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.

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UTMB celebrated Advanced Practice Provider Week from Sept. 23 to 27. One of the week's highlights was the annual APP Awards of Excellence dinner. Please join us in congratulating the outstanding APPs who were selected this year, in recognition of their commitment to their patients, their professions, and the advancement of health care. We are proud to share an excerpt from each of their nominations.

CD released the FY2025 ICD-10-CM changes effective 10/1/2024. There are 252 new codes, 36 deleted codes, and 13 code revisions. Here we share a few highlights.

Congratulations to Kelly O’Donnell, MSN, RN, OCN, Outpatient Nurse Manager for Ambulatory Operations. She was the first to identify the UTMB Health Family Medicine Clinic in Dickinson.

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.

Congratulations to Kathleen Kerr, MS, CCC-SLP, Director of Speech Pathology and Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology. She was the first to identify the artwork inside the Primary Care Pavilion near the UTMB Health Pediatrics Clinic.

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Systemwide, ~3000 blood cultures are collected monthly at UTMB. Approximately 10% of these blood cultures result in microbial growth and ~25-30% are contaminant. Considering the recent shortage of blood culture media, and non-judicious use of blood cultures, health systems across the country are implementing guidance for judicious use of blood culture collection.

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.

This month, we are delving into a long-standing belief around hospital follow-up visits at UTMB, or the “HFU” you might see on your schedule. In short, there is no such thing as a "free" hospital follow-up visit.

Shibi Kunjumon, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, is committed to helping patients enjoy fulfilling, active lives through good bone health. At UTMB's Bone Health Clinic, Dr. Kunjumon’s role involves screening and diagnosing osteoporosis and other metabolic bone disorders to prevent secondary fractures.

Dr. Gulshan Sharma has announced the appointment of Dr. Leah Low to the position of Associate Chief Medical Officer of Jennie Sealy Hospital, effective September 1, 2024.

We’re excited to announce that the Annual Wellness Visit Clinic Competition (AWV Olympics), sponsored by the UTMB ACO REACH Initiative, is now in progress! The competition runs July 29 through December 31.

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.

Welcome to UTMB Health!