A Newsletter for the Departments of Surgery and Pediatric Surgery

at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

August 2026

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE & INNOVATION

LBJ Hospital Completed Level III Trauma Re-Designation Survey

Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital completed its Level III Trauma Center re-designation survey on Aug. 2-3, marking another important milestone for one of Texas’ busiest trauma programs.

Since becoming the state’s first officially designated Level III Trauma Center in 1996, LBJ Hospital has continued to play a vital role in caring for injured patients. The program treated more than 3,500 trauma registry patients during fiscal year 2025 and is projected to exceed 3,600 patients in fiscal year 2026.

During the survey, reviewers recognized several strengths of the LBJ Trauma Program, including the leadership of Laura Moore, MD, FACS, medical director, and Future Johns, RN, trauma program manager, as well as the exceptional performance of the Surgical ICU under the leadership of Melissa Stewart, MD, FACS. 

UTHealth Houston Surgeons Demonstrate Their QI Wizardry in Orlando

The American College of Surgeons Quality, Safety, and Cancer Conference (ACS QSCC) took place in Orlando, Florida, from July 30 to August 2. Given the conference’s proximity to Universal Orlando Resort, wizarding was a prominent feature in the conference. On a more serious note, the theme of the conference was “QI: Powered by AI” – the theme was well-embedded in the conference, from the speakers to the AI-generated slides and videos to the projects presented.

UTHealth Houston faculty, residents, and medical students presented projects spanning multiple subspecialties and a range of quality improvement topics, from opioid stewardship to pre- and post-operative management of pediatric surgery patients to concordance with breast oncology guidelines. Several projects were the fruit of research efforts, including at outside institutions. At least one of the projects represented the improvement efforts of an entire PGY surgical residency class, facilitated by faculty mentors through the Surgery Residents’ Quality Improvement Curriculum, led by Tamara Saunders, MD, associate professor of Surgery. The projects also reflected the strong leadership support for QI at UTHealth Houston and our affiliated hospitals.

• Strong Faculty Interest for Formal Surgical Coaching to Improve Decision-Making and Surgical Quality — Erin Santos
• Multidisciplinary Leadership Engagement Significantly Reduces Surplus Length of Stay in Complex Surgical Patients — Erin Santos
• Early Outcomes of an Exercise-Based Multidisciplinary Quality Improvement Initiative for Parastomal Hernia Prevention in a Comprehensive Cancer Center — Erin Santos
• Development of the Patient-Reported Costs in Acute Care Surgery (PRC-ACS) Instrument — Dalya Ferguson, MD
• Prescribing with Precision: A Standardized Approach to Discharge Opioid Prescriptions after Trauma — Alexandra Boyd and Alexandra Foster
• One Way Ticket to Savings and Efficiency: Now Boarding for the Cardiac G-tube Boarding Pass — Carleen Cuevas
• Testing without Transfusion: The Low Yield of Preoperative Type and Screen in Pediatric Surgery — Erin Morris
• Impact of Sequential Quality Improvement Initiatives on Postoperative Management of Pediatric Complicated Appendicitis — Erin Morris
• Hospital Resection Rates for Pancreatic Cancer as a Potential Quality Metric for Patient Survival — Neha Malik
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Women 70+ with T2N0 HR+/HER2- Breast Cancer: Assessing Concordance with “Choosing Wisely” Guidelines in The Community — Ivany Patel, medical student

Additionally, Michael Wandling, MD, MS, assistant professor of Surgery, gave two presentations related to the Emergency General Surgery Verification Program and moderated two abstract sessions, and Lillian Kao, MD, MS, professor of Surgery, moderated two hot topic sessions. 

Bajwa Featured in Epic4Me Magazine

Kulvinder Bajwa, MD, FACS, FASMSB, professor of surgery in the Division of Minimally Invasive and Elective General Surgery and vice chair for clinical technology, is featured in Epic4Me Magazine as part of its "Physician Champion Spotlight" series.

In the feature, Dr. Bajwa discusses his role as an Epic physician champion, sharing how he helps shape electronic health record workflows and technology initiatives to improve physician efficiency while supporting high-quality patient care. He also reflects on the importance of interoperability, the thoughtful use of artificial intelligence in clinical documentation, and ensuring that technology enhances, rather than replaces, clinical judgment.

As vice chair for clinical technology, Dr. Bajwa serves as a liaison between physicians and information technology teams, helping guide electronic health record governance and the adoption of tools that improve workflows for providers across the institution.

Congratulations to Dr. Bajwa on this well-deserved recognition.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

General Surgery Residency Welcomes New Associate Program Director

Effective July 1, 2026, Anna Mydlowska, MD, has been named Associate Program Director for the General Surgery Residency Program, succeeding Ryan Hall, MD, who has assumed an expanded leadership role within the Dean's Office.

In her new role, Dr. Mydlowska will lead mentorship efforts for the intern class, with a special focus on supporting the program's non-designated preliminary residents.

Dr. Hall will continue to serve as a core faculty member, mentoring residents in Transplant Surgery and Surgical Oncology. We thank Dr. Hall for his dedicated service as Associate Program Director and congratulate Dr. Mydlowska on stepping into this important leadership role.

Welcome PGY-1 Intern Class

We are pleased to welcome the newest members of the General Surgery Residency Program at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. Our incoming PGY-1 class includes both categorical and preliminary interns who bring diverse backgrounds, exceptional achievements, and a shared commitment to excellence in surgical care.

As they begin residency, these physicians will train within one of the nation's largest and most diverse academic medical centers, gaining broad clinical experience across multiple surgical specialties. Guided by dedicated faculty and supported by a collaborative learning environment, they will develop the knowledge, technical skills, and professionalism that will serve as the foundation of their careers as surgeons.

Please join us in welcoming our new interns. We are excited to have them join the Department of Surgery and look forward to following their growth and accomplishments throughout their residency training.

Urology Residency Welcomes Three New PGY-1 Residents

The Department of Surgery's Urology Residency Program welcomed three new PGY-1 residents for the 2026–2027 academic year.

• Gabriel Andino, MD, earned his medical degree from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. His interests include medical education, mentorship, urologic outcomes research, and community service.
• Chidera Nosiri, MD, received her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She brings experience in urologic oncology research, mentorship, and community-engaged scholarship.
• Yezan Hadidi, MD, graduated from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. Having previously completed a sub-internship with the program, he joins the residency with interests in patient-centered care, clinical excellence, and urologic research.

The department is excited to welcome Gabriel, Chidera, and Yezan as they begin their surgical training at UTHealth Houston.

Plastic Surgery Welcomes New Trainees

The Division of Plastic Surgery welcomed new trainees to its Integrated and Independent Plastic Surgery Residency Programs, as well as its Microsurgery Fellowship, for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program:

• Ellen Wang, MD, earned her medical degree from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. Already familiar with the division through a dedicated research fellowship, she brings experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery research, mentorship, and microsurgical reconstruction.
• Rebecca Luh, MD, received her medical degree from Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine. Her interests include craniofacial surgery, surgical outcomes research, medical education, and community service.

Independent Plastic Surgery Residency Program:

• Nelimar Cruz Centeno, MD, joins the program after earning her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine and completing a General Surgery residency at the University of Puerto Rico. She brings a strong background in reconstructive surgery, research, teaching, and leadership.

Microsurgery Fellowship:

• Solji Roh, MD, completed her medical degree at Kyungpook National University School of Medicine in South Korea and her Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency at The University of Tokyo Hospital in Japan. She joins the fellowship with extensive expertise in microsurgery, lymphatic surgery, reconstructive surgery, and clinical research.

The department is pleased to welcome these new trainees and looks forward to supporting them throughout the coming academic year.

MIST Fellowship Consortium Celebrates Graduates

The Department of Surgery recently celebrated the graduation of the Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIST) Fellowship Consortium Class of 2025–2026 during a ceremony held July 17, 2026. The event recognized fellows from five specialized training programs and celebrated their accomplishments as they prepare to begin the next stage of their careers.

The MIST Fellowship Consortium is directed by Erik B. Wilson, MD, professor of surgery, director of the Division of Elective Surgery, and holder of the Lynn and Oscar Wyatt Chair in Metabolic Research, and Melissa Felinski, DO, associate professor of surgery. The consortium comprises five distinct programs, including four surgical fellowships and one clinical obesity medicine fellowship. Fellows spend most of their training with designated faculty while rotating among participating programs to gain broad operative, clinical, and academic experience.

The strength of the MIST Fellowship Consortium lies in its collaborative structure and the depth of expertise among its faculty, providing fellows with advanced training in minimally invasive surgery, bariatrics, abdominal wall reconstruction, colorectal surgery, and obesity medicine. Since its inception, the consortium has graduated more than 160 fellows who have gone on to successful careers in academic medicine and clinical practice throughout the country.

Congratulations to the 2025–2026 graduates:

• Alfredo Cepeda Jr., MD – Advanced MIS & Bariatrics Fellowship, UTHealth Houston; Destination: Acute Care Surgery, Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
•  James Cook, MD – Advanced MIS & Bariatrics Fellowship, Bariatric Medical Institute of Texas, San Antonio; Destination: North Texas Surgical Specialties
• Maureen McGill, MD – Advanced Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Fellowship, UTHealth Houston
• Alanna D. Meadows, DO – Obesity & Metabolism Fellowship, UTHealth Houston; Destination: Massachusetts General Hospital Weight Center and Instructor, Harvard Medical School
• Thanh-Thanh Nguyen, MD – Advanced Colorectal Surgery Fellowship, Houston Colon; Destination: Houston Colon, Houston, Texas
• Emmanuel Samy, DO – Advanced MIS & Bariatrics Fellowship, Bariatric Medical Institute of Texas, San Antonio; Destination: Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship, Vincent Surgical Arts, Utah
• Tania A. Torres-Ruiz, MD – Advanced Colorectal Surgery Fellowship, Houston Colon; Destination: Houston Colon, Houston, Texas
• Elizabeth Darby Winter, MD – Advanced MIS & Bariatrics Fellowship, UTHealth Houston; Destination: Prisma Health, Columbia, South Carolina

The Department of Surgery congratulates the MIST Fellowship graduates on their outstanding accomplishments and thanks the faculty, mentors, and participating institutions for their continued collaboration, which has made the MIST Fellowship Consortium a nationally recognized leader in advanced surgical training. We wish this year's graduates continued success as they begin the next chapter of their careers.

PEOPLE & RECOGNITION

Saif Receives National AWS Foundation Resident Award

Areeba Saif, MD, a recent graduate of the UTHealth Houston General Surgery Residency Program, has been selected to receive the 2026 Dr. Hilary Sanfey Outstanding Resident Award from the Association of Women Surgeons Foundation (AWSF). The national award recognizes an exceptional surgical resident who demonstrates outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to the surgical profession. Dr. Saif will be honored during the AWS Foundation Awards Dinner & Gala on Sept. 27 in Washington, D.C.

OMFS Alumnus Named Department Chair

Congratulations to Simon W. Young, DDS, MD, PhD, on his appointment as chair of the Bernard and Gloria Pepper Katz Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry. Dr. Young is a graduate of the six-year MD/DDS Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency program, completing the final two years of his training with the Department of Surgery at McGovern Medical School.

Read the full announcement...

Wagner and Puzio Featured in AAST Virtual Grand Rounds

RESEARCH & SCHOLARSHIP

Publications of Note

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. 2026 Jul 30. doi: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000002114. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42528451.

Carney PR, Zarzaur BL, Holcomb JB, Fox EE, Wade CE, Savage SA. "Understanding the Effect of Transfusion Rates on Differential Modulation of Inflammatory Responses". J Surg Res. Jun 29 2026;325:556-563. doi:10.1016/j.jss.2026.05.069. PMID: 42372702.

Nahmias J, Truong N, Murphy PB, Joseph B, Crandall M, Callcut RA, Patel MB, Nguyen PD, Martin ND, Bernard A, Grigorian A, Society of Acute Care Surgery Chiefs (Kao, LS). Advanced Practice Provider Utilization in Acute Care Surgery: A National Survey of the Society of Acute Care Surgery Division Chiefs. J Surg Res. Jul 13 2026;326:279-286. doi:10.1016/j.jss.2026.06.047. PMID: 42442206.

Puzio TJ, Wagner V, Kao LS. When to Perform Tracheostomy Should Follow Whether It Aligns With Goals of Care in Older Trauma Patients. J Surg Res. Jul 13 2026;doi:10.1016/j.jss.2026.05.085. PMID: 42443042.

Joly JM, Sutyak KM, Jayarajan NG, Mina A, Morris EM, Miller CC, Rollins-Reis A, Fennell JE, Pryor HI, Tsao K, Lally KP, Drucker NA. Preventing Pediatric Backover Trauma: The Impact of a Federally Mandated Car Safety Feature. J Pediatr Surg. 2026 Jul 17:163303. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2026.163303. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42468686.

O'Connor K, Lally K, Conlan-Trant R, Mohan C, Ryan HK, Moynihan G, Myers K, Norton MJ, Sheehan J, Ferguson Y, Cotter D, Lynch A. On call in psychiatry: moments, meaning, and the limits of crisis care. Ir J Psychol Med. 2026 Jul 27:1-4. doi: 10.1017/ipm.2026.10199. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42504099.

Yu LX, Mayhew AC, Ahmad H, Badillo A, Breech L, Chan SH, Childress K, Durham MM, Fei YF, Gayer C, Hernandez A, Hewitt GD, Kawaguchi A, Kebodeaux CA, Lawson A, McCracken K, Rentea RM, Rollins MD, Sumida MF, Velazco CS, Cizek SM. Long-term obstetric and gynecologic care for patients with anorectal malformations. J Pediatr Surg. 2026 Jul 13:163294. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2026.163294. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42442463.

Fei YF, Mayhew AC, Ahmad H, Badillo A, Breech L, Chan SH, Childress K, Cizek SM, Durham MM, Gayer C, Hernandez A, Hewitt GD, Kawaguchi A, Kebodeaux CA, McCracken K, Rentea RM, Rollins MD, Sumida MF, Velazco CS, Yu LX, Lawson A. Pre-pubertal gynecologic evaluation and management of patients with anorectal malformations. J Pediatr Surg. 2026 Jul 9:163292. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2026.163292. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42425442.

Read Ivaturi M, Crady RC, Hussaini SF, Ahmad H, Austin K, Badillo A, Calisto JL, Calkins CM, Darcy D, Durham MM, Fuchs JR, Gayer C, Grabowski JE, Harris JC, Hong CR, Kawaguchi AL, Rana A, Reeder RW, Rentea RM, Rollins MD, Rosen N, Saadai P, Smith CA, Speck EK, Velazco CS, Halaweish I, Gasior AC, Criss C, Wood RJ, Pruitt LCC. Association of small intestinal atresia and Hirschsprung disease in a multi-institutional colorectal registry. J Pediatr Surg. 2026 Jun 6:163228. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2026.163228. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42251886.

Ahmad H, Joachim A, Urrutia Gonzalez AY, Shaul D, Austin K, Badillo A, Calkins CM, Crady RC, Durham MM, Frischer J, Gayer C, Grabowski JE, Harris JC, Hong CR, Kawaguchi AL, Langer JC, Nandivada P, Rana A, Reeder RW, Rentea RM, Rollins MD, Rosen N, Saadai P, Smith CA, Speck KE, Wood RJ. Beyond the pull-through: A multi-institutional study of long-term surgical and functional outcomes in total colonic hirschsprung disease - A pediatric colorectal and pelvic learning consortium (PCPLC) study. J Pediatr Surg. 2026 Jun 6:163232. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2026.163232. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42251888.

Backley S, Speer A, Johnson A. Fetal Gastroschisis. Obstet Gynecol. 2026 Jun 25. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000006350. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42521653.

Tomita K, Austin MT, Hsu DM, Katz MHG, Ikoma N. Robotic Transmesocolic Approach to the Left Retroperitoneum. Ann Surg Oncol. 2026 Jun 29. doi: 10.1245/s10434-026-20029-0. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42374005.

NEWS & EVENTS

In The News

Grand Rounds

Grand Rounds Returns for the New Academic Year

Department of Surgery Grand Rounds is back for the 2026–2027 academic year following the July orientation period. The series kicked off with Tamara Saunders, MD, presenting Why Quality Improvement Matters. We look forward to another year of outstanding educational programming featuring expert speakers and timely topics.

See the schedule below, or visit the Department of Surgery Grand Rounds webpage for the latest presentation information and upcoming speakers.

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

View past issues or submit content for future editions of SurgeON.