Dean's Biography

Dean Giuseppe N. Colasurdo, M.D.

The University of Texas Medical School at Houston

2007-Present; Dean

An internationally known researcher and pediatrician, Dr. Giuseppe N. Colasurdo became dean and H. Wayne Hightower Distinguished Professor in the Medical Sciences of The University of Texas Medical School Sept. 1, 2007.

He earned his medical degree summa cum laude from G. D'Annunzio School of Medicine in Chieti, Italy, and completed his residency at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He completed his fellowship at the University of Colorado Health Science Center and the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver. In Colorado, he worked in the laboratory of Dr. Gary L. Larsen and initiated his studies on the autonomic regulation of the airway smooth muscle, the biology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, and ontogeny of airway dysfunction and inflammation in childhood asthma.

Dr. Colasurdo joined the Medical School's faculty in 1995 as an assistant professor of pediatrics in the Division of Pulmonary Medicine. He became the division head in 1997 and has directed the fellowship training program in pediatric pulmonary medicine since 2001. He was named chair of the Department of Pediatrics in 2005.

The physician-in-chief at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Dr. Colasurdo specializes in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pediatric asthma, and other lung disorders in infants and children. In his dedication to improving health care, he co-chairs the Pediatric Medical Quality Staff Review Committee at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Dr. Colasurdo has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Children's Miracle Network, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Born in the small town of Morrone Del Sannio, Italy, Dr. Colasurdo completed his undergraduate education at Liceo Scientifico Galileo Galilei in Pescara, Italy, the second eldest of five children. Determined to achieve the best medical training in the world, Dr. Colasurdo decided to come to the United States in 1988. He now has dual citizenship - a commitment to that choice he made nearly 30 years ago.

His numerous awards include the Dean's Excellence Awards, the David W. Smith Trainee Award from the Western Society for Pediatric Research, and the Basic Scientist Development Award from the National Institutes of Health. In 2008, he received Houston’s Executive Communicator of the Year Award from the International Association of Business Communicators; the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Department of Pediatrics at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB); elected to faculty membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor  Medical Society - Houston Delta Chapter; received the Facolta di Medicina e Chirurgia Award from the G. D’Annunzio School of Medicine in Chieti, Italy; and, recipient of the Knight of the Order of Merit of the italian Republic, presented by the Consul General of Italy.   In addition to publishing more than 120 manuscripts, abstracts, book chapters and review articles, Dr. Colasurdo holds editorial reviewer positions on several scientific journals, including The American Journal of Physiology, The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, and Pediatric Pulmonology. He is a member of the American Thoracic Society and the Society for Pediatric Research.

A strong proponent of preserving and promoting the best in medical education, Dr. Colasurdo brought to our school two fellowship training programs recognized by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education: pediatric pulmonology and pediatric critical care. He has trained numerous fellows and junior faculty currently holding positions in academic centers including the UTHSC. He recently created a Division of Medical Education in the Department of Pediatrics dedicated to focusing on new strategies and technologies for resident learning. As director of the fellowship training program, Dr. Colasurdo's teaching responsibilities include developing clinical curriculum for residents and fellows and training in pediatric pulmonary medicine. His teaching responsibilities also extend to the residents, fellows, and medical students during hospital and clinical rounds as well as during weekly lectures. He serves as a consultant to the Texas Medical Association’s Council on Medical Education.

He remains an active clinical pulmonologist and has hospital privileges at Memorial Hermann Hospital, Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital, and M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. His outpatient clinic is at the UT Respiratory Science Center located in the UT Professional Building. Dr. Colasurdo is the CEO and president of UT-Physicians, the Medical Practice of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston.

Dr. Colasurdo is board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Pulmonology and is licensed to practice medicine in Italy, Texas, and Colorado.

 

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Medical School Dean Biographies

 

The Office of the Dean

  • Dr. Giuseppe N. Colasurdo
    Dean
    The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
  • 6431 Fannin, MSB G.150
    Houston, Texas 77030
  • (713) 500-5010 tel
    (713) 500-0602 fax