Summer 2025

A Message from the Publications Committee:

Welcome to the Summer 2025 edition of the UTMB Department of Surgery Newsletter! We're excited to share the latest highlights from our department. Over the past few months, we've celebrated meaningful milestones, honored inspiring achievements, and proudly watched our Chief Residents graduate and begin the next chapter of their careers.

Best regards,
The Office of Publications


Spotlight on Staff:
Angel-Marie Reyes

 

1. What inspired you to join UTMB?
I was inspired to join UTMB because of its strong reputation for excellence in healthcare, research, and education.
2. What do you enjoy most about working in the Surgery Department?
It's a great environment to work in. I enjoy handling travel arrangements for the residents and faculty —it keeps me busy and engaged. I also enjoy the people I work with. Everyone is supportive and hardworking, and even with our busy schedules, we still make time to come together and celebrate the next holiday or event.
3. What has been the biggest challenge in your role so far?
Getting used to all the different processes, especially with travel and reimbursements. There’s a lot to keep up with, and things change often. I’ve learned to stay organized and ask questions when I need help—it’s been a learning experience for sure.
4. How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I like to relax with family and friends, try new restaurants, or catch up on shows or movies. I also love traveling when I can—it’s nice to get away and recharge.
5. Do you have family in the area?
Yes, I do! Having family nearby is a huge plus. They’re always there to support me, and I’m really thankful for that.
6. What are your personal or professional goals for the future?
I’d like to keep growing in my role and eventually take on more responsibilities. Personally, I just want to keep learning, stay balanced, and enjoy the journey as it comes.

 

 

2025 Chief Resident Graduations

Click here to view all General Surgery photos
Click here to view all Plastic Surgery
Click here to view all Oral & Maxillofacial photos

Summer 2025 New Employees

 

 

Administration Staff Themed Attire - 80s Day

 

 

All Around UTMB Surgery

OMFS has a new Galveston chapter

May 9, 2025, 12:20 PM by John Carstens

The Oral & Maxillofacial division is proud to announce the establishment of the Galveston Chapter of Support for People with Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC), a vital initiative aimed at supporting patients facing these challenging diagnoses. This recognition from SPOHNC follows a thorough evaluation of the division’s patient caseloads and outcomes, affirming the center’s role as a leading resource for the Galveston community and surrounding areas.

Through the Galveston Chapter, the division will engage local community members and connect them with trained ambassadors who can provide guidance and support throughout their cancer journey. This milestone was made possible through the steadfast support of the department, with special acknowledgment to Dr. Wolf for his instrumental role in the chapter's development.


Invited Speakers

The Division of Plastic Surgery hosts visiting professor Dr. Donald R. Mackay

Apr 15, 2025, 12:48 PM by Dr. Camilo Mosquera, DDS

The Division of Plastic Surgery was honored to host Dr. Donald R. Mackay, MD, as a visiting professor. During his visit, Dr. Mackay delivered a series of insightful lectures, including "Secondary Reconstruction Following Craniofacial Surgery and Facial Fractures," "A Brain to Pick, an Ear to Listen, and a Push in the Right Direction," and "The Past, Present, and Future of Plastic Surgery."

Dr. Mackay also toured the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) campus and visited the Moody Medical Library. As part of the program, residents had the opportunity to present clinical cases and benefit from Dr. Mackay’s expert feedback and guidance.


Events


Published

“Risk Factors for Prolonged Postoperative Mechanical Ventilation Following Head and Neck Microvascular Free Flap Reconstruction and Its Association with Patient Outcomes,” published in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Apr 16, 2025, 12:36 PM by John Carstens

Dr. Camilo Mosquera’s latest research article, “Risk Factors for Prolonged Postoperative Mechanical Ventilation Following Head and Neck Microvascular Free Flap Reconstruction and Its Association with Patient Outcomes,” has been published in the prestigious International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Prolonged postoperative mechanical ventilation is known to increase the risk of mortality and lead to longer ICU and hospital stays. Despite its importance, few studies have focused on identifying which patients are most at risk after complex head and neck microvascular reconstruction. In this retrospective cohort study, Dr. Mosquera and his team identified several key risk factors, including current tobacco use and higher preoperative ASA scores, which were significantly associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation.

The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is a leading global journal in the field, recognized for its rigorous peer review and high-impact contributions to surgical science.

Congratulations to Dr. Mosquera for advancing our understanding of perioperative risk and helping improve outcomes in head and neck reconstruction


Honors & Awards

  • Dr. Marwan appointed Section Editor for JOMS

    June 5, 2025, 13:43 PM by John Carstens

    Congratulations to Dr. Hisham Marwan on his recent appointment as Section Editor for Head and Neck Pathology in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (JOMS).

  • Division of Pediatrics Video Wins Prestigious Award

    May 13, 2025, 10:54 AM by John Carstens

    A collaborative video project by Dr. Carmen Mora, Dr. Jacqueline Meyer, Victor Luciano, and John Carstens titled “Gastrostomy Tubes” has received a Silver Remi Award at the Houston International Film Festival.