.

Congratulations to Dr. Basil Pruitt, Professor, Trauma, for his award from the International Burn Foundation. Dr. Pruitt has been chosen to receive the prestigious Tanner-Vandeput-Boswick (TVB) Burn Prize of $100,000, which will be awarded at the ISBI Congress in Brazil in September.

NOVA: Life and Death in the War Zone, an hour-long PBS NOVA documentary on Combat Support Hospitals in Iraq. Dr. Robert Lyons (Col., US Army), Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, is interviewed in his 2003 role as Deputy Commander for Clinical Services.

The University and the Department of Surgery gratefully acknowledge Dr. H. David Root's generous endowment to establish a Critical Care Lecture Series in the Department of Surgery. Recruited to the department in 1966 by our first Chair, Dr. J. Bradley Aust, Dr. Root is considered one of the 'fathers' of the Department of Surgery.

Congratulations to Charles Bauer, MD, Emergency Medicine, on his two-year appointment as Chair of the Texas Medical Association committee on EMS and Trauma.

Congratulations to Gabe Martyak, MD, Emergency Medicine, on his promotion from Assistant to Associate Dean of the School of Medicine. As Associate Dean for UT Medicine and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Martyak continues to be responsible for the day-to-day activities of UT Medicine, as well as continuing his work with the Dean's Clinical Group.

Congraulations to Juan Nieto, MD, Emergency Medicine, recipient of the National Hispanic Medical Association Health leadership Award at the NHMA 10th Annual Conference held in Washington, D.C. on March 25, 2006. Read more.

Congratulations to Edward Y. Sako, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, who has been unanimously selected as a member of the VA Cardiac Surgery Consultants Board (CSCB). The CSCB is a special advisory board appointed to advise the Undersecretary of Health through the Department of Veterans Affairs Director of Surgical Service for the cardiac surgery programs.

Helmets' value still open to debate by some riders - Interview with Dr. Ronald Stewart, trauma medical director. In 2005, 152 motorcycle crash victims were treated at University Hospital. The first question in Dr. Stewart's mind is always whether the victim was wearing a helmet. Read San Antonio Express-News article

Congenital heart program collaboration is saving the tiniest of lives. Colman Collins turned 2 on March 30 - he is an active, energetic child today, thankfully, in part due to the care of John H. Calhoon, MD, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, and James H. Rogers, MD, medical director of the Children's Heart Network.

Boulos Toursarkissian, MD, Chief of Vascular Surgery, has been awarded the 2006 Health Policy Scholarship by the American College of Surgeons and the Society for Vascular Surgery. This scholarship allows him to attend an intensive health policy leadership and management course specifically designed for surgeons.

UTHSCSA Department of Surgery employee receives kidney from caring co-worker: Patti Ruffin knew that one day she would need a kidney transplant. As a member of a family in which multiple members have polycystic kidney disease, it was only a matter of time.

KENS-5 Wendy Rigby interviews Dr. Boulos Toursarkissian for Vascular Disease Week: More people should get tested for vascular disease, doctors say.    View video

Dr. Steven Bowers and the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, US Air Force Hospital in Balad, Iraq: Emergency evacuations and medicine in Iraq presented in an excellent streaming video from the Detroit Free Press.

Double lung recipient, wife hope their story will help other families Lloyd and Ruth Wilkins of Redwood City, Calif., wrote firsthand accounts of their quest to get Lloyd a lung transplant. Read HSC News article ...

Local study looks at drug used on patients in shock: (KENS-5) San Antonio's University Hospital is embarking on a unique study. Department of Surgery trauma doctors want to try a new technique on patients in shock, a drug that could save some lives. KENS-5 Video | Read more ...

Miguel C. Fernandez, Director, South Texas Poison Center, Pit viper envenomation in pregnancy: A case report and literature review Journal of Emergency Medicine, Volume 30, Issue 2, February 2006

A colorectal screening is 'an investment in your health,' says Dr. Morton Kahlenberg, Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology. If you are over 50 (or younger if you have certain risk factors), make a deposit in the bank account of your health by getting screened.

Department of Surgery enters a new era: Among other significant advancements and changes, the department of surgery has an ambitious goal - a top 10 research funding ranking in the next five years. Read more in the March 7, 2006 HSC News ...

Congratulations to Howard Tzu Wang, MD, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, who has received a one-year grant from the ERC for his submission, "Tissue culture of pre-adipocyte precursor for reconstruction of calvarial defects." Dr. Wang's funding begins July 1, 2006.

Congratulations to Juliane Bingener-Casey, MD, PhD on receiving funding from SAGES for her research project.

KENS-TV, Jan. 26: Trauma Centers Save More Lives Wendy Rigby interviews Dr. Mike Corneille (video)

December 2005 Scene in SA Monthly - San Antonio's Top Doctors: Results of SA Scene Monthly's first survey of top doctors, as referred by their peers. Among those chosen for this prestigious list are Todd Rasmussen (Vascular); John Calhoon, Edward Sako, Daniel Martinez & Luis Angel (Cardiothoracic); Morton Kahlenberg (Surgical Oncology); Melanie Richards & Ken Sirinek (General Surgery); Constance Barone (Plastic Surgery); and Frank Robertson (Pediatric Surgery).

Congratulations to Bob Edwards, RN, Surgical Oncology, selected as a recipient of the 2006 UTHSCSA Employee Excellence in Service Awards for providing excellence in patient care and service. His performance reflects the quality of care and first rate service provided by the Division of Surgical Oncology. Mr. Edwards will receive his award from President Cigarroa on January 19, 2006.

December 2005 Texas Monthly: Texas Super Doctors, chosen by their peers. The list includes quite a few of our faculty, including Ken Sirinek and Wayne Schwesinger, General Surgery; Glenn Halff, Transplant; John Calhoon and Scott Johnson, Cardiothoracic Surgery; and Ron Stewart, Trauma Surgery.

UT System Board of Regents approve construction of Medical Arts & Research Center   

Transplant program marks 20 years   

Thoracic endograft surgery, 1st in S.A., fixes firefighter's aorta   

Surgeon's wife compiles letters home from Iraq   

Thursday, Oct 20 2005, 4th Annual Distinguished Presidential Lecturer: Dr. John Calhoon, Cardiothoracic Surgery, with Dr. Denton Cooley (center), a pioneer in the field of cardiovascular surgery, and Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, UTHSCSA President, and his wife, Graciela.   

Back to school with belligerent bacteria   

Stewart named as distinguished HSC alumnus   

Young woman thriving after transplant put her heart on the correct side   

Pruitt elected as President of Southern Surgical Association   

National Kidney Foundation awards Calhoon, Fried, Nichols   

STPC 'Best Scientific Abstract' Award