Department of Anesthesiology News

What inspired you to pursue a career in an academic setting at Baylor College of Medicine?
Early in my training a preceptor told me that clinical rotations are unspoken interviews for both the trainee and the site. Her advice was that choosing your first job shouldn’t be driven by money, schedule, or prestige, but by where you think you’ll feel most supported. She said to watch how clinicians interact with one another and think about whether the team was one I could lean on for guidance.

What initially drew me to Baylor, and specifically to Ben Taub, were two things. First, the strength of the provider group. The team here is not only highly skilled and collaborative, but also passionately committed to giving the best care to our patients. Second, the patient population. Our patients often have complex needs and require thoughtful, critical decision-making. It’s a demanding environment, but it is also one of the best places to develop strong clinical instincts. Our patients also come from an underserved community and tend to be incredibly grateful for the care we provide making this job even more rewarding.

Working in an academic setting also opens the door for doing things beyond clinical work. There are opportunities for teaching, research, leadership, and special projects that shape not only our department, but the broader profession. Having the space to grow in these areas adds depth and purpose to the work we do every day. What keeps me at Baylor are the people and the mission. I’m surrounded by a group of supportive colleagues. We’ve walked with each other through profound losses and joyful milestones - deaths, births, marriages, and everything in between. It’s a special team; one I’m grateful for every day.

In addition to all of that, I have the privilege of helping train the next generation of anesthesia providers. Watching trainees grow into confident, capable clinicians is incredibly rewarding, and it reaffirms for me that this is one of the best places to work, to teach, and to continue grow.

What do you find most rewarding about working with residents and students?
The most rewarding part of working with residents and students is watching the transformation that happens in a short time. July and August give me a few new gray hairs every year, but watching them grow into confident, competent providers makes every one of those gray hairs worth it. The trainees also help keep me curious. They ask great questions about things I don’t think about every day, and that constant push to reflect, explain, and revisit the ‘why’ behind what we do is one of the best parts of working in academics.

What’s one lesson you learned early in your training that still guides your practice today?
One of the earliest lessons I learned in training was that clinical practice is a team sport. Everyone has a role to play, and respecting those roles is necessary to keep our patients safe. Our patients stay safe because we hold one another accountable. I try to show appreciation to everyone involved in a case because each person contributes something necessary.

What advice would you give to trainees who are just beginning their careers?
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to stay curious and stay humble. No one expects you to know everything and do everything right from the start. Also, learning doesn’t end when your training is over. Be willing to learn, ask questions, and show up every day. Doing those things will carry you far. Find people who inspire you, watch how they practice, and don’t be afraid to ask them for guidance. This stage can be overwhelming, and that’s normal. You’ll learn just as much from the hard days as the good ones. But don’t lose sight of the person in front of you. You skills will naturally develop over time, but compassion and integrity should be there from the beginning.

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or enjoy doing?
Outside of the hospital, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my family. Most of my time is spent going on “little adventures” which is really just code for chasing after a very energetic toddler who has zero regard for gravity, safety, or my lower back. It’s fun, it’s usually chaotic, and hands-down the part of life that brings me the most joy.

What is one thing that helps you reset after a long clinical day?
This one is easy to answer; a long run at the bayou. Getting outside, moving, and having a little uninterrupted time always helps me reset after a busy clinical day.

What inspired you to pursue Anesthesia? And CV as a specialty?
Going into medical school, I knew that I wanted to take care of patients with heart conditions as I needed heart surgery as a baby. So, I gravitated towards cardiology and cardiac surgery as electives during medical school, but found that I preferred the work done by cardiac anesthesiologists in taking care of this patient population given the challenges and fast paced environment of the operating room. I decided to pursue anesthesia residency and ultimately CV anesthesia fellowship and have found it to be an entirely rewarding journey.

What do you find most rewarding about your training so far?
Any time I am able to meet a patient in the morning of surgery, humbly ask for their trust that I will take care of them during an invasive procedure, and then am able to deliver on my promise to keep them safe and transport them to the ICU or PACU in good condition, I find it immensely rewarding. The physiologic demands of big surgeries such as cardiac surgery on the body would not be possible without the ingenuity and innovation of modern anesthesia, and so it feels rewarding to be the beneficiary of all this knowledge and to be able to employ it in my day-to-day practice.

Can you share a project, experience, or achievement you are especially proud of during residency and/or fellowship?
Marrying my wife during PGY-2 year has easily been the highest achievement! I am thankful every day for the sacrifices she has made to allow me to focus on becoming the best clinician I can be as we moved across the country twice while I completed residency and fellowship.

What advice would you give to medical students or new trainees entering residency?
Residency is a challenging but rewarding journey. It requires consistent and deliberate practice to attain the physical skills that may be required of your specialty, but it also requires consistent and deliberate studying even when the hours are long. Choose attendings who you would like to emulate and incorporate their style into your practice. And, don't forget to spend your time away from the
hospital or the clinic doing things you enjoy!

Outside of training, what’s something you’re passionate about or enjoy doing?
In today's world where there are screens everywhere, I find much enjoyment in going for long walks to disconnect and chat with my wife, or just to enjoy the nature and think about nothing at all. Many of my recent vacations have been to national parks to enjoy the hiking, and I come back feeling recharged.

If you were stranded on an island and could have one thing with you from the outside world, what would it be?
It's been awhile since I've seen Cast Away, but I remember Tom Hanks really enjoyed having a volleyball with him.

What do you enjoy most about your role?
I enjoy having the opportunity to support fellows throughout their journey. I enjoy being a part of their growth, welcoming them during recruitment, and watching them develop confidence and expertise as they progress through the program. I genuinely appreciate the relationships I build with fellows, faculty, and staff. Collaborating with so many different people allows me to feel connected to the programs' mission. These relationships make the work feel meaningful and remind me that even small day-to-day tasks contribute to something larger.

Can you share a project, accomplishment, or moment at work that you’re especially proud of?
The ACGME scheduled a site visit for the CV Anesthesia fellowship 5 months after I started. It was a daunting task, and many long hours. I was petrified, but we passed with flying colors.

How do you like to support your team or colleagues?
I try to be someone my colleagues can rely on. Whether answering questions, troubleshooting an issue, or stepping in to help during busy periods, I aim to be approachable and responsive I want them to feel comfortable coming to me for support, and I take pride in being someone they know they can count on. I believe that fostering a collaborative, uplifting atmosphere helps everyone do their best work.

What’s your favorite team tradition or memory at work?
I don’t have one specific team tradition or memory that stands out, but whenever I mention how long my commute is, people always ask, “Why do you do that?” My answer is simple: ’m fortunate to work with an incredible team and supportive faculty, and that makes it worth it every day.

What’s something about you outside of work that people might be surprised to learn?
That I grew up as an "Army Brat". We moved almost every 2 years. I believe that helped shape me into the "people person" that I am today and why I relate to so many cultures.

What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy in your free time?
I enjoy gardening and listening to music.

If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?
Retired and traveling.

What inspired you to pursue your specialty and career in academic medicine?
I visited my parents’ home country, Sudan, as a child and unfortunately got malaria. It was a harrowing experience, and the worst I’ve ever felt, but my uncle, who happens to be an anesthesiologist, graciously nursed me back to health. That inspired my journey into medicine. Serendipitously, I found myself pursuing Anesthesiology later as it appealed to me and encompassed what I was looking for. I wanted to be a complete physician and compassionate guardian for our patients. I find CV Anesthesiology to be immensely challenging, fun, and dynamic. Utilizing advanced monitoring, knowledge of mechanical support devices, and transesophageal echocardiography to support very sick patients is awe-inspiring. The camaraderie in academic medicine is wonderful, and the mentorship, guidance, and wisdom I receive from my colleagues is invaluable. As much as I try to impart my knowledge and experience onto the trainees and students, I learn a ton from them as well and that is what keeps me excited and engaged.  

What do you find most rewarding about working with residents and students?
Empowering fellows, residents, and students and witnessing them prosper, especially through difficult situations or outside of their comfort zone, is very rewarding for me. The attendings that had the biggest impact on me during training were the ones that believed in me and trusted me and that is the same approach I try to take with each and every trainee I work with.  

Can you share a project, achievement, or initiative you are especially proud of?
I have been serving as the Specialty Specific Mentor for BCM students for the past few years and it has been an amazing experience. From introducing the field to 1st year students through shadowing to guiding 4th year students through residency applications, interviews, and the matching process, it has been a great opportunity for me to develop my mentorship skills. I am especially proud that we’ve had a 100% match rate for the last two years, particularly considering that we’ve had one of the largest specialty groups in the entire college.

What advice would you give to trainees who are just beginning their careers?
Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help or to lean on your teammates, whether it be a fellow anesthesiologist, circulator, surgeon, or tech. Show humility and never dismiss the thoughts or concerns of your teammates. People trust you with their lives. Appreciate and respect that and be prepared and meticulous. Despite your best efforts, some things may not go the way you envisioned, and you might make some mistakes. Always use it as a learning experience. And as I often tell the residents and fellows I work with, “always have a backup plan”.  

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or enjoy doing?
I really enjoy traveling the world with my wife, taking daily walks through the park with our dogs, and watching movies. I’ve also been boxing for the last 4 years, and it is a deep passion of mine. They call boxing the “sweet science” and, like anesthesiology, you can study it for a lifetime and still continue to learn new things and get better at it. The level of mental toughness and discipline required, combined with strategy, timing, and footwork, make for an enthralling experience. It’s also a great workout and confidence builder, and I highly recommend it to anyone!

If you were stranded on an island and could have one thing with you from the outside world, what would it be?
I think a sharp hunting knife would be the most practical and increase my chances of survival, but a journal (with a pen) would help me keep my sanity and maybe leave something behind.

What inspired you to pursue Anesthesia?
I love how anesthesia works with many other specialties. You need to know a little bit of everything while also playing multiple roles in the OR. You are essentially the internist, intensivist, pharmacist of the operating room (and more!). This combined with the acuity, procedures, and ability to be hands-on ultimately lead me to pursue anesthesia.

What do you find most rewarding about your training so far?
I have really enjoyed training at Ben Taub. Being Houston’s county hospital, Ben Taub receives many patients that are low income or underinsured, so it is rewarding to help my community and some of its more vulnerable members. Additionally, I spent a lot of time volunteering at Ben Taub when I was a college student, so now being back for residency feels like I have come full circle.

Can you share a project, experience, or achievement you are especially proud of during residency?
I am very humbled to have recently received one of our program’s professionalism awards. Professionalism shows up in moments like taking an extra minute to reassure a nervous patient or staying a bit late to help a trauma case get settled, and I’m fortunate to work with attendings and co-residents where that is the norm. Being recognized for something that feels embedded in the culture of our program has been especially meaningful.

What advice would you give to medical students or new trainees entering residency?
Residency is your time to learn and grow. The days might feel long but the weeks and months speed by, so try to make the most of it. Challenge yourself and be proactive. Ask to be involved in specific cases or step outside of your comfort zone and see if you can try a different technique for something. The more you advocate for your own learning, the more you’ll get out of the experience.

Outside of training, what’s something you’re passionate about or enjoy doing?
I have a major sweet tooth and love trying new ice cream spots and flavors around town and when traveling. I have once tried brisket flavored ice cream although would not recommend this. I’ve even started making my own home-made ice cream too!

If you were stranded on an island and could have one thing with you from the outside world, what would it be?
A good chair.

What inspired you to pursue your specialty and career in academic medicine?
I was always interested in people and science. Clinical healthcare, more than pure research or classroom teaching, seems to be a kind of sweet spot for those two interests. There's a great deal of interdependency in anesthesia and in the OR setting, and that need for teamwork seems to bring out the best in myself and my coworkers. Additionally, working as an AA requires a lifelong commitment to continuing self education, which I've always found appealing.

What do you find most rewarding about working with residents and students?
Most of the academic information trainees will find in books, study aids, references and lecture materials. That stuff we all just have to internalize on our own. I think I most enjoy passing on the little tricks of the trade that you tend only to learn on the job over time. Being involved in training and teaching also reinforces my own intellectual and practice standards. It's good to stay sharp.

Can you share a project, achievement, or initiative you are especially proud of?
We've had a large number of outside college students interested in shadowing to learn more about different clinical careers in healthcare, include those of AAs. I fell into the role being the "shadowing coordinator." By no means have I been the only one involved with shadowers, but to date I have hosted and helped to coordinate several dozen shadowers interested in learning more about AA school.

What advice would you give to trainees who are just beginning their careers?
People and circumstance vary so much that it's hard to give useful generic advice. But for everyone who is just beginning, first, look back on what you've accomplished to date and be proud of that. You didn't get to this point by doing nothing, and once you're in, everybody wants to see you succeed. Second, try not to take anything personally; all feedback is there for your growth. Third, enjoy your time training! Keep showing up and patiently putting forth effort, and over time you will grow into whatever role and skills are necessary for you.

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or enjoy doing?
I love listening to, learning about, and creating music. It seems to run in my family. I don't consider myself especially talented in that area but there are few things as gratifying to me as getting hypnotized by a piece of wonderful music.

If you were stranded on an island and could have one thing with you from the outside world, what would it be?
Tough question! Assuming all my material needs were basically met, I'd probably have to say a piano. I don't see how anybody could ever get bored with a piano.

What inspired you to pursue your specialty and career in academic medicine?
My parents immigrated from Mexico after medical school and built their careers in anesthesiology here in the U.S. Watching how they cared for people and managed the intensity of the job inspired me to follow this path. They trained in an era without advanced monitoring or specialized airway equipment, yet their skill and dedication remain unmatched, they are true masters of the field and my greatest role models.

I see anesthesiology as a calling: to guide patients through some of their most vulnerable moments. I pursued fellowship training in regional anesthesia to develop a niche expertise I could share through teaching, and because it allows me to care for some of the sickest patients while also addressing pain—an issue that profoundly affects patients but is too often overlooked.

What do you find most rewarding about working with residents and students?
Regional anesthesia is a highly technical skillset that demands deep anatomical knowledge and precise hand–eye coordination. Watching trainees not only master these skills but exceed expectations is one of the most rewarding aspects of academic medicine. A recent highlight for me was during my own umbilical hernia surgery at Ben Taub, performed entirely under regional anesthesia, when one of my chief residents managed my anesthetic with results even better than I could have provided myself.

Can you share a project, achievement, or initiative you are especially proud of?
I am especially proud of developing and leading a global health anesthesia program over the past 10 years, serving as lead for orthopedic anesthesia on an annual mission in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Through this initiative, we care for patients who would otherwise have no access to surgery. My department has been very supportive, allowing me to both teach and work abroad while also bringing Baylor anesthesia residents to learn and contribute. These trips have become a true bilateral exchange with my Dominican colleagues, and I often feel I learn as much as I teach.

What advice would you give to trainees who are just beginning their careers?
The most important advice I can give is to value time and preparation: never be late, and start your day early by reading, praying, and exercising to center yourself. Approach every patient as an opportunity to go above and beyond, with no task being beneath you. Whether it’s changing a patient’s gown or keeping your workspace organized, this mindset reflects true dedication. Colleagues and patients notice this kind of work ethic, when your mind is focused on learning and your hands are committed to doing what’s best for the person in front of you, you will stand out as both a physician and a healer.

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or enjoy doing?
After the COVID epidemic, I became very aware of how short life is and how quickly it passes. I’ve learned the importance of using the extra time we’re given intentionally. For me, that means spending time with my family, whether it’s talking, going to the park, sharing a meal, or simply being together. I also enjoy gardening, which gives me a sense of peace. Now in my 40s, I see how quickly the first half of life has gone by, and I cherish every moment I get to spend with loved ones.

If you were stranded on an island and could have one thing with you from the outside world, what would it be?
I would bring my Bible. Each time I read it, I find new meaning and strength, and it would be a source of guidance and comfort in that situation.

What inspired you to pursue your specialty and career in academic medicine?
A patient on the table had a serious complication during my medical school surgery rotation, and the anesthesia provider called in a group of colleagues to help. They worked together to stabilize the patient and solve the problem. I decided that is what I want to learn how to do and those are the type of people I want to work with.

What do you find most rewarding about working with residents and students?
  I find teaching residents and students airway skills very rewarding. After a few times through managing an airway, they can rapidly improve a lifesaving skill.

Can you share a project, achievement, or initiative you are especially proud of?
I am especially proud of my involvement with the OR board runners at St. Luke's Hospital. We are a small group that coordinates anesthesia care across both the Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center campus and the McNair campus at 45 and growing anesthetizing locations. This position is also the direct liaison during the day for surgical providers and the nursing operating room leadership to facilitate care for surgical patients.

What advice would you give to trainees who are just beginning their careers?
My PhD advisor used to say to all his trainees, "Nothing is easy." Initially, I thought this was a tough outlook on problem solving, but over time I learned that this was actually comforting. Challenges and tough lessons are not the fault of the learner. They were always present, and they once troubled the same educators that teach you to master them today.

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or enjoy doing?
I enjoy sailing on Galveston Bay and participating in local regattas when time allows.

If you were stranded on an island and could have one thing with you from the outside world, what would it be?
I would take strike anywhere matches. I think I would make it a bit longer if I could start a fire and boil water.

What inspired you to pursue Anesthesia? And CV as a specialty?
I have a background in chemical engineering, and I naturally gravitated towards anesthesiology due to the overlap with my engineering background. Several of the engineering classes I took, including fluid dynamics, pump mechanics, organic chemistry, and process engineering, are directly applicable to anesthesiology. Cardiac anesthesiology takes these concepts to the next level, particularly with topics such as complex cardiac physiology, transesophageal echocardiography, and use of mechanical circulatory support.

What do you find most rewarding about your training so far?
Most patients are understandably nervous when they come in for surgery. Specifically, cardiac patients tend to have more medical comorbidities, and they present for more complicated surgeries. I enjoy being able to ease their fears, quickly gain their trust, and then take them safely through any procedure they may need, no matter how complex.

Can you share a project, experience, or achievement you are especially proud of during residency and/or fellowship?
During my last year of residency, I enjoyed being able to teach new junior residents in the operating room. It is humbling and rewarding to help them learn and grow over the course of their training.

What advice would you give to medical students or new trainees entering residency?
Residency is hard, but it goes by quickly. Use these years to learn as much as you can and try new things before you are out on your own calling the shots. Don’t forget to take care of yourself during the process.

Outside of training, what’s something you’re passionate about or enjoy doing?
I love to travel. I have been to 25 US National Parks and 5 different countries in the past few years.

If you were stranded on an island and could have one thing with you from the outside world, what would it be?
A comfortable chair.

What inspired you to pursue your specialty and career in academic medicine?
What drew me to CV anesthesia was the intensity of cases and real time application of physiology, pharmacology and procedural skills. It's a high stakes and deeply engaging environment. I enjoyed my training at Texas Heart and was pleased to join the group as faculty.

What do you find most rewarding about working with residents and students?
I find it rewarding to see the residents progress through training and mature into young doctors ready for graduation.

Can you share a project, achievement, or initiative you are especially proud of?
I am currently working on recording a digital curriculum for the residents with Dr. Powell. I think this will be a durable resource for residents many years in the future.

What advice would you give to trainees who are just beginning their careers?
Your perspective will mature a lot in the first year out of training and things will feel very different when you are fully responsible. You'll revisit previous experiences with new eyes and the take away may be different than you thought. Give yourself some grace while you're learning. Humility and shared decision making look a lot better than digging in your heels early on.

Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or enjoy doing?
I'm an avid world traveler and have been learning to ski the last few seasons.

If you were stranded on an island and could have one thing with you from the outside world, what would it be?
The reasonable choice might be antibiotics or a radio but for general happiness I'd probably want my dogs. 

What do you enjoy most about your role?
What I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to make a real impact, whether it's solving problems, supporting a team, or improving a process. I find it rewarding to contribute to something larger than myself and see tangible results from my work. I also enjoy continuous learning and the chance to collaborate with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.

Can you share a project, accomplishment, or moment at work that you’re especially proud of?
One accomplishment I'm especially proud of is when I successfully brought down our Accounts Payable. I identified outstanding invoices, prioritized vendor relationships, and worked closely with both our finance and procurement teams to streamline payment processes, we were able to significantly reduce our outstanding liabilities. Seeing the financial health of the company improve because of that work was very rewarding.

How do you like to support your team or colleagues?
I like to support my team by being approachable, reliable, and solution-focused. Whether it's helping someone troubleshoot an issue, sharing knowledge, or simply being available to listen, I believe in creating a collaborative environment where everyone feels supported.

What’s your favorite team tradition or memory at work?
One of my favorite team traditions is when we celebrate project completions or big wins together—whether it's a team lunch, a quick coffee break, or just giving shout-outs during meetings. It creates a sense of camaraderie and reminds us to pause and appreciate our hard work.

What’s something about you outside of work that people might be surprised to learn?
I enjoy crafting with my daughter and spending quality time with my grandchildren, it’s one of my favorite ways to stay creative and connected with my family. I also enjoy binge-watching a good series when I have some downtime. And one of my favorite ways to unwind is just sitting in my backyard with no music, no distractions, just relaxing and enjoying the quiet. It really helps me recharge.

What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy in your free time?
I really enjoy crafting with my daughter, spending quality time with my grandchildren, and dancing. These activities let me express my creativity and stay active.

If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t in my current role, I’d be a hairstylist. I’ve always loved the creativity involved in styling hair and the confidence it can give someone. I enjoy working with people one-on-one and making them feel their best, so it feels like a natural fit for my personality. Plus, it’s a great way to express creativity while building strong relationships.

What inspired you to pursue Anesthesia?
I switched from a Pediatrics residency to Anesthesiology. Overall, I wanted something where I could be more involved with the care of the patient and make decisions that actively contribute to a patient's outcome. In Anesthesiology we get to use our understand of the human body and medical knowledge to make decisions and see the effect of those decisions in real time. Few fields in medicine offer this level of direct interaction with a patient.

What do you find most rewarding about your training so far?
Although the bulk of our work is in the intraoperative setting, the pre and post operative settings I find truly enjoyable. Playing the role of the calm, protective doctor who will oversee the health of the patient as they undergo something stressful like surgery provides me with a strong sense of pride. I enjoy making conversation with the patients before the surgery to help them relax and discuss their worries. Postoperatively, when my patients feel comfortable, without pain or nausea, I find that incredibly rewarding. To me it's a sign that my dedication to the delivery of a quality anesthetic has paid off for the patient's experience.

Can you share a project, experience, or achievement you are especially proud of during residency? Probably my proudest achievement would be being offered one of the chief resident positions. I found this incredibly flattering that my attendings and peers thought so highly of me and felt I would be a good representation for the program. It felt like a full circle moment, dealing with the worries of switching fields to truly finding my place in this field and in this residency.

What advice would you give to medical students or new trainees entering residency?
Overall, I'd say to anyone moving on to residency training is to have faith in the process. All residencies come with their own learning curves that are incredibly daunting to a fresh intern expected to suddenly take care of actual patients. However, people have gone through medical training for a long time before you and have made it out the other side. Do the best you can, strive to be motivated to improve, and have faith in the process and things will all work out.

Outside of training, what’s something you’re passionate about or enjoy doing?
A favorite hobby of mine would be cooking and baking. I feel the most relaxed when I'm at home making dinner for my partner or a group of friends for our weekly "Sunday Gravy". We'll try to get together however often we can on Sunday for a big communal dinner and games, where I'll put together a nice meal for everyone. Finding new recipes, perfecting my recurring recipes, and of course hearing compliments about my cooking all makes this one of my favorite hobbies.

If you were stranded on an island and could have one thing with you from the outside world, what would it be?
If I was stranded on an island and could only have one thing with me, I'd bring my little dogs Milo and Tito-Rico. It might be cheating to bring them both, however together they're roughly the size of one medium sized dog. In theory, they would help me survive on the island by hunting and protecting me, but at the end of the day I'd probably have to carry them everywhere since they hate the water and don't want to get covered in sand.