BCM_Surgery

On this Veterans Day, we are especially grateful for the veterans within our own surgical community, whose dedication to service continues through their commitment to patients, education and advancing care. Thank you for your service! Did you know? Dr. O. H. "Bud" Frazier served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970 as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Army 48th Assault Helicopter Company during the Vietnam War. For his bravery and exceptional service, he received the Combat Flight Medal, the Vietnamese Navy Medal, and the Vietnamese Distinguished Service Medal. #VeteransDay #BCMSurgery #BaylorCollegeOfMedicine #DepartmentOfSurgery

Congratulations to Alexander Perez, M.D., professor of surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, on his appointment as Chair of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Fellowship Committee! In this leadership role, Dr. Perez will help guide a global network of 100 ACS-accredited educational institutions across 11 countries, supporting collaboration and best practices to advance surgical education and patient care. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Perez on this achievement! #BCMSurgery #SurgicalEducation #SurgicalLeadership #AmericanCollegeOfSurgeons

The 2026 AATS Aortic Symposium will bring together specialists from around the world to share advances in the diagnosis and treatment of aortic aneurysms and dissections. We are proud that Dr. Joseph S. Coselli, vice chair of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, will serve as one of the symposium’s program directors. The two-day meeting will take place Nov. 19–20, 2026, in New York City and is designed for healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with aortic disease. Learn more and register: events.aats.org/aortic-sympo… #AorticSymposium #AorticSurgery #CardiothoracicSurgery #AorticDisease #BCMSurgery

Now accepting applications for the 2027 Cardiovascular Surgery T32 Research Training Program at Baylor College of Medicine. Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, this two-year program prepares M.D. residents and Ph.D. postdoctoral fellows for research careers focused on cardiovascular surgery. Trainees receive multidisciplinary mentorship and select from three training tracks: • Data Science and Health Services Research • Basic and Translational Research • Bioengineering and Biodesign Applicants must hold an M.D. and/or Ph.D. and be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Letter of Interest deadline: Nov. 15, 2026 Full application deadline: Dec. 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. CST Program start date: July 1, 2027 Learn more and review application requirements: bcm.edu/departments/surgery/… #T32Training #CardiovascularResearch #SurgicalResearch #ResearchTraining #BCMSurgery

Everyday Extraordinary in the Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine highlights @DrKenLiao, professor and chief of cardiothoracic transplantation & circulatory support at Baylor College of Medicine, about robotic surgery and how these innovations have improved healthcare. youtube.com/watch?v=pN0ftNmX…

Everyday Extraordinary in the Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine highlights Dr. Mohamed Othman (@EndoscopyOthman), section chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Baylor College of Medicine, about an endoscopy clinical trial and robotic surgery. youtube.com/watch?v=024UeF9A…

Everyday Extraordinary in the Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine highlights Dr. @GustavoOderich, professor and chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy at Baylor College of Medicine, on the continued innovation in cardiac surgery. youtube.com/watch?v=fvTWx7MC…

Could genetically modified pig livers one day help address the shortage of donor organs? A new Houston Chronicle feature explores Baylor College of Medicine’s partnership with United Therapeutics to advance xenoliver transplantation research. The collaboration will provide up to $5 million annually for five years to establish the Center for Xenoliver Transplantation and Immunomodulation. Todd Rosengart, M.D., chair of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, discussed the potentially lifesaving impact of developing xenotransplantation to the level of current human organ transplantation. The center, co-directed by John Goss, M.D., chief of abdominal transplantation, and William K. Decker, Ph.D., will study genetic modifications, immune response and surgical techniques that could help make pig-to-human liver transplantation possible. While the research remains in its early stages, its findings also may help advance human organ transplantation. Read the full Houston Chronicle feature: houstonchronicle.com/health/… #Xenotransplantation #LiverTransplantation #TransplantResearch #SurgicalInnovation #BCMSurgery

The second issue of 2026 Surgery News is now available! Explore the latest clinical, research and educational updates from the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, including faculty accomplishments, surgical innovation and stories from across the department. Read the new issue today: bcm.edu/.../2026-09/surgery-… #SurgeryNews #AcademicSurgery #SurgicalInnovation #MedicalEducation #BCMSurgery

Dr. Marc Moon recently traveled to China to collaborate with leading cardiovascular surgeons and share expertise in advanced cardiac surgery. During his visit, Dr. Moon visited Wuhan Union Hospital during its 160th anniversary celebration and delivered a keynote lecture at the 13th Wuhan International Conference of Cardiovascular Disease, where nearly 2,000 leading surgeons from across the country gathered to discuss the latest advances in patient care and surgical innovation. In Xi'an, he visited the First Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University to share advanced surgical techniques in the operating room. He was joined by Dr. Yang Yan, a national leader in minimally invasive surgery, and Dr. Puja Kachroo, an aortic surgeon at Washington University in St. Louis.

Baylor College of Medicine will be closed today in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen Monday, July 6th. We hope you have a safe and Happy 4th of July!

Our “How To…” Workshops are back in full swing, providing practical insights and professional development opportunities for individuals at every stage of their careers. Today, Drs. Ravi Ghanta and Abbas Rana led “How To… AI 101: Tools for Research - From Literature Search to Analytics,” exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance research, streamline data analysis and support scientific discovery. At Baylor, we are committed to ensuring our physicians, staff and educators remain at the forefront of emerging technologies that advance patient care and improve outcomes. Bringing together experts to share knowledge and foster innovation is our mission.

We proudly welcomed the 2026 cohort of students to the Michael E. DeBakey Summer Surgery Program! During this eight-week program, participants are immersed in a surgical rotation, working alongside residents and faculty at one of three premier training sites: Ben Taub Hospital, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center or Texas Children’s Hospital. Through hands-on learning and clinical exposure, students are introduced to the fundamentals of surgical practice and gain valuable experience in the evaluation and treatment of surgical conditions. The program is designed to foster early interest in surgery while providing meaningful mentorship and insight into academic medicine and patient care.

Yesterday, our chief residents presented during Surgery Grand Rounds, sharing insights that spanned residency reflections, research and the future of our surgical simulation lab program. Their presentations showcased not only their expertise and curiosity, but also their dedication to advancing patient care and medical education. We are immensely proud of these outstanding physicians and all they have accomplished. 🎉

Last week, Dr. Henri Ford delivered the Michael E. DeBakey Distinguished Lecture during Surgery Grand Rounds. An internationally renowned pediatric surgeon, Dr. Ford is recognized for his global contributions to the field of surgery and his longstanding commitment to advancing academic medicine. As dean and chief academic officer of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, he has prioritized training the next generation of surgical leaders, expanding research funding and driving innovation across medical education, research and clinical care.

Congratulations to Charrika Williams, M.S.N., APRN, FNP-C, on receiving the 2026 Clinical Excellence in Vascular Nursing Award from the Society for Vascular Nursing (SVN). Charrika is an assistant professor and nurse practitioner in the Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. This prestigious honor reflects her outstanding contributions to vascular nursing and her commitment to delivering exceptional patient care. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition!