Surgery Alumni

The 23rd Congress of the Michael E. DeBakey Surgical Society took place on March 5-6, 2026, continuing a proud tradition of honoring the legacy of Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, an internationally recognized pioneer of modern medicine, visionary innovator and humanitarian. Dr. DeBakey’s groundbreaking contributions to cardiovascular surgery and his dedication to education have shaped generations of surgeons worldwide.

Conference a Perfect Blend of the Past and the Future of Surgery
In 2023 our 11th Annual Research Day was combined with the Michael E. DeBakey Surgical Society Alumni Symposium. The event was held on June 9 and 10 and featured sessions highlighting the clinical, educational and research accomplishments of the department and its alumni both nationally and internationally. 

As a breast cancer surgeon in Virginia, Dr. John P. Williams dedicates his professional career to advancing quality cancer care in his community. On a national level, he advises the President of the United States regarding the National Cancer Program serving as chairman of the President’s Cancer Panel. He credits Dr. Michael E. DeBakey and his many associates in the Department of Surgery for their guidance in finding a larger personal mission beyond excellent clinical care of patients.

West Tennessee Healthcare recently welcomed Nestor Arita, M.D., vascular surgeon, to West Tennessee and his new medical practice at West Tennessee Medical Group –Jackson Surgical Associates. 

Baylor College of Medicine honored outstanding alumni and faculty at the 2021 Alumni Awards Ceremony, held virtually April 14. The awards recognize career accomplishments in outstanding patient care, innovative research and excellence in teaching.

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point announced the appointment of Dr. Erika van Doorn as the trauma medical director for the hospital’s Level II Trauma Center, the only Level II Trauma program in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. Dr. van Doorn completed her General Surgery Residency and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine.

Dr. George P. Noon ’60, won the Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding service to Baylor College of Medicine and the Baylor College of Medicine Alumni Association.

Dr. Kenneth L. Mattox '64, was given the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to alumni whose lifelong pursuits have achieved the zenith of accomplishment and who serve as an inspiration to others.

Brandi Braud-Scully, M.D., M.S. has recently been granted a two-year post-doctoral Hecht-Levi Fellowship in bioethics at the Johns Hopkins University Berman Institute of Bioethics. This fellowship is designed to foster the next generation of bioethics scholars, granting protected time for research and publication. Hecht-Levi Fellows have the opportunity to pursue subjects of personal interest related to bioethics, and work in both mentored and collaborative relationships.

Department faculty members and residents had an extraordinary experience in the Sengerema Designated District Hospital in Tanzania. The team traveled to this rural area hospital to provide specialized surgical care to patients and to train local assistant medical officers under conditions that are dramatically different from what they have experienced at Baylor College of Medicine.

The September 2018 issue of MD Monthly showcases Baylor alumna Dr. Lyssa Ochoa, who was honored with the Mission Trail Baptist Hospital's WB Russ Excellence in Medicine Award for her community efforts including the SAVE Clinic. The San Antonio Vascular and Endovascular Clinic serves the need for compassionate and advanced vascular care to the growing population of diabetics residing in this historically underserved area.

Baylor College of Medicine’s Alumni Association honored Dr. Joseph S. Coselli with the Distinguished Service Award. Coselli is vice chair of the Department of Surgery and chief of the division of cardiothoracic surgery. He was honored May 3, 2018 at the Alumni Association Award and Recognition Dinner, which was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Houston.

Dr. Christian Marín-Muller’s grandmother died of cancer before he was born. It saddens him that he never had the chance to meet her, but thanks to her he knew from an early age what he wanted to be when he grew up. He would become a scientist and find a way to fight cancer so nobody else would have to lose a grandma.

Dr. Erik Askenasy (BCM Class of 2014), surgeon on-call and a member of LBJ's ride-out team, knew the patient’s life was at stake after the patient’s CT scan revealed significant bleeding in the space between the skull and brain, and in one of the brain’s lobes.

Alison Wilson, M.D., (General Surgery Residency class of 2001 and Surgical Critical Care Residency class of 2002), has been named the director of West Virginia University’s Institute for Critical Care and Trauma.

The Plastic Surgery Foundation and the American Association of Plastic Surgeons created a living history of plastic surgery. Thomas Biggs, M.D. and Melvin Spira, M.D., D.D.S. were the only Texans in the group.

Alumnus Dr. Steven D. Schwaitzberg (M.D. ’80, General Surgery Residency ’86) was promoted to professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School.