Dr. Richard Smalling Receives UTHealth Houston President’s Scholar Award for Excellence in Clinical Service
On Wednesday, Nov. 9., four awards were given to deserving individuals who have demonstrated longstanding excellence within the University. Nominated by their peers, each award carries an honorary title of UTHealth Houston President’s Scholar, along with a cash prize.
Among the four recipients was Dr. Richard Smalling, professor and James D. Woods Distinguished Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine, recognized as the 2021 President’s Scholar for Excellence in Clinical Service.
Renowned for cardiovascular medicine and interventional cardiology, Smalling specializes in the treatment of adult congenital heart disease, percutaneous procedures to repair valvular heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease interventions, including carotid stenting and percutaneous endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. He has led basic and clinical research efforts to develop and optimize devices to mechanically support circulation, including the TORVAD, the world’s first toroidal left ventricular assist device.
Since 1980, when he joined the faculty of McGovern Medical School, Smalling’s passion for academic medicine and science has shone through in his efforts to build the school’s reputation as a leader in heart and vascular health.