Posts written by garzad11

Lee Birnbaum, MD, Publishes Statewide Stroke Thrombectomy Project.

January 26, 2021

The Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to announce that Lee Birnbaum, MD, was involved in the recent publication of a statewide stroke thrombectomy project. The Lone Star Stroke Clinical Trial Network collected data from eight major comprehensive stroke/thrombectomy centers located throughout Texas to identify the potential barriers and delays that exist during the intra-arterial thrombectomy transfer […]


Dr. Mascitelli performs first case at Advanced Diagnostic Center.

Dr. Mascitelli Performs First Case at Advanced Diagnostic Center

January 22, 2021

The Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to announce that Justin Mascitelli, MD, recently performed the very first case at UHS’s Advanced Diagnostic Center. The Advanced Diagnostic Center is a state-of-the-art medical facility that will be the new home for UHS patient cases involving cardiology, vascular surgery, and neuroendovascular surgery. Congratulations to Dr. Mascitelli and all […]



Neurosurgery Faculty Members Make 2021 Top Doctors List

January 21, 2021

Several faculty members from the Department of Neurosurgery were recently included in San Antonio Magazine’s 2021 Top Doctors list. San Antonio Magazine compiles this annual list to recognize physicians in our community who have earned sterling reputations among their peers for their superior standard of care. Congratulations to all our physicians who were honored in […]



Neurosurgery Shining Stars Award Winner – Christina Lozano

January 8, 2021

We are pleased to share the news that the winner of our Neurosurgery Shining Stars Award for the month of December is Christina Lozano. Christina is a front desk receptionist who has been a member of our department since 2018. Her co-workers describe her as detail-oriented and always willing to help others. Her thoughtfulness and […]



Retirement Farewell – Esther Nañez and Joan Seyle

December 31, 2020

The Department of Neurosurgery recently wished a fond farewell to Esther Nañez and Joan Seyle, two employees who are leaving UT Health to begin their retirement after many dedicated years of service. Esther and Joan have been with the university for 28 years and 15 years, respectively. Esther worked in our department as a senior […]


Neurosurgery Shining Stars Award Winners – Jennifer Avilez and Nicole Postell

December 17, 2020

We are pleased to share the news that two of our employees tied for winner of the Neurosurgery Shining Stars Award for the month of November: Jennifer Avilez and Nicole Postell. Jennifer joined our team in 2018 as a medical assistant. Her coworkers describe her as a hard worker who is organized, knowledgeable, and kind […]


Dr. Alexander Papanastassiou smiling for his staff photo.

Dr. Papanastassiou Wins President’s Translational and Entrepreneurial Research Fund Award

September 22, 2020

The Department of Neurosurgery is excited to share the news that Alexander Papanastassiou, M.D., was recently named a winner of the President’s Translational and Entrepreneurial Research Fund 2020 Awards. Dr. Papanastassiou’s winning project, the “Rook Procedure Scheduler,” is a software platform that streamlines booking surgeries and procedures. It also manages conflicts and pre-authorization.



Dr. Alexander Papanastassiou smiling for his staff photo.

“D’s on Keys” Free Virtual Event Available to Public This Saturday

September 14, 2020

Department of Neurosurgery faculty member Alexander Papanastassiou, MD, will be performing at “D’s on Keys” this Saturday (September 20th) at 11 am. “D’s on Keys” is a fundraising event for Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW), a local performing arts organization. This virtual broadcast of their annual show will honor the first responders and healthcare workers in our community […]



Dr. Ali Seifi smiling for his staff photo.

Ali Seifi, MD, FACP, FNCS, Invents Device to Stop Hiccups

September 11, 2020

Department of Neurosurgery faculty member Ali Seifi, MD, FACP, FNCS, has invented a device to stop hiccups. Dr. Seifi’s device forces users to exert effort to suction water. Negative pressure in the chest pulls down the diaphragm, which activates the phrenic nerve. When water comes into the mouth and swallowing occurs, the vagus nerve is […]



Dr. Lee Birnbaum smiling for his staff photo.

Lee Birnbaum, M.D., Promoted to Professor

September 2, 2020

The Department of Neurosurgery is proud to announce the promotion of Lee Birnbaum, M.D., to the position of professor. Dr. Birnbaum is a board-certified neurologist in the Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery at UT Health. His dual training in neurology and endovascular neurosurgery provides him with a unique perspective when treating vascular disorders of the […]