News from the Department of Surgery

University Health System has one of nation's top high-tech hospitals: University Health System has been recognized as one of 100 Most Wired Hospitals and Health Systems in the country. began integrating its electronic medical record system in March of 2006, and the use of paper orders and records has been greatly decreasing ever since. “We put the patient first in every decision we make, so our commitment to integrating the latest technologies at University Hospital, and across our network of community clinics, is first and foremost about delivering the highest quality of care possible,” says University Health System President and CEO George Hernandez Jr. Read San Antonio Business Journal story (8-7-08)

Researchers exploring regeneration of human tissues: A substance derived from pig bladders is being scrutinized as a potential way to regenerate parts of the body, such as fingers and muscles, that have been lost to battlefield injuries, said Steven Wolf, MD, Vice Chair for Surgery Research, UT Health Science Center School of Medicine, Department of Surgery. Read HSC News article (8-1-08)

Steven Wolf, MD, Surgery Vice Chairman for Research, interviewed about tissue regeneration: Using a biomedically engineered matrix, surgeons and physicians are now using exciting new procedures to help damaged or missing tissue re-grow for our returning warriors. KSAT Interview | KENS Interview (7-16-08)

Maj. James Connaughton, MD, appointed as cancer liaison physician for Wilford Hall: Dr. Connaughton, a graduate of the UTHSCSA General Surgery residency program, will be instrumental in spearheading the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer initiatives within the hospital's cancer program. Read complete WHMC News story (7-11-08)

Bexar County Commissioners set bond sales for hospital development, expansion funds: In a 4-1 vote Tuesday, July 8, 2008, commissioners voted to go forward with two bond sales to complete the first phase of a $900 million expansion and renovation of University Hospital and its downtown clinics. Dr. Ronald Stewart, chief of trauma, said the emergency room at University Hospital is often overflowing with patients because no beds are available. "Patients are at risk. Literally, lives are at risk," Stewart said. Read Express-News story | More about Dr. Stewart | More about University Hospital (7-9-08)

Congratulations to Trauma and Emergency Surgery research nurse, Janet McCarthy, RN, CCRC, who has received Nurse Imagemaker of South Texas award. The honor was bestowed jointly by the Delta Alpha chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Nursing Honor Society and the Texas Nurses Association, District 8. Read full story | More about Trauma Research (7-2-08)

Ronald Stewart, MD, Chief of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, comments on the recent rise in the number of motorcycle accident injuries. With the rising cost of fuel, many South Texans are moving to two-wheeled vehicles. And motorcycle accidents are rising proportionally. University Hospital motorcycle wreck statistics show a steady increase, along with the steady increase in the cost of gas. Read KENS story. | More about Dr. Stewart (6-26-08)

Ronald Stewart, MD, Chief of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, discusses children's risk of dog attacks during the hot summer months in KENS-5 interview. Parents can teach their children three strategies to stay safer around dangerous dogs: don't look dogs in the eyes, lie still and quietly if knocked to the ground by a dog, and don't bother a dog that is eating, drinking, or caring for puppies. Read KENS story. | More about Dr. Stewart (6-25-08)

Two Texas men breathing easier with simultaneous dual lung transplant at University Hospital: In March 2008, Dr. Scott Johnson, head of Thoracic Surgery, and Dr. Luis Angel, assistant professor of pulmonary diseases, performed the life-changing surgery for Kevin King and Kenny Deison. The dual operation marked the 300th lung transplant of the Lung Transplantation Program. Read San Antonio Express-News story | HSC News Story | More about the Lung Transplant Program | More about Dr. Johnson | More about Dr. Angel (6-18-08)

John Calhoon, MD: Heart-Felt Heart Surgery: The June-July 2008 issue of NSIDE SA Medical Journal features Dr. Calhoon, chief of cardiothoracic surgery, in an article describing Dr. Calhoon's vast knowledge and the many pathways of his 20 year career as a cardiothoracic surgeon. Read article. | More about Dr. Calhoon (6-17-08)

Stephen M. Cohn, MD, Chairman of the Department of Surgery, is pleased to announce the selection of Howard T. Wang, MD, as Interim Chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Wang attended medical school at Johns Hopkins; he completed a surgical residency and 2 year research fellowship at the University of Rochester, and a 3 year Duke University plastic surgery residency. Dr. Wang has been a member of our plastic surgery division for three years, and has served as director of the Plastic Surgery Residency Program for the past year. More about Dr. Wang | More about the Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (6-16-08)

Regenerative medicine pursued by the Pentagon and top US medical facilities: Steven Wolf, MD, Professor of Surgery and Vice-Chair for Research for the Department of Surgery, interviewed by CNN; Dr. Wolf discusses regenerative medicine and the "pixie dust" used to form a microscopic scaffold to help cells grow into the desired tissue. Read CNN.com story | San Antonio Regenerative Medicine Association (SARMA) | More about Dr. Wolf (5-28-08)

Maureen Sheehan, MD, Vascular Surgery, interviewed on WOAI San Antonio on DVT - Deep Vein Thrombosis: Long hours of driving can put us in danger of developing DVT - blood clots forming in your legs from all those hours spent sitting in the same position mile after mile. Dr. Sheehan discusses symptoms of DVT and ways to prevent and detect DVT. Read WOAI News story, view video | More about Dr. Sheehan (5-19-08)

Leo Cuello, MD, first chair of cardiothoracic surgery at the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Medicine, passed away early on Monday, May 12, 2008. Dr. Cuello, who served as the chair of cardiothoracic surgery from 1966 – 1972, was an accomplished and well-respected physician and a great friend of San Antonio. He had many great achievements over his long career, and continued throughout his professional and personal life as an advocate for his patients. Dr. Cuello will be missed by the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, as well the rest of the University and the city he loved. (5-12-08)

Physician and educator shares his love of the art and science of surgery: Bob Esterl, MD, Surgery Medical School Education Director and Professor of Surgery (Transplant), is featured in the first edition of the School of Medicine's Future magazine. Since 1994, Dr. Esterl has been sharing his experience, knowledge and skills as a transplant surgeon, and has won numerous teaching awards, many of them awards from the students themselves. Read article (4-30-08)

Congratulations to Thelma Hurd, MD, Associate Professor, Surgical Oncology, who has been selected to receive the President's Volunteer Service Award and Congressinoal Awards at the United Nations General Assembly, New York, in recognition of her service and ongoing work in Nigeria with the Africa Cancer Prevention Group, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the Center for Research on Minority Health. More about Dr. Hurd | More about Dr. Hurd's award (4-30-08)

Congratulations to Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, John Calhoon, MD, who has been chosen as an Outstanding Physician – one of San Antonio's Health Care Heroes in 2008 – by the San Antonio Business Journal, recognizing health care professionals who make a difference in health care in San Antonio. (4-23-08)

Emergency rooms facing budget cuts, staffing shortages: David Hnatow, MD, Chief of Emergency Medicine, interviewed by Wendy Rigby on KENS-5 to discuss the emergency room crisis. More patients, less money, nursing shortages – all factors adding to an already frustrating problem. View KENS-5 video     (4-23-08)

Less invasive procedure to treat lung cancer: Dan DeArmond, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, discusses video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) on KENS-12. VATS is a less-invasive alternative to traditional rib-spreading surgery for lung cancer. View KSAT-12 video | More about Dr. DeArmond (4-03-08)

March 16-22 is National Poison Prevention Week: Dr. Miguel Fernández, MD, toxicologist and director of the South Texas Poison Center, reminds everyone of the services available 24/7 to the citizens of San Antonio, Bexar County and the South Texas region. Read HSC press release | Visit the STPC website (3-18-08)
HSC News - Call South Texas Poison Center for help with poison concerns (3-28-08)

New lung cancer procedure is less invasive: A new surgical procedure for early-stage lung cancer is helping patients recover more quickly and without as much pain as the traditional operation. Daniel DeArmond, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, is one of only a very small number of thoracic surgeons in San Antonio who is performing the new video-assisted thoracic surgery procedure (VATS). View KENS-5 video | SA Express-News article | More about Dr. DeArmond | More about VATS procedures (3-14-08)
HSC News - Minimally invasive surgery a new option for lung cancer (3-28-08)

Congratulations to Paula K. Shireman, MD, Vascular Surgery, on receiving R01 funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council on the recommendation of the National Institutes of Health Scientific Review Group for her research project, "Chemokines and Immune Cells in Hind Limb Ischemia." (3-07-08)

Anti-rejection nanotherapy shows promise in rodent lung transplant model: Rejection can lead to failure of transplanted lungs. Scott Johnson, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery, is one of many participants in a new study testing nanoparticle aerosol therapy to prevent post-transplant rejection, in the hopes that aerosol therapy will more directly target the lungs than traditional high-dose medications. Read HSC press release. (3-6-08)

Dr. Scott Johnson interviewed on KENS-5: Local scientists testing lung transplant drug on rats. Each year 1,500 American lives are saved by lung transplants but there is a high rate of rejection. Now, some scientists are trying to find a better way .... View KENS-5 video. (3-12-08)

On Sunday, March 9, 2008, Basil A. Pruitt, Jr., MD, FACS, FACM, will be awarded the 2008 King Faisal International Prize for Medicine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Dr. Pruitt has been an innovator in trauma and burn management for nearly 50 years while caring for thousands of American soldiers. Read complete press release. | SA Biz Journal article (3-5-08)

Col. William Clouse, MD, and Col. David Smith, MD, were each awarded the Bronze Star during ceremony at Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center. The Bronze Star is awarded to military personnel who distinguish themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service in connection with operations against an armed enemy. Dr. Clouse and Dr. Smith are both active leaders in the Dept of Surgery's General Surgery residency program. Read WHMC press release. (3-5-08)

Francisco Cigarroa, MD, HSC President and Professor of Surgery, Organ Transplantation, inducted into Mexican American/Hispanic Physicians Association Hall of Fame in February 2008. Dr. Cigarroa, appointed President of the University in 2000, is the first Hispanic president of a health science center in the US. Read HSC News article. (2-29-08)

Steven Wolf, MD, Bob & Betty Kelso Distinguished Chair in Burn Research and Professor of Trauma, has been appointed Vice Chairman for Research for Department of Surgery, Stephen Cohn, MD, Surgery Chair, announced today. Dr. Wolf was selected for this role based on his extensive research and administrative experience. Click here to read more. (2-29-08)

Presentations from the 2007 13th Annual Trauma Symposium available on NTI website: A large number of the 2007 trauma symposium presentations are now available on the National Trauma Institute website. Please click here to view list of available presentations. | Click here to view updated 2008 Trauma Symposium program. (2-27-08)

University Health System Foundation 2008 Medical Miracles Gala honoree, esophageal cancer survivor SAPD Officer Larry Price: In the late summer of 2006, Dr. Scott Johnson, associate professor of thoracic surgery, surgically removed a large portion of Larry's esophagus. Read more. (2-25-08)

HSC physicians take part in Nigerian medical mission: Coordinated by Stanley Okoro, MD, plastic surgery fellow, the team also included an anesthesiologist and a first-year anesthesiology resident from the HSC; the team spent two weeks caring for indigent patients in southeastern Nigeria. Read story in HSC News. (2-15-08)

The HSC Jocelyn and Joe Straus Endowed Chair in Trauma Research, established in September 2007, will be held by Ronald M. Stewart, MD, Chief of Trauma and Emergency Surgery for the UT Health Science Center San Antonio Department of Surgery. The endowment from the Straus family will help to fund research to improve traumatic injury outcomes. (1-24-08)

SURGERY RECEIVES NIH T32 RESEARCH TRAINING GRANT: The Department of Surgery is pleased to have been awarded an NIH T32 training grant to support our surgical resident research training program. The five-year grant will provide stipend and research funds for residents during their two-year research assignments (PI - Stephen M. Cohn, MD, Chair). Of the 248 U.S. surgical residency training programs, the UT Health Science Center at San Antonio's general surgery research residency program is one of only 33 to have received NIH T32 funding. (1-22-08)

The Allograft Resources Tissue Bank, part of The Transplant Center, has been awarded the prestigious accreditation of the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Read story in HSC News (1-20-08)

Surgeon has built transplant program that has real heart: (San Antonio Business Journal, 1-21-08) Dr. John Calhoon, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, is an outstanding educator, and the major clinical and educational driving force behind the UT Health Science Center's extremely successful cardiothoracic surgery program. Read article in SA Business Journal (1-18-08)

The Department of Surgery is pleased to announce NIH award of a T32 training grant to support research training. The five-year grant will provide stipend and research funds for residents during their two-year research training assignments. (PI: Stephen M. Cohn, MD, Chair) (1-18-08)

New options open up for treating heart problems in children: article (1-11-08 San Antonio Business Journal) by John Calhoon, MD, Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Congenital heart disease is the leading cause of infant mortality in the US, representing 36 percent of all infant deaths due to birth defects, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Read article in San Antonio Business Journal (1-16-08)

Daniel Dent, MD, Associate Professor of Trauma Surgery, was interviewed in Spanish by Univision 41 television for a weekly news segment on 'Blood Donation with Trauma,' as part of a media campaign for community-based injury prevention awareness by the South Texas Injury Prevention and Research Center's A Su Salud program. More about A Su Salud | More about Dr. Dent's interview (1-15-08)

Wayne Schwesinger, MD, Professor of Surgery (Division of General & Laparoendoscopic Surgery), will be awarded the 2008 Clinical Excellence Award on January 31, 2008. This award recognizes Dr. Schwesinger's superlative clinical service here at the Health Science Center and in the San Antonio community. View video about Dr. Schwesinger. (1-15-08)

Early January Newsletter from Balad, Irag: Snow and surgical team replacements are arriving at the Balad Air Force Theater Hospital, and Surgery's Steve Bowers will be heading home soon. Read early January 2008 newsletter. (1-14-08)

Congratulations to Basil Pruitt, MD, Professor of Surgery, who was selected as one of two winners of the 2008 King Faisal International Prize for Medicine / Trauma Management. Dr. Pruitt's work spans more than five decades; he is internationally recognized as a cinical leader in burn surgery, as well as for his extensive research into improving the outcome of serious burn injury. King Faisal Prize Winners in 2008 Announced (Arab News) 1-9-08)
King Faisal Intl Prize for Medicine 2008
Selection procedure for the King Faisal International Prize in Medicine (1-9-08)
Saudi Arabia: Scientists and literary experts honoured in annual award (Adnkronos enews, Italy) (2-5-08)

Congratulations to V. Seenu Reddy, MD, Asst. Prof. of Cardiothoracic Surgery, on his selection as one of the San Antonio Business Journal's 2007 40 under 40, San Antonio's Rising Stars business executives who have focused at an early age on what it takes to succeed. Dr. Reddy is profiled in a special print edition of the Dec. 21, 2007, San Antonio Business Journal. (12-31-07)

Life in Balad: Late December 2007 Newsletter from the Balad Air Force Theater Hospital 332nd EMDG - Surgical Operations: Steaks, music, Robin Williams, and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders help to brighten Christmas in Balad. Click here to read newsletter. (12-31-07)

Steven Wolf, MD, professor of surgery, director of the US Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center at BAMC, director of the Pediatric Burn Program at University Hospital, and Betty and Bob Kelso Distinguished Chair in Burn and Trauma Surgery, talks with KENS-5's Wendy Rigby about the Pediatric Burn unit, and the dangers children face from fire, cooking ovens and rangetops, candles, etc. this time of year. View KENS-5 video (12-19-07)

Miguel Fernandez, Asst Prof of Surgery and Director of the South Texas Poison Center, was interviewed on KENS-5's Great Day SA to discuss one of the hottest topics this holiday season - lead in kids' toys. View KENS-5 video. (12-12-07)

Life in Balad: December 2007 Newsletter from the Balad Air Force Theater Hospital 332nd EMDG - Surgical Operations: With fewer American and more anti-Iraqi patients, it looks as though things are going well; unfortunately, still far too many children are caught in the crossfire of war. Click here to read newsletter. (12-12-07)

SA trauma institute gets $3.8 million grant for research: The Texas Emerging Technology Fund is providing the grant to the National Trauma Institute to help fund new medical devices and technology to save lives and help trauma victims. Read SA Express News article. (11-16-07)

When doctors get sick, who do they call? Congratulations to Surgery's 2007 Texas Monthly Super Docs! Drs. Wayne Schwesinger, General Surgery; Scott Johnson, John Calhoon (Chief) and Ed Sako of Cardiothoracic Surgery; and Ronny Stewart, Chief of Trauma, are all included in this year's Super Doctors for 2007. Super Docs are chosen by their peers, and are recognized for their professional, outstanding achievement. The list will be published in the December 2007 edition of Texas Monthly magazine. (11-15-07)

Scene in SA Monthly announces San Antonio's Top Doctors: Congratulations to Surgery's top doctors for 2007: Glen Halff (Transplant), John Calhoon (Cardiothoracic), John Myers (Trauma), Ronald Stewart (Trauma), Scott Johnson (Cardiothoracic), Edward Sako (Cardiothoracic), and Luis Angel (Cardiothoracic / Pulmonary).

Life in Balad: Newsletter from the Balad Air Force Theater Hospital 332nd EMDG - Surgical Operations: Halfway through a 4-month rotation, the surgeons in Balad update us - service casualties near a war-time low, but injuries of Iraqi children at a war-time high. Click here to read newsletter. (11-12-07)

HSC establishes distinguished chair in burn and trauma surgery: A $1M gift from San Antonio philanthropists Betty and Col. Robert E. Kelso to UTHSCSA will ensure that San Antonio remains the nation's leader in burn and trauma surgery. Read HSC ews story. (11-12-07)

HSC Surgery clinical faculty train Pakistanis in battlefield surgery: USAF medical professionals participate in ongoing defense mission to teach international military counterparts the latest combat-related surgical techniques. Read Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center news story. (11-9-07)

SA being positioned as a major trauma hub: San Antonio's military and civilian medical experts are positioning the city as one of the nation's major centers for trauma research and treatment. Read story in SA Express-News (11-7-07)

Study says artificial blood may carry risks: A national two-year study of an experimental blood substitute in critically injured patients, found that those transfused with the artificial blood were more likely to suffer a non-fatal heart attack. Read story in SA Express-News (11-7-07)

New surgery center gets $1 million grant: The federal Economic Development Administration has awarded $1 to the UT Health Science Center - San Antonio to support construction of the new ambulatory surgical center. Read story in SA Express-News | More in SA Express-News | Read HSC press release (11-2-07)

National Trauma Institute seeks $100 million injection: If approved, House Bill 3673 would provide a landmark financial boost to the National Trauma Institute (NTI), which was created earlier this year and is based in the Alamo City. Read article in SA Business Journal (10-30-07)

An Emergency Education: program provides entry into medical field, EMT Basic certification: Through Surgery's Division of Emergency Medicine (David Hnatow, MD, Chief) and the Brownsville Independent School District, BISD seniors are receiving training this semester as Emergency Medical Technicians. Read article in the Brownsville Herald (10-25-07)

Jocelyn and Joe Straus Endowed Chair in Trauma Research established: Life-saving trauma research is at the forefront in San Antonio because of the foresight of one of the city's most well-known and well-respected community leaders - Joci Straus - and her husband, Joe. Read HSC News article ... (10-15-07)

SA Health Science Center to study GI trauma: Armed with an $11.3 million contract with the U.S. Army, the University of Texas Health Science Center will spend the next five years on three major research projects aimed at improving the care of wounded soldiers. Read story SA Express-News m| View KENS-5 video (10-12-07)

SA Trauma Symposium focuses on research: The 13th Annual San Antonio Trauma Symposium, which took place Aug. 20-22 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, served as a platform to promote emergency and trauma care awareness on a national level. Read story in HSC News ... (10-5-07)

University Hospital's emergency room is in crisis: Day or night, peer through the large glass windows into University's crowded ER and you'll glimpse a microcosm of America's health care crisis. Read more in San Antonio Express-News (9-09-07)

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