McGovern Medical School

08/24/2026

08/14/2026

When medical student Cherechi Abakwue began experiencing headaches, she thought they were simply part of the stress of medical school. Instead, an MRI revealed a brain tumor pressing on her brainstem.

After returning home to Houston, Cherechi was referred to Jacques J. Morcos, MD, professor in the Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. Alongside a multidisciplinary team, Morcos performed a complex 10-hour surgery to remove one of the most challenging skull base tumors.

Today, Cherechi is back in medical school and says her experience with Morcos and the UTHealth Houston team has forever shaped the kind of physician she hopes to become—one who leads with skill, compassion, and humanity.

Read her inspiring story:

Health Complex brain tumor removal gives medical student a second chance By Catherine Marfin July 23, 2026 Medical student Cherechi Abakwue, 29, is on track to graduate from Loma Linda University in California thanks to care she received from the UTHealth Houston Skull Base Program. (Photo by Cherec...

08/14/2026

Some of the most meaningful student journeys begin well before the first day of class.

When Robert Hart, MD ’85, arrived at the Henry Strobel Retreat, the first person he met was second-year medical student Susan Nelson, MD ’84. At the time, neither could have known that they would one day marry—or that the connections and experiences they shared through McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston would continue to shape their lives decades later.

Through the Susan E. Nelson, MD, and Robert I. Hart, MD, Medical School Scholarship, they are helping students pursue their dreams in medicine with greater financial freedom.

As the Strobel Retreat marks its 50th anniversary, their story celebrates the intersection of community and generosity that creates lasting impact for generations to come.

Read more: go.uth.edu/NelsonHartStory

08/03/2026

Today is the beginning of another exciting academic year at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

To our returning students, welcome back! To the Class of 2030, welcome to the McGovern family!

Here’s to a year full of accomplishments!

07/29/2026

McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston officially welcomed the graduating class of 2030 for orientation week beginning July 27. Students gathered for a group photo on the lawn of the Jesse Jones Library before participating in a welcome lecture and scavenger hunt.

07/28/2026

Congratulations to Kevin Schulz, MD, on his appointment as the city of Houston’s new EMS physician director.

A nationally recognized leader in emergency medical services, Schulz has spent more than a decade serving Houston as assistant medical director for the Houston Fire Department while educating the next generation of healthcare professionals at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. Discover how his experience responding to major disasters and events, from Hurricane Harvey to the FIFA World Cup, has prepared him for this new leadership role: go.uth.edu/KSchulz

07/24/2026

One of Italy’s highest civilian honors recognizing exceptional service and achievement has been awarded to Fabio Triolo, DdR, PhD, MPhil, professor in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

Triolo received the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in recognition of his decades of leadership in biomedical research, regenerative medicine, and cell therapy. From helping establish pioneering cell therapy infrastructure in Southern Italy to advancing groundbreaking innovations at UTHealth Houston, his work continues to shape the future of medicine and improve patient care around the world.

Learn more about this prestigious recognition: go.uth.edu/TrioloHonor

Italy names Triolo a Knight of the Order of Merit By Roman Petrowski June 17, 2026 Fabio Triolo, DdR, PhD, MPhil, (right), receives the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic insignia and certificate of honor from the Consul General of Italy One of Italy’s highest civilian honors rec...

07/22/2026

Some of the most meaningful lessons from medical school happen outside the classroom.

For 50 years, Strobel Retreat has brought students together to build friendships, find support and begin their journey as a community.

As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we invite our alumni to reflect on the memories that made your Strobel Retreat special. Share your favorite story in the comments.

If Strobel was part of your McGovern experience, consider helping today's students create memories and connections of their own by supporting the Strobel Retreat 50th Anniversary campaign: https://give.uth.edu/celebrating-50-years-of-strobel-retreat/?a=13308245

07/20/2026

From sunrise to sign-out, every moment counts.

Follow Anam Haque, MD, chief resident of child neurology, in the Department of Pediatrics, for a behind-the-scenes look at a day spent learning, leading, and caring for patients at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

07/06/2026

McGovern Medical School mourns the loss of Stacey Hall, DO, a beloved member of our Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She was an associate professor and board-certified and fellowship-trained physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist who provided comprehensive care for pediatric patients with physical disabilities, cerebral palsy, spasticity, dystonia, arthrogryposis, and myelomeningocele.