January 29, 2013

As we approach February (American Heart Month), and Wear Red Day this Friday, I am very pleased to call your attention to several recent news stories. 

The Houston Chronicle featured the Texas Heart Institute (THI) in its Health Zone section this past Sunday. 

Dr. Doris Taylor Houston Chronicle photo: Michael Paulsen

The cover story, which is being picked up around the nation, highlighted the cutting-edge work of Dr. Doris Taylor and her team to regenerate hearts and other organs using a patient's own stem cells. The research holds much promise for the future and you can learn more about it on our website. We are so pleased Dr. Taylor and her colleagues are carrying this work forward at THI.

Also featured was the continuing work on life-saving heart pumps by Dr. O.H. "Bud" Frazier and Dr. Billy Cohn and their team. THI leads the world in this field, and we are proud of recent accomplishments that are revolutionizing this area of research. 

Follow the latest news and developments at www.texasheart.org/news.

Finally, I heartily congratulate our founder Dr. Denton A. Cooley, who has just learned he will be installed in the Modern Healthcare Hall of Fame. Fewer than 100 people have received this honor, which recognizes luminaries who have "made outstanding contributions to healthcare." Dr. Cooley, who has accomplished so much in his career, including creating and nurturing the Texas Heart Institute, will be inducted in a ceremony in Chicago on March 10, 2013. 

Join us as we Celebrate Heart Month, sharing heart-healthy tips, ideas, and activities all month at www.texasheart.org. 

With my respect and gratitude,

 
James T. Willerson, MD
President and Medical Director

Contact Dr. Willerson.