UTHealth Houston physicians named Memorial Hermann top doctors

(Photo by UTHealth Houston)

As Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center marked 100 years of advancing medicine, two UTHealth Houston physicians took top honors as the hospital’s Doctors of the Year during a celebration at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Louise McCullough, MD, PhD, was named the Memorial Hermann Hospital–Texas Medical Center Physician of the Year, while Konstantinos Boukas, MD, was named the Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital Physician of the Year.

"We are proud to celebrate Dr. Louise McCullough and Dr. Konstantinos Boukas for this outstanding achievement. Their recognition reflects not only their exceptional clinical expertise, but also the compassion, leadership, and commitment to others that define our institution," said Melina R. Kibbe, MD, UTHealth Houston president and Alkek-Williams Distinguished Chair. "Through their care for patients and dedication to mentoring future health professionals, they embody the very best of what it means to serve our community.”

That sentiment was echoed by McGovern Medical School leadership, reflecting the institution’s pride in their achievements.

“I am honored to congratulate Dr. Louise McCullough and Dr. Konstantinos Boukas on receiving the Memorial Hermann Physician of the Year Awards,” said LaTanya J. Love, MD, dean and H. Wayne Hightower Distinguished Professor in the Medical Sciences. “This recognition highlights their exceptional dedication and is a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, both in the classroom and in the labs, where they inspire future leaders, and at the bedside where they provide outstanding care.”

Louise McCullough, MD, PhD

Professor, chair, and Roy M. and Phyllis Gough Huffington Distinguished Chair in the Department of Neurology

An internationally respected figure in her field, McCullough is frequently lauded for her compassionate and patient-centered approach to medicine. Her nominators highlighted her dedication to clear communication with patients and their families, providing support throughout recovery and addressing both medical and psychosocial needs beyond their hospital stay.

McCullough is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of medical professionals, consistently prioritizing the education of residents and medical students. She cultivates a highly collaborative environment, actively seeking and valuing input from nurses, therapists, and case management teams, and her focus on outcomes and process enhancement has significantly bolstered the stroke and neurology program, contributing to its national recognition and overall strength.

McCullough is the founder of the BRAINS Research Laboratory and is co-director of UTHealth Houston Neurosciences. She earned her doctoral degree from the University of Connecticut in Storrs and her medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington. McCullough completed a residency in neurology and a fellowship in cerebrovascular disease – neurology and anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

“I am deeply honored and grateful for this recognition,” McCullough said. “This award truly reflects the incredible nurses, staff, faculty, fellows, and residents whose dedication makes our work possible, and what we’ve accomplished together in service of our patients has been truly extraordinary.”

Konstantinos Boukas, MD

Associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics

Nominators described Boukas as having a steady presence in critical clinical moments, taking extra time at the bedside to translate complex medical details into clear, reassuring guidance. His blend of clinical skills and genuine empathy has earned him praise for both building trust and providing reassurance when stakes are at their highest.

Beyond his direct patient work, Boukas plays a central role in developing the next generation of pediatric ICU caregivers. He leads teaching rounds for fellows and residents, offers hands-on coaching to nurses, and consistently steps into demanding situations to lend support and expertise.

"Winning this award is an honor and a humbling moment. I'm grateful that I am part of a team that consists of fantastic physicians, nurses, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and many other that are standing next to me at the bedside of our patients. I am only able to do what I do because of all of them," Boukas said. "This award is also a tribute to the people who believed in me, supported me, and mentored me throughout all these years, and I want to thank them."

Boukas serves as the division chief, medical director, and fellowship director of the Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics. He earned his medical degree from the University of Athens School of Medicine in Greece in 1997 before completing his residency at Miami Children’s Hospital in 2005 and a fellowship at the University of Miami in 2008.