Faculty Group Practice Newsletter

Welcome to UTMB Health!

Congratulations to Alok Makam, MD, the Academy of Master Clinicians' September Clinician of the Month. Dr. Makam is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology.

Congratulations to Ravi S. Radhakrishnan, MD, MBA, FACS, FAAP, FAHA, Pediatric Surgeon-in-Chief and Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Surgery.

For patients experiencing allergy issues, finding relief may not be as simple as picking up an over-the-counter medication. But with the right guidance from a physician, an effective solution can be just as attainable.

The impact and popularity of diabetes medications used off-label for weight loss have been undeniable – from social media testimonials to water-cooler talk amongst colleagues. Now, some patients are scrambling to find affordable alternatives.

The Texas Medical Board requires physicians to complete 48 hours of Continuing Medical Education every 12 to 24 months depending on your licensure cycle. Licenses that end in an even number expire in years that end in an even numbered year and licenses that end in an odd number expire in odd numbered years.

Congratulations to Meagan Aldridge, Residency Program Coordinator II in the Department of Surgery, CT Division.

Congratulations to Dr. Lucy Villarreal, the Academy of Master Clinicians' August Clinician of the Month.

The eyes serve as a window to health, as a routine exam may reveal not only vision problems but also high blood pressure, diabetes, and even some types of cancer. National Eye Exam Month, observed each year in August, reminds us that comprehensive eye exams are essential preventive health care.

Chronic cough is a commonly encountered clinical complaint across a multitude of specialties. We are all likely to encounter it in both our professional and personal lives. UTMB's Director of Voice and Swallow, Dr. David Bracken, shares more about this common concern.

Jill Resendez, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, a nurse practitioner in the Division of Plastic Surgery, has found her passion in helping individuals regain their confidence.

Choosing the specific amputation procedure code from the surgeon’s operative note can be a challenge for coders. If there is not enough information to know where the amputation took place, the coder will query the surgeon.

Welcome to UTMB Health!

Meet this month's new hires

Among the field of plastic surgeons, those trained in microsurgery account for a relatively small percentage. This technique, which employs powerful magnification in the intricate repair of blood vessels and nerves, provides solutions that save lives or improve quality of life. Petros Konofaos, MD, PhD, brings this valuable skillset to UTMB.

UTMB’s Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery has expanded considerably to help meet the needs of more area patients. Its most recent addition, Eric Whittington, MD, joined in late 2022 to increase patient access and augment the skillset already present within the team.

Congratulations to Amanda L. Murden, Data Entry Operator II in ASG III.

Congratulations to Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, the Academy of Master Clinicians' July Clinician of the Month.

Medicare does not cover preventive services in the same way that commercial payors do. However, Medicare does have its own set of preventive services and screening that are a covered benefit.