Maria Teresa Cruz Carreras, M.D., FACP
Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine
About Dr. Maria Teresa Cruz Carreras
Dr. Maria T. Cruz Carreras is a provider in the MD Anderson Emergency Center and an Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine and joined MD Anderson in 2009.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Research Interests
Nutrition and Depression in Puerto Ricans: A comparative pilot study (January 2007 to the present): Assistant Investigator in a comparative study aimed at exploring the relationship between nutrition and depressive symptomatology in Puerto Ricans over 50 living in Puerto Rico and in Boston. In charge of the 200 subjects enrolled in Puerto Rico
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 1998 | University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Rio Piedras, PR, MD |
| 1994 | University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, PR, Premedical, BA |
Postgraduate Training
| 1998-2001 | Clinical Internship, General Internal Medicine, University District Hospital of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2008 | Texas State Medical Board |
| 2002 | American Board of Internal Medicine |
| 2002 | Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine |
| 2000 | The Puerto Rico Board of Medical Examiners |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2010 - 2023
Assistant Professor, Department of General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2009 - 2010
Assistant Professor, University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine, Rio Piedras, 2001 - 2008
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Operational Medical Director, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 2024 - Present
Other Professional Positions
Physician Advisor for The Center for Goal Concordant Care:, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 2024 - Present
Physician Advisor for the Utilization Review Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 2024 - Present
Patient Experience Officer, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 2019 - Present
Faculty Senator, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2015
Judge, 2013 Annual ACP Meeting, San Francisco, CA, 2013
Judge, 2012 Annual ACP Meeting, New Orleans, TX, 2012
Judge, 2011 Annual ACP Meeting, San Diego, CA, 2011
Judge, 2010 Annual ACP Meeting, Toronto, 2010
Member, Drug and Therapeutics Committee of Triple S of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, 2007 - 2008
Member, CPX Evaluators' Committee for the UPR School of Medicine, Rio Piedras, 2005 - 2008
Member, Committee for Clinical Research of Internal Medicine Residency Program, Rio Piedras, 2005 - 2008
Member, University District Hospital's Executive Committee, Rio Piedras, 2005 - 2008
President, University District Hospital's Medical Faculty Credentials Committee, Rio Piedras, 2005 - 2008
Member, Committee for the UPR School of Medicine Internal Medicine Residency Applicant Selection, Rio Piedras, 2004 - 2008
Representative, Department of Medicine, University District Hospital's Utilization Committee, Rio Piedras, 2004 - 2008
Representative, Internal Medicine Department, University District Hospital's Medical Faculty Credentials Committee, Rio Piedras, 2002 - 2005
Medical Screener, Puerto Rico Medical Center Emergency Department, Rio Piedras, 2000 - 2003
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Patient Experience QAPI, Patient Experience QAPI, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2023 - Present
Committee Short Stay Lead, Utilization Review, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2022 - Present
Committee Member, Utilization Review, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2019 - Present
Co-Chair, Oncologic Emergency Medicine Conference, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - Present
Faculty Senator, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - Present
Alternate, Credentials Committee of the Medical Staff, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2014 - 2017
Member, Survivorship, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2010 - 2010
Member, Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2009 - Present
Honors & Awards
| 2018 | Quality Improvement Distinguished Paper Award, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Division of Internal Medicine |
| 2016 | Faculty Excellence Award Nomination, Division of Internal Medicine |
| 1998 | Pfizer Award for Distinguished Intern of the Year |
| 1997 | Honors in Radiology Clerkship |
| 1990 - 1994 | University of Puerto Rico Dean's List |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2025. Prior Advanced Care Planning and CPR Outcomes of Cancer Patients in the ED. Poster. 2025 Oncologic Emergency Medicine Conference - Past, Present and Future. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2025. When Less is Actually More- Crucial Conversations and Critical Patient Care Techniques for Advanced Cancer Patients in the ED. Invited. 2025 Oncologic Emergency Medicine Conference - Past, Present and Future. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2011. Emergency Center Intervention Program for Enhancing Choice at the End of Life. Conference. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. Oncologic Emergencies. Conference. General Internal Medicine Clinical & Research Meeting. Houston, TX, US.
- 2009. Hormonal Therapy Use for Prostate Cancer and Mortality in Men With Coronary Artery Disease -Induced congestive Heart Failure or Myocardial Infarction. Conference. University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
Regional Presentations
- 2011. Emergency Center Intervention Program for Enhancing Choice at the End of Life. Conference. Building Bridges. San Antonio, TX, US.
National Presentations
- 2018. Emergency department intervention program for enhancing choice at the end of life. Conference. 36th Annual Emergencies in Medicine Conference. Park City, UT, US.
- 2013. What is the prognostic value of ST02 at triage?. Conference. What is the prognostic value of ST02 at triage?. Chicago, IL, US.
International Presentations
- 2018. Emergency Center Intervention Program for Enhancing Choice at the End of Life. Invited. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Bologna, IT.
- 2017. Hypertension is a Predictor of ED Visits: A Study of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer. Invited. MEMC-GREAT 2017. Lisbon, PT.
- 2017. Emergency Department Intervention Program for Enhancing Choice at the End of Life. Invited. MEMC-GREAT 2017. Lisbon, PT.
- 2015. TumorLysis Syndrome and Hypercalcemia Management in Cancer Patients. Invited. The University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Department of Medicine Grand Rounds Conference. San Juan, PR.
- 2013. Responding to Neutropenic Fever and Sepsis: The MD Anderson Cancer Center Experience. Invited. The University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, PR.
- 2012. Emergency Center Intervention Program for Enhancing Choice at the End of Life. Invited. International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare. Paris, FR.
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2013 - 2014 |
| Title: | A double-blind placebo-based pilot trial of calcium alumina-silicate (CASAD) in the treatment of severe diarrhea (grade 3 or 4) in cancer patients presenting for emergency care |
| Funding Source: | Salient Pharmaceuticals |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| ID: | 2013-0452 |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Wechsler AH, Sandoval M, Viets-Upchurch J, Cruz Carreras M, Page VD, Elsayem A, Qdaisat A, Yeung SJ. Prior Advanced Care Planning and Outcomes of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in the Emergency Department of a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Cancers (Basel) 16(16):2835, 2025. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39199606.
- Zoghbi M, Burk KJ, Haroun E, Saade M, Cruz Carreras MT. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced diarrhea and colitis: an overview. Support Care Cancer 32(10):680, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39311981.
- Cruz Carreras MT, Nortjé N, Thompson E, Terrell K, Zhang F, Rathi N, George M, Haque SA. Improving Goal-Concordant Care in Intensive Care Unit Admissions from the Emergency Department in a Comprehensive Cancer Center. J Pain Symptom Manage 68(3):e161-e166, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38852827.
- Krishnamani PP, Qdaisat A, Wattana MK, Lipe DN, Sandoval M, Elsayem A, Cruz Carreras MT, Yeung SJ, Chaftari PS. Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Cancer Pain Placed in an Emergency Department Observation Unit. Cancers (Basel) 14(23), 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36497353.
- Qdaisat A, Wechsler AH, Cruz Carreras MT, Menendez JR, Lipe D, Highsmith EA, Kamal M, Al-Breiki A, Rojas Hernandez CM, Wu CC, Yeung SJ. Concomitant Deep Vein Thrombosis in Cancer Patients with Unsuspected Pulmonary Embolism. Cancers (Basel) 14(18), 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36139673.
- Lipe DN, Qdaisat A, Rajha E, Al-Breiki A, Cruz Carreras MT, Chaftari P, Yeung SJ, Rice TW. Characteristics and predictors of venous thrombosis recurrence in patients with cancer and catheter-related thrombosis. Res Pract Thromb Haemost 6(6):e12761, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36000091.
- Lipe DN, Bourenane SS, Wattana MK, Gaeta S, Chaftari P, Cruz Carreras MT, Manzano JG, Reyes-Gibby C. A modified emergency severity index level is associated with outcomes in cancer patients with COVID-19. Am J Emerg Med 54:111-116, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35152119.
- Lipe DN, Elsayem A, Cruz-Carreras MT, Thomas J, Feliciano A, Ren J, Gaeta SM, Rajha E, Manasanch E, Kheder E, Brock P, Reyes-Gibby C. Characteristics of Cancer Patients with COVID-19 in a Cancer Hospital. Ann Palliat Med 10(2):1763-1771, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33222454.
- Qdaisat A, Wu W, Lin JZ, Al Soud R, Yang Z, Hu Z, Gao S, Wu CC, Liu X, Silvestre J, Hita AG, Viets-Upchurch J, Al Adwan S, Al Haj Qasem N, Cruz Carreras MT, Jacobson KL, Chaftari PS, Abdel-Razeq H, Reyes-Gibby CC, Jim Yeung SC. Clinical and Cancer-Related Predictors for Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department. J Emerg Med 58(6):932-941, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32376060.
- Sandoval M, Banala SR, Cruz Carreras MT, Lipe DN, Yeung SCJ, Hanna EY, Todd KH, Alagappan K, Reyes Gibby CC. Hypertension and Emergency Department Visits by Patients with Head and Neck Cancer. Journal of Cardiology & Cardiovascular Therapy 16(1), 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Cruz-Carreras MT, Chaftari P, Viets-Upchurch J. Advance Care Planning: Challenges at the Emergency Department of a Cancer Care Center. Support Care Cancer 26(2):585-588, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 28918550.
- Samudrala P, Cruz-Carreras MT, Murphy MB, Rice T. Sub-acute herpes simplex virus myelitis in a patient with esophageal cancer on chemo-radiation with 5-fluorouracil: a case report. Acute Med 17(3):156-159, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 30129950.
- Acharya G, Cruz Carreras MT, Rice TW. 5-FU-induced leukoencephalopathy with reversible lesion of splenium of corpus callosum in a patient with colorectal cancer. BMJ Case Rep 2017, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 29167217.
- Cruz-Carreras MT, Chaftari P, Shamsnia A, Guha-Thakurta N, Gonzalez C. Methotrexate-induced leukoencephalopathy presenting as stroke in the emergency department. Clin Case Rep 5(10):1644-1648, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 29026563.
- Cruz Carreras MT, Gonzalez C, Chaftari P, Guha-Thakurta N, Shamsia A. Methotrexate induced leukoencephalopthy presenting as stroke in the emergency department. Clinical Case Reports, 2017. e-Pub 2017.
- Gonzalez CE, Cruz-Carreras MT, Guha-Thakurta N, Brydges N, Chaftari P. A Rare Case of Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of the Pleura Causing Spinal Cord Compression in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma. Med Sci Case Rep 2017 4:19-23. e-Pub 2017.
- Cruz-Carreras MT, Chaftari P, Gonzalez C, Enojo R, Viets-Upchurch J. Emergency Department Intervention Program for Enhancing Choice at the End of Life: A Quality Improvement Project at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. J Palliat Care Med 7:298. e-Pub 2017.
- Wu W, Liu X, Chaftari P, Cruz Carreras MT, Gonzalez C, Viets-Upchurch J, Merriman K, Tu SM, Dalal S, Yeung SC. Association of body composition with outcome of docetaxel chemotherapy in metastatic prostate cancer: a retrospective review. PLoS One 10(3):e0122047, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 25822612.
- Bazerbashi H, Merriman KW, Toale KM, Chaftari P, Cruz Carreras MT, Henderson JD, Yeung SC, Rice TW. Low Tissue Oxygen Saturation at Emergency Center Triage is Predictive of Intensive Care Unit Admission. J Crit Care 29(5):775-9, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 24973103.
- Miller AH, Carreras MT, Miller SA, Miller HE, Page VD. Is there coronary artery disease in the cancer patient who manifests with chest pain, shortness of breath and/or tachycardia? A retrospective observational cohort. Supportive Care in Cancer. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 25120013.
Review Articles
- Singer E, Elsayem A, Nassif T, Rodriguez C, Zoghbi M, Dagher J, Yammine N, Kamal M, Cruz Carreras MT, Vu T, Qdaisat A, Yeung SJ, Chaftari P. Initial management and disposition of metastatic spinal cord compression in the emergency department: a review of the literature. Ann Med 57(1):2568117, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 41033840.
- Cruz Carreras MT, Gonzalez Landron F, Lopez N, Padron Alcantara L, Markides DM, Burk KJ, Chaftari P. Hematologic immune-related adverse effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors: a review. Support Care Cancer 33(10):912, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 41055801.
- Lipe DN, Mann PB, Babakhanlou R, Cruz Carreras MT, Guido Hita A, Wattana MK. Evaluation and Management of Genitourinary Emergencies in Patients with Cancer. Emerg Med Int 2021:4511968, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34367695.
Abstracts
- Majzoub IE, Qdaisat A, Chaftari PS, Yeung SJ, Sawaya RD, Jizzini M, Cruz Carreras MT, Abunafeesa H, Elsayem AF. Association of emergency department admission and early inpatient palliative care consultation with hospital mortality in a comprehensive cancer center. Supportive Care in Cancer, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Banala SR, Todd KH, Cruz Carreras MT, Yeung SC, Sandoval M, Reyes-Gibby CC. Hypertension is a predictor of emergency department visits: a study of patients with head and neck cancer. 2018 Oncologic Emergency Medicine Conference, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Banala SR, MD, Todd KH, MD, MPH, Cruz Carreras MT, MD, Yeung SJ, MD, PhD, Alagappan K, MD, Hanna EY, MD, Sandoval M, MD, Reyes-Gibby C, DrPH. Hypertension is a predictor of Emergency Department visits among patients with head and neck cancer. Division of Internal Medicine 2017 Research Retreat, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston TX, 2017. e-Pub 2017.
- Cruz Carreras MT. Palliative Care Initiatives in the Emergency Center-Enhancing Value of Care at the End of Life. Celebrating Improvement Program, 2015. e-Pub 2015.
- Bazerbashi H, MD, Merriman K, PhD, Toale K, PharmD, Chaftari P, MD, Carreras MC, MD, Henderson J, MD, Yeung S, MD, Rice T, MD. What is the Prognostic Value of ST02 at Triage?. CHEST 144(4):409A, 2013. e-Pub 2013.
- Bazerbashi H, Merriman K, Toale K, Chaftari P, Henderson J, Cruz Carreras M, Rice T. Does measurement of soft tissue oxygen saturation at triage have a unique value?. Division of Internal Medicine 2013 Research Retreat, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston TX, 2013. e-Pub 2013.
- Cruz Carreras MT, Markovich M, Waters M, Enjojo R, Todd K, Boving V, Myhre M, Toole C. Emergency Center Intervention Program for Enhancing Choice at the End of Life. Clinical Safety & Effective Project, 2011. e-Pub 2011.
- Rios ME, Cruz MT, Rodrigues V, Costas P. Causes of Increased Liver Enzymes in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2001. e-Pub 2001.
- Banala SR, MD, Todd KH, MD, MPH, Cruz Carreras MT, MD, Yeung SJ, MD, PhD, Alagappan K, MD, Hanna EY, MD, Sandoval M, MD, Reyes-Gibby C, DrPH. Hypertension is a predictor of Emergency Department visits among patients with head and neck cancer. Mediterranean Emergency Medicine Congress, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Cruz-Carreras MT, Chaftari P, Gonzalez C, Enojo R, Viets-Upchurch J. Emergency Department Intervention Program for Enhancing Choice at the End of Life: A Quality Improvement Project at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Mediterranean Emergency Medicine Congress, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Cruz Carreras MT, Haque SA, Nortje N, Thompson EM, Terrell K, Zhang F, George M. Improving Goals of Care Discussion and Documentation in Cancer Patients Admitted to the ICU from the ED.
- Wechsler AH, Sandoval M, Cruz-Carreras MT, Viets J, Page VD, Elsayem A, Qdaisat A. Resuscitation in an Oncologic Emergency Department: Incidence and Characteristics. Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer.
Book Chapters
- Brock P, J Stephan CMS. Emergency Complications of Malignancy. In: Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide 9th Edition. 9th. McGraw-Hill: Europe, 2019.
- Cruz-Carreras MT, Lahoti A, Salahudeen A. Nephro-Urologic Emergencies in Patients with Cancer. In: Oncologic Emergencies, MD Anderson Cancer Series. Springer, 2016.
- Chaftari P, Cruz-Carreras MT, Viets-Upchurch J. Noninvasive Ventilation in the Prehospital Setting: Key Applications. In: Esquinas (ed.) Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation: Theory, Equipment, and Clinical Applications. Second Edition. Springer, 2016.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified March 27, 2026