Women Faculty Forum – Women in Medicine & Sciences Feature: Michelle McNutt, MD, FACS
Each month, the Women Faculty Forum presents its Women in Medicine and Sciences Feature, highlighting the women faculty at McGovern Medical School who are leaders in medicine, research, and education.
This month’s feature is Michelle McNutt, MD, FACS, professor and Memorial Hermann Chair in the Department of Surgery.
What is your background? When did you join UTHealth Houston?
I was born in Victoria, Texas, but moved to Richmond, Texas, when I was six months old. I was raised in Richmond, where my entire family still lives. I attended The University of Texas, Austin for undergraduate school and remain a die-hard (and eternally hopeful) Longhorn fan. I attended medical school at UT Health San Antonio from 2000 to 2004 and started my surgical residency at UTHealth Houston in 2004. I completed residency in 2009 and completed my surgical critical care fellowship in 2010. I joined UTHealth Houston as an assistant professor of surgery in 2010 and have remained at the university since then.
What inspired you to pursue a career in science and medicine?
I have always been an analytical person that likes to “fix things” and understand how things work. This interest drew me to science and medicine. I have been fortunate in having amazing mentors to encourage me along the way. Dr. Nancy Dickey (family practitioner, past president of Texas A&M Health Science Center, and first female president of the American Medical Association) was my Brownie Troop Leader as a kid and lived three houses down from mine in Richmond. My attendance as a teenager to her inauguration as AMA president solidified my desire to become a physician, and several surgeons, most notably Dr. Red Duke, who I was lucky to work both as a resident and then as a partner, easily convinced me to specialize in trauma surgery and surgical critical care.
What are your current clinical and/or research interests?
Trauma is a multi-disciplinary team sport. I am involved in many inter-departmental PI/QI projects to optimize patient care and maintain verification as a level 1 trauma center in addition to efforts to expand our Katy hospital to a level 2 trauma center. Research interests include ischemic stroke in trauma, screening and treatment of BCVI, early diagnosis and intervention of blunt bowel and mesenteric injury, and impact of early hemorrhage control in trauma patients.
Who are your role models?
Dr. James “Red” Duke, Dr. Nancy Dickey, and my parents.
What do you enjoy most about working at UTHealth Houston?
I love being surrounded by the best of the best. I am constantly impressed with the quality of providers who I am fortunate to work closely with at UTHealth Houston and really feel honored to work here. I also enjoy being a small part of the training of future physicians and leaders. Watching residents gain confidence and skills and mature into safe, capable physicians is exceptionally rewarding.
How do you think UTHealth Houston can further support female faculty?
Transparency and leading by example. I have been fortunate to have institutional leaders who promote female leaders and provide equity in opportunity. Thank you to Dr. Richard Andrassy and Dr. Giuseppe Colasurdo. I believe in paying it forward and showing female trainees that hard work and dedication, regardless of sex, can open doors to opportunity and leadership.