Anesthesiology Newsletter

Dear all,

I am very pleased to introduce the inaugural issue of our Department of Anesthesiology Newsletter. This is a tremendous department, with exceptional faculty, residents, fellows, and CRNAs engaged in a wide range of clinical and academic activities both within and beyond UTMB.

We are fortunate to have many accomplishments and successes to highlight on a regular basis. These are the result of our participation at so many different levels at UTMB, as well as regionally, nationally, and internationally. Our editorial team has worked diligently to bring you these updates and looks forward to your input as we continue to shape future issues.

I hope you enjoy this first edition. Thank you for your continued dedication and for all that you do to advance our department as a leading program in anesthesiology.

Best regards,

Marcos

Spotlight on Staff

Heronica Alexander

Residency Program Manager

What inspired you to join UTMB? I truly believe God led me to UTMB, and to this department in particular. Doors opened here when many others were closed, and over the years I’ve been sustained through both the challenges and the wins. I’ve built lifelong relationships and have been grateful to make a positive impact in this role.

What do you enjoy most about working in the Anesthesiology Department? The sense of family stands out the most. I absolutely love it! Also, residency and fellowship training are some of the most demanding years for physicians, and it’s meaningful to support them through that process. It is a joy watching them grow into confident, skilled anesthesiologists, and it is incredibly rewarding.

What has been the biggest challenge in your role so far? Staffing has been an ongoing challenge throughout much of my time here. However, our current administration recognizes these needs and is actively working toward improvement, which I truly appreciate. I have learned to stay flexible, prioritize what matters most, and keep moving forward. I’m encouraged by the strength of our team and the support around us. I remain hopeful and grateful for how far we’ve come.

How do you like to spend your time outside of work? I enjoy spending time with family and watching movies, especially suspense, rom-coms, and mysteries.

Do you have family in the area? I’m originally from Louisiana, but my parents and extended family moved to Galveston when I was very young. Therefore, I’m ROI (raised on the island 😊), and many of my family members still live in the area.

What are your personal or professional goals for the future? My immediate goal is to continue strengthening and restructuring our team so we can best support our programs in an efficient and impactful way. Personally, my goal is to always strive to improve in my personal growth through humility, learning from mistakes, enjoying life, and walking in love.

Resident Spotlight

Dr. John Harman

CA-2 Resident | Incoming Chief Resident

Medical School: Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Before Medicine
Before entering medicine, Dr. Harman cultivated a uniquely diverse and accomplished background. He earned a BS in Marine Engineering Systems from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, followed by an MS in Transportation from MIT and an MBA from UT Austin. He worked as a Marine Engineer and served as a U.S. Navy Reserve Officer—experiences that helped shape his technical expertise, discipline, and leadership.

What Led Him to Medicine and Anesthesia
Dr. Harman’s transition into medicine was driven by a desire to make a direct and meaningful impact on patient care. His engineering and operational background naturally aligned with anesthesiology—a field that integrates physiology, critical decision-making, and hands-on procedural care in high-acuity settings.

Highlights and Challenges During Residency
One of the most meaningful aspects of residency for Dr. Harman has been the strong sense of camaraderie within the UTMB Anesthesiology program. He values the relationships he has built with colleagues—often bringing people together over his homemade ice cream, a favorite within the department.

He also appreciates the program’s supportive learning environment and broad clinical exposure. Like many residents, balancing the demands of training with personal growth has been challenging, but he continues to navigate this with resilience and perspective.

Fellowship Goals
Dr. Harman is currently interviewing for fellowships in Pediatric Anesthesia and looks forward to further specializing in this field.

Looking Ahead as Chief Resident
Dr. Harman is honored to step into the role of Chief Resident. He is committed to supporting his co-residents, fostering collaboration, and contributing to the continued growth and excellence of the program.

Life Outside the OR
Outside the hospital, Dr. Harman enjoys hiking, camping, yoga, and biking along the Galveston seawall. He frequently takes weekend trips to Austin and has recently developed an interest in oil painting, drawing inspiration from coastal sunsets.

Advice for Medical Students
“Don’t lose yourself in the process of becoming a physician - your own health comes first. Keep your friends and family close and make time for the things you love.”