Baylor College of Medicine
Adult Cardiac
Member Since: 2018
Biography:
I am a cardiothoracic surgeon, Professor of Surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine, and Chief of Cardiac Surgery at the Ben Taub Hospital in Houston, Texas. My clinical and research interest is focused on the management of ischemic cardiomyopathy, including the development of translational therapeutics to improve outcomes.
What Does the AATS Mean to You:
The AATS represents a surgical family with a common goal of pursuing excellence in cardiothoracic surgery.
My First Experience with AATS:
I had the privilege of presenting a paper under the mentorship of past AATS president Lawrence Cohn as a PGY2 general surgery resident during a plenary session. Despite my early career stage, the inclusiveness of the Association and the vibrant discussion made an impact on my goal to pursue a career in academic surgery.
Why I became an AATS member:
To join a surgical family of cardiothoracic surgeons with a common goal of attaining excellence in clinical care, education, and research.
The first presentation I gave is:
My first presentation was as a second year general surgery resident at the 2005 AATS annual meeting defining midterm outcomes with suture bicuspidization of the tricuspid valve for tricuspid regurgitation.
The first paper I had published is:
My first paper was in the field of biomedical optics developing optical coherence tomography for high resolution imaging published in Nature Medicine.
I plan on becoming more involved in the organization through:
I believe in the Mission of the AATS and am willing to serve on committees, particularly in the areas of education and research, to further this Mission.
Advice for Trainees:
Enjoy each step of the journey, balancing family and professional pursuits, for a rewarding and long career in cardiothoracic surgery."
My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:
As a medical student, I was awed at the impact a cardiac surgeon through technical skill and intellectual ingenuity can have on the life of a patient. I was "hooked" after watching my first heart surgery at the Brigham and Women's Hospital.
The biggest impact my mentor had on my career is:
I have been fortunate to have a number of impactful mentors, but Dr. Lawrence Cohn inspired me to pursue excellence in surgery while teaching others and developing innovation.
The topic most important to advancing the field of CT Surgery is:
Surgeons are at the front lines of patient care and if CT surgeons continue to advance the technical capabilities of the field (less invasive, quicker recovery, better outcomes, longevity of reconstructions), CT surgery will remain at the forefront of cardiovascular care.
The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery are:
Evolving technology disrupts traditional surgical paradigms, and I believe that's a good thing. The more surgeons embrace and become part of these disruptive technologies, the better for all, especially patients.
Advice for Trainees:
Enjoy each step of the journey, balancing family and professional pursuits, for a rewarding and long career in cardiothoracic surgery.