Internal Medicine

Welcome to the Division of Cardiology at UTMB Health

Ken Fujise, M.D.
Director

At the Division of Cardiology, we practice academic cardiology in the true sense of the word–the dynamic integration of clinical practice, research, and education into one compassionate and innovative patient care. The tradition started in 1891 when the Ashbel Smith Building or more commonly known as "Old Red" opened its door to clinicians, medical students and researchers as the oldest medical school in the state of Texas. Just next to the Old Red was the original John Sealy Hospital, the university hospital of UTMB. It is our belief that for us to be able to provide our patients with truly outstanding cardiology care, it is necessary to also excel in cardiovascular research and education. All of our cardiologists are engaged in cardiovascular education of medical students, nurses, health-care professionals, residents and fellows. Many participate in clinical and basic science research to discover and innovate. Insights acquired in bench are brought to bedside to improve the care of our patients. Today, we celebrate the 120 years of excellence and continue to bring our knowledge, experience, innovation, and discovery to our patients.

Our outpatient care is provided at four UTMB Cardiology Clinics, located at University Hospital Clinic (Galveston), Mainland Hospital Center (Texas City), and Victory Lakes Specialty Care Center (League City), and UTMB Multispecialty Center (League City). Our inpatient care is primarily provided at the John Sealy Hospital on the Galveston main campus and Mainland Hospital Center in Texas City. The John Sealy Hospital features the state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology Laboratories, the cutting-edge Heart Station and Echo Lab, and Coronary Care Unit and Step-down Unit.

If you are considering receiving medical care from our cardiologists, please click For Our Patients. If you are a resident or fellow considering joining one of our fellowship training programs, the information can be found at Fellowship Program. You can find at Cardiology Research how we diligently work to discover and innovate to prevent, treat, and cure cardiovascular diseases. You can meet our team at Our Team and our contact information is found at Contact Us. Partnershiping with us in education, clinical care, and discovery is easy and explained at Give to Cardiology.

Once again, thank you for visiting the web site of the Division of Cardiology at UTMB Health. Your comments and thoughts are welcome. Please do not hesitate contact us.

Our Mission, Vision and Values

UTMB from the waterway between
Bolivar Peninsula and Galveston Island

Our Mission and Goals
The mission of UTMB Health is to improve health for the people of Texas and around the world. Consistently, our division aims to serve our patients locally, nationally, and internationally by practicing academic cardiology in a true sense of the word–the dynamic integration of clinical practice, research, and education into compassionate and innovative patient care.

Our Vision
At UTMB Health, we work together to work wonders as we define the future of health care and strive to be the best in all of our endeavors. Our group's vision is to be the best academic cardiology division in the state of Texas known for the highest quality cardiology care that is made possible by the dynamic integration of research, education, and clinical practice.

Our Values
At UTMB Health, we demonstrate compassion for all, always act with integrity, show respect to everyone we meet, embrace diversity to best serve a global community, and promote excellence and innovation through lifelong learning. In addition to all the above, the Division of Cardiology values:

• Generation of knowledge through clinically-relevant research
• Professional growth through mentorship, education, and training
• Compassionate patient care with quality, excellence, and innovation.
• Leadership and team work.

UTMB Cardiology History

A tile in the Ashbel Smith Building

The University of Texas Medical Branch was opened on October 5, 1891 with 23 students and 13 faculty members as the first medical school in the state of Texas. The Ashbel Smith Building or the "Old Red" served as the only classroom and research laboratory space for the university. The "Old Red" is the oldest surviving medical school building west of the Mississippi River. UTMB has since provided people in Texas with outstanding medical care and educated next-generation physicians–the same vision continues 120 years later.The Division of Cardiology was established in the early 1950's within the Department of Internal Medicine. The Division has been led by some prominent academic cardiologists, including Jack Wallace, M.D., Marvin W. Kronenberg, M.D., Marschall S. Runge, M.D., Ph.D.(1992-1999), and Barry Uretsky, M.D.(2000-2006).

The General Cardiovascular Fellowship Program has trained specialists in cardiovascular disease for over forty years and is accredited by the ACGME. The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program began in 2001 and is also accredited by the ACGME. The Advanced Heart Failure Fellowship Program began in 2005 and is approved by the Texas Medical Board. The advanced Heart Failure Fellowship will be ACGME accredited starting 2013.

UTMB Cardiology Alumni