People of Italian descent share a unique and magnificent heritage spanning hundreds of years. It is a heritage with roots in law, science, medicine, architecture, music, and much more. Because we are blessed to bear the fruits of our ancestorsʹ labors, we must carry the torch that bears the flame of this cultural identity by means of advancing, celebrating and preserving Italian culture and
heritage for all people regardless of ethnic origin.

At this year's Gala, the Italian Cultural & Community Center of Houston will spotlight the Italian Influence on Medicine by recognizing members of the medical community who are of Italian descent and whose personal and professional achievements exemplify character, leadership, community service, and the Italian spirit.

The following medical professionals, listed in alphabetical order, have been selected by the members of the ICCC to receive this year's recognition:

Nicola Abate, M.D.: Professor and Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine at UTMB Health ‐ The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Davide Cattano, M.D., Ph.D.: Associate Professor and Medical Director, Preoperative
Anesthesia Clinic, Department of Anesthesiology at UTHealth ‐ The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Luca Cicalese, M.D., F.A.C.S.: Professor of Surgery and Director, Texas Transplant Center and Hepatobiliary Surgery at UTMB Health ‐ The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Philip Cimo, M.D., F.A.C.P.: Medical oncologist and hematologist at Texas Oncology.
Giuseppe Colasurdo, M.D.: President of UTHealth ‐ The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Dean and H. Wayne Hightower Distinguished Professor in the Medical Sciences, UTHealth Medical School.

Andrea Duchini, M.D., F.A.C.P.: Gastroenterologist and Transplant Hepatologist at
Gastroenterology and Transplant Hepatology Intl.

Alessandra Ferrajoli, M.D.: Associate Professor, Division of Cancer Medicine, Department of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Mauro Ferrari, Ph.D.: President and CEO of the Houston Methodist Research Institute.

Frank Gusemano, D.D.S.: General Dentistry, Private Practice.

Stephen Incavo, M.D.: Orthopedic Surgeon at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.

Anthony Lucci, Sr., M.D.: Obstetrician‐Gynecologist at Women's Healthcare Associates.

Maria‐Adelaide Micci, Ph.D.: Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology at UTMB Health ‐ The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Christopher Patronella, M.D., F.A.C.S, F.I.C.S.: Plastic Surgeon at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery.

Mark Provenzano, M.D.: Orthopedic Surgeon, the Orthopedic Sports Clinic.

Cristiana Rastellini, M.D.: Professor of Surgery, Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology; Director of Cell Transplant and Transplant Research at UTMB Health ‐ The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Stefano Sdringola‐Maranga, M.D., M.H.A.: Professor of Medicine and The Weatherhead Distinguished Chair of Heart Diseases, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine at UTHealth ‐ The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Associate Director, Weatherhead P.E.T. Center for Preventing and Reversing Atherosclerosis, UTHealth Medical School.

Giulio Taglialatela, Ph.D.: John Sealy Professor and Vice‐Chair for Research, Department of Neurology and Director, The Mitchell Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases at UTMB Health ‐ The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Elizabeth LaTorre Travis, Ph.D., FASTRO: Associate Vice President of Women Faculty Programs, Mattie Allen Fair Professor in Cancer Research, Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Fabio Triolo, D.d.R., M.Phil., Ph.D.: Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Surgery and Director, Cellular Therapy Core at UTHealth ‐ The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Peter T. Triolo, Jr., D.D.S., M.S.: Former Associate Dean, Technology Services and Informatics, Chief Information Officer and Professor, Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics, UT Health School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Retired on July 31st 2013.

Daria Zorzi, M.D.: Research Scientist at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

“We are very excited about this year’s Gala. For the first time after 11 editions, we have decided to change the format of this special evening. On August 23rd we will host an astonishing celebration of Italian influence on Medicine. On one single night, we will gather in one place with 21 Italian and Italian-American professionals who have distinguished themselves in the medical field” says Tiziana Triolo, ICCC Director of Programs & Marketing. “What Tiziana just mentioned is not the only new addition to this year Gala. A portion of this year’s proceeds will benefit the DePelchin Children’s Center” states Joanna Palasota, ICCC 2014 President. Margaret Bannon, ICCC 2014 Gala Chairman concludes “Another new addition to our gala will give our guests a chance to test their luck at casino gambling tables. A section of the ballroom will be converted to a Casino from which proceeds will help support ICCC multiple programs as well as the Center’s La Scuola d’Italiano, the scholarship fund and the preservation of the Milford House, home of the ICCC, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a City of Houston Landmark”.

DePelchin Children’s Center is Houston’s largest, most comprehensive provider of children’s mental health, foster care and adoption services. Caring for more than 20,000 children and their families each year, DePelchin offers a range of services including counseling, psychiatry, residential treatment, programs for at-risk youths, parent education, foster care and adoption

The Italian Cultural & Community Center is a 501c3 whose mission is to preserve, celebrate and advance Italian culture and heritage. To learn more about Italian Cultural & Community Center’s multiple programs and offerings visit our website: http://www.iccchouston.com/.

WHO: Italian Cultural & Community Center

WHEN: Saturday, August 23, 2014 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Westin Houston Memorial City - 945 Gessner Road - Houston, TX 77024

PRICE: $200 Individual Ticket. Different sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact us at 713 524 4222 ext. 4 for invitation and reservation.

ON-SITE CONTACT: Francesca Aquilino, ICCC Marketing and Communication Coordinator, 713-524-4222 ext.4.