A NEWSLETTER FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SURGERY

at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

June 2025

Benjy F. Brooks, MD, Outstanding Clinical Faculty Award: Marina Petsalis, MD

Marina Petsalis, MD, chief resident in the Department of Surgery at McGovern Medical School, has been honored with the 2025 Benjy F. Brooks, MD, Outstanding Clinical Faculty Award. This prestigious award, established in 1991 by the Alumni Association and presented by the McGovern Student Surgical Association, recognizes individuals who enhance the educational program by serving as exemplary role models for students.

Petsalis, a McGovern alumna who earned her medical degree in 2020, is celebrated for her hands-on, collaborative teaching style that empowers students to actively engage in their learning. Expressing her gratitude, she stated, “I am truly blown away and humbled to be recognized by the medical students.” The award is named in honor of Dr. Benjy Brooks, the first board-certified woman pediatric surgeon in the U.S., who joined McGovern’s faculty in 1973 and remained active until her passing in 1998.

Read the full story…

2025 Dean's Teaching Excellence Awards

Congratulations to the 2025 recipients of the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Awards. Each May, McGovern Medical School celebrates Teaching Excellence Month, recognizing outstanding faculty contributions to medical education.

New in 2025, the awards program has introduced a focus on junior faculty. Senior faculty who have received the Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award five or more times are now honored with the title of Esteemed Educator and are no longer eligible for the annual award.

Dean’s Teaching Excellence Awardees - Department of Surgery (2024-2025)

• Colton Cowling, MD
• Ekatarina Elliot, DO
• Julie Holihan, MD
• David Meyer, MD
• Krislynn Mueck, MD
• Michael Wandling, MD

Esteemed Educators – Department of Surgery (2024-2025)

• Sasha Adams, MD
• Kulvinder Bajwa, MD
• Farzaneh Banki, MD
• Daniel Freet, MD
• John Harvin, MD
• Todd Huzar, MD
• Lillian Kao, MD
• Saleem Khan, MBBS
• Melina McCarty, MD
• Stefanos Millas, MD
• Thaddeus Puzio, MD
• Emily Robinson, MD
• Tamara Saunders, MD
• Shinil Shah, DO
• James Wallace, MD
• Todd Wilson, MD

We commend all recipients for their continued dedication to teaching and mentorship.

Department of Surgery Makes Its Mark

at Spring Conferences

May was a busy month for conferences, both national and international! Faculty, residents, and students from the McGovern Medical School Department of Surgery were well represented at meetings covering a broad range of surgical and research topics. Congratulations to all who presented, contributed to research, mentored trainees, and served in leadership roles or on committees across these events!

European Congress on Obesity: Weighing in on

GLP-1 Medications

Deborah Bade Horn, DO, MPH, MFOMA, associate professor in the Department of Surgery, presented the SURMOUNT-5 clinical trial data alongside her co-authors to a standing-room-only audience at the European Congress on Obesity, held May 12–15, 2025, in Malaga, Spain. Horn served as the principal investigator for the UTHealth Houston Center for Obesity Medicine and Metabolic Performance and is an author of the manuscript, which was published simultaneously in The New England Journal of Medicine.

The SURMOUNT-5 trial was the first-ever head-to-head study of the new generation of GLP-1 medications for obesity. Conducted across the United States with 751 participants, the trial showed that tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) outperformed semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) by 6%, with an average weight loss of 20.2% total body weight compared to 13.7%.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Horn shared, “It was truly an honor to be a part of the very first head-to-head trial and to work side by side with one of my mentors, Dr. Louis Aronne from Cornell, and colleague Dr. Carel le Roux from University College Dublin.”

The trial manuscript was recognized as the top “Trending Now on NEJM.org” publication during the week of May 20, 2025.

American Urological Association: Advancing Innovation in Urological Care

Faculty, residents, and researchers from the Department of Surgery’s Division of Urology were recognized for their outstanding contributions during the 2025 American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 28–May 2, 2025.

Skyler Howell, MD, a PGY-4 urology resident, represented the South Central Section (SCS) in the 12th Annual Residents Bowl, a competitive quiz-style event testing clinical knowledge across urological subspecialties. The SCS team earned first place for the second consecutive year. Howell’s performance highlighted the clinical rigor and teamwork emphasized throughout the residency program.

Danqing (Dannie) Ren, MS, a research assistant in the Division of Urology, received the 2025 Publication and Research Excellence Award from the World Chinese Urological Society (WCUS), an official AUA affiliate. Ren presented her study, “Fibroblast distribution and localization in male reproductive organs: a mouse model study via lineage tracing,” during a podium session at the conference. Her recognition reflects the collaborative research culture within the department, and her work alongside Drs. Shu, Cao, Ko, and Wang.

Tung Shu, MD, associate professor of surgery, was honored with the 2025 WCUS Achievement Award, which recognizes senior experts in the global Chinese urological community for significant contributions to clinical practice and research. A leader in minimally invasive urologic surgery, Shu has collaborated extensively with Run Wang, MD, FACS, professor and Cecil M. Crigler, MD, Chair in Urology, to advance robotic-assisted techniques, including varicocelectomy and the novel application of robotic-assisted vasovasostomy. His work has been widely published and presented internationally, including invited lectures across Asia, Israel, and Europe. Shu’s contributions have helped position McGovern Medical School as a center of innovation in the global urology community.

These accolades underscore the Division of Urology’s commitment to clinical excellence, academic achievement, and international collaboration.

Surgical Infection Society: Spreading Infectious Ideas

Faculty, residents, and students from McGovern Medical School participated in the 44th Annual Meeting of the Surgical Infection Society (SIS), held May 13–14, 2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

SIS Award Update

• “The Impact of Health Literacy on Infections after Surgical Treatment (Health LIT Study)” – presented by Krislynn Mueck, MD, MS, MPH, assistant professor of surgery

Oral Presentation

• “Are Fewer Damage Control Laparotomies Associated with a Decrease in the Rate and Severity of Surgical Site Infections?” – Stephanie Martinez Ugarte, MD

Mini-Oral Presentations

• “Is Social Vulnerability Associated with Surgical Site Infections in Trauma Patients?” – Mokunfayo Fajemisin, MD
• “Readability of Infection-Related Patient Education Materials” – Parker Towns (MS3)
• “Is Mobility After Trauma Laparotomy Associated with Surgical Site Infections?” – William Rieger, MD

Dalya Ferguson, MD, MS, assistant professor of surgery, and Lillian S. Kao, MD, MS, FACS, professor of surgery, served as discussants during the scientific sessions.

In a notable leadership update, Dr. Kao was elected President-Elect of the Surgical Infection Society for 2025–2026. She will assume the role of President the following year. Kao currently serves as the society’s Secretary-Treasurer.

American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons: Serious Science and Some Serious Fun

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) held their Annual Scientific Meeting on May 10–13, 2025, in beautiful San Diego, CA. This is the largest national meeting of colon and rectal surgeons, and it boasts a strong international attendance, with more than 40 countries represented this year among the close to 2500 attendees. Our colorectal Fellows and Faculty actively participated in this year's meeting, engaging in sessions, symposia, and workshops covering the latest colorectal surgery and research advancements.  

Jeffrey L. Van Eps, MD, FACS, assistant professor of surgery, continued his work on the ASCRS Awards Committee, judging abstract presentations throughout the conference. The committee’s evaluations determine the recipients of the society’s prestigious annual awards.

Our department's research was well represented, with three presentations:

• "Large Pre-sacral Cyst Excision Utilizing A Combination Of Kraske Procedure With Coccygectomy And Robotic Anterior Approach." Naqvi, SHS, Chamely EA, Cusick MV, Agarwal AK
• "Rectal Ischemia After Emborrhoid Procedure… A Real Pain In The Butt." Chamely EA, Naqvi, SHS, Askenasy E, Agarwal AK
• "Rare Case Presentation of Ovarian Cancer Metastasis to the Colon." Capece SK, Snyder MJ 

But… reaffirming colorectal surgery’s reputation as the most fun surgical specialty, it wasn’t all work and learning. The annual meeting kicked off with a brilliant welcome reception. Three city blocks in the historic Gaslamp District were cordoned off for a street festival, featuring live music, dancing, tarot card readings, escape rooms, and an array of food and drink trucks. The night was a highlight of this year’s event.

Our fellowship at McGovern Medical School is one of the largest in the country, training four fellows each year. Michael J. Snyder, MD, FACS, professor of surgery, and Marianne Cusick, MD, FACS, associate professor of surgery, division director of colorectal surgery, and H. Randolph Bailey, MD, Chair in Colorectal Surgery, hosted the annual alumni reception on Monday night, which was well attended by many esteemed prior fellows, now scattered across the United States and representing McGovern Medical School proudly. Afterwards, a group continued on to Petco Park to watch the LA Angels clinch a win with a grand slam in the final innings against the San Diego Padres.

All in all, it was a wonderful gathering, and we are already looking forward to next year's meeting in Tampa. 

Dr. Cusick and former fellows, including Dr. Woi Kim (current faculty).

Drs Cusick and Chamely at the Padres game.

Dr. Steven Capece, presenting his work to a packed crowd.

Digestive Disease Week: Going With Our Guts

Digestive Disease Week 2025, the largest international gastrointestinal meeting, was held May 3–6, 2025, in San Diego and boasted over 13,000 attendees. McGovern Medical School had a fantastic presence at the meeting with an impressive number of posters, videos, and podium presentations. There were presentations from first-year medical students to faculty representing multiple divisions and groups. We had presentations from thoracic surgery, MIS/bariatrics, colorectal surgery, and basic science, and a large presence from gastroenterology.

Nirav C. Thosani, MD, MHA, professor, and Atilla Ertan, MD, Endowed Chair in Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition was even featured in the Digestive Disease Week News discussing new technology in cholangiocarcinoma care.

As usual, Farzaneh Banki, MD, professor of medicine in the Department of Surgery, had an impressive cohort of medical students under her mentorship in attendance. Mack Anderson and Austin Zhu – both MS1 students – were the only medical student presenters in their plenary video session. They held their own in a session filled with Faculty and Fellows and represented McGovern Medical School well.

The full list of presentations at the conference can be found online.

Congratulations to all.

Surgical Education Week: Building Better Surgeons, One Learner at a Time

Surgical Education Week was held May 5–10, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. The annual meeting combines two national organizations: the Association of Surgical Education (ASE) and the Association of Program Directors in Surgery (APDS). The joint conference brings together surgeons from across the country who are dedicated to educating medical students, residents, and fellows in surgical specialties.

Sasha D. Adams, MD, FACS, professor of surgery and program director for general surgery and urology;  Melissa Stewart, MD, FACS, assistant professor of surgery and associate program director for general surgery; and Casey Duncan, MD, MS, FACS, associate professor of surgery and clerkship director, represented McGovern Medical School at the event. Adams and Stewart attended the APDS sessions, while Duncan participated in the ASE portion.

On May 8, Dr. Adams spoke during a joint panel session titled “Nurturing Surgical Families to Build a More Inclusive Surgical Workforce,” where she presented “The FML Puzzle: Putting the Pieces Together,” a how-to guide on navigating rotation schedules around family medical leave.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & HIGHLIGHTS

Under the leadership of newly appointed Division Director Mark Hobeika, MD, FACS, the Division of Immunology and Organ Transplantation has been renamed the Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation. This change reflects a renewed focus and marks a period of transformation and growth within the division. Please use the updated name in all future references.

Publications of Note

Martin R, Yakoubovitch S, Christopher L, Bavishi D, Parreco J, Lopez-Viego MA, Lopez M, Buicko JL. A Challenging Case of Thyrotoxicosis and Thyroid Abscess due to Acute Suppurative Thyroiditis. The American SurgeonTM. 2025;0(0). doi:10.1177/00031348251341958

Dugan MM, Pruett R, Romero D, Parreco JP, Edwards CM, Buicko JL. Impact of Financial Toxicity in Surgical Oncology Patients on Postoperative Hospital Readmission. Am Surg. 2025 May 27:31348251346531. doi: 10.1177/00031348251346531. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40423683.

Al Tannir AH, Biesboer EA, Tentis M, Golestani S, Dodgion C, Peschman JR, Holena D, Murphy PB, Trevino C, Carver TW, Miranda S, de Moya MA, Puzio T, Schellenberg M, Morris RS. Evaluating the efficacy and safety of low-molecular weight heparin as a chemoprophylactic agent in stable traumatic brain injury. Am J Surg. 2025 May 9;246:116389. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116389. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40378495.

Andraska E, Fields A, Nunez-Garcia B, Moore E, Wade CE, Knudson MM, Neal MD, Kornblith L; CLOTT (Consortium of Leaders in the Study of Traumatic Thromboembolism) Study Group (McNutt MK). Platelet flux in trauma-associated venous thromboembolism: A secondary analysis of the Consortium of Leaders in the Study of Traumatic Thromboembolism (CLOTT) studies. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2025 Jun 1;98(6):957-965. doi: 10.1097/TA.0000000000004592. Epub 2025 Mar 20. PMID: 40107968; PMCID: PMC12097933.

Clements TW, Van Gent JM, Krzyzaniak A, Campbell B, Carroll A, Mericle M, Sise M, Peck KA, Cotton BA. The effect of prehospital blood products on unexpected survival: A multi-institution study. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2025 May 2. doi: 10.1097/TA.0000000000004641. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40312787.

Francis JJ, Kashkoush AI, Ho VP, Roach MJ, Kelly ML; American Association for the Surgery of Trauma GERI-TBI Study Group (Adams SD). Predictors of withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies in older adults with TBI and a modified frailty index score. J Clin Neurosci. 2025 May;135:111191. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2025.111191. Epub 2025 Mar 18. PMID: 40107005.

Price AD, Nasim BW, Montgomery KB, Layne DL, Cortez AR, Abelson JS, Patel JA; US Resident OPerative Experience (ROPE) Consortium (Adams SD). A Multi-institutional Study From the US Resident Operative Experience Consortium Examining Factors Associated With Exposure and Pursuit of Colorectal Fellowship After General Surgery Residency. Dis Colon Rectum. 2025 May 1;68(5):637-646. doi: 10.1097/DCR.0000000000003671. Epub 2025 Feb 7. PMID: 39918220.

Schmidt S, Jacobs MA, Hall DE, Stitzenberg KB, Kao LS, Brimhall BB, Wang CP, Manuel LS, Su HD, Silverstein JC, Shireman PK. One cutoff is not enough: Assessing different area deprivation index cutoffs for insurance types on surgical Desirability of Outcome Ranking (DOOR). Healthc (Amst). 2025 May 14;13(1):100762. doi: 10.1016/j.hjdsi.2025.100762. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40378775.

Shah SS, Shetty AJ, Johnston DT, Hanan CL, O'Reilly BT, Skibber MA, Massoud AT, Zhu B, Sevick-Muraca EM, Juranek J, Cox CS Jr, Shah MN. Implications and pathophysiology of neuroinflammation in pediatric patients with traumatic brain injury: an updated review. Front Neurosci. 2025 Apr 15;19:1587222. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2025.1587222. PMID: 40303612; PMCID: PMC12037507.

IN THE NEWS

GRAND ROUNDS

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

utplastics: Introducing our 2025 Plastic Surgery Independent Match 🥳🎉 We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Nelimar Cruz Centeno to the UTPlastics family!

uturology: UTH Urology residents rolling in deep at the Boston Scientific Prosthetics Course! Thank you @bostonsci for hosting an educational and fun course!

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.