University of Texas Health Professor Appointed to HHS Committee

Healthcare providers work collaboratively to support long COVID patients.

News Summary

Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez of UT Health San Antonio has been appointed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee on long COVID. As a national leader in long COVID care, she aims to influence policy and improve care through her new role. Additionally, recent findings from research at UT Health reveal significant gender differences in long COVID risk, particularly impacting women aged 40 to 54. With substantial federal funding, the university is gearing up to support recovery programs in our community.

Exciting News for San Antonio: UT Health’s Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez Takes on New Role!

San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, a respected professor and chair of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at The University of Texas Health Science Center, has just been appointed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Advisory Committee on long COVID. This prestigious role comes at a crucial time as our community continues to face the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 and its lingering effects.

A Leader in Long COVID Care

Dr. Verduzco-Gutierrez is not new to this wave of responsibility. She has established herself as a national leader in the care of individuals who are suffering from long COVID. At the forefront of this initiative is her multidisciplinary long COVID clinic in San Antonio, which is dedicated to offering comprehensive, patient-centered care for those dealing with persistent symptoms after recovering from the virus. It’s clear that her commitment to patient well-being is palpable as she steps into this newly appointed role as the sole representative from Texas on the 14-member committee.

Influencing National Health Policy

This committee serves as a vital platform for public-facing individuals to contribute their insights and advice directly to the Secretary of Health regarding long COVID. Dr. Verduzco-Gutierrez understands the enormous potential this role brings in shaping policy and improving care for countless individuals grappling with the aftermath of COVID-19.

Research Contributions

Dr. Verduzco-Gutierrez’s impressive background is also worth noting. She has actively engaged in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) RECOVER study, focusing on improving education, research, and access to care for long COVID patients. Her academic contributions are extensive. With over 100 publications on this subject, she is committed to uncovering new insights that will benefit both healthcare providers and patients.

In 2024, she was part of a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee that worked to establish a universal working definition of long COVID, showcasing her dedication to clarity and understanding within this challenging field.

Women and Long COVID: New Research Findings

In the spirit of advancing knowledge, a new study from UT Health San Antonio is shedding light on gender differences related to long COVID. Research indicates that women in their 40s are up to 45% more likely than men to develop long COVID. This study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 12,000 participants between October 2021 and July 2024. The findings reveal that females, in general, carry a 31% higher risk ratio for long COVID compared to males.

Particularly alarming are the stats for women aged 40 to 54. Menopausal women were found to face a 42% higher risk, while non-menopausal women had an even greater risk, at 45% higher compared to their male counterparts. These critical findings are expected to encourage researchers to delve deeper into the sex differences regarding long COVID risk, helping to pave the way for more focused treatment and understanding.

Federal Support for Recovery Programs

To further support our community’s recovery, UT Health San Antonio has announced that it will receive a substantial $9.9 million in federal relief funds. This funding is aimed at addressing substance abuse, mental health, and long COVID recovery in the wake of the pandemic. Out of this generous grant, more than $7 million will bolster the Be Well Institute on Substance Use and Related Disorders.

Additionally, a portion of the funding will also be directed toward the Health Confianza program, which focuses on navigating long COVID and enhancing health literacy. This infusion of resources comes at a critical time when our community is in dire need of support and care options.

Looking Ahead

With Dr. Verduzco-Gutierrez leading the charge and considerable federal backing, San Antonio is well-poised to advance its efforts in combating long COVID and advocating for robust health outcomes. As we look to the future, the collaborative efforts of healthcare professionals, researchers, and community support systems will surely make a lasting impact. It’s a time of hope, resilience, and dedicated care!