News

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 […]

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. […]
National Stroke Awareness Month 2020 – STRAC Collaboration
May 20, 2020
For several years, the Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery at UT Health have been working with the Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council (STRAC) to create an organized stroke care system. One important milestone within that process has been the recent implementation of pre-hospital stroke triage in Bexar County. By evaluating people with certain symptoms and […]
National Stroke Awareness Month 2020 – The Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry
May 18, 2020
We are excited to announce that the UT Health Department of Neurosurgery will be joining a multicenter stroke repository headed by the Medical University of South Carolina. The Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) will track the treatment of stroke and aneurysm across the globe with the ultimate goal of enhancing patient outcomes by creating […]
Staff Social Media Series – Pets
May 14, 2020
During these troubling times, the companionship of pets can be a source of great comfort and stress relief. This week, team members from the Department of Neurosurgery expressed appreciation for their furry (and not-so-furry) friends by sharing these photos with us. We hope they make you smile.

National Stroke Awareness Month 2020 – F.A.S.T.
May 12, 2020
May is National Stroke Awareness Month, so now is the perfect time to review the common warning signs of stroke so that you’ll be able to act F.A.S.T during an emergency. Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or feel numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the smile uneven? Arm Weakness: […]

Happy Mother’s Day (2020)!
May 10, 2020
To all of our patient families and staff families, we wish you a very happy Mother’s Day! We hope you are able celebrate the special day that you deserve.