Posts written by garzad11


Graduation 2020: Celebrating David Wallace, M.D.

June 19, 2020

This Saturday, June 20th, the Department of Neurosurgery will celebrate the graduation of David Wallace, M.D., from our residency program. With his keen insight, hard work, and wonderful sense of humor, Dr. Wallace has made many important contributions to our program that are sure to be long-lasting. Although we are sad to see him go, […]



Dr. Shaherya Hafeez smiling for his staff photo.

Dr. Hafeez Appointed Director of Quality and Improvement for the Neuroscience ICU

June 15, 2020

The Department of Neurosurgery is pleased to announce the appointment of Shaheryar Hafeez, M.D., to the position of Director of Quality and Improvement for the Neuroscience ICU. Dr. Hafeez will serve as the liaison between UHS and UT Neurosurgery in an effort to optimize the education and training of staff members and elevate the quality and […]



Dr. Ali Seifi smiling for his staff photo.

Dr. Seifi Co-Authors First Peer-Reviewed Article about Coronavirus Fears and Stroke

June 11, 2020

Ali Seifi, M.D., FACP, recently co-authored an article exploring why fewer people seem to be seeking medical attention for stroke and other acute coronary conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Seifi’s work is the first peer-reviewed article that has ever been published on this topic. It is open access, so you can read the entire […]



Distinction in Research Awarded to Michael Bounajem and Sheetal Hegde

June 8, 2020

The Department of Neurosurgery is excited to recognize two students who recently received medical degrees conferring a Distinction in Research: Michael Bounajem and Sheetal Hegde. Michael was mentored by Izabela Tarasiewicz, M.D., and his project was entitled: “Clinical Course and Management of Pediatric Epidural Hematomas.” Sheetal’s mentor was Naomi Sayre, Ph.D., and her project was […]


Dr. Lee Birnbaum smiling for his staff photo.

Coronavirus Fears and Stroke Care

June 5, 2020

Lee Birnbaum, M.D., was recently interviewed for a KABB news segment to discuss how the fear of coronavirus infection is keeping some people from getting evaluated for stroke care. Dr. Birnbaum encouraged viewers to seek medical attention for stroke as quickly as possible in order to maximize the efficacy of treatment. You can watch the […]



Dr. Derrick Sun smiling for his staff photo.

Derrick Sun, M.D., Appointed to the Position of Medical Director, UT Health Physicians, Neurosurgery

June 5, 2020

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Derrick Sun, M.D., to the position of Medical Director, UT Health Physicians, Neurosurgery. Dr. Sun received his undergraduate degree with honors from the California Institute of Technology. He attended medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch and completed his neurological surgery residency training at the University of Colorado Denver. He also […]



Michael Bounajem poses with an award.

2020 Senior Student Achievement Award for Excellence in Neurosurgery – Michael Bounajem

June 3, 2020

The Department of Neurosurgery recently had the honor of presenting Michael Bounajem with the 2020 Senior Student Achievement Award for Excellence in Neurosurgery. This award was given to Michael in recognition of his exceptional performance, his compassionate patient care, and his strong commitment to the neurosurgical sciences. We are proud of Michael’s achievements and consider ourselves fortunate […]



National Stroke Awareness Month 2020 – Dr. Mascitelli

May 30, 2020

Justin R. Mascitelli, M.D., recently coauthored a blog post for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS). The article explores the advancements that have been made in the treatment and care of stroke patients and touches on the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on those seeking medical […]


National Stroke Awareness Month 2020 – Make a Change

May 29, 2020

As National Stroke Awareness Month comes to a close, we encourage all of our patients, friends, and families to reflect on their daily routine and look for ways to reduce their risk for stroke. Adjusting diet, increasing physical activity, and learning how to monitor blood pressure are three small changes that you can make today. […]


National Stroke Awareness Month 2020 – Coronavirus Concerns

May 27, 2020

In a news release recently published by UT Health, Drs. Lee Birnbaum and Justin Mascitelli explored the potential impact that coronavirus anxiety might be having on hospital stroke admissions.The doctors assured readers that medical personnel at all care levels are equipped with strict infection control protocols, so there is no reason to delay seeking treatment. […]