UT Health San Antonio Appoints NIH Expert as Director of New Stem Cell Program

UT Health San Antonio Strengthens Cancer Care with New Leadership

UT Health San Antonio has taken significant steps to enhance cancer treatment options in South Texas by announcing the appointment of Dr. Georg Aue as the inaugural director of its new Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program. Dr. Aue, a nationally recognized expert in blood cancer and cellular therapy, will also oversee the Mary and Bill Henrich Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Unit at the Mays Cancer Center. Located in South Texas, the Mays Cancer Center proudly holds the distinction of being the region's only National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated center.

Dr. Aue expressed his enthusiasm for leading this pivotal program during his introduction: "I am honored to help lead this important new chapter in stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy at UT Health San Antonio. This program represents an exciting opportunity to increase access to new therapeutic approaches for patients across South Texas. I look forward to collaborating with an exceptional team to enhance care and bring new hope to patients and their families."

Before joining UT Health San Antonio, Dr. Aue held prominent positions at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he specialized in blood cancers and cellular therapies. His vision for the new program includes expanding clinical and research activities that will bring advanced and potentially life-saving treatments closer to home for the residents of South Texas. Key priorities also involve enhancing clinical excellence, fostering innovation, and training future medical professionals in this specialized field.

Dr. Lei Zheng, executive director of the Mays Cancer Center, emphasizes the significance of Dr. Aue's expertise: "He brings exceptional skills to our center that will strengthen our ability to provide specialized care. His leadership will help us broaden treatment options and improve access to more innovative therapies for our patients."

A Career Dedicated to Blood Cancer Treatment

Dr. Aue's impressive background in the field of blood cancer research and treatment spans over two decades, making him a vital addition to the medical community in San Antonio. He holds a tenured position as a professor of medicine at the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, accompanied by the esteemed Daisy M. Skinner Endowed Chair in Cancer Immunology. Having earned both his medical and doctorate degrees from Germany's Georg-August University of Göttingen, he completed his residency in Germany and the United States, further augmenting his qualifications with a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the NIH. Additionally, he has obtained an MBA focusing on finance and strategic leadership from NYU's Stern School of Business.

With extensive experience at the NHLBI within NIH, where he played pivotal roles in various clinical and research efforts, Dr. Aue oversaw around 150 active clinical trials, guiding several promising treatments toward FDA approval. His contributions have had a lasting impact on blood cancer therapies and the treatment of severe blood disorders.

Honoring a Vision for Advanced Oncology Care

The establishment of the Mary and Bill Henrich Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Unit serves to honor William L. Henrich, MD, MACP, the former president of UT Health San Antonio. His legacy, alongside that of his wife Mary, is reflected in the unit's mission to improve access to innovative therapies for patients across the region. Funding for this initiative has been made possible through the generous support of the Zachry Corporation, highlighting the community’s commitment to improving local healthcare services.

As described by Jeffery L. Flowers, the hospital's CEO, Dr. Aue's selection represents a vital advancement for the UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty and Research Hospital. "This new program enhances our ability to provide essential therapies while connecting grade clinical expertise with cutting-edge research," he noted.

Dr. Aue will collaborate with a talented multidisciplinary team that has been instrumental in advancing the Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program. Zohra Nooruddin, MD, and Lynne Deberry, DNP, played major roles in the program's foundational stages. They are excited about the expertise Dr. Aue now brings, which elevates the Mays Cancer Center's commitment to research, education, and innovative treatments for patients in the community.

The multifaceted approach at UT Health San Antonio aims to meet the complex needs of cancer patients, ensuring that individuals in South Texas receive top-tier medical care without the need to travel far from home.

UT Health San Antonio is recognized as one of the leading academic health centers in the country, collaborating across various disciplines and facilities to offer outstanding patient care and drive significant advancements in health sciences. With the new Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program, the future looks promising for cancer care in the region.

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