Faculty Group Practice Newsletter

October is Physical Therapy Month. It is a time for celebrating physical therapy as a profession as well as the physical therapists that change the lives of many individuals for the better. Learn about the ways that UTMB's physical therapists improve lives through better health and movement.

The connection between the brain and the eyes is strong, with humans using about half of their brains for functions related to vision. Therefore, when problems occur within the brain or nervous system, it is not unusual for vision to be affected. Neuro-ophthalmology involves the treatment of conditions affecting the nerve pathway between the eyes and the brain.

In the realm of healthcare, palliative medicine represents a vital and compassionate approach to patient care, improving quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses. By addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, palliative care teams work collaboratively with patients, families, and other healthcare providers to alleviate suffering and promote comfort.

Age-related eye diseases can significantly impact older adults’ quality of life, making early detection, prevention, and management essential as individuals age. UTMB ophthalmologist Renuka Mopuru, MD, shares that a proactive approach is essential in maintaining eye health and preserving vision.

At UTMB, the Division of Urology is dedicated to enhancing patient care through a blend of regional expertise and pioneering techniques. A prime example of this commitment is the recent introduction of the Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Increasingly, clinicians are harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to work smarter, recovering time and energy previously spent on administrative tasks to focus on the most important function of their work – caring for patients. UTMB providers who have adopted these tools have largely positive feedback.

Infusion therapy, the administration of medication through a needle or catheter, offers vital treatment for patients with a wide variety of medical conditions, including chronic and rare disorders. Citing the clinical expertise and resources at hand, UTMB's infusion team fulfills this important, beneficial service for patients across multiple specialties.

UTMB colorectal surgeon Pamela Daher Tobia, MD, understands the challenges that keep patients from having colon cancer screenings at the recommended ages and intervals. As she has expanded her practice to include the southern Brazoria County region of UTMB’s service area, there is one less barrier for local patients.

In the 10 days since Hurricane Beryl brought debilitating winds and rain into our region, UTMB employees have once again proven “UTMB stops for no storm.” Thank you for all the amazing work done.

The National Eye Institute observes Healthy Vision Month each year in July, calling attention to the importance of eye health and recognizing professionals dedicated to vision care.

Being the physician who will see patients into their senior years, helping them manage their health along the way, is a goal for UTMB vascular surgeon Jani Lee, MD. The relationship-based nature of her specialty was one of the reasons she chose to pursue it.

Once considered a major abdominal surgery with a long recovery period, modern approaches to hysterectomy aim to complete the procedure with minimal pain, recovery time, and cosmetic effects. With these goals in mind, UTMB has recently introduced a novel approach called vNOTES.

As temperatures rise, and tank tops and shorts become the daily uniform, the medical community shines a light on the damaging effects of sun exposure – namely, skin cancer. May is observed as Skin Cancer Awareness Month by numerous health care entities, including the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

For patients experiencing pain and a compromised quality of life, finding a procedure that offers immediate relief is a best-case scenario. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that treats vertebral compression fractures, offering near-immediate relief and long-lasting results.

The American Heart Association designates April “Move More Month,” encouraging Americans to engage in regular physical activity to enjoy better health for longer. It is the same goal that drives the work of UTMB’s Preventive Medicine Initiative, the student group that organized last month’s PMI Heart and Sole 5k.

Walking has an abundance of health benefits – even more so when it comes with a physician-led conversation about wellness. That is the philosophy behind “Walk With a Doc,” a program that spans thousands of chapters across the United States, including one in Galveston helmed by UTMB faculty and students.

Engaging in active hobbies, keeping up with grandchildren, and maintaining physical fitness are important goals for many individuals entering their senior years. Paul Dicpinigaitis, MD, makes it his mission to help patients overcome the pain and limitations of damaged hip and knee joints to enjoy the active lives they desire.

Individuals who experience low back pain know the debilitating effects it can have – like missed workdays, reduced enjoyment of activities, and time spent in bed. Fortunately, medical advances have introduced options for relief, with UTMB striving to bring patients effective procedures to combat the pain. UTMB’s Pain Management service in the Department of Anesthesiology is committed to helping patients with these needs.

Choosing a provider for women’s health care services can be a very personal process. Marisol Carpio-Solis, MD, an ob-gyn serving UTMB’s southern Brazoria County locations, recognizes the wide variety of factors that influence women’s decisions about where they go for health care services. She says UTMB’s clinics check a lot of the boxes for what patients are seeking.

As the Division of Urology strives to make an impact in mainland areas across UTMB’s service region, a recent addition to the team is also helping strengthen its presence on Galveston Island. Steven Socher, MD, sees patients for a wide variety of urological conditions: “anything related to kidneys or kidney stones, prostates, incontinence, erectile dysfunction,” he says.