Faculty Group Practice Newsletter

Salim Hayek, MD, has joined UTMB as Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, effective March 1. In this critical capacity, Dr. Hayek reports directly to Dr. Vicente Resto within the Faculty Group Practice, where he will lead pivotal transformation initiatives aimed at elevating patient care, enhancing clinical outcomes, streamlining operational efficiency, and advancing clinical research throughout our esteemed institution.

National Doctors’ Day in the United States is celebrated on March 30 each year. According to the American Medical Association, the day is meant to honor physicians for the work they do for their patients, the communities they work in and for society as a whole. At UTMB Health we will celebrate the hard work and devotion of the physicians that keep all of us healthy on Friday, March 29, 2024.

Congratulations to John Carstens, Editor III in the Department of Surgery. He was the first to identify Tommie Tortuga’s new home in front of John Sealy Hospital in Galveston.

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.

Don't miss the latest edition of UTMB's Population Health Newsletter. The February edition includes special features on American Heart Month, with important information to help people of all ages enjoy better heart health.

Congratulations to Joseph Shotwell, MD, the Academy of Master Clinicians' March Clinician of the Month. Dr. Shotwell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

March is National Kidney Month. Dr. Allison Mitchell, Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Nephrology, takes an approach that encourages identifying those most at risk for kidney failure, and being proactive in treating and preventing chronic kidney disease.

The patient’s experience begins the moment they choose or are referred to UTMB for their healthcare needs. Their experience includes their entire journey from setting the appointment, seeing our providers, receiving treatment, follow up appointments, etc. Every step of their journey is important.

The Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at UTMB is committed to combating cardiovascular disease, which remains the number-one killer in women ahead of all cancers combined – including breast and ovarian cancers. This February, American Heart Month, members of the division are increasing awareness by contributing to education that helps save lives. Read insights from Division Chief Dr. Jneid and three of our outstanding women clinicians.

Aligning with the institutional mission to increase access to care, UTMB’s Kidney Transplant Program makes great strides to help patients with end-stage kidney disease achieve better health. Through its outreach and service across Texas, the team is having a widespread impact for patients with the greatest need.

Congratulations to Angleton Danbury Labor & Delivery, and the Texas City Urgent Care Clinic. These entities received the Always Award for the first quarter of FY24.

TMJ dysfunction can cause localized pain to the joints, referred pain to the ears, and to the muscles that control movement of the jaw. It can also cause reduced range of motion or trismus to the mouth. Our ENT PA shares how a variety of treatment options, from night guards to medication to physical therapy, can bring relief.

When a child undergoes surgery, the pediatric surgeon’s impact goes beyond the operating room – it can potentially influence the trajectory of the child’s entire future. This is a privilege and a responsibility that UTMB’s newest pediatric surgeon, Maria Carmen Mora, MD, does not take for granted.

Managing the patient financial experience at UTMB is a group effort, consisting of cross-functional teams within our patient care areas and our financial clearance support. Most recently, this effort has been challenged by the new mandates around price transparency and providing estimated costs prior to service delivery; and the overall trend towards patients being savvier about healthcare costs while plans become savvier about complicating reimbursement.

This annual observance, slated for March 17 to 23, 2024, aims to promote awareness and safety measures against poisoning. The Southeast Texas Poison Center actively participates in this initiative, leveraging the week to enhance community understanding and preparedness.

Don't miss the latest edition of UTMB's Population Health Newsletter. Learn more about one of the most common causes of cancer death among American women and what screening methods can help reduce these numbers.

Congratulations to John Hagedorn, II, MD, the Academy of Master Clinicians' February Clinician of the Month. Dr. Hagedorn is an Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation.

Congratulations to John Hagedorn, II, MD, Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. He was the first to recognize the stairway between the parking garage and the hospital at League City Campus.

Delivering comprehensive women’s health care means being able to treat and care for a wide range of needs, for patients of many different ages. With new additions to its OB/GYN team and new technologies available to support more procedures, UTMB is making advances to become the provider of choice for all aspects of women’s health.