HOUSTON (November 18, 1997) - Eleven prominent Houston surgeons-including the majority of doctors from Dr. Michael DeBakey's team-have formed Texas Surgical Associates (TSA), a group practice specializing in cardiovascular surgery. Headquartered in the Texas Medical Center, TSA plans to provide cardiovascular, thoracic, transplantation and general surgical programs throughout Houston and the surrounding communities.

"Since our physicians want to remain available to their patients, they have developed a geographically accessible network in affiliation with several institutions, more in-line with managed-care market expectations." says David S. Stone, TSA's executive director. "We intend to translate the high standards and expertise of their surgical training in the Texas Medical Center to major regional suburban hospitals on a select basis."

The eleven founding physicians of TSA are Robert T. Baldwin, Joseph S. Coselli, Michael W. Gallagher, Donald M. Gibson, Jimmy F. Howell, Gerald M. Lawrie, George P. Noon, Mahesh K. Ramchandani, Robert J. Richardson, Wade R. Rosenberg and Scott A. Scheinin. In addition, Drs. Cesar Nahas and Javier A. Lafuente are associates of the group.

Hospitals served by TSA include The Methodist Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, Memorial City Hospital, Memorial Hospital Southwest and Clear Lake Regional Medical Center.

Although TSA was chartered three years ago, the group only recently completed the transition of their practices to their new clinic and administrative headquarters in Scurlock Tower.

"These surgeons had the foresight to prepare for changing times in the medical community and work with hospital officials to enhance C.V. programs in suburban areas, as well as in the Texas Medical Center," says Stone, who was responsible for developing M.D. Anderson's managed- care program.

"It's reality that when a person first experiences chest pain, he or she is rushed to the nearest hospital," Stone says. "While the most complex procedures still need to be performed in the medical center, it makes a lot of sense that large suburban community hospitals have more availability to the world-renown expertise of TSA physicians."

TSA's 5,000-square-foot clinic is located at 6560 Fannin, Suite 1402, Houston, Texas 77030.