News
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
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. 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.
“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 […]
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 […]
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 […]