A NEWSLETTER FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

Harris Health Breaks Ground on New Hospital Project

on LBJ Campus

UTHealth Houston celebrated alongside its hospital partner as Harris Health System broke ground for a new $1.6 billion hospital on the Lyndon B. Johnson campus in Northeast Harris County that will enhance health care in one of the county’s most vulnerable communities.

The groundbreaking event, held Thursday, May 9, signaled that construction is officially underway on a new 12-story, Level I trauma-capable facility on the current campus of Harris Health LBJ Hospital. The hospital will have 390 private patient rooms, with the potential to expand to 450.

“Since 1990, the beginning of UTHealth Houston’s affiliation with Harris Health, literally thousands of our physicians, residents, and fellows have provided excellent health care to our shared patients in Northeast Houston,” said Kevin Dillon, senior executive vice president and chief operating officer at UTHealth Houston, who was one of the invited speakers at the event. “Harris Health and UTHealth Houston share a commitment not only to improve patient outcomes but also to address the social determinants of health. We join the entire Houston community in our enthusiastic support for this upcoming expansion of the LBJ campus, and we look forward to providing more new services in the coming years.”

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2024 Dean's Teaching Excellence Awards

Congratulations to the Department of Surgery winners of the 2024 Dean's Teaching Excellence Awards.

Faculty Promotions

We are thrilled to congratulate twelve of our esteemed faculty members who have been recognized for their well-deserved promotions, effective September 1, 2024.



Acute Care Surgery

Sasha D. Adams, MD, FACS – promoted to Professor

Erin Fox, PhD – promoted to Professor

John A. Harvin, MD, FACS – promoted to Professor

Todd F. Huzar, MD, FACS – promoted to Professor

David H. Kim, MD, FACS – promoted to Associate Profesor

Elective General Surgery

Asmeen Bhatt, MD, PhD – promoted to Associate Professor

Casey B. Duncan, MD, MS, FACS – promoted to Associate Professor

Melissa M. Felinski, DO, FACS, FASMBS – promoted to Associate Professor

Peter A. Walker, MD, FACS, FASMBS – promoted to Associate Professor

Todd D. Wilson, MD, FACS – promoted to Professor

General Surgery / LBJ

Stefanos G. Millas, MD, FACS – promoted to Professor

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Daniel J. Freet, MD, FACS – promoted to Professor

A Decade of Dedication:

Canfield Receives President Award from AUA

The American Urological Association’s (AUA) Annual Meeting took place in May 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. As one of the premier urological conferences worldwide, this annual gathering attracted experts from across the globe. At this year’s meeting, Steven E. Canfield, MD, professor and chief of the Division of Urology, received the prestigious President’s Award. This accolade recognized Canfield’s unwavering commitment to an international review course—a vital resource for urologists worldwide.

Over the past decade, Canfield has meticulously shaped this course, fostering collaboration and elevating the field. His dedication to leading an international review course has transformed it into an essential resource for urologists globally. The award symbolized personal achievement and underscored the impact of continuous collaboration and commitment to the field, making the moment a significant milestone.

Beyond our own residents’ participation in the AUA’s popular annual review course, the AUA’s influence extended beyond national borders. In a remarkable collaboration, the AUA partnered with urological associations from various countries to develop and sponsor international versions of this annual review course. For the past twelve years, Canfield spearheaded one such initiative in conjunction with the Sociedad Mexicana de Urologia and the Colegio Mexicano de Urologia. Held annually in Mexico City, this course drew hundreds of residents from Mexico and Central America, forging connections that transcended geographical boundaries.

Moore Addresses Global Surgery Innovations in Cape Town

UTHealth Houston Receives $3.4 million in Grants for Trauma Research Initiatives

UTHealth Houston Surgeons Shine at ASCRS 2024

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) convened its Annual Scientific Meeting from June 1 to June 4, 2024, in Baltimore, Maryland. McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Department of Surgery Residents and Faculty actively participated in this enlightening event, engaging in sessions, symposia, and workshops covering the latest colorectal surgery and research advancements.

During the ASCRS meeting, two talented Colorectal Surgery Residents made significant contributions. Woi Kim, MD, (PGY-6) gave an elegant video presentation on Laparoscopic Repair of Colotomy Following Mispositioned PEG Insertion on behalf of UTHealth Houston colleagues Shiraz Naqvi, MD, Areeba Saif, MD, Amit Agarwal, MD, FACS and Shinil Shah, DO, EdD, FACS, FASGE. Kim also presented a single institution retrospective review done with Erik P. Askenasy, MD, FACS, associate professor on Maximizing Successful Same Day Discharge Colectomies, which represents one of the largest single series of same-day colectomies in existence and examines factors predictive of success or failure of same-day discharge.

Additionally, Meghana Kashyap, MD (PGY-6), presented two poster abstracts on behalf of Amit Agarwal, MD, associate professor. This included Prophylactic Ureteral Stents in Complex Pelvic Surgery and Rates of Acute Kidney Injury and an economic abstract completed with industry partner Rituparna Basu with Medtronic evaluating financial aspects of circular stapler use entitled Economic Outcomes Comparing Double-row vs. Triple-row Circular Staplers: A Payer's Perspective.

In a panel discussion focusing on partnering with other surgical specialties, Jonah J. Stulberg, MD, PhD, MPH, FACS, associate professor and vice chair of research, gave an informative invited lecture on complex abdominal wall management and closure of parastomal hernias entitled Getting Closure: Management of the Complex Abdominal Wall.

Jeffrey L. Van Eps, MD, FACS, assistant professor, played a pivotal role during the ASCRS conference. Serving on the ASCRS Awards Committee, he evaluated abstract presentations to determine the recipients of the prestigious annual society awards. Additionally, Van Eps was selected for a leadership position within the new ASCRS Quality Collaborative focused on anal fistula management.

Bidhan Das, MD, FACS, assistant professor, played a multifaceted role at this year's ASCRS conference as he served as the IBD Abstract Super Session moderator delivered a sponsored talk on Medtronic’s Interstim sacral nerve stimulator therapy, and hosted a live recording of the highly popular Gut Check podcast. Dr. Das, a primary host of the podcast, contributed to its impressive 17,000 downloads this year.

Amit Agarwal, MD, FACS, associate professor, played a crucial role as a faculty author for two abstract poster presentations and one video, all presented by our dedicated colon and rectal surgery residents. Additionally, Agarwal delivered an insightful abstract presentation, supported by Baxter, comparing the use of different surgical hemostatic agents: PerClot Absorbable Hemostatic Powder, Arista Absorbable Hemostat, and Surgicel Powder.



To wrap up the event, the UTHealth Houston Colon & Rectal Clinic alum reception drew a vibrant crowd, featuring great food and engaging conversations. It provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect with our esteemed former fellows, who proudly represent UTHealth Houston and the Colon & Rectal Clinic (CRC) nationwide.

McGovern Medical Students Shine at 2024 Digestive Disease Week

McGovern Medical School students recently demonstrated their exceptional skills by delivering impressive presentations at the 65th Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT), held in partnership with Digestive Disease Week®. The event took place from May 18 to 21, 2024, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The focus of the session was on esophageal diseases, drawing experts and researchers from around the world.



Our students showcased groundbreaking research, innovative surgical techniques, and evidence-based approaches to managing complex gastrointestinal conditions. Their contributions spanned a wide range of topics, including esophageal disorders, gastric health, bariatric surgery, and metabolic diseases. As a medical school, we take immense pride in our students’ accomplishments and eagerly anticipate their future projects, successful residencies, and thriving careers.

From right to left: Anthony Basta (MS III), Farzaneh Banki, MD, Professor in the Department of Surgery, Clarissa Hoffman, PhD (MS III), and Sylvestre Pineau (MS IV).

Sylvestre Pineau (MS IV), a remarkable medical student, presented a surgical video featuring a complex patient with fulminant candidiasis and end-stage achalasia, along with an unusual intraoperative leak. Notably, in the session where he presented, he was the only medical student presenting. All other surgical videos were delivered by attending physicians.

Anthony Basta (MS III), delivered an outstanding presentation on the outcomes of intraperitoneal Exparel injection for managing shoulder and abdominal pain in patients undergoing hiatal hernia repair with fundopexy.

Clarissa Hoffman, PhD (MS III), delivered an impressive presentation on the outcomes of 1000 hiatal hernia repairs at our center. Her content was meticulously prepared, and her delivery was both engaging and informative. Notably, in the entire esophageal session where Clarissa and Anthony presented, there were only three medical students, and interestingly, two out of the three hailed from UTHealth Houston.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dr. George Sinclair Benson III, a distinguished figure in the field of surgery. Dr. Benson passed away on February 7, 2024, in Andover, Kansas. Born on October 24, 1943, in Long Beach, California, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and compassion. Dr. Benson’s contributions spanned several decades, impacting countless lives as a doctor, surgeon, researcher, and mentor. He served as a Professor of Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, where he inspired and guided generations of students. His expertise extended to urology, and he authored numerous research papers and teaching materials. Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Benson was known for his wit, generosity, and love for WWII history, New York Times crossword puzzles, and KU basketball. He and his wife, Mary Ruth Lanning Benson, shared a life filled with adventure, residing in various cities across the United States. Dr. Benson’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. Contributions can be made to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Thank you, Dr. Benson, for your dedicated service.

Publications of Note

Klugh JM, Puzio TJ, Wandling MW, Guy-Frank CJ, Green C, Sergot PB, Prater SJ, Balogh J, Stephens CT, Wade CE, Kao LS, Harvin JA. Ketamine For Acute Pain After Trauma (KAPT): A Pragmatic, Randomized Clinical Trial. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2024 May 1. doi: 10.1097/TA.0000000000004325. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38689402.

McDermott J, Kao LS, Keeley JA, Nahmias J, de Virgilio C. Management of Gallstone Pancreatitis: A Review. JAMA Surg. 2024 May 1. doi: 10.1001/jamasurg.2023.8111. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38691369.

Rowell S, Meier EN, Gomez TH, Fleming M, Jui J, Morrison L, Bulger E, Sopko G, Weisfeldt M, Christenson J, Klotz P, McMullan J, Callum J, Sheehan K, Tibbs B, Aufderheide T, Cotton B, Gandhi R, Idris A, Frascone RJ, Ferrara M, Richmond N, Kannas D, Schlamp R, Robinson B, Dries D, Tallon J, Hendrickson A, Gamber M, Garrett J, Simonson R, McKinley WI, Schreiber M. The effects of prehospital TXA on mortality and neurologic outcomes in patients with traumatic intracranial hemorrhage: a subgroup analysis from the prehospital TXA for TBI trial. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2024 Apr 30. doi: 10.1097/TA.0000000000004354. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38685481.

Sperry JL, Guyette FX, Rosario-Rivera BL, Kutcher ME, Kornblith LZ, Cotton BA, Wilson CT, Inaba K, Zadorozny EV, Vincent LE, Harner AM, Love ET, Doherty JE, Cuschieri J, Kornblith AE, Fox EE, Bai Y, Hoffman MK, Seger CP, Hudgins J, Mallett-Smith S, Neal MD, Leeper CM, Spinella PC, Yazer MH, Wisniewski SR; Cold Stored Platelet for Hemorrhagic Shock (CRISP-HS) study group. Early Cold Stored Platelet Transfusion Following Severe Injury: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Ann Surg. 2024 May 6. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006317. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38708880.

Ryan DH, Lingvay I, Deanfield J, Kahn SE, Barros E, Burguera B, Colhoun HM, Cercato C, Dicker D, Horn DB, Hovingh GK, Jeppesen OK, Kokkinos A, Lincoff AM, Meyhöfer SM, Oral TK, Plutzky J, van Beek AP, Wilding JPH, Kushner RF. Long-term weight loss effects of semaglutide in obesity without diabetes in the SELECT trial. Nat Med. 2024 May 13. doi: 10.1038/s41591-024-02996-7. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38740993.

Editorial Team: Dr. Lillian S. Kao, Dr. Casey B. Duncan, Dr. Peter A. Walker, and Dr. Elias A. Chamely

For content submissions, email Sophia.M.Solis@uth.tmc.edu.