News

Michael Shugart standing with thumbs up while he is surrounded by the Neurocritical Care Team.

Michael’s Story

December 6, 2016

After he suffered a severe brain injury in October, 18-year-old Michael Shugart was admitted to University Hospital. John Floyd, MD, and Ramesh Grandhi, MD operated on him while Ali Seifi, MD, FACP, oversaw his care during his time in the Neuro ICU. Michael came by today to thank us for the excellent care he received […]



Wilfred Staunch sitting in a clinic waiting room.

Wilfred’s Story

November 23, 2016

Last October, Wilfred Staunch, suffered a stroke in his home that left him incapacitated. His family started to worry when he stopped answering their calls; they called the police to check on him. When the officers arrived, they found him unconscious and immediately took him to University Hospital where he was seen by Ramesh Grandhi, […]



Dr. Seifi smiling with his Apple-shaped Best Teacher Award.

Dr. Seifi Wins “Best Teacher Award”

June 21, 2015

We extend a hearty congratulations to Dr. Ali Seifi, MD, FACP for winning the UT Health Science Center San Antonio 2014-2015 “Best Teacher Award,” as voted by the medical student body.5



Dr. Ali Seifi smiling with others during Passport Day.

Passport Day 2015

June 8, 2015

The Department of Neurosurgery is proud of all our representatives who participated in Passport Day 2015. This annual event provides medical students, residents, and fellows with the opportunity to present posters covering topics related to research, quality improvement, and patient safety. Professor Ali Seifi, MD, FACP mentored our participants and was very pleased with this year’s […]



Dr. Seifi and Patient Jeff Damon standing together and smiling.

Jeff’s Journey: A Patient’s Recovery and Outreach

February 3, 2015

Jeff Damon was painting his living room when it happened. While perched high atop a six foot ladder, he lost his balance and fell. “I hit my head on the floor and fractured my skull, creating two bleeds on my brain, front and back. Additionally, I broke my back, tore my spleen and popped my […]



Dr. Garvin and Patient James Ellis smiling for a photo.

Jay’s Remarkable Recovery

November 4, 2013

James “Jay” Ellis was admitted August 18, 2013 after a motorcycle collision.  He was wearing a helmet and in full gear when his bike skidded on some gravel and he was thrown off. Unfortunately, his legs were injured when they struck a street sign. He arrived at University Hospital in critical condition with multiple long […]



Turkish Ambassador Namik Tan standing and smiling with Drs. David Jimenez and Murat Digicaylioglu in the neurosurgery conference room.

Special Visit from Turkish Ambassador

May 15, 2013

Turkey’s Ambassador to the United States, Namik Tan, visited the Department of Neurosurgery on May 24. Ambassador Tan met David F. Jimenez, MD, professor and chairman of neurosurgery, other neurosurgery faculty, and residents of the department to emphasize bridges between the countries. Ambassador Tan, invited faculty in the department and the UT Health Long School […]



A presenter for the 2012 Craniosynostosis Workshop standing at a podium holding a cranial molding helmet.

Craniosynostosis Workshop 2012

November 19, 2012

Last week neurosurgeons from around the globe filled our conference room for the Endoscopic Treatment of Craniosynostosis Workshop presented by Drs. David Jimenez and Constance Barone. During the two-day workshop attendees learned about the less invasive procedure pioneered by this husband-wife surgical team. Attendees were able to view two surgeries in real-time via Image Stream Medical’s two-way […]



Departmental Doctors rally to save ‘Baby Klaus,’ born with massive head due to excess fluid build-up

December 20, 2010

Sheri Burdine remembers the day she received the phone call from a woman named Ericka in El Paso, Texas, seeking help for Baby Klaus. The 10-month-old had been diagnosed with hydrocephalus— commonly known as “water on the brain” — and his head had grown to three times normal size. Local doctors had sent him home to die, […]


Dr. Koebbe using a piece of equipment to explain something to Patient Lino Ozuna.

Device retrieves clot, helps retired bus mechanic beat stroke

June 3, 2010

Patricia Ozuna can tell you all about the night her husband, Lino, suffered a stroke. The couple lay in bed at 1:15 a.m. on Oct. 2, 2009, when Patricia felt his body lean into hers. “I said, ‘Lino, you’re squashing me.’ It didn’t take me more than a minute to realize something was wrong. He […]