Best of the Best 2010 - Houston Doctors
By Stacy Shilling
Medical Journal-Houston
As another Winter Olympics has drawn to a close, new world records were set and amazing athletes made their countries proud. So it is that time of year that the Medical Journal – Houston looks back over the year at the accomplishments of the Best of the Best 2010. Each one is the best in his field and is making strides in the medical community for the world to take notice.
Ready to make his impact on the world, Dr. Tweardy, at Baylor College of Medicine, is not only passionate about his clinical work but his research as well. With multiple positions and responsibilities, he has also fostered a group of world class investigators in infectious diseases and he is on the cusp of developing a drug therapy based on his research of STAT 3 cells in cancer patients to increase their survival rate.
Next was the introduction of Dr. Steven Petak, whose work goes beyond the doors at The University of Texas Medical School in Houston. Whether it is the research he does on bone density for NASA astronauts or advocating for patients rights in Washington, DC, this doctor is the champion for the many who encounter him. Although he practices medicine, he knows that in order to be affective in this ever changing practice, he needs to be versed well in the law. For that reason, he is a sign of progress both inside and outside the medical community.
Aside from the numerous awards, leadership positions and over forty years of experience, Dr. Robert Grossman is not only devoted to research in the field of Neurology, but bringing other fields together in the Neurology Institute at The Methodist Hospital to provide the maximum benefits for the patients that walk through the doors. He has also had the honor to work with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to network hospitals for the development of new treatments for spinal cord injuries. He is bringing hope to those that did not even dare to dream of such just a few decades ago.
The Medical Journal- Houston also featured Dr. Brent King who saves lives on a daily basis at Memorial Hermann Hospital Emergency Center and LBJ Hospital and trains future physicians to be prepared for the unexpected at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical School. His leadership and dedication to his profession have created a pool of greatly trained physicians prepared to offer hope to those that enter Emergency Rooms across the country. “Dr. King has developed an outstanding Department of Emergency Medicine at the busiest trauma center in America. In addition he has an outstanding training program, sought after by trainees from all over the country. He has done all this while maintaining a busy clinical effort and serving as Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs,” stated Dr. Richard Andrassy, Denton A. Cooley, M.D., Chair in Surgery, Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery, and Jack H. Mayfield, M.D., Distinguished University Chair at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.
Dr. R. Thomas Solis, an 8th generation Texan, has not only been recognized by the Medical Journal -Houston, but by his peers as well. He is one of the many that have helped Houston earn its reputation for quality healthcare such as his involvement with the Sleep Lab, Respiratory Care Service and Respiratory Disease Section at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital. His contributions to internal, pulmonary, and sleep medicine have been invaluable to the Houston area.
Next, the Medical Journal-Houston introduced Dr. David L. Callender. As President of The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, his mission is to resurrect the institution to provide for the quality care of patients and education of future physicians following the devastation from Hurricane Ike. “Dr. David Callender is very personable and is also the consummate physician/surgeon leader who is blessed with infallible judgment and the ability to inspire others.” Bobby R. Alford, M.D., Chancellor, Baylor College of Medicine. The future is looking bright for this institution to become one of the best medical schools in the nation because of Dr. Callender’s resolve to accomplish this goal.
Despite the overwhelming issues with the current healthcare system, Dr. Martin Grabois transcends it and still recommends the profession to those willing to pursue becoming a physician. Not only is he well known in the Houston area, but internationally as well. He was won numerous awards both nationally and internationally for his professionalism and dedication to the field of medicine. As the Chairman of the PMR department at Baylor College of Medicine, he and his staff are providing excellent care for those needing rehabilitation.
Dr. Kenneth Mathis shared many innovative breakthroughs in Orthopedics within the last century and has given many people the hope of recovering from once debilitating injuries. With a strong focus on his patients’ needs, his innate passion for his field has proven rewarding for those that look to recuperate and reclaim their former daily activities. Dr. James Muntz commented, “I have had the honor of working with orthopedic surgeons for the last 30 years, not only in Houston, but across the country. I can truly say Dr. Ken Mathis is not only one of the finest orthopedists I have encountered, but he is truly a notch above...an excellent surgeon, and an all around talented doctor, providing incredible care to his patients 24/7.”
Dr. Vic Sierpina is impacting the medical world in an unusual way. This physician has practically written textbooks on integrating alternative medicine into the mainstream. In a world where technology dominates, Dr. Sierpina has challenged the medical community to look to the past and apply alternative techniques to maximize the benefits for the patient’s healing process. He treats his patients on many levels rather than one focused method
In the arena of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Dr. Lawrence Chan is making a cure of type 1 diabetes become a reality and not a dream for those that suffer from this disease and giving hope to those with atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes with successful treatments. He has also brought to Houston an NIH funded Diabetes Center where the fruition of his work will have a lasting impact. “When we finally have the answers, Dr. Chan’s research will be among the most important in helping us solve the national epidemic of diabetes,” commented Herbert L. DuPont, MD, Chief of Internal Medicine, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital.
It is no wonder why the physicians that the Medical Journal-Houston featured this year have won prestigious honors such as Best Doctors in America or America’s Top Family Doctor. The country has recognized what the Houston/Galveston Area possesses and that is the Best of the Best!