Medical, Nursing, Dental Schools Announce Appointments

Medical Admissions, Student Affairs

Margaret McNeese, M.D., was named associate dean for admissions and student affairs at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, beginning July 1. McNeese, who also is professor of pediatrics, added responsibility for the Office of Admissions to her existing position as associate dean for student affairs after Al Gunn, M.D., stepped down from his position as associate dean.

“Combining admissions and student affairs into one office should provide seamless services and attention to prospective and current students,” said Michael McKinney, M.D., who served for several months as acting dean of the Medical School.

Assisting McNeese in admissions is Judianne Kellaway, M.D., newly appointed assistant dean for admissions. Kellaway is associate professor of ophthalmology and visual science and a past president of the Medical School Alumni Association.

“Dr. Gunn has led the Office of Admissions for the past 27 years with steadfast commitment and dedication to our students and our mission,” said McKinney, senior executive vice president and chief operating officer of the UT Health Science Center at Houston.

Three Medical Department Chairs

Three departments in The University of Texas Medical School at Houston are getting new leadership.

Neurology

James C. Grotta, M.D., director of the Stroke Program, was appointed chair of the Department of Neurology, effective July 1, by Interim Dean Jerry S. Wolinsky, M.D.

Holder of the Roy M. and Phyllis Gough Huffington Distinguished Chair, Grotta has been on the faculty at the UT Medical School since 1979. He is recognized as one of the nation’s most respected researchers and clinicians in the management of patients with stroke and is a recent recipient of the American Heart Association Physician of the Year award.

“He has built a strong research and clinical team here and has a comparable commitment to the training of future physicians,” Wolinsky said.

Grotta succeeds James Ferrendelli, M.D., who stepped down after chairing the Department of Neurology for 10 years. Ferrendelli, the Kraft W. Eidman Professor in the Medical Sciences, will continue to have research, teaching and clinical duties in the department.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Richard J. Andrassy, M.D., has agreed to serve as acting chair of the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery until permanent leadership can be identified. Andrassy is professor and chair of the Department of Surgery, associate dean for clinical affairs, and holder of the Denton A. Cooley, M.D., Chair in Surgery.

Joseph Chang, M.D., announced May 8 his resignation as chair of the department.

“Dr. Andrassy’s willingness to take on another leadership role in the Medical School is greatly appreciated,” Wolinsky said.

Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences

A search committee, headed by Michael Bungo, M.D., vice dean for clinical affairs, has been formed to identify a new chair for the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences. Larry C. Gilstrap, M.D., the Emma Sue Hightower Professor, has announced his resignation as chair of the department, effective at the end of August.

Gilstrap will join the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Dallas as director of evaluation, but he will continue his activities with the Residency Review Committee. He has been with the Medical School for 10 years.

“I truly appreciate the contributions of Drs. Gilstrap, Ferrendelli and Chang,” Wolinsky said. “We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for their leadership and contributions to the growth and maturity of our school.”

Two New Nursing Chairs

Patricia L. Starck, D.S.N., dean of The University of Texas School of Nursing at Houston, has announced the appointment of two new department chairs. Each had served as interim chair for the past several months.

Target Populations

Marlene Cohen, Ph.D., has accepted the position of chair, Department of Nursing for Target Populations. Cohen is the John S. Dunn, Sr., Distinguished Professor in Oncology Nursing with a joint appointment at the UT M. D. Anderson Cancer Center as director of applied nursing research.

Her research focuses on the emotional response to physical illness, with oncology as the primary focus. She is conducting collaborative research with nurses in Israel and Italy on cross-cultural aspects of symptom management.

Nursing Systems

Sandra Upchurch, Ph.D., has accepted the position of chair, Department of Nursing Systems. Upchurch is an associate professor in the Community Health Division.

Her current research interests include: behavioral aspects of care, self-care management and educational interventions for persons with type 2 diabetes.

Three Dental Appointments

Three administrative changes have been made at The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston, Dean Catherine M. Flaitz, D.D.S., has announced.

Patient Care

Peggy O’Neill, D.D.S., professor of periodontics, assumes the role of interim associate dean for patient care, effective Aug. 1. A national search will be launched to fill the position permanently. A former vice dean of the Dental Branch, O’Neill will continue to work in the clinic with students approximately two days each week.

“We appreciate her willingness to be a part of our leadership team again,” Flaitz said. O’Neill succeeds Peter Triolo, D.D.S., who has accepted a position on the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.

O’Neill spent July working with Triolo and Stephen Jessee, D.D.S., director of clinical education, preparing for her new responsibilities.

“Dr. Triolo’s enthusiastic and effective leadership qualities will be missed at the Dental Branch,” Flaitz said. “He has served our school well for the past eight years.”

Pediatric Dentistry

Foud Salama, B.D.S., has been appointed chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry.

Salama was previously director of Postgraduate Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. While there, he increased the number of residents, added to the curriculum for resident training, supervised research projects and increased clinic revenue through an increase in the patient population.

Administration

Lynnette Lewis has been appointed director of dental branch administration, effective June 1. Her new position involves partnering with Dean Flaitz to direct all administrative activities within the academic and clinical departments of the Dental Branch. In addition, Lewis will serve as the administrative interface between the Dean’s Office and classified employees.

Lewis has worked in the Dean’s Office of the Dental Branch since 1991 and has worked in the UT Health Science Center at Houston since 1981.