Fall 2023 Newsletter

Dr. Sarah Samreen performed the first ever fluorescent guided robotic bariatric surgery, using Endolumik's new Gastric Calibration Tube.

This collaborative research, titled “Acute muscle mass loss was alleviated with HMGB1 neutralizing antibody treatment in severe burned rats” was conducted by members of UTMB Surgery, Microbiology & Immunology, Orthopedic Surgery, and the Institute for Human Infections and Immunity.

Through a competitive granting process, the ACS provided a $25,000 award, to be matched by the SSA, for an SSA leadership development program that promotes excellence in young surgeons.

When you ask Jill Resendez, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, about the most rewarding part of her work in UTMB’s Division of Plastic Surgery, her answer comes quickly, and with a big smile.

Attention all surgeons! Exciting news from the Surgery Department: our new Monthly Journal Club is here to inspire and invigorate. If you're dedicated to surgical excellence and growth, this is an event you need to be a part of!

Dr. Mitchell Cox Dr. Christine Shokrzadeh will be facilitating the American Venus Forum (AVF) Confluence, an AVF journal club series.

The Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) procedure, used around the world, has recently been established here at UTMB Urology by Dr. Bilal Farhan.

Several vascular team members recently presented their work and research at national vascular events.

Dr. Stephen Williams presented “strategies to Facilitate Research Between Regional Institutions“ at the 2nd Annual Collaborative Urology Research Symposium.

Dr. Mitchell Wayne Cox and other prestigious colleagues’ research publication and supporting procedure video, “Retrograde Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Stenting via Jejunal Arterial Access – How I Do It,” has been accepted by the Journal of Vascular Surgery.

Dr. Fagg’s research will focus on understanding the mechanistic details through which Quaking (an RNA binding protein) regulates RNA processing. By illuminating the details of these regulatory mechanisms, Dr, Fagg’s lab hopes to be able to inform rational biologic drug development that will help patients suffering from heart and liver disease.

Two significant research contributions from Dr. Marwan, Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, offer promising advancements for our field and potential enhancements to clinical approaches.

Several members of the UTMB Department of Surgery have recently been elected to committees for the UTMB John Sealy School of Medicine.

Dr. Jennifer Moffett and Dr. Michael Erickson have been instated into the 2023-2025 cohort of the Scholars in Education Program.

Dr. Laxmi Dongur, along with Dr. Michael Kueht, won first place for their oral presentation at the Texas Transplantation Society.

"Creating the bridge between two worlds with variable healthcare systems allows surgeons to form creative solutions to age-old problems, which ultimately helps to improve quality of life and reduce suffering for our patients in the short term but also the long-term."

Dr. Elgene Mainous has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American College of Dentists. With decades of dedication to the field of surgery, his passion and commitment have left an indelible mark on our department and the entire medical community.