News

Cranial Remolding Clinical Director Darren Poidevin smiling while standing next to Patient Hudson Lockhart and his parents.

Hudson’s Story

June 14, 2018

Hudson Lockhart recently completed his cranial remolding treatment for sagittal craniosynostosis. We were able to catch up with his family to ask about their experience. “We always said before we all started that this was one of the scariest things in the world,” Hudson’s father told us. “But looking back at all the people we […]



Dr. Derrick Sun and others working hard in the anatomy lab.

Anatomy lab

June 6, 2018

Derrick Sun, MD, recently met with our residents to discuss the workflow associated with navigated, minimally-invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). Afterward, the group gathered at our anatomy lab to practice the “free-hand” technique for lumbar pedicle screw placement, meticulous disc space preparation, and expandable TLIF cage insertion. Stations were made available for residents to […]



Dr. Lee Birnbaum clicks on a mouse while two onlookers study his computer screen.

KSAT 12 Stroke Month Video

May 31, 2018

Lee Birnbaum, M.D., was recently featured in a KSAT 12 video about Stroke Awareness Month. The report highlights the story of his patient, Patty Reagan, who was able to receive quick treatment for her stroke and make a full recovery.   Watch the video here  



Dr. John Floyd presents Carl Middleton with an award commemorating his fifth year at the Department of Neurosurgery.

Carl Middleton 5 Years with the Department of Neurosurgery

May 18, 2018

Thank you, Carl Middleton, for 5 years of excellent work!



Dean Robert Hromas, M.D., FACP, smiling and standing next to Dr. John Floyd in the Department of Neurosurgery conference room.

John Robert Floyd II, M.D, Appointment New Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery

May 4, 2018

Today, the dean of the Long School of Medicine, Robert Hromas, M.D., FACP, announced the appointment of John Robert Floyd II, M.D., to the position of chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, effective June 1, 2018. He was selected from a pool of strong finalists assembled by a national search committee headed by Dr. Robin Brey, […]



Graduate Student Kristi Guerrero peers into a microscope.

Graduate Student Spotlight: Kristi Guerrero

April 24, 2018

Kristi Guerrero is a graduate student in the Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program at UT Health San Antonio in the lab of Dr. Naomi Sayre. Double-majoring in chemistry and molecular biology, she graduated cum laude from Texas Lutheran University. Before beginning her graduate studies, she spent time doing laboratory research in both industry and academia. Now, […]



Resident Training

April 16, 2018

Dr. Josh Beckman, who is an adjunct clinical assistant professor at SAMMC, was invited to teach our residents on the techniques of performing eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF). XLIF is a minimally invasive way of performing lumbar fusion surgery for various conditions affecting the spine including degenerative, traumatic, infectious or neoplastic conditions. It involves approaching […]


Dr. Ali Seifi and Dr. Robert Hromas flank William Chase Johnson as he holds his UT Health San Antonio Dean's Research award for his research project.

Passport 2018

April 10, 2018

Under the mentorship of Ali Seifi, MD, FACP, William Chase Johnson, MS3, received The UT Health San Antonio Dean’s Research Award. For his project: “Reevaluating the Weekend Effect on SAH: A Nationwide Analysis of the Association Between Mortality and Weekend Admission.”



Dr. Izabela Tarasiewicz and Ashlyn smiling during and clinic visit while they both throw peace signs at the camera.

Ashlyn’s Story

April 4, 2018

Earlier this year, Ashlyn Rivera got into an accident that was so severe she had to be airlifted from her home in Laredo to UHS, where she was rushed into surgery. During her stay, Izabela Tarasiewicz, M.D., and the team at the Department of Neurosurgery performed four major life-saving surgeries. Ashlyn stayed in the pediatric […]



Alan Cirlin sitting in a chair and smiling with his hands interlaced.

Alan Cirlin’s story

March 29, 2018

Alan Cirlin suffered from severe Parkinson’s disease for many years. He couldn’t do simple things like cooking and getting himself dressed. It got to be so bad that he was confined to a wheelchair. “I kept falling over,” he said. “I was like a kid.” Alan started attending a Parkinson’s Support group. It was there […]