A Newsletter for the Departments of Surgery and Pediatric Surgery

at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

September 2026

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE & INNOVATION

Richard J. Andrassy Celebrates More Than Three Decades of Leadership

After more than three decades of distinguished leadership as chairman of the Department of Surgery, Richard J. Andrassy, MD, will retire from this position, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of service, mentorship, and innovation. Since becoming chairman in 1994, Dr. Andrassy has guided the department through significant growth in its clinical, educational, and research missions while helping shape generations of surgeons, faculty, residents, and medical students. He currently serves as professor and chair of surgery and senior vice president for Clinical and Faculty Affairs at UTHealth Houston.

Dr. Andrassy's career spans more than five decades of service in medicine, beginning with his training at the Virginia Military Institute, the Medical College of Virginia, and the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps, where he ultimately achieved the rank of colonel. A nationally recognized pediatric surgeon, surgical oncologist, educator, and administrator, he has authored hundreds of scientific publications, edited leading textbooks, delivered more than 400 invited lectures, and served in numerous leadership roles within national surgical organizations.

Perhaps Dr. Andrassy's greatest legacy is the impact he has had on people. Throughout his career, he has been a trusted mentor, advocate, and leader whose commitment to excellence, integrity, and patient care has influenced countless colleagues and trainees. His steady leadership, institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication to the Department of Surgery have helped build a nationally recognized academic surgical program and, more importantly, a community of surgeons and physicians committed to carrying those values forward.

As we celebrate Dr. Andrassy's legacy as chairman, we extend our deepest gratitude for his remarkable contributions to UTHealth Houston, Memorial Hermann Hospital, and the surgical profession. We are grateful not only for all he has accomplished but also for the countless lives and careers he has touched along the way. We wish him and his family many years of health, happiness, and fulfillment in the next chapter of life.

View photos from Dr. Andrassy’s retirement celebration.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Duncan Shares Academic Surgery Expertise at International Symposium in Taiwan

Casey Duncan, MD, associate professor of surgery, recently traveled to Taipei, Taiwan, with the Association for Academic Surgery to deliver two invited lectures at the International Surgical Symposium at National Taiwan University.

The symposium brought together members of the international surgical community for sessions focused on research, education, and innovation in academic surgery. The event also provided opportunities to strengthen collaboration and exchange ideas among surgeons and academic institutions worldwide.

MIST Consortium Welcomes 2026-27 Fellows

The MIST Fellowship Consortium welcomes its 2026–27 class of fellows, who will train across the consortium's participating programs and institutions.

The incoming fellows are Oluwatumininu “Tumi” Akintonwa, MD, and Yilon Lima Cheng, MD, with MIST at UTHealth Houston; Bella Garg, MD, with the Center for Obesity Medicine and Metabolic Performance (COMMP); Albertus Johannes “Johan” van Wyk, DO, with the Texas Hernia Center; and Andrew Hennecke, MD, and Hiral Tank, MD, with BMI of Texas in San Antonio.

Please join us in welcoming the 2026–27 fellows and wishing them a successful year of training.

Grand Rounds Introduces New Multidisciplinary Panel Format

As part of an initiative to make Grand Rounds more engaging and relevant to day-to-day patient care, the Department of Surgery introduced a new multidisciplinary, case-based panel format on September 3. The inaugural panel explored the complex and nuanced decision-making involved in operating on patients with cirrhosis.

The panel was moderated by Ryan Hall, MD, associate professor of surgery and assistant dean for Admissions and Student Affairs. Panelists included Caitlin Thornley, MD, assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation; Victoria Wagner, MD, assistant professor of surgery in the Division of Acute Care Surgery; Akshata Moghe, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition and medical director of the Adult Liver Transplant Program; and Mahnoor Mir, MD, assistant professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine.

Using case-based scenarios, the panel discussed risk stratification, strategies to mitigate perioperative risk, and modifications to care pathways for patients with portal hypertension. The discussion also highlighted the importance of early multidisciplinary collaboration in complex patients with cirrhosis, including when to engage the liver transplant team and how transplant considerations may influence surgical decision-making.

The new format is part of a broader effort to enhance the educational value of Grand Rounds for faculty and learners.

Surgery Residents and Faculty Showcase Work at American Hernia Society Annual Meeting

Department of Surgery faculty and residents represented UTHealth Houston at the 2026 American Hernia Society Annual Meeting in Denver, sharing research in ventral hernia repair and receiving support for continued investigation in hernia care.

William Rieger, MD, resident, presented “Better than BMI? The Association of CT-Related Body Composition Measures and Complications after Ventral Hernia Repair” during the Best Abstracts session. The project was funded in part by a 2024 Early Career Development Grant awarded to Julie Holihan, MD.

Dalya Ferguson, MD, assistant professor, was awarded the 2026 Disparities in Health Care Grant for her work, “Development and Validation of a Longitudinal Patient-Reported Cost Instrument for Hernia Care (PRC-Hernia).”

Jonah Stulberg, MD, PhD, MPH, associate professor, moderated a ventral hernia abstract session and spoke on the use of mesh suture in contaminated hernia repair. He also presented findings from “Mesh Strips Versus Mesh Suture for Ventral Hernia Repair: A Retrospective Analysis,” a project prepared by resident Coleman Miller, MD.

Adams Shares Career Journey at Joint Student Surgery and Trauma Meeting

The Student Surgical Association (SSA) and Student Trauma Society (STS) recently hosted a joint meeting for first- and second-year McGovern Medical School students interested in surgery.

Sasha Adams, MD, FACS, professor in the Division of Acute Care Surgery, vice chair for education in the Department of Surgery, and faculty mentor for SSA, spoke to students about her career during a presentation titled “My Journey: From Musician to Surgeon, and MD to PD.” Adams shared her path into surgery and medical education, as well as her experiences as a surgeon, educator, and residency program director.

The student-led STS provides early exposure to trauma surgery and surgical critical care through lectures from practicing trauma surgeons, shadowing opportunities, and hands-on workshops, including suturing and Stop the Bleed. The organization also connects students with faculty mentors and research opportunities as they explore potential career paths.

Thaddeus Puzio, MD, MS, FACS, assistant professor in the Division of Acute Care Surgery, serves as faculty mentor for STS, and medical student David Nguyen serves as the organization’s president.

Greives, Hopkins Lead Training at Statewide Plastic Surgery Bootcamp

Matthew Greives, MD, MS, FACS, and David Hopkins, MD, joined plastic surgery faculty from across Texas for the second annual Texas Society of Plastic Surgery Plastic Surgery Intern Bootcamp, held Sept. 14-16 at the UT San Antonio School of Medicine campus.

The statewide program brought together all seven plastic surgery training programs in Texas, with 25 eligible trainees from both integrated and independent programs participating. Ten faculty members led participants through lectures and hands-on modules designed to prepare new plastic surgery residents to take call and build foundational skills for their training.

Representing UTHealth Houston among the trainees were Ellen Wang, MD, PGY-1; Rebecca Luh, MD, PGY-1; and Nelimar Cruz-Centeno, MD, PGY-6.

The annual bootcamp provides an opportunity for plastic surgery programs across the state to collaborate in preparing the next generation of surgeons through focused instruction, practical experience, and shared expertise.

Kao Featured on Women in Trauma Surgery Life Hacks Panel

Lillian S. Kao, MD, MS, FACS, professor of surgery, division director of Acute Care Surgery, and the Jack H. Mayfield, MD Chair in Surgery, was a featured panelist for the Women in Trauma Surgery (WITS) “Life Hacks” webinar on Aug. 13.

The panel brought together women in trauma surgery to share their experiences and practical approaches to finding fulfillment both in and outside of the hospital. The conversation explored topics including schedule management, family life, health and wellness, parenting, caring for aging parents, and managing the everyday demands of life alongside a career in surgery.

Dr. Kao joined fellow panelists Lisa M. Kodadek, MD, FACS, of Yale School of Medicine, and Randi N. Smith, MD, MPH, of Emory University and Grady Memorial Hospital.

PEOPLE & RECOGNITION

Surgery Faculty and Residents Named 2026 Champions of the Clinical Learning Environment

Four Department of Surgery faculty members and two residents have been named 2026 Champions of the Clinical Learning Environment by McGovern Medical School in recognition of their positive impact on medical students during clinical training.

The recognition is based on student feedback from the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 Learning Environment Surveys and honors faculty and residents who foster supportive, welcoming learning environments while helping students learn, grow, and develop professionally.

Faculty Champions



• John C. Cowling, MD – Minimally Invasive Surgery, Memorial Hermann Southeast
• D. Ryan Hall, MD – Minimally Invasive Surgery/Transplant, Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
• Todd F. Huzar, MD – Acute Care Surgery, Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center
• Saleem Khan, MD – Acute Care Surgery, Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center

Resident Champions



• Rohit Rajendran, MD – Urology Residency, PGY-3
• Kylie I. Holden, MD – General Surgery Residency, PGY-4

“Thank you for this honor! It is such a privilege to work with the medical students, and I am so grateful they have nominated me for this,” Rajendran said.

The annual recognition celebrates those who make a meaningful difference in students' educational experiences through teaching, mentorship, guidance, and a commitment to helping learners feel supported and valued as members of the clinical team.

Moore and Mueck Selected for Inaugural Dean's Faculty Advisory Committee

Laura J. Moore, MD, FACS, professor, and Krislynn M. Mueck, MD, MPH, MS, assistant professor, have been selected to serve on the inaugural McGovern Medical School Dean’s Faculty Advisory Committee (DFAC). Drs. Moore and Mueck will represent the Department of Surgery on the committee.

The DFAC will provide faculty input and recommendations to the dean on academic affairs, strategic planning, and the overall academic welfare of McGovern Medical School. Members will serve as a two-way communication channel between faculty and the Dean’s Office while helping guide initiatives related to education, research, clinical care, service, faculty wellness, and cross-departmental collaboration.

Their one-year terms began Sept. 1. As inaugural members, Drs. Moore and Mueck will help shape the committee’s direction and its role in supporting the continued advancement of McGovern Medical School.

Hsu Appointed to APSA Cancer Committee

Danielle M. Hsu, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, has been appointed to the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) Cancer Committee. The committee supports APSA’s efforts to advance pediatric surgical oncology and improve care and outcomes for children with cancer.

The appointment recognizes Dr. Hsu’s commitment to advancing pediatric surgical care and provides an opportunity for her to contribute to initiatives focused on improving outcomes for children with cancer while collaborating with pediatric surgeons nationwide.

Wood Appointed Professor Emeritus at McGovern Medical School

R. Patrick Wood, MD, a pioneering transplant surgeon who established Houston’s first liver transplant program, has been appointed Professor Emeritus at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston in recognition of his contributions to transplant surgery and the institution.

Wood was recruited to the Department of Surgery in 1991 after training under Thomas Starzl, MD, PhD, in Pittsburgh during the formative years of liver transplantation. At Hermann Hospital, he achieved several significant milestones, including Houston’s first living-donor liver transplant and its first pediatric liver transplant.

After more than 20 years advancing transplant surgery in Houston, Wood transitioned to leadership in organ donation and ultimately served as chief medical officer at LifeGift. He has remained active in Houston’s transplant community through service with organizations including Nora’s Home, The Living Bank, and The Health Museum.

Over the past 16 months, Wood has also served as a special consultant to the department’s Transplant Quality team, sharing his experience and historical perspective as the liver transplant program he founded continues to grow.

“His appointment as Professor Emeritus ensures that his wisdom and connection to our transplant program’s rich history will continue to be shared with our rapidly growing team,” said Mark J. Hobeika, MD.

In Memoriam: Donald R. Butts, MD

RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP

Publications of Note

Gerard J, Sperry JL, Guyette FX, Rosario-Rivera BL, Kutcher ME, Kornblith L, Cotton BA, Wilson CT, Inaba K, Vincent L, Harner AM, Neal MD, Wisniewski SR, Daley B, McKnight C, Cold Stored Platelet for Hemorrhagic Shock (CRISP-HS) Study Group. Bayesian analysis of the early cold stored platelet transfusion following severe injury randomized clinical trial. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open. 2026;11(3):e002145. doi:10.1136/tsaco-2025-002145. PMID: 42516807. PMC13404836.

Karpe AS, Fajemisin MO, Martinez Ugarte S, Blakely ML, Khraish GH, Sanghvi SV, Furbacher J, Wagner VE, Mankiewicz KA, Kao LS, Puzio TJ. A Video-Based Support Tool to Enhance Code Status Discussions in Older Adults After Trauma: A Prospective Pilot Survey Study. J Am Geriatr Soc. Aug 10 2026;doi:10.1111/jgs.70659. PMID: 42574649.

Koh EY, Wang SK, DuBose JJ, Lally P, Harting MT, Cox CS, Jr., Drucker NA. Leveraging multicenter databases to improve care in pediatric vascular surgery. J Pediatr Surg. Aug 2026;61(8):162239. doi:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2025.162239. PMID: 42532610.

Remer SL, Hobika G, Murphy PB, Reinke CE, Ross S, Hartwell JL, Savage S, Ko CY, Wandling MW. Impact of Increased Time for Trial of Nonoperative Management in Small Bowel Obstruction: Evidence from the American College of Surgeons NSQIP Emergency General Surgery Targeted Database. J Am Coll Surg. Jul 30 2026;doi:10.1097/xcs.0000000000002114. PMID: 42528451.

Holden KI, Scott MC, Ebanks AH, Khan AM, McMullan DM, Johnson A, Cox CS Jr, Harting MT, LaPar DJ. Single Ventricle Physiology May Not Preclude Cardiac Repair in the Setting of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg. 2026 Sep;17(5):610-618. doi: 10.1177/21501351251386423. Epub 2026 Mar 3. PMID: 41773639; PMCID: PMC13443361.

Harting MT, Holden KI, Boyd AK, LaPar DJ. Rethinking the approach to outcomes assessment for neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and complex cardiac disease. Ann Thorac Surg. 2026 Aug 7:S0003-4975(26)00820-9. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2026.07.046. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42567464.

Gowda SH, Nienaber T, Makkar A, Buchmiller T, Weems MF, Zalieckas JM, Jancelewicz T, Stark R, Billimoria Z, Perkins JM, Gray BW, Church JT, Giron A, Guner Y, Harting MT. One Size Does Not Fit All: Comparing CDH Team Structure Across Children's Hospitals in the United States of America. Am J Perinatol. 2026 Aug 17. doi: 10.1055/a-2930-4027. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42607722.

Harting MT, Drucker NA, Chen W, Cotton BA, Wang SK, DuBose JJ, Cox CS Jr. Principles and practice in pediatric vascular trauma: Part 2: Fundamental vascular principles, pediatric nuance, and follow-up strategies. J Pediatr Surg. 2026 Aug;61(8):161655. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.07.040. Epub 2024 Jul 30. PMID: 39168787.

Harting MT, Drucker NA, Austin MT, Greives MR, Cotton BA, Wang SK, Williams DP, DuBose JJ, Cox CS Jr. Principles and practice in pediatric vascular trauma: Part 1: Scope of problem, team structure, multidisciplinary dynamics, and solutions. J Pediatr Surg. 2026 Aug;61(8):161654. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2024.07.039. Epub 2024 Jul 26. PMID: 39181780.

Atmanli A, Collier AM, Olson SD, Cox CS Jr. Fibrin Degradation Products Regulate Endothelial Barrier Function in Traumatic Brain Injury via the Actin Cytoskeleton. Neurotrauma Reports. 2026;7. doi:10.1177/2689288X261469553

Sutyak KM, Ringheanu VM, Strubel JJ, Anapolsky M, Joly JM, Fisher T, Lally KP, Tsao K. EMR Challenges: Discrepancies Between Clinical Scoring Tools in Pediatric Appendicitis. J Surg Res. 2026 Aug 17;326:896-902. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2026.07.004. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42607552.

Joly JM, Morris EM, Sutyak KM, Menon PR, Sinnathamby AN, Sweeney TR, Patel IV, Jayarajan NG, Ringheanu VM, Anapolsky M, Drucker NA, Lally KP, Tsao K. Cumulative effects of stepwise quality improvement in postoperative care for pediatric complicated appendicitis. J Pediatr Surg. 2026 Aug 5:163338. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2026.163338. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42556523.

Papanna R, Fletcher SA, Mann LK, Bergh EP, Austin MT, Zhu S, Agarwal N, Salazar A, Lai D, Feinberg JS, Garcia E, Backley S, Espinoza J, Refuerzo JS, Johnson A, Tsao K. Feasibility of Fetoscopic Spina Bifida Repair Using a Human Umbilical Cord Meningeal Patch: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2026 Aug 14:S0002-9378(26)00414-X. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2026.08.011. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42600674.

Sutyak KM, Fletcher SA, Sandberg DI, Lally KP, Speer AL. What About the Gallbladder? A Case Series of Experience and Outcomes in Pediatric Ventriculogallbladder Shunts. J Surg Res. 2026 Sep;325:96-101. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2026.05.033. Epub 2026 Jun 19. PMID: 42320073.

Stulberg JJ, Truong VTT, Schäfer WL, Iroz CB, Chamely EA, Johnson JK. Preventing Opioid Misuse Through Safe Opioid Use Agreements in Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Am Coll Surg. 2026 Aug 10. doi: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000002121. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42573191.

NEWS & EVENTS

STAR Team Hosts First Annual STAR Day

The Short Bowel Syndrome Therapy And Rehabilitation (STAR) Team hosted its first annual STAR Day on Aug. 15, bringing together pediatric patients, families, caregivers, and members of the care team for a morning focused on connection and community.

The event drew approximately 60 patients and family members, along with more than 20 physicians, medical students, and volunteers. Patients ranged in age from 1 to 19 years. Activities included a ball pit, slime station, Polaroid photo decorating, and STAR Team coloring books, with a special appearance by Topper, the Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital mascot. Patients and families also received STAR Team T-shirts and customized reusable gastrostomy tube pads.

Established in 2011, the multidisciplinary STAR Team provides comprehensive intestinal rehabilitation management for pediatric patients with intestinal failure at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and UTHealth Houston. The team is led by Medical Director Essam M. Imseis, MD, and Surgical Director Allison L. Speer, MD, FACS, FAAP, associate professor in the Department of Pediatric Surgery.

“We look forward to making this an annual event and growing our STAR Team community and outreach,” Dr. Speer said.

100 Cleft Portraits Tour Brings Cleft Community Together

The Texas Cleft-Craniofacial Team welcomed patients, families, providers, and community members to the 100 Cleft Portraits Tour at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital on Aug. 26.

Presented by the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association, the national traveling exhibition features 100 portraits and personal stories of people born with cleft differences. Created by artist and trauma-informed coach Katie Manning, the project seeks to expand the conversation surrounding cleft differences beyond medical treatment to include identity, confidence, emotional well-being, representation, and belonging.

The exhibit drew a strong turnout throughout the day, followed by a VIP event attended by providers, cleft patient families, hospital board members, and cleft team members from Shriners Children’s and Texas Children’s Hospital. Families also had the opportunity to meet Manning and share heartfelt conversations with the artist.

Organizers hope the 100 Cleft Portraits Tour will continue to travel across the United States in the years ahead, raising awareness and building community among patients and families affected by facial differences.

View additional photos & highlights …

In The News

Matthew R. Greives, MD

• Special Art Exhibit Celebrates the Beauty and Resilience of Children Born With Cleft Lip and Palate – FOX26 (KRIV) Houston Morning Show

Grand Rounds

Editorial Team: Dr. Lillian Kao, Dr. Casey Duncan, Dr. Peter Walker, Dr. Elias Chamely, Maryam Broussard, and Sophia M. Solis

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