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.”
Where Purpose Meets Passion: Emily Winter, CRNA, brings compassionate care to Guatemala
At The University of Texas Medical Branch, our mission is to improve health for communities near and far. For Emily Winter, CRNA, that mission extends well beyond our campus walls and into the heart of Guatemala, where she has dedicated the past three years serving with Children of the Americas (COTA) on a life-changing medical mission. This work beautifully reflects UTMB’s vision of improving health “around the world.”
In this special spotlight, Emily shares how purpose, passion, and faith come together through service.
Q&A with Emily Winter, MSN, CRNA
Q: What inspired you to participate in this medical mission in Guatemala?
I’ve wanted to go on a mission trip for years, but timing never aligned with raising four kids. In December 2023, Dr. Melanie Hayzlett's urgent request to the anesthesia department felt like the right moment. It seemed like God opened the door—and I walked through it. He handled all the details.
Q: Emily, can you tell us about your mission work in Guatemala?
For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the anesthesia team with Children of the Americas (COTA). Our team is fully volunteer-based, and we provide general and orthopedic surgical care to women and children in Guatemala. It has become one of the most meaningful parts of my career.
Q: What makes this experience unique from your work in a traditional clinical setting?
The biggest difference is working with very limited resources. We often have to rely heavily on clinical judgment, teamwork, and creativity. At times, we use a copper kettle vaporizer and work without a ventilator, which requires constant communication and adaptability. It’s a powerful reminder that safe, effective anesthesia care is possible even in resource-limited environments when skilled hands and compassionate hearts come together.
Q: How has this experience shaped you professionally?
Mission work has strengthened my adaptability, problem-solving, and clinical skills in ways that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. Every case challenges us to think critically and collaborate closely. It has made me a stronger clinician and a more thoughtful provider.
Q: What does this mission mean to you personally?
This work reflects my faith in action. It allows me to use my profession to serve others and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families who may otherwise have limited access to surgical care. It truly brings together my passion for anesthesia and my commitment to service.
Q: What message would you like to share with colleagues or students who may be interested in future mission work?
You’ll put in more effort than ever before—and you’ll be eager to do it all over again next year.
Emily’s commitment to global service reflects the very best of UTMB’s mission - advancing health, compassion, and excellence beyond borders. Her story reminds us that the impact of healthcare reaches far beyond the operating room, transforming lives and communities around the world.
“It is where my purpose and passion truly meet.” – Emily Winter