A Message from the Dean, John Sealy School of Medicine; Senior Vice President of Health Affairs; and Chief Research Officer

Dear colleagues,

I am pleased to announce that Zbigniew Gugala, MD, PhD, has accepted the new role of Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Career Advising at the John Sealy School of Medicine (JSSOM), effective Nov. 1, 2025.

Dr. Gugala is a Professor with tenure in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, where he also serves as Vice Chair of Research. He is a UT System Distinguished Teaching Professor since 2015 and has held the Josefina Santos Professorship in Orthopaedics since 2022.

Dr. Gugala earned his medical degree from The Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland, and his PhD from The University of Groningen in The Netherlands. Prior to joining UTMB in 2005, he held faculty appointments in Poland, Switzerland, and Houston, bringing a global perspective to his academic and clinical work.

A dedicated physician-scientist, Dr. Gugala’s research spans molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms underlying orthopedic conditions, with a strong emphasis on clinically driven investigations aimed at improving patient outcomes. He is highly regarded within the scientific community for his accomplishments in gene therapy for musculoskeletal applications, tissue engineering, heterotopic ossification, and metastatic bone disease. His clinical contributions include the development of novel treatments for segmental bone defects, establishing a validated classification system for civilian gunshot injuries, introducing metal artifact–reduction MRI techniques, and formulating guidelines for cervical spine clearance. Equally committed to education, Dr. Gugala is passionate about developing and evaluating innovative teaching strategies for orthopedic residents and medical students. He leads multiple elective and selective courses for medical students and serves on several committees, including the Orthopaedic Residency Research Committee, and the Bioskills and Surgery Simulation Committee.

In his new role, Dr. Gugala will work closely with me, the JSSOM APT committee and department chairs, and other UTMB leaders to support faculty development and career advancement. His administrative responsibilities will include oversight of personnel, associated budgets, and programs, including the JSSOM APT process, Faculty Career Advising, and the JSSOM Faculty Bylaws. He will also play a key role in articulating the strategy, mission, goals, and priorities to foster a climate of academic excellence, collaboration, and interdisciplinary initiatives, while ensuring that UTMB programs comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Gugala on this well-earned appointment and welcoming him to this important leadership role.

Sincerely yours,

Antonio Bianco, MD, PhD