The Department of Surgery at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Department of Surgery
LifeFlight

Faculty Biography

Department of Surgery,
Division of Acute Care Surgery,
Trauma and Critical Care


Ernest A. Gonzalez, MD

Assistant Professor of Surgery

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EDUCATION

Undergraduate

1987-1991 University of Texas at Austin, B.A. – Zoology, Austin, TX

Graduate

01/1993 – 05/1997 Texas Tech University – Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX - MD
08/1992 – 12/1992 St. Georges University – School of Medicine, Granada, West Indies - MD

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING

07/2003 – 06/2005 University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
Instructor and Trauma Research Fellowship
07/2002 – 06/2003 University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
Instructor and Fellow in Surgery – Critical Care
07/2001 – 06/2002 Texas Tech University – Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX
Chief Resident General Surgery
07/1998 – 06/2001 Texas Tech University – Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX
General Surgery Resident
07/1997 – 06/1998 Texas Tech University – Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX
General Surgery Internship

ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS

07/05 – Present Assistant Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX  77030                  

07/06 – Present Director Surgical Critical Care Fellowship, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX  77030                  

07/06 – Present Director Acute Care Surgery Fellowship, Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX  77030                  

HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS

Memorial Hermann Hospital - TMC, 6411 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030
                                                                                  
Medical Director Shock Trauma ICU, Memorial Hermann Hospital - TMC

Medical Director Surgical IMU, Memorial Hermann Hospital - TMC

Lyndon B Johnson Hospital, 5656 Kelley St., Houston, TX 77026

General Employment

01/1992 – 12/1992    
Production Quality Control
Microwave Networks
Houston, Texas     

LICENSURE

Texas State Board of Medical Examiners
Texas Department of Public Safety
Texas Controlled Substances Registration Certificate
United States Department of Justice
Drug Enforcement Administration

CERTIFICATIONS

02/2004 – 07/2014  American Board of Surgery – General Surgery

10/2004 – 07/2015 American Board of Surgery – Surgical Critical Care

2001 - Present Advanced Trauma Life Support Course Director

2000 - Present Bi-National Trauma Conference Instructor

1998 - Present Advanced Trauma Life Support Instructor

1997 - Present Advanced Trauma Life Support

1997 - Present  Advanced Cardiac Life Support

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Local

Harris County Medical Society
Houston Surgical Society

Regional

South Texas American College of Surgeons
Texas Medical Association

National

American Association for the Surgery of Trauma

American College of Surgeons

American Medical Association

Association for Academic Surgery

Shock Society

Society of Critical Care Medicine

Western Trauma Association

HONORS AND AWARDS

2005 Earl G. Young Award, Western Trauma Association
2004 Shock Society Travel Award
2004 American College of Surgeons Region VI Resident Paper Winner
2003 Ruth L. Kirchstein National Research Service Award
2002 Outstanding Surgical Resident Award

SERVICE ON UTHSC COMMITTEES

2005 - Present  Faculty Senate
2006 - Present ICU Task Force

Service On Memorial Herman Committees

2006 - Present  Transfusion Committee
2006 - Present  eICU Committee
2008 - Present  Anticoagulation Task Force
2008 - Present  Operating Room Commitee

CURRENT TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES

2005 - Present  Medical Student Lecturer
2005 - Present  Surgical Resident Case Presentations
2005 – Present  Fellowship Director Surgical Critical Care
2005 – Present  Fellowship Instructor Acute Care Surgery                 

GRANT SUPPORT

CURRENT

W81XWH-07-1-0229           Gonzalez (PI)   3/07-3/09
DoD                                  Total Amount: 514,396
US Army Medical Research and Material Command
Early whole blood in patients requiring massive transfusion after major trauma.
The goal of this project is to evaluate the effects of whole blood transfusion as compared     
to component therapy in patients requiring massive transfusions.                                     
Role: Principle Investigator

P50 GM38529                       Gonzalez (PI)   09/04-05/09
NIH/NIGMS                           Total Amount: 762,932

Pathogenesis of Multiple Organ Failure-Human Subjects Core
The goal of this project is to determine the role of shock induced ischemia/reperfusion injury to the gut in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure.
Role: Principle Investigator

P50 GM38529                           Gonzalez (CI)   09/04-05/09
NIH/NIGMS                               Total Amount: 1,033,979

Pathogenesis of Multiple Organ Failure-Project 3
The goal of this project is to determine the role of shock induced ischemia/reperfusion injury to the gut in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure.
Role: Co-Investigator

COMPLETED RESEARCH SUPPORT:

P188         Gonzalez (CI)   01/06-02/08
DoD          Total Amount: 390,103

US Army Medical Research and Material Command
The goal of this project was to evaluate the role of Poloxamer 188 as an adjunct in  
prolonged hypertensive resuscitation.
Role: Co-Investigator
                                                                                 
P50 GM038529-S2                        Gonzalez (PI)   09/05 – 08/07
NIH/NIGMS                                   Total Amount: 198,344

Minority Supplement-Pathogenesis of Multiple Organ Failure
The goal of this project is to evaluate alternative resuscitation strategies in shock induced ischemia/reperfusion injury to the gut.
Role: Principle Investigator

Protocol # RTBSE-1                     Gonzalez (CI)   11/03 -04/06
Northfield Laboratories, Inc.            Total Amount: 487,569

A Phase III, randomized, controlled, open-label, multi-center, parallel group study using provisions for exception from informed consent requirements designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Poly SFH-P Injection [Polymerized human hemoglobin (Pyridoxylated), Poly Heme] when used to treat patients in hemorrhagic shock following traumatic injuries beginning in the pre-hospital setting.
Role: Co-Investigator

T-32 FM08792-01                          Gonzalez (RF)   07/03 – 06/05
NIH                                               Total Amount: 106,968

Role of the Gut in Post injury Multiple Organ Failure
To produce academically competitive trauma clinical scientists who can design and execute laboratory models to test clinically relevant hypotheses, collaborate with other types of scientists to enhance the basic understanding of he problem they are studying and translate this information back to the clinical arena.
Role: Research Fellow

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PUBLICATIONS

Abstracts
  1. Cao Y, Deng X, Liu X, Pati S, Kozar RA, Gonzalez EA, Holcomb JB, Ko TC. Standard storage of fresh frozen plasma increase TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling.  Shock. 2009;31(S1):56.
  2. Gonzalez EA, Pati S, Kozar RA, Hartwell B, Conyers J, Holcomb JB. Effect of activated human plasma on syndecan-1 expression.  Shock. 2009;31(S1):55.
  3. Gill BS, Dubinsky W, McGuire M, Finkel K, Podoll A, Jastrow K, Jimenez F, Gonzalez EA, Holcomb JB. Early serum and urine biomarkers predict acute kidney injury in selected patients after major trauma. Shock. 2009;31(S1)55.
  4. Gonzalez EA, Zhang R, Kozar RA, Moore FA Hunter RL.  Poloxamer 188 improves survival after prolonged hypotensive resuscitation.  Shock 2008. In press.
  5. Gonzalez EA, Jastrow K, Holcomb JB, Kao LS, Moore FA, Kozar RA.  Early achievement of a 1:1 ratio of FFP: PRBC reduces mortality in patients receiving massive transfusion. Journal of Trauma 2008.  In press.
  6. Gonzalez EA, Mercer DW, Kozar RA.  Isovolemic plasma resuscitation during shock.  J Surg Res. 2008 In press.
  7. Ban K, Gonzalez EA, Kone BC, Kozar RA. Enteral arginine modulates the effect of pharmacologic inhibition of AP-1 on iNOS in the postischemic gut. Shock 2007;27(S1):78.
  8. Moore-Olufemi SD, Moore FA, Gonzalez EA, Ban K, Fields E, Kone BC, Kozar RA. Transcriptional profiling of hypertonic saline in rat small intestine. Shock 2007;27(S1):79.
  9. McKinley B, Gonzalez EA, Kozar R, Todd R, Ware N, Sailors M, Moore F. Central venous pressure vs pulmonary artery catheter directed shock. Shock 2007;27(S1):56.
  10. Gonzalez EA, Hunter R, Kozar RA, Moore FA. Poloxamer 188-Hypertonic saline provides optimal ileal protection after mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion.  J Surg Res 2007;137;337
  11. Gonzalez EA, Hunter R, Kozar RA, Weisbrodt N, Field E, Moore FA.Poloxamer 188 resuscitation after mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion abrogates neutrophil mediated ileal mucosal injury. Journal of Trauma 2006;61:514.
  12. McKinley BA, Gonzalez EA, Todd SR, Sucher JF, Vercruysse GA, Kozar RA, Cocanour CS, Ware DN, Motschall D, Sailors M, Moore FA:  Mis-triage to Central Venous Pressure (CVP) directed resuscitation (Resus) is associated with poor outcome.  Shock 2006
  13. Moore FA, Mercer DW, Kone BC, Weisbrodt NW, McKinley BA, Dial EJ, Cox CS, Kozar RA, Gonzalez EA, Robinson EK, Moody FG:  The role of the gut in multiple organ failure (MOF).  Shock 2006
  14. Gonzalez EA, Perkins J, McKinley BA, Wade C, Moore FA, Holcomb JB: Early coagulopathy and massive transfusion (MT) in civilian Trauma and Combat.  Shock 2006
  15. Suliburk JW, Gonzalez EA, Robinson EK, Mercer DW: Ketamine induced gastroprotection: Role of Apoptosis. Academic Surgical Congress, San Diego, CA 2/2006.
  16. Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Suliburk JW, Tweardy DJ, Mercer DW, Moore FA:  Hypertonic                         Saline Resuscitation After Mesenteric Ischemia/Reperfusion Induces Ileal Apoptosis Via Cytochrome C Pathway.  J Trauma 58 (1):215, 2005.
  17. Robinson EK, Gonzalez EA, Suliburk JW, Cui Y, Mercer DW.  “Induction Of Matrix Metalloproteinases In The Intestine Following Ischemia/Reperfusion.”  Shock 21 (S2): 62.  2004
  18. Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Suliburk JW, Mercer DW, Moore FA.  “Presence of D-Lactate Increases Ileal Mucosal Injury After Mesenteric Ischemia/Reperfusion.”  Shock 21 (S2): 58.2004
  19. McKinley BA, Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Balldin BC, Majid TG, Valdivia A, Holcomb JB,  
    Moore FA:  Coagulopathy And Correction In Trauma Patients: Revisiting The “Bloody
    Vicious Cycle”.  Shock  21(supplement 2):47, 2004. 
  20. Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Suliburk JW, Moore FA, Mercer DW.  “The Isomeric Composition Of Lactated Ringer’s Has No Differential Effect On Gastric Dysfunction After Mesenteric Ischemia/Reperfusion.”  Journal of Surgical Research.  121 (2): 334, 2004.
  21. Suliburk JW, Gonzalez EA, Moore-Olufemi SD, Weisbrodt NW, Mercer DW.  “Ketamine Does Not Reverse Lipopolysacharide (LPS) Induced Ileus.”  Journal of Surgical Research.  121 (2): 333, 2004.
Refereed Journal Articles
  1. McKinley BA, Sucher JF, Todd SR, Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Sailors RM, Moore FA.  Central venous pressure vs pulmonary artery catheter directed shock resuscitation.  Shock. 2009 Epub ahead of print.
  2. Todd SR, Gonzalez EA, Turner K, Kozar RA.  Update on postinjury nutrition.  Curr Opin Crit Care. 2008;(6)690-695.
  3. Holcomb JB, Wade CE, Michalek JE, Chisholm GB, Zarzabal LA, Schreiber MA, Gonzalez EA, Pomper GJ, Perkins JG Spinella PC, Williams KL, Park MS.  Increase plasma and platelet to red blood cells ration improves outcome in 466 massively transfused civilian trauma patients.  Ann Surg 2008;248:447-458.
  4. Hunter RL, Gonzalez EA, Zhang R, Moore FA. Poloxamer 188 prolongs survival of hypotensive resuscitation and decreases vital tissue injury after full resuscitation. 2008 Shock Submitted.
  5. Gonzalez EA, McGuire M, Suliburk J, Adams S, Kozar RA, Iyengar S, McKinley B, Moore FA, Mercer DW.  Early cytokine production stratifies trauma patients for MOF. Arch Surg. 2008. In press.
  6. Gonzalez EA, Mercer DW, Kozar RA. Isovolemic plasma resuscitation during gut ischemia/reperfusion.  J Surg Res. 2008. In press.
  7. Gonzalez EA, Hunter RL, Kozar RA, Weisbrodt NW, Field E, Moore FA.  Poloxamer 188 resuscitation after mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion abrogates neutrophil mediated ileal mucosal injury. J Trauma 2008. Submitted.
  8. Harting MT, Jimenez F, Kozar RA, Moore FA, Mercer DW, Hunter RL, Cox CS, Gonzalez EA. Effects of poloxamer 188 on human PMN cells. Surgery. 2008  144(2):198-203.
  9. Cocanour CS, Dial E, Lichtenberger L, Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Moore FA, Mercer DW. Gastric Alkalinization after major trauma.  J Trauma. 2008;64:681-687.
  10. Kosir R, Moore FA, Selby JH, Cocanour CS, Kozar RA, Gonzalez EA, Todd SR: Acute Lower Extremity Compartment Syndrome (ALECS) Screening Protocol in Critically Ill Trauma.  J Trauma. 2007;63(2):268-75.
  11. Holcomb JB, Jenkins D, Rhee P, Johannigman J, Mahoney P, Mehta S, Cox ED, Gehrke MJ, Beilman GJ, Schreiber M, Flaherty SF, Grathwohl KW, Spinela PC, Perkins JG, Beekley AC, McMullin NR, Park MS, Gonzalez EA, et al.: Damage Control resuscitation: directly addressing the early coagulopathy of trauma. J Trauma.2007;62(2):307-10.
  12. Gonzalez EA, Moore FA, Holcomb JB, Miller C, Kozar RA, Todd SR, Cocanour CS, Balldin BC,McKinley BA: Fresh Frozen Plasma should be given Earlier to Patients who Require Massive Transfusion. J Trauma. 2007;62(1):112-9.
  13. Agle SC, Kao LS, Moore FA, Gonzalez EA, Vercruysse GA, Todd SR: Early predictors of prolonged mechanical ventilation in major torso trauma patients who require resuscitation. Am J Surg. 2006;192(6):822-7.
  14. Todd SR, McNally MM, Holcomb JB, Kozar RA, Kao LS, Gonzalez EA, et al: A multidisciplinary clinical pathway decreases rib fracture-associated infectios morbidity and mortality in high risk trauma patients. Am J Surg. 2006192(6):806-11.
  15. McNutt MK, Cocanour CS, Allen S, Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Moore FA, Todd SR, Ware DN, Vercruysse GA: Crotalidae Bite to the Face (Why You Don’t let the Snake Kiss First).  Submitted for publication, J Trauma, 2/2006.
  16. Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Suliburk JW, Weisbrodt NW, Mercer DW, Moore FA:  Conventional dose hypertonic saline provides optimal gut protection and limits remote organ injury after gut ischemia reperfusion. J Trauma. 2006;(1):66-73.
  17. Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Suliburk JW, Weisbrodt NW, Mercer DW, Moore FA:  Hypertonic saline resuscitation after mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion induces ileal apoptosis.  J Trauma. 2005;59(5):1092-8.
  18. Suliburk JW, Helmer KS, Gonzalez EA, Robinson EK, Mercer DW:  Ketamine attenuates liver injury attributed to endotoxemia:  role of cyclooxygenase-2.  Surg 2005;138(2):134-40.
  19. Suliburk JW, Gonzalez EA, Moore-Olufemi, SD, Weisbrodt N, Moore FA, Mercer DW: Ketamine Inhibits Lipopolysacharide (LPS) Induced Gastric Luminal Fluid Accumulation.  J. Surg. Res. 2005;127(2): 203-7.
  20. Suliburk JW, Gonzalez EA, Kennison SD, Helmer KS, Mercer DW:  Differential Effects of Anesthetics on Endotoxin-Induced Liver Injury. J. Trauma. 2005;58(4):711-6.
  21. Meghoo CA, Gonzalez EA, Tyroch AH, Wohltmann CD:  Complete Occlusion Following Blunt Injury to the Abdominal Aorta.  J. Trauma 2003;55(4):795-9.
  22. Gonzalez EA, Saltzstein EC Reidner CS, Nelson BK: Seroma Formation Following Breast Cancer Surgery. Breast J.,2003;9(5):385-8.

PRESENTATIONS

  1. Gonzalez EA, Hunter RL, Mercer DW, Kozar RA. “Poloxamer 188 abrogates mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion-induced gut dysfunction.” American College of Surgeons 94th annual clinical congress. San Francisco, CA 10/2008
  2. Gonzalez EA, Wade CE, Holcomb JB, Chisolm GB, Jastrow KL, Kozar RA. “Traumatic brain injury patients requiring massive transfusionbenefit from a high plasma:red cell ratio.” 67th American Association for the Surgery of Trauma annual meeting, Maui, Hawaii 9/2008
  3. Gonzalez EA, Hunter RL, Kozar RA, Moore FA.  “Poloxamer 188-Hypertonic Saline Provides Optimal Ileal Protection After Mesenteric Ischemia Reperfusion.”  2nd Academic Surgical Congress, Phoenix, AZ 2/2007
  4. Gonzalez EA, Perkins J, McKinley BA, Wade C, Moore FA, Holcomb JB.  “Early Coagulopathy  and Massive Transfusion (MT) in Civilian Trauma and Combat.”  28th annual Conference on Shock. Broomfield, CO 6/2006
  5. McNutt MK, Cocanour CS, Allen S, Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Moore FA, Todd SR, Ware DN, Vercruysse GA: “Crotalidae Bite to the Face (Why You Don’t let the Snake Kiss First).”  36th Annual Western Trauma Association Meeting, Big Sky, Montana, March 3, 2006.
  6. Gonzalez EA, Moore FA, Holcomb JB, Miller C, Kozar RA, Todd SR, Cocanour CS, McKinley BA.  “Fresh Frozen Plasma should be given earlier to Patients who require Massive Transfusion.”  36th Annual Western Trauma Association Meeting, Big Sky, Montana, March 2, 2006
  7. Kosir R, Todd SR, Selby JH, Cocanour CS, Kozar RA, Gonzalez EA, Vercruysse GA, Ware DN, McKinley BA, Moore FA. Acute Lower Extremity Compartment Syndrome (ALECS) Screening Protocol in Critically Ill Trauma.  36th Annual Western Trauma Association Meeting, Big Sky, Montana, February 27, 2006
  8. Suliburk JW, Gonzalez EA, Robinson EK, Mercer DW. “Ketamine Induced Gastroprotection: Role of Apoptosis.”  Academic Surgical Congress, San Diego, CA, 2/2006
  9. Gonzalez EA.  “Conventional Dose Hypertonic Saline Provides Optimal Immunomodulation.”  9th Annual “Red” Duke Professorship Day, January 19, 2006.
  10. Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Suliburk JW, Mercer DW, Moore FA.  “Hypertonic Saline Abrogates Mesenteric Ischemia/Reperfusion Induced Gastric Dysfunction” 28th Annual Conference on Shock, Marco Island, Florida, 6/2005
  11. Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Suliburk JW, Tweardy DJ, Mercer DW, Moore FA. “Hypertonic Saline Resuscitation After Mesenteric Ischemia/Reperfusion Induces Ileal Apoptosis Via Cytochrome C Pathway” 35th Annual Meeting Western Trauma Association, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 3/2005
  12. Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Suliburk JW, Tweardy DJ, Mercer DW, Moore FA. “Hypertonic Saline Resuscitation After Mesenteric Ischemia/Reperfusion Induces Ileal Apoptosis Via Cytochrome C Pathway” 66th Annual Meeting Society of University Surgeons, Nashville, Tennessee, 2/2005
  13. Suliburk JW, Helmer KS, Gonzalez EA, Mercer DW. “ Ketamine Attenuates Lipopolysacharide (LPS) Induced Liver Injury: Role Of COX-2. 66th Annual meeting Society Of University Surgeons, Nashville, Tennessee, 2/2005
  14. Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Suliburk JW, Tweardy DJ, Mercer DW, Moore FA. “Hypertonic Saline Resuscitation After Mesenteric Ischemia/Reperfusion Induces Ileal Apoptosis” Region VI Committee on Trauma, Dallas, Texas, 11/2005
  15. Suliburk JW, Gonzalez EA, Moore-Olufemi SD, Weisbrodt NW, Mercer DW.  “Ketamine does not Reverse Lipopolysacharide (LPS) Induced Ileus.”  Association for Academic Surgery Annual Meeting 11/13/04 Houston, TX.
  16. Robinson EK, Gonzalez EA, Suliburk JW, Cui Y, Mercer DW.  “Induction of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Intestine Following Ischemia/Reperfusion.”  27th Annual Conference on Shock, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 6/2004.
  17. McKinley BA, Gonzalez EA, Balldin BC, Majid TH, Valdivia A, Cocanour CS, Kozar RA, Moore FA. “Revisiting The Bloody Vicious Cycle” 27th Annual Conference on Shock, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 6/2004
  18. Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Suliburk JW, Mercer DW, Moore FA.  “Presence of D-Lactate Increases Ileal Mucosal Injury after Mesenteric Ischemia/Reperfusion.”  27th Annual Conference on Shock, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 6/2004.
  19. Gonzalez EA, Kozar RA, Suliburk JW, Mercer DW, Moore FA. “Presence of D-Lactate increases Ileal Mucosal Injury After Mesenteric Ischemia/Reperfusion” South Texas Chapter American College of Surgeons, Houston, Texas, 3/2004 
INVITED DISCUSSANT

Warm fresh whole blood is independently associated with improved survival for patients with combat-related traumatic injuries. ATACCC,  ST. Pete, FL, 8/2008

Epidemiology, mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of early coagulopathy following traumatic injury:Current state of the art. EICBT (Educational Initiative on Critical Bleeding in Trauma) International Symposium, Chicago, IL, 7/2008

NATIONAL SPEAKER

Whole blood utilization in damage control surgery. Blood Centers of America, Lake Geneva, WI, 09/2008

Damage Control Resuscitation: American College of Surgeons 2006 Clinical Congress, Chicago, IL,10/2006           

Hemostatic Resuscitation: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso,  El Paso,TX, 04/2006

INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER

Gonzalez EA, Zhang R, Kozar RA, Moore FA, Hunter RL: Poloxamer 188 improves survival after prolonged hypotensive resuscitation. International Shock Congress, Cologne, Germany, 6/2008

Contact Information

  • Ernest A. Gonzalez, MD

  • Assistant Professor of Surgery

  • Department of Surgery

  • The University of Texas Medical School at Houston
    6431 Fannin, MSB 4.290
    Houston, TX 77030

  • phone: (713) 500-7220
    fax: 713-500-7268
    e-mail: Ernest.A.Gonzalez
    @uth.tmc.edu

Executive Assistant :

Deanna Congdon