Current Residents

Edwin was drawn to the plastic and reconstructive fellowship at UTHSC at Houston after witnessing the comradery that was palpable even during the virtual social hour. He came for the surgical volume and experience but stood for the good vibes. One month into fellowship, Edwin was 5 cases away from completing the minimum number of cases in hand and tendon repair, which is a true testament to the volume, breadth, and experience you would gain at UTHSC, one of the busiest trauma centers in the country.

“I would complain, but that’s too easy. Its harder to be the one to make the difference.”

Undergrad: Rutgers College

Med school: Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

General surgery residency: Temple University Hospital

Awards:

• Official Recognition from Congressman B. Pascrell, Jr. for Leadership, 2007
• Proclamation from Mayor S. Rivera for Exceptional Community Leadership, 2007
• Gold Humanism Honor Society, 2014
• Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society, 2019
• Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Epsilon Chapter, Member Induction, 2021
• Owl Ribbon for Excellence in Teamwork, 2022

Publications:

• Taylor GA, Acevedo E, Kling SM, Kuo LE. “Predicting Outcomes in Thyroidectomy and Parathyroidectomy: The Modified Five-Point Frailty Index Versus American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification.” J Surg Res. 2022 Mar 24; 276:83-91. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.02.044.
• Bakhos C, Acevedo E, Petrov R, Abbas A. “Surveillance Following Treatment of Esophageal Cancer.” Surgical Clinics of North America. 2021 Jun; 101(3):499-509
• Edwin Acevedo, Jr., MD, MHA, Lindsay E. Kuo, MD, MBA. “The Economics of Patient Surgical Safety.” Surgical Clinics of North America. 2021 Feb;101(1):135-148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suc.2020.09.005
• Acevedo E, Lu X, Zhao H, Mazzei M, Sarvepalli S, Edwards MA. “Outcomes in Racial Minorities after Robotic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Retrospective Review of the MBSAQIP Database.” SOARD. 2020 Oct 21. doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2020.10.019
• Michael A. Edwards, MD, FACS, Shravan Sarvepalli, MD, Michael Mazzei, MD, MPH, MS, Edwin Acevedo, Jr., MD, MHA, Xiaoning Lu, MS Huaqing Zhao, PhD. “Outcomes in racial and ethnic minorities after revisional robotic-assisted metabolic and bariatric surgery: an analysis of the MBSAQIP database.” Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. 2020 Aug 26; S1550-7289(20)30484-6. doi: 10.1016/j.soard.2020.08.019
• Acevedo E, Mazzei M, Zhao H, Lu X, Soans R, Edwards MA. “Outcomes in Conventional Laparoscopic Versus Robotic-Assisted Primary Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective, Case-Controlled Study of the MBSAQIP Database.” Surgical Endoscopy. 2020 Mar;34(3):1353-1365. doi: 10.1007/s00464-019-06915-7
• Acevedo E, Mazzei M, Zhao H, Lu X, Soans R, Edwards MA. “Outcomes in Conventional Laparoscopic Versus Robotic-Assisted Revisional and Conversional Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective, Case-Controlled Study of the MBSAQIP Database.” Surgical Endoscopy. 2020 Apr;34(4):1573-1584. doi: 10.1007/s00464-019-06917-5.
• Gassman A, Pan J, Acevedo E, Haddock N, Teotia S. “The Superficial and Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Composite Perforator Flap for Breast Reconstruction: A Case Report.” Microsurgery. 2018 Oct;38(7):799-803. doi: 10.1002/micr.30362.
• Acevedo E, Mazzei M, Roth S, Brann S, Toyoda Y. “Comparing disparities before and after the implementation of the lung allocation score: a systematic review.” PROSPERO: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. 2018. CRD42018093615
• Acevedo E, Nadhan KS, Everett M, Moya A, Bradley JP. “Corset Trunkplasty: Recommended with Abdominal Skin Laxity and Open Cholecystectomy Scar”. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2018 Jan; 141(1):60-69. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000003988
• Acevedo E, Sjoholm LO, Santora T, Goldberg AJ. “A Review of the Role and Utility of Computed Chest Tomography in Penetrating Chest Trauma.” Current Trauma Reports. 2018 Mar; 4(1):56-63. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40719-018-0115-5
• Tyrell R, Kilmartin C, Acevedo E, Keshavamurthy S, Gassman AA. “Is non-invasive indocyanin green angiography a useful adjunct for the debridement of infected sternal wounds?” JPRAS Open; 2018 Apr 6;16:117-121. doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2017.12.002.

Abstracts:

• Acevedo E, Taylor GA, Dugue D, Deemer A, Gassman AA, Bellas E. Collagen VI alpha-3 expression is higher in the superficial epigastric adipose tissue of former smokers than in non-smokers. Robert H. Ivy Pennsylvania Plastic Surgery Society. Hersey, PA. November 7, 2020.
• Acevedo E, Sarvepelli S, Mazzei M, Zhao H, Edwards MA. Outcomes in Racial Cohorts after Robotic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Matched Analysis of the MBSAQIP Database. ASMBS Obesity Week. Las Vegas, NV. October 2019.
• Edwards MA, Acevedo E, Sarvepelli S, Mazzei M, Zhao H. Outcomes in Racial Cohorts after Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Matched Analysis of the MBSAQIP Database. ASMBS Obesity Week. Las Vegas, NV. October 2019.
• Sarvepelli S, Acevedo E, Mazzei M, Zhao H, Edwards MA. Outcomes in Racial Cohorts after Revisional Robotic Bariatric Surgery: A Matched Analysis of the MBSAQIP Database. ASMBS Obesity Week. Las Vegas, NV. October 2019.
• Mazzei M, Acevedo E, Zhao H, Edwards MA. The Impact of Chronic Renal Disease on Bariatric Perioperative Outcomes: A MBSAQIP Matched Analysis. SAGES. Baltimore, Maryland, 2019
• Acevedo E, Mazzei M, Zhao H, Edwards MA. Outcomes in Revisional Laparoscopic Versus Robotic-Assisted Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Review of the MBSAQIP Database. SAGES. Baltimore, Maryland. April 2019
• Acevedo E, Mazzei M, Zhao H, Edwards MA. Outcomes in Conventional Laparoscopic Versus Robotic-Assisted Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Review of the MBSAQIP Database. SAGES. Baltimore, Maryland. April 2019.
• Michael Mazzei MD, MPH, MS, Edwin Acevedo, Jr., MD, Meryl Ethridge, Elizabeth Dauer MD, Joseph M. Lopez Jr. MD, Zoe Maher MD, Jessica Beard MD, Abhijit Pathak MD, Thomas Santora MD, Amy Goldberg MD, Lars Ola Sjoholm MD, Leonard L. Mason III MD. Is routine echocardiography needed after negative contrast CT to rule out penetrating cardiac trauma? American Association of the Society of Trauma Annual Meeting. San Diego, CA. 2018

Book Chapters:

• Acevedo E, Gordon M, Criner G. Flail Chest. Pulmonary Medicine: Essentials. Springer Verlog, NY, NY. Publication Pending.
• Acevedo E, Bakhos C, Abbas A. Open Lung Biopsy. Pulmonary Medicine: Essentials. Springer Verlog, NY, NY. Publication Pending.
• Acevedo E, Kuo L. Chapter 9: Carrots and Sticks – The Economics of Surgical Patient Safety. Surgical Clinics. Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA. Publication Pending.
• Bakhos C, Acevedo, E, Petrov R, Abbas A. Surveillance Following Treatment of Esophageal Cancer. Surgical Clinics. Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA. Publication Pending.
• Acevedo E. Chapter 3 Introduction: “From Here to There: The Medical Education Process”. The Official Guide to Medical School Admissions. AAMC, 2015

PRS Interests: reconstruction, craniofacial, microsurgery

Edwin is a first-generation college graduate from Passaic, New Jersey. He credits his parents, his in-laws, and his and wife, Lorena, for always keeping him grounded and focused. As a true Jersey native, he went to Rutgers for his undergraduate degree, and Rutgers – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School for medical school. He was fortunate to match into Temple’s general surgery residency in Philadelphia, where he was trained to take care some of the sickest patients in the area. He was inducted into AOA as a surgical resident, evidence of his clinical acumen and academic successes as a trainee.

In his spare time, Edwin is a homebody and loves hanging out at home with his wife and two sons, Leo and Evan. He loves adventure, traveling, and hiking, and has visited over 9 countries and 60 cities in the last 5 years. Now, if he’s not at splash pads keeping his little guys cool in the Houston heat, he’s busy planning his next getaway and learning about the principles of plastic and reconstructive surgery. Edwin is new to Houston, but has already found it to be an exciting place to raise a family and eat good food… really, really good food.

Shuyan was excited to match at her #1 ranked plastic surgery program at UTHealth Houston because she believes that this busy training program has repeatedly produced strong graduates due to its wide breadth of cases and high level of resident autonomy. Graduates are well-prepared to go into practice upon graduation, or they can match into competitive fellowships. The faculty and staff foster a supportive learning environment by treating each other and the trainees with kindness and respect.

PRS Interests – breast reconstruction, microsurgery, aesthetics

Dr. Wei is a plastic surgery resident at UTHealth Houston. She was born and raised in China and immigrated to the United States at the age of 7. She is fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese. She graduated from The University of Georgia in 2011 with Summa Cum Laude distinction in Biology. In 2015, she graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin and was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. She completed a 7-year general surgery training program at UTHealth Houston, with 2 years of dedicated research as a T32 research fellow while also completing a Master Degree in Clinical Research. She graduated general surgery residency in 2022 and was awarded the Chief Residency of the Year.

In her free time, Dr. Wei enjoys running to stay in shape, catching up on sleep, and spending time with her husband who is a vascular surgeon. She and her husband are both avid SCUBA divers, and she is in the process of getting advanced SCUBA diving certified.

I was excited to match into plastic surgery residency at UTHealth Houston after witnessing the high surgical volume, wide breadth of cases, and high resident autonomy. A little over a year into my 3-year training, I anticipate that I will meet my graduation case requirements within this year. Despite the high volume, I have enjoyed a good work-life balance and had the opportunity to participate in research. Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better program.

Medical School: Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey

Postgraduate Education: Endocrine Surgery Research Fellowship, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH

General Surgery Residency: Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL

Selected awards:

• 2023 – 2024 Academic Year – University of Texas Health Houston Plastic Surgery Program Highest Percentile In-Service Score Award
• 2017 – American Thyroid Association Trainee Grant
• 2015 – Seref Zileli, MD Award for the Successful Student of the Year at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine
• 2010 – Top 0.005% score in Turkish Medical School Admission Exam

Selected publications

• Kahramangil B., Pires G., Montorfano L., Riesgo AM., Ghaznavi AM. The Utility of Flap Coverage for Limb Salvage in Patients with Severe Prosthetic Joint Infections of the Knee Requiring Implant Exchange. Ann Plast Surg. 2023 Jul 1;91(1):129-136. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003600.
• Kahramangil B., Montorfano L, Gutierrez D, Erten O, Zhou K, Li D, Rao P, Berber E. Biochemical assessment of adrenal insufficiency after adrenalectomy for non-cortisol secreting tumors: clinical correlation and recommendations. Surg Endosc. 2022 Oct;36(10):7638-7646. doi: 10.1007/s00464-022-09232-8. Epub 2022 Apr 12.
• Kahramangil B., Pires G., Ghaznavi AM. Flap Survival and Functional Outcomes in Elbow Soft Tissue Reconstruction: A 25-year Systematic Review. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021 Dec 2:S1748-6815(21)00637-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2021.11.091.
• Kahramangil B., Kose E., Reynold J., Stein R., Rini B., Siperstein A., Berber E. A Modern Assessment of Cancer Risk in Adrenal Incidentaloma: Analysis of 2219 Patients. 2022 Jan 1;275(1):e238-e244. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000004048..
• Kahramangil B., Kose E., Donmez M., Aydin H., Reynolds J., Krishnamurthy V., Jin J., Shin J., Siperstein A., Berber E. Thyroglobulin Washout from Cervical Lymph Node Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsies in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: An Analysis of Different Expressions to Use in Post-total Thyroidectomy Follow-up. Surgery. 2020 Jan;167(1):34-39. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2019.05.083. Epub 2019 Sep 6.
• Kahramangil B, Kose E, Berber E. Characterization of fluorescence patterns exhibited by different adrenal tumors: Determining the indications for indocyanine green use in adrenalectomy. Surgery. 2018 Aug 4. pii: S0039-6060(18)30322-2. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2018.06.012. Surgery. 2018 Nov;164(5):972-977. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2018.06.012. Epub 2018 Aug 4.
• Kahramangil B., Kose E., Donmez M., Aydin H., El-Dabh D., Krishnamurthy V, Jin J, Shin JJM, Siperstein A, Berber E. Efficacy of Surgeon-Performed, Ultrasound-Guided Cervical Lymph Node Fine Needle Aspiration in Patients with Thyroid Pathologic Conditions. Surgery. 2018 Oct;164(4):657-664. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2018.05.036. Epub 2018 Jul 30.
• Kahramangil B., Dip F., Benmiloud F., Falco J., de La Fuente M., Verna S., Rosenthal R., Berber E. Detection of Parathyroid Autofluorescence Using Near-infrared Imaging: A Multicenter Analysis of Concordance between Different Surgeons. Annals of Surgical Oncology. 2018 Apr;25(4):957-962. doi: 10.1245/s10434-018-6364-2. Epub 2018 Feb 6.
• Kahramangil, B., Berber E. Comparison of Posterior Retroperitoneal and Transabdominal Lateral Approaches in Robotic Adrenalectomy: An Analysis of 200 Cases. Surgical Endoscopy. 2018 Apr;32(4):1984-1989. doi: 10.1007/s00464-017-5894-1. Epub 2017 Oct 19.
• Kahramangil B., Berber E. Comparison of indocyanine green fluorescence and parathyroid autofluorescence imaging in the identification of parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy. Gland Surg. 2017 Dec;6(6):644-648. doi: 10.21037/gs.2017.09.04.
• Kahramangil B., Mohsin K, Alzahrani H, Bu Ali D, Tausif S, Kang SW, Kandil E, Berber E. Robotic and endoscopic transoral thyroidectomy: feasibility and description of the technique in the cadaveric model. Gland Surg. 2017 Dec;6(6):611-619. doi: 10.21037/gs.2017.10.03.
• Kahramangil, B., Berber, E. The use of near-infrared fluorescence imaging in endocrine surgical procedures. Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2017, Jun; 115(7): 848-855. doi: 10.1002/jso.24583. Epub 2017 Feb 15.

PRS Interests: Facial reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, microsurgical breast reconstruction

Dr. Kahramangil is a plastic surgery resident at UTHealth Houston. Born and raised in Turkey, he attended medical school at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine. After graduating in the top 5% of his class, he moved to the United States to continue his training. Following a productive endocrine surgery research fellowship at Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Kahramangil completed his General Surgery Residency at Cleveland Clinic Florida.

In his free time, Dr. Kahramangil enjoys traveling with his wife Kalie, who shares his passion for hiking and skiing. Their favorite hiking sites include the Napali Coast in Kauai, HI, Blue Mountains National Park in Australia, and Isle of Skye in Scotland.

My decision to come to UTHealth Houston was easy. I was looking for a prestigious institution with a great volume of cases to maximize my training, located in a nice, warm, metropolitan city. This program has all three! The opportunity to practice at the world-renowned Texas Medical Center and Memorial Herman, one the busiest Trauma centers in the US, makes UTHealth Houston the best place to be. In addition, the support of the program, faculty, and staff makes you feel right at home.

Med school – Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV)

General surgery residency – HCA Florida – Kendall Hospital. Miami, Florida

Awards:

• Intern/Medical Student of the Year, 2012
• Edward Copeland Abstract Award Winner. Category: Clinical Science, 2019
• Winner of Surgical Jeopardy, 2019 (2x)
• Winner of Annual Surgical Skills Competition. Category: Laparoscopic Suturing, 2020
• Winner of Annual Surgical Skills Competition. Category: Free Tie, 2021

Publications

• Ruiz S, Lim R. Spontaneous Temporomandibular joint Dislocation. J Craniofac Surg. 2019 May/Jun;30(3):e265-e267. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005309. PMID: 31048623. Published: May, 2019
• Ruiz S, Lim R. Orbital decompression for treatment of acute visual loss after facial trauma. J Craniofac Surg. 2019 Oct;30(7):e683-e687. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005892. PMID: 31503126.Published: Oct, 2019
• Puyana S, Ruiz S, Bernal E, Mckenney M, Lim R, Askari M, Mir H,. The use of dehydrated human amniotic/chorionic membrane skin substitute in the treatment of pediatric facial burn. J Craniofac Surg. 2019 Aug 21. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005826. PMID: 31449203. Published: Nov, 2019
• Puyana S, Ruiz S, Bernal E, Mckenney M, Lim R, Askari M, Mir H,. The Use of Dehydrated Human Amniotic Membrane vs. Amniotic/Chorionic Membrane Allografts to Treat Partial Thickness Facial Burns. J Craniofac Surg. 2019 Jul 31. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005834. PMID: 31369508. Published: Jul, 2020
• Puyana S, Ruiz S, Bernal E, Mckenney M, Lim R, Askari M, Mir H,. Using Dehydrated Amniotic Membrane Skin Substitute in Facial Burns: Is There a Outcome Difference Between Adult and Pediatric Patients?, Journal of Craniofacial Surgery: March/April 2020 – Volume 31 – Issue 2 – p e145-e147 doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006077. PMID: 31688265. Published: Mar, 2020
• Puyana S, Ruiz S, Amador F, Hai S, Mckenney M, Young E, Askari M, Lim R, Mir H,. Carboxyhemoglobin: Is it a Marker for Burn Patient Outcomes?, Annals of Plastic Surgery: Oct, 2020 – doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000002455. PMID: 32931682. Published: Oct, 2020
• Puyana S, Ruiz S, Bernal E, Mckenney M, Lim R, Askari M, Mir H,. Comparison Between Human Amniotic/Chorionic Membrane and Cryopreserved Allografts in the Treatment of Genital Burns. Ann Plast Surg. 2020 Dec;85(6):618-621. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000002414. PMID: 33165115. Published: Dic, 2020
• Ruiz S, McCoy J, Pulikkottil B, Cheng J. Detailed Case Reports of Surgical Treatment for Intraneural Ganglion Cysts. Plastic and Reconstructive Global Open. February 16, 2021. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000003339. PMID: 33680635. Published: Feb, 2021
• Ruiz S, Lim R. Intraorbital abscess: A rare cause of orbit compression. FACE, The journal of American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons and American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons. March 30, 2021. doi:10.1177/27325016211005062. Published: Mar, 2021
• Ruiz S, Geraghty F, Padron D, Chacon D, Kahane G. The Appendix: A Rare Case of an Appendiceal Collision Tumor. Cureus 13(8): e17050. doi:10.7759/cureus.17050. PMID: 34522528. Published: Aug, 2021
• Puyana S, Ruiz S, Amador F, Hai S, Mckenney M, Young E, Askari M, Lim R, Mir H. Effect of Elevated Alcohol levels on Burn Patient Outcomes. ePlasty 2021;21:e6.Epud 2021 August 24. ISSN: 1937-5719. Published: August, 2021

PRS Interests – Craniofacial Surgery, General and Burn Reconstruction.

Sam is an International medical graduate from Venezuela. He came to us after completing his General Surgery training in Miami, Florida and working his way up to the top. A real role model for foreign medical graduates.

In his spare time, Sam continues his quest to master “El Cuatro” (Venezuelan Version of the Ukulele). In addition, He love spending time with his family and exploring everything that Houston has to offer – He even found surfable waves near Houston!

I cannot imagine a better training program for plastic surgery than the one here at UTHealth Houston. This program provides diverse and high-volume operative exposure and the research support necessary to help us accomplish our academic goals. The supportive and close-knit culture here amongst the faculty and residents is unparalleled and contributes highly to the residents’ and fellows’ success and well-being. I am thrilled to be a part of this program.

Undergraduate: Rice University

Med school – University of Texas Houston McGovern Medical School

Awards:

• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, 2019

Publications

• Slaughter K, Bako A, Freet D, Blum K, Wang R, Vahidy F. Contemporary Nationwide Estimates and Socio-Demographic Associates of Bottom Gender Affirmation Surgical Procedures Among Transgender Persons with Gender Dysphoria. Oral podium presentation at the World Meeting of the International Society for Sexual Medicine (2021 Nov 19).
• Palasi S, Howell S, Green T, Kannady C, Slaughter K, Panuganti S, Yang B, Saavedra-Belaunde J, Clavelle-Hernandez J, Wang R. Does Knowing Pre-Operative Penile Length Influence Patient Satisfaction Post Penile Prosthesis Implantation? Poster presentation at the World Meeting of the International Society for Sexual Medicine (2021 Nov 19).
• Howell S, Palasi S, Green T, Kannady C, Panuganti S, Slaughter K, Blum K, Yang B, Saavedra-Belaunde J, Wang R. Comparing Patient Satisfaction in Penile Prosthesis Surgery After Radical Prostatectomy Versus the General Population. Poster presentation at the World Meeting of the International Society for Sexual Medicine (2021 Nov 19).
• Palasi S, Howell S, Green T, Kannady C, Slaughter K, Yang B, Panuganti S, Saavedra-Belaunde J, Clavelle-Hernandez J, Wang R. Does Knowing Pre-Operative Penile Length Influence Patient Satisfaction Post Penile Prothesis Implantation? International Journal of Impotence Research. 2021 Sep 27:1-5 (e-publication ahead of print).
• Howell S, Palasi S, Green T, Kannady C, Panuganti S, Slaughter K, Blum K, Yang B, Saavedra-Belaunde J, Wang R. Comparison of Satisfaction With Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Patients With Radical Prostatectomy or Radical Cystoprostatectomy to the General Population. Sexual Medicine. 2021 Feb;9(1):100300.
• Saavedra-Belaunde J, Kannady C, Slaughter K, Clavelle-Hernandez J, Wang R. MP39-07: Penile Length as a Measure of Patient Satisfaction after Penile Prosthesis Surgery. The Journal of Urology. 2020 Apr;203(Supplement 4):e579.
• Slaughter K, Meyer E, Bambhroliya A, Meeks J, Ahmed W, Bowry R, Behrouz R, Mir O, Begley C, Tyson J, Miller C, Warach S, Grotta J, McCullough L, Savitz S, Vahidy F. Direct Assessment of Health Utilities Using the Standard Gamble Among Patients with Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. 2019 Sep;12(9):e005606.
• Slaughter K, Bambhroliya A, Meeks J, Ahmed W, Bowry R, Behrouz R, Mir O, Begley C, Tyson J, Miller C, Warach S. Abstract TMP76: Direct Assessment of Health Utilities Among Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using the Standard Gamble Method. Stroke. 2019 Feb;50(Suppl_1):ATMP76.
• Meeks J, Bambhroliva A, Meyer E, Slaughter K, Fraher C, Sharrief A, Bowry R, Ahmed W, Tyson J, Miller C, Warach S. High In-Hospital Blood Pressure Variability and Severe Disability or Death in Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients. International Journal of Stroke. 2019 Dec;14(9):987-95.
• Meeks J, Bambhroliya A, Meyer E, Slaughter K, Fraher C, Bowry R, Ahmed W, Sharrief A, Tyson, J, Miller C, Khan B, Warach S, McCullough L, Savitz S, Vahidy F. Abstract 026: High In-Hospital Systolic Blood Pressure Variability and Poor Functional Outcomes in Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients. Hypertension. 2018 Sept;72(Suppl_1):A026.
• Bambhroliya A, Meyer E, Meeks J, Slaughter K, Bowry R, Ahmed W, Gealogo G, Warach S, McCullough L, Wu T, Begley C, Tyson J, Miller C, Savitz S, Vahidy F. Abstract TMP73: Rehabilitation for Patients with Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage is Associated with Reduced 30-Day Hospital Readmissions. Stroke. 2018 Jan 22;49(Suppl_1):ATMP73.
• Bambhroliya A, Meyer E, Meeks J, Slaughter K, Bowry R, Ahmed W, Gealogo G, Warach S, Tyson J, Miller C, Begley C, Savitz S, Vahidy F. Abstract TP276: Health-Related Quality of Life Indices for Patients with Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Stroke. 2018 Jan 22;49(Suppl_1):ATP276.
• Meeks J, Bambhroliya A, Meyer E, Slaughter K, Fraher C, Bowry R, Ahmed W, McCullough L, Tyson J, Miller C, Warach S, Sharrief A, Savitz S, Vahidy F. Abstract WP334: In-hospital Systolic Blood Pressure Variability in Elderly Patients with Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Stroke. 2018 Jan 22;49(Suppl_1):AWP334.
• Meyer E, Meeks J, Bambhroliya A, Slaughter K, Fraher C, Sheth S, Savitz S, Vahidy F. Abstract TP339: Utilization of Comprehensive Stroke Center Services for Patients with Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Stroke. 2018 Jan 22;49(Suppl_1):ATP339.
• Slaughter K, Meyer E, Meeks J, Bambhroliya A, Bowry R, Ahmed W, Gealogo G, Warach S, Tyson J, Miller C, McCullough L, Wu T, Begley C, Savitz S, Vahidy F. Abstract TP267: Uncertainty-Based Individual Health Preferences for Patients With Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage. Stroke. 2018 Jan 22;49(Suppl_1):ATP267.

PRS Interests – Breast Reconstruction, Global Surgery, Microsurgery

Interests: Golf, Reality TV, Exploring new restaurants in Houston

I chose UTHealth Houston for its robust exposure to all aspects of plastic surgery. The case volume and diversity prepare us to care for the most complex patients. Faculty are dedicated to teaching and supporting trainees, which creates a strong camaraderie among everyone in the program.

Med school – The University of Kansas School of Medicine

General surgery residency – Cedars-Sinai Medical Center PGY 1-3

Awards:

• Outstanding Intern Award, 2020
• Outstanding Student Teaching Award, 2020, 2021
• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, 2018
• Gold Humanism Honor Society, 2018

Publications

• Hasan O,Tung RC, Freeman H, Taylor W, Helmer SD, Reyes J, Grizzell BE. Thromboelastography after Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Does it Save Blood Products? Kans J Med. 2022 Jan 11;15:27-30. PMID: 35106120 
• Tung, RC, Towfigh, S. Diagnostic techniques for diastasis recti. Hernia 25, 915–919 (2021). PubMed PMID: 34313855.
• Huynh D, Mazer L,Tung R, Cunneen S, Shouhed D, Burch M, Conversion of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy to roux-en-y gastric bypass: patterns predicting persistent symptoms after revision. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. 2021.PubMed PMID: 34127398.
• Hawthorne B, Simmons JK, Stuart BK,Tung R, Zamierowski DS, and Mellott AJ, “Enhancing Wound Healing Dressing Development Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration” J. Biomed Mater Res. 2021. PMID: 34002476.
• Hiett A,Tung R, Emanuelli E, Sherman A, Anderson JT, Schwend RM. The amount of surgical correction of the main thoracic curve is the best predictor of postoperative clinical shoulder balance in patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Spine Deform. 2020 May 26. PubMed PMID: 32458258.
• Murray E, Tung R, Sherman A, Schwend RM. Continued vertebral body growth in patients with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis following vertebral body stapling. Spine Deform. 2020 April. PubMed PMID: 32026438.
• Tung R, Uvodich M, Anderson JT, Sherman A, Lozano R. Do heavier patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis have more preserved thoracic kyphosis and pulmonary function? Spine Deform. 2018 Nov-Dec;6(6):704-706. PMID: 20248347

PRS Interests – General Reconstruction, Microsurgery, Global Surgery, Resident Education

Interests: Tennis, Traveling, Food

James chose this residency program after multiple attending surgeons in Houston agreed that the UT McGovern fellows were the best trained technical surgeons they had seen. He trained in general surgery for a year at Baylor before switching into the program.

Undergraduate: Vanderbilt University

Med school – Baylor College of Medicine

Awards:

• Vanderbilt Review Prose Award
• Margaret Stonewall Wooldrige Hamblet award for Art
• Lotus Eaters Honor Society

Publications

• Parikh U, Mentz JA, Davis MJ, Abu-Ghname A, Colchado D, Short WD, King A, Buchanan EP, Balaji S. Strategies to Minimize Surgical Scarring: Translation of Lessons Learnt from Bedside to Bench and Back. Advances in Wound Care. 2021 Aug 20(ja).
• Skochdopole AJ, Mentz JA, Gravina P, Winocour SJ, Reece EM. Maximizing Volume from the Medial Thigh: Introducing the PUG Flap. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2021 Jul 7:10-97.

PRS Interests – Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery of the Face

Dr. James A. Mentz, MD is a plastic surgery resident at University of Texas-Houston Medical School. He attended Vanderbilt University where he earned an undergraduate degree in Medicine, Health, and Society while developing skills in conceptual art, illustration, and design. He went on to attend medical school at Baylor College of Medicine, where he served as president of the Plastic Surgery Interest Group. During this time, he organized art therapy for the patients at Texas Children’s Hospital.

James is a Houston native and loves the city for its friendly and diverse population, budding art community, and world-leading medical center. In his free time he makes art, studies psychology, and plays tennis with his brothers.

I am thrilled to train as a plastic surgeon in the same program where I went to medical school. The support from faculty, high case volume, and the opportunity to work in one of the largest medical centers in the world are all reasons that UTHealth Houston prepares its residents exceptionally well for their careers in surgery. My goal is to continue UTHealth’s culture of hard work, mentorship, work-life balance, research, and patient-centered care.

Undergraduate: Auburn University, Auburn, AL

Med school – UTHealth McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX

General surgery residency – University of Washington

Awards:

• FACE Journal Editor’s Choice Article, 2021
• Alpha Omega Alpha, 2020
• Auburn University Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence, 2017
• Auburn Rugby “Usain Bolt” Award, 2017
• Spirit of Auburn Presidential Merit Scholarship, 2013

Publications

• Mitchell D, Asaad M, Slovacek C, Selber JC, Clemens MW, Chu CK, Mericli AF, Largo RD, Butler CE. Outcomes of Autologous Free Flap Reconstruction Following Infected Device Explantation. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2022 June (Accepted).
• Asaad M, Slovacek C, Mitchell D, Liu J, Selber JC, Clemens MW, Chu CK, Mericli AF, Butler CE. Surgical and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Autologous versus Implant-Based Reconstruction following Infected Breast Device Explantation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Mar 29. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000009091. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35349553.
• Asaad M, Yao C, Kambhampati P, Mitchell D, Liu J, Lewis CM, Yu P, Hanasono MM, Chang EI. Impact of Body Mass Index on Surgical Outcomes in Oncologic Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstruction. Ann Surg Oncol. 2022 Mar 24. doi: 10.1245/s10434-022-11542-z. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35325376.
• Kambhampati PV, Mitchell D, Rajesh A, Deptula PL, Asaad M. Addressing Surgical Care Disparities: Residents’ Involvement in Global Mission Trips. The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2021 Sep. DOI: 10.1097/scs.0000000000008133. PMID: 34519711.
• Asaad M, Mitchell D, Murphy B, Liu J, Selber JC, Clemens MW, Bedrosian I, Butler CE. Surgical Outcomes of Implant Versus Autologous Breast Reconstruction in Patients with Previous Breast-Conserving Surgery and Radiotherapy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021 July (Accepted).
• Mitchell D, Allen D, Greives M, Nguyen P. A Critical Assessment and Review of Artificial Intelligence in Facial Paralysis Analysis: Uncovering the Truth. FACE. 2021;2(3):200-207. doi:10.1177/27325016211022805
• Asaad M, Slovacek C, Mitchell D, Liu J, Selber JC, Clemens MW, Chu CK, Mericli AF, Butler CE. Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction Following Infected Device Explantation: Is a Second Attempt Worth It? Plast Reconstr Surg. 2021 June (Accepted).
• Elango M, Asaad M, Kotta PA, Rajesh A, Kaakeh R, Mitchell D, Tran NV. Gender Disparity in Abstract Presentation at Plastic Surgery Meetings. J Surg Res. 2021 May 1;265:204-211. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.02.010. Epub ahead of print.

Letters to the editor: 

• Mitchell D, Rajesh A. The Association between Away Rotations and Rank Order in the Integrated Plastic Surgery Match. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Jul 1;150(1):233e-234e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000009215. Epub 2022 May 23. PMID: 35594418.
• Mitchell D, Laffoon A, Rajesh A. Preparation for Hand Surgery Fellowship: A Comparison of Resident Training Pathways, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: January 2022 – Volume 149 – Issue 1 – p 143e-144e doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000008615

Other: 

• Mitchell D. “Cost of Living for International Students in US! Cost of USMLE Journey!” The Match Guy, 29 Apr. 2021, thematchguy.com/cost-living-international-students/.
• Mitchell D. “Love and Light.” HOUSE: Journal of the University of Washington Housestaff Quality and Safety Committee, 7th Edition. p. 34. Retrieved February 2, 2022, from https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/sites.uw.edu/dist/8/2570/files/2022/01/HOUSE_2021.pdf.

PRS Interests – Hand surgery, microsurgery, reconstructive surgery of the breast cancer patient

Hobbies: David enjoys spending time with his significant other Ashley and their two sphynx cats, Arjuna and Sid. When he’s not in the OR, he likes to watercolor, make music, macrame, swim, or spend time hammocking in Hermann Park.

Being able to shape the culture of a new integrated program in my hometown makes training at UTHealth Houston very exciting. The faculty have years of teaching experience and readily welcome feedback from residents, and the case volume and variety are both second to none. Additionally, the interdisciplinary teaching that accompanies working in the biggest medical center in the world made UTHealth Houston my top residency choice.

Undergraduate Education: The University of Texas at Austin

Med School Education: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

Selected Publications:

• Rizvi I, Jackson SA, Kane AA, Hallac RR. Exploring Self-Perception and Peer-Perception in Adolescents With Secondary Cleft Lip Deformities Using Eye-Tracking. FACE. 2024;5(1):19-25.
• Rizvi I, Hallac RR, Geisler EL, Perez JK, Ainuz BY, Pressler MP, Jackson SA, Skolnick GB, Smyth MD, Seaward JR, Derderian CA, David LR, Runyan CM, Patel KB, Kane AA. Multicenter comparison of head shape outcomes for three minimally invasive strip craniectomy techniques for sagittal craniosynostosis. J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2023 Jun 16;1-8.
• Harrison LM, Rizvi I, Parsa S, Hallac RR, Kane AA, Seaward JR. Pediatric Tissue Expansion: Analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric. J Craniofac Surg. 2023;34(1):142-144.
• Ainuz BY, Rizvi I, Kane AA. Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia of the Skull Assisted by Virtual Surgical Planning. J Craniofac Surg. 2022 Sep 1;33(6):e628-e632.
• Chen G, Siahaan JJ, LeonNovelo LG, Rizvi I, De Golovine AR, Edwards AR, Pai A, Dar WA. The impact of health literacy on kidney transplant listing. Prog Transplant. 2022 Jun;32(2):120-128.
• Rizvi I, Harrison LM, Parsa S, Hallac RR, Seaward JR, Kane AA. Open versus Minimally Invasive Approach for Craniosynostosis: Analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2022 Mar 7:10556656221085478.
• Rizvi I, Fallah, KN, Cepeda A Jr., Turner K, Nguyen PD, Greives MR. Where Are We Headed? Diagnosing Abnormal Head Shapes through Virtual Care Visits. J Craniofac Surg. 2022;33(1):139-141.
• Pokkunuri I, Chugh G, Rizvi I, Asghar M. Age-related hypertension and salt sensitivity are associated with unique cortico-medullary distribution of D1R, AT1R, and NADPH-oxidase in FBN rats. Clin Exp Hypertens. 2015;37(1):1–7.

PRS Interests: Aesthetics, Craniofacial

Hobbies: Fashion, Photography, Sports, Traveling, Reading

Born and raised in Houston, Imran attended the University of Texas at Austin before returning to his hometown to pursue his medical degree. He completed a year of research in pediatric craniofacial surgery at UT Southwestern before starting residency at his home program. When he gets an off day, Imran enjoys thrift & antique shopping, photography, reading, and supporting Houston and Longhorn sports. He likes to exclaim “we are so back” whenever they squeeze out a nail biter in a game they were supposed to win handedly.

Some of my favorite things about the program are the case diversity, early autonomy, and close relationships between residents and attendings.

Undergraduate Education: Rice University

Medical School Education: Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Selected Publications:

• Charlotte E. Berry, Darren B. Abbas, Hendrik A. Lintel, Andrew A. Churukian, Michelle Griffin, Jason L. Guo, Asha C. Cotterell, Jennifer B. Laufey Parker, Mauricio A. Downer, Michael T. Longaker, and Derrick C. Wan. Advances in Wound Care 2024 13:5, 235-252.
• Berry CE, Abbas DB, Griffin M, Lintel H, Guo J, Kameni L, Churukian AA, Fazilat AZ, Chen K, Gurtner GC, Longaker MT, Momeni A, Wan DC. Deferoxamine topical cream superior to patch in rescuing radiation-induced fibrosis of unwounded and wounded skin. J Cell Mol Med. 2024 Apr;28(8):e18306. doi: 10.1111/jcmm.18306. PMID: 38613357; PMCID: PMC11015393.
• Lintel H, Abbas DB, Mackay DJ, Griffin M, Lavin CV, Berry CE, Guardino NJ, Guo JL, Momeni A, Mackay DR, Longaker MT, Wan DC. Topical vanadate improves tensile strength and alters collagen organisation of excisional wounds in a mouse model. Wound Repair Regen. 2023 Jan;31(1):77-86. doi: 10.1111/wrr.13062. Epub 2022 Dec 14. PMID: 36484112; PMCID: PMC10513738.
• Lintel H, Corpuz T, Paracha SU, Grossberg GT. Mood Disorders and Anxiety in Parkinson’s Disease: Current Concepts. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 2021 Jul;34(4):280-288. doi: 10.1177/08919887211018267. PMID: 34219518.
• Lintel H, Abbas DB, Lavin CV, Griffin M, Guo JL, Guardino N, Churukian A, Gurtner GC, Momeni A, Longaker MT, Wan DC. Transdermal deferoxamine administration improves excisional wound healing in chronically irradiated murine skin. J Transl Med. 2022 Jun 17;20(1):274. doi: 10.1186/s12967-022-03479-4. PMID: 35715816; PMCID: PMC9205074.
• Lintel H, Saffaf M. Neutropenia, Thrombocytopenia, and Eosinophilia: An Unusual Triad in a Patient on Long-Term Vancomycin Therapy. Am J Case Rep. 2021 Jun 8;22:e931647. doi: 10.12659/AJCR.931647. PMID: 34101721; PMCID: PMC8197443.
• Lintel H, Abbas DB, Mackay DJ, Griffin M, Lavin CV, Berry CE, Guardino NJ, Guo JL, Momeni A, Mackay DR, Longaker MT, Wan DC. Topical vanadate improves tensile strength and alters collagen organisation of excisional wounds in a mouse model. Wound Repair Regen. 2023 Jan;31(1):77-86. doi: 10.1111/wrr.13062. Epub 2022 Dec 14. PMID: 36484112; PMCID: PMC10513738.
• Berry CE, Fazilat AZ, Lavin C, Lintel H, Cole N, Stingl CS, Valencia C, Morgan AG, Momeni A, Wan DC. Both Patients and Plastic Surgeons Prefer Artificial Intelligence-Generated Microsurgical Information. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2024 Mar 26. doi: 10.1055/a-2273-4163. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38382637.
• Abbas DB, Lintel H, Griffin M, Guardino NJ, Guo JL, Spielman AF, Cotterell AC, Parker JBL, Januszyk M, Wan DC. Tension offloading improves cutaneous scar formation in Achilles tendon repair. J Surg Case Rep. 2022 Mar 9;2022(3):rjac066. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjac066. PMID: 35280050; PMCID: PMC8907408.

PRS Interests: Hand, General Reconstruction

Hobbies: Sports, House Music, Traveling

Originally from Belgium, Hendrik attended Rice University here in Houston to study Biochemistry and received his MD Degree from Saint Louis University after completing a research year at Stanford University with Drs. Michael Longaker and Derrick Wan. In his free time, Hendrik is an avid sports fan, supporting the Texans, Astros, and Knicks. He is also a big fan of house and techno music, which helped draw him back to Houston given its diverse and vibrant music scene.

I want to spend my training years at the busiest trauma center in the country. Additionally, the surgical volume and connections to top plastic surgeons and hospitals are invaluable opportunities.

Undergraduate Education: Yale University

Med School Education: University of Southern California

Selected Awards:

• Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
• Gold Humanism Honor Society
• Dean’s Research Year Scholarship with Distinction in Research

Selected Publications:

• Won, P., Bello, M. S., Stoycos, S. A., Carrera, B. T., Kurakazu, D. M., Briere, J., Garner, W. L., Gillenwater, J., & Yenikomshian, H. A. (2021). The Impact of Peer Support Group Programs on Psychosocial Outcomes for Burn Survivors and Caregivers: A Review of the Literature. Journal of burn care & research: official publication of the American Burn Association, 42(4), 600–609. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/irab042
• Won, P., Celie, K. B., Perez, V., Gillenwater, T. J., & Yenikomshian, H. A. (2021). The Patient’s Perspective: Burn Reconstructive Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of burn care & research: official publication of the American Burn Association, 42(6), 1140–1145. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/irab128
• Won, P., Stoycos, S., Johnson, M., Gillenwater, T. J., & Yenikomshian, H. A. (2023). Psychiatric Illness and Substance Abuse: Unaddressed Factors in Burn Injury. Journal of burn care & research: official publication of the American Burn Association, 44(6), 1393–1399.
• Won, P., Stoycos, S. A., Ding, L., McMullen, K. A., Kowalske, K., Stewart, B. T., & Yenikomshian, H. A. (2023). Worse Itch and Fatigue in Racial and Ethnic Minorities: A Burn Model System Study. Journal of burn care & research: official publication of the American Burn Association, 44(6), 1445–1451. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/irad054
• Won, P., Choe, D., Gomez, L. H., Gillenwater, T. J., & Yenikomshian, H. A. (2023). Minority pediatric burn survivors require more surgeries: A single center’s five-year experience. Burns. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2023.10.005
• Won, P., Cooper, M., Gillenwater, T. J., & Yenikomshian, H. A. (2023). Treatment of Hypertrophic Burn Scars With Laser Therapy: A Review of Adverse Events. Annals of plastic surgery, 91(6), 715–719. https://doi.org/10.1097/SAP.0000000000003712
• Won, P., Premaratne, I. D., Stoneburner, J., Naidu, P., Collier, Z. J., Yenikomshian, H. A., & Carey, J. N. (2023). Gaps in plastic surgery training: A comparative literature review of assessment tools in plastic surgery and general surgery. Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery : JPRAS, 87, 238–250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2023.10.055
• Won, P., Celie, K.B., Rutter, C., Gillenwater, T.J., Yenikomshian, H.A. Burn Patient Perspectives on Disability Weights and the Philosophy of Disability: A Gap in the Literature. European Burn Journal. 2023; 4(4):563-572. https://doi.org/10.3390/ebj4040037
• Won, P., Pickering, T. A., Schneider, J. C., Kowalske, K., Ryan, C. M., Carrougher, G. J., Stewart, B. T., & Yenikomshian, H. A. (2024). Physical and psychosocial outcomes among burn-injured people with heterotopic ossification: A burn model system study. Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries, 50(4), 957–965. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2024.01.017
• Won, P., Choe, D., Abu-Ghazaleh, J., Bernabe, R., & Gillenwater, T. J. (2024). The Efficacy of Onion Extract on the Prevention or Treatment of Scars: A Systemic Review. Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association, irae116. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/irae116

PRS Interests: Microsurgery, Aesthetics, Hand

Hobbies: Traveling, restaurants, music festivals

Paul was born in New York and attended high school in New Jersey before moving to Connecticut for college. During college, after shadowing orthopedic surgery, Paul knew he wanted to become a surgeon. Before medical school, he completed a research year at the Boston Children’s Hospital. During this time, his parents moved to southern California which led him to choose USC for medical school. During medical school, Paul fell in love with plastic surgery and ended up couples matching with his partner to Houston. As they both have rigorous surgical residencies for the next couple of years, he is excited to explore Houston and call it home.

I knew from my rotations during medical school that nothing compares to the unique spectrum of cases and support from the faculty here. I’ve also been in Houston for most of my life. Being able to stay close to my family while working for the city that raised me is a dream come true.

Undergraduate Education: The University of Texas at Austin

• B.S., Biomedical Engineering

Med School Education: McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston

Selected Awards:

• • Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society Inductee (2024)
  • Webber Prize for Student Research (2021)
  •  Alpha Eta Mu Beta Biomedical Engineering Honor Society Inductee (2019)

Selected Publications

• Nye, J, Mitchell D, Talanker M, Hopkins, D, Obinero C, Barrera, J. Greives, M, Wu-Fienberg, Y, Bhadkamkar, M. Elevating Lower Extremity Reconstruction: An Algorithmic Approach to Free Flap Re-Elevation. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery Aug 2024.
• Obinero C, Talanker M, Green J, Paidisetty P, Nye J, Barrera J, Boyd A, Wei S, Parikh J, Maricevich M, Greives MR, Sputova K, Marques E. What did we catch? Predictors of infection after tissue expander-based breast reconstruction in a safety-net system. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Sept 2024.
• Talanker M., Nye J., Mitchell D., Freet D.J. Postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum after penile inversion vaginoplasty: case with review of diagnostic and management strategies. ePlasty June 2024.
• Hassan A, Franco C, Shah N, Talanker M, Mericli A, Adelman D, Largo R, Chu C, Butler CE, Selber JC. Outcomes of Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction with Biologic Mesh in Patients With 8 Years of Follow-up. World Journal of Surgery 2023 Sept 4.
• Hassan A, Egro F, Talanker M, Liu J, Maricevich RS, Chang E, Hanasono MM, Selber JC, Butler CE. Independent Versus Integrated Plastic Surgery Trainees: Comparison of Microsurgical Skills and Long-term Surgical Outcomes. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2023 Mar 8.
• Wancura M, Nkansah A, Robinson A, Toubbeh S, Talanker M, Jones S, Cosgriff-Hernandez E. PEG-Based Hydrogel Coatings: Design Tools for Biomedical Applications. Annals of Biomedical Engineering 2023 Feb 11.
• Talanker M, Fallah K, Hartline C, Freet DJ. Total reconstruction of lower lip and chin following firework injury using composite bilateral radial forearm-fascia lata flaps: A case report. ePlasty 2023 Jan 19.
• Vincent L, Talanker M, Butler, D, Zhang X, Podbielski J, Wang Y, Chen-Goodspeed A, Hernandez Gonzalez S, Fox E, Cotton BA, Wade CE, Cardenas JC. Time-dependent changes in antithrombin activity dictate responsiveness to enoxaparin prophylaxis and risk of trauma-related venous thromboembolism. JAMA Surgery 2022 Aug 1.
• Wancura M, Talanker M, Toubbeh S, Bryan A, Cosgriff-Hernandez E. Bioactive hydrogel coatings of complex substrates using diffusion-mediated redox initiation. Journal of Material Chemistry B Apr 2020.

PRS Interests: Microsurgery

Hobbies: Drawing, painting, crafting, brewing, woodworking, hiking

Michael was born in the Texas Medical Center and raised in Houston, Texas. Born to Russian immigrants, he was raised in and has lived in the Houston area most of his life. He went to The University of Texas at Austin for his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering and returned home to Houston for medical school here at UTHealth. With a passion for anatomy, a lifetime of experience in art, and a passion for biomaterials/tissue engineering, Michael engages his background in his training to become a plastic surgeon. He believes that after training, plastic surgeons are poised to be agents of change at the fulcrum of patients’ healing journeys.

In his spare time, Michael continues his scattered artistic endeavors – including pencil drawing, painting, digital art, sculpture, and other crafts. He also specializes in growing plants in the unforgiving Houston heat. Michael more recently has also picked up woodworking, albeit with extensive precautions to avoid some of the all-too-familiar hand injuries that we manage on our service.