Carmen E. Gonzalez, M.D., MSQHS, FACP, FACMQ
Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine
About Dr. Carmen E. Gonzalez
Brief Bio- Carmen E. Gonzalez, MD
Dr. Carmen E. Gonzalez is a Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine, and Chief Patient Safety Officer at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Her main research interest is in the science of quality improvement & patient safety. Quality improvement processes and the provision of the best evidence-based patient care in a safe environment while improving patient satisfaction are Dr. Gonzalez's passions in serving the MD Anderson community. She works to foster improvements in cancer patients' care and those with oncologic emergencies in the Acute Cancer Care Center. During COVID-19, she led the COVID-19 Safety Triage Center- a system developed to monitor safety concerns reported by frontline staff and unit managers to escalate and mitigate timely matters raised. Her research work and publications have been on pneumonia in cancer patients, sepsis, healthcare handoff, and end-of-life issues in patients with cancer, among others.
Dr. Gonzalez is certified in Quality Medicine from the American College of Medical Quality since 2013. In December 2017, she obtained a Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety degree at Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her capstone explored addressing end-of-life (EOL) preferences in cancer patients at a comprehensive cancer emergency department. Dr. Gonzalez currently leads the Patient Safety Quality Officer Program. She co-leads various institutional safety/quality initiatives, including High-Reliability organizing, the Tiered Readiness Briefing, the Patient Safety Officer on-call, and the Patient Safety Incident Command.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Chief Patient Safety Officer, Ofc/EVP, Physician-in-Chief, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Professor, Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Professor, Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Preceptor, General Internal Medicine Statewide Preceptorship Program, Houston, TX
Research Interests
My research interest has been in HIV, sepsis, pneumonia. I am currently working in quality research endeavors: to improve handoff between the ED and the hospitalist; providing high value of care at the end-of life.
I participated in the Internal Review Study Section (INTEREST), NIH, reviewer. The goal of INTEREST at MD Anderson is to leverage the expertise of our experienced faculty in writing fundable research proposals. I participated in the review of extramural grant proposals -Sepsis Collaborative, to improve, critique and offer experience in the grant review process.
Clinical Interests
My clinical interest is in the care of patients with oncologic emergencies. Those emergencies include but are not limited to: neutropenic fever, pneumonia, septic shock, hypercalcemia, brain edema, seizures, bleeding, treatment toxicities, within others. My passion is also to deliver a patient and family centered-care. I have over 18 years of experience caring for critically ill patients with oncologic emergencies. I am editor of the Oncologic Emergencies, MD Anderson Cancer Care Series, and authored the chapter of infectious diseases for the this book. In 2016 and in 2017, I was honored with the MDACC President's Faculty Excellence Award, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2017 | Thomas Jefferson University, College of Population Health, Phyladelphia, Pennsylvania, US, Healthcare Quality and Safety, MSHQS |
| 1986 | University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine, San Juan, PR, MD |
| 1982 | University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, PR, General Sciences, BS |
Postgraduate Training
| 2024-2024 | Advanced Human Factors Training, Patient Safety, MD Anderson ancer Center, Houston, Texas |
| 2022-2022 | CoachRice Leadership, Leadership Coach Certificate, Rice University/ MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas |
| 2013-2017 | Masters in Health Care Quality & Patient Safety, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| 2010-2011 | Faculty Leadership Academy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas |
| 2009-2009 | Mid-Career Women Faculty Professional Development Seminar, Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Scottsdale, AZ |
| 1992-1994 | Clinical Fellowship, Nuclear Medicine, University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| 1986-1989 | Clinical Residency, Internal Medicine, Damas Hospital, Ponce |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2013 | American Board of Medical Quality |
| 2007 | Not specified |
| 1998 | Not specified |
| 1994 | American Board of Nuclear Medicine |
| 1989 | American Board of Internal Medicine |
| 1987 | Board of Medical Examiner, Commonwealth of Puerto |
| 1987 | Not specified |
| null | Not specified |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Associate Professor, General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2008 - 2017
Assistant Professor, Department of General Internal Medicine, Ambulatory Treatment and Emergency Care, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2000 - 2008
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Chief Patient Safety Officer, Ofc/EVP, Physician-in-Chief, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2018 - Present
Divisional Quality Officer, Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2016 - 2019
Committee Chair, Internal Medicine, DoIM Quality Council The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2013 - Present
Deputy Department Chair, Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2011 - 2015
Quality Officer, Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2010 - 2018
Department Chair ad interim, Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2010 - 2010
Quality Officer, General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2009 - 2010
Section Chief, Section of Emergency Care, General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2009 - 2010
Medical Director ad-interim, Section of Emergency Care, General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2008 - 2009
Section Chief ad-interim, Section of Emergency Care, General Internal Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2008 - 2009
Other Professional Positions
Physician, Private Practice, Houston, TX, 1998 - 2000
Physician, Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI, 1994 - 1998
Hospitalist, Blodgett Medical Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI, 1991 - 1992
Physician, Private Practice, Ponce, PR, 1989 - 1991
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Co-Chair, Restraint Steering Subcommette, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2019 - Present
QAPI Safety Pillar Dyad-Lead, Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2019 - Present
member, ECMS, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2019 - Present
Co-Chair, Institutional Patient Safety Committe, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2019 - Present
Member, Patient Experience-Service Excellence Education Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2018 - 2018
Member, Medication-Use Safety Team, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2016 - Present
Member, Quality Operation Team, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2016 - Present
Member, Institutional Patient Safety Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2016 - Present
Member, Faculty Mentoring Advisory Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2016 - 2018
Member, Acute & Critical Care Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - Present
Co-Chair, Utilization Review Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - 2018
Member, Hand-Off Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2014 - 2017
Member, Gender Inclusiveness Committee, representing DEM and DoIM, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2013 - 2023
Member, OPPE Task Force, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2013 - 2015
Chair, DoIM Quality Council, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2013 - Present
Member, Pregnancy Testing Policy Workgroup, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2011 - 2012
Member, Credentials Committee of Medical Staff, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2011 - 2014
Committee Member, Clinical Safety & Effectiveness Steering Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2009 - Present
Member, DoIM Quality Council, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2007 - Present
Member, Psychosocial, Behavioral, Health Services Research Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2006 - 2009
Member, Sepsis Collaborative Group, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2006 - 2012
Honors & Awards
| 2023 | Becker’s Hospital Review 55 Patient Safety Experts to Know 2023, Becker's Hospital Review |
| 2017 - 2018 | Faculty Excellence in Clinical Quality Improvement 2017, MD Anderson President's Recognition for Faculty Excellence |
| 2017 - 2018 | General Internal Medicine Statewide Preceptorship Program ( GIMSPP) Decade of Service Award, Texas American College of Physicians |
| 2016 - 2017 | MDACC President's Faculty Excellence Award in Clinical Quality, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2015 - 2024 | Fellow, American College of Medical Quality, American College of Medical Quality |
| 2015 - 2016 | 2016 Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO Merit Award, Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO and the 2016 ASCO Quality Care Symposium Program Committee |
| 2015 | 3rd Prize, Best Poster: HIV screening at a comprehensive cancer center, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2012 | 3rd Place Poster winner: Vaccination and Tobacco Screening Rates among adult cancer patients at a comprehensive cancer center, DoIM Research Retreat |
| 2009 - 2012 | Multiyear Appointment Award, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2007 | The Sharon K. Martin Award for Performance Improvement Excellence, Clinical Safety and Effectiveness Program |
| 2006 - 2024 | Fellow American College of Physicians, American College of Physicians |
| 1982 | Magna Cum Laude, University of Puerto Rico |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2024. Department of Patient Safety Programs & Center for Professionalism. Invited. Chief Academic Office Townhall. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2023. My Journey towards serving others. Invited. Latino Physicians at MDACC. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2023. MD Anderson Safety-Reliability Journey. Conference. Division of Internal Medicine Grand Rounds. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2023. WHAT ENTERPRISE-WIDE IMPROVEMENT LOOKS LIKE. Invited. MD Anderson Ambulatory Celebrating Improvement Fair. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2022. Patient Safety Supporting the Mission. Conference. Internal Medicine and Cancer Survivorship Grand Rounds. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2022. Back to basics... Professional Fulfillment. Invited. 2022 Division of Pharmacy Quality and Research Celebration,. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2021. MD Anderson's Journey Towards High Reliability Organization. Internal Medicine Grand Rounds Presentation. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2021. Partnering with Patients and MD Anderson Safety Journey. Patient Safety Awareness Week. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2018. Division of Internal Medicine Quality and Safety Council- A year in review FY18 and Just Culture. Conference. Division of Internal Medicine Quality and Safety Council- A year in review FY18 and Just Culture. Houston, TX, US.
- 2018. Improving Utilization of the Clinical Decision Unit by the Department of Emeregncy at MD Anderson. Conference. Improving Utilization of the Clinical Decision Unit by the Department of Emeregncy at MD Anderson. Houston, TX, US.
- 2018. GPS Navogator- Roadmap to promotion. Conference. GPS Navogator- Roadmap to promotion. Houston, TX, US.
- 2018. Oncology-Emergency Medicine Quality Measures- How do We Get There?. Conference. Oncology-Emergency Medicine Quality Measures- How do We Get There?. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Division of Internal Medicine Quality Council. Conference. Division of Internal Medicine Quality Council. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Modfied tool enabling standard transitions of care between the Emergency Department and the hospitalist inpatient service at a major cancer center. Conference. Modfied tool enabling standard transitions of care between the Emergency Department and the hospitalist inpatient service at a major cancer center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2017. Oncologic Emergencies. Different Shades of Weakness. Conference. Oncologic Emergencies. Different Shades of Weakness. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Screening for HIV, Hep B, Hep C viruses in an Oncologic Department: Potential Impact on Cancer. Conference. Screening for HIV, Hep B, Hep C viruses in an Oncologic Department: Potential Impact on Cancer. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Depressive Symptoms among Cancer Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department in a Tertiary Cancer Center. Conference. Depressive Symptoms among Cancer Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department in a Tertiary Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Guia para Planificar Directrices Avanzadas: Una charla para pensar y hablar de como planificar en caso de cancer o la necesidad de atencion medica. Conference. Guia para Planificar Directrices Avanzadas: Una charla para pensar y hablar de como planificar en caso de cancer o la necesidad de atencion medica. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. Emergency Department at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: Mind if I drop in?. Conference. Emergency Department at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: Mind if I drop in?. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Care at the End of Life at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Conference. Care at the End of Life at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Sobreviviendo el cancer: sintomas de alerta que podrian indicar una emergencia medica. Conference. Sobreviviendo el cancer: sintomas de alerta que podrian indicar una emergencia medica. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. Defining the Road Map for Quality & Safety. Conference. Defining the Road Map for Quality & Safety. Houston, TX, US.
- 2011. Pneumonia in the Cancer Population. Conference. Pneumonia in the Cancer Population. Houston, TX, US.
- 2011. Emergency Center Observation Unit. Conference. Emergency Center Observation Unit. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. When Family Members Disagree With Each Other After Starting Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Conference. When Family Members Disagree With Each Other After Starting Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. Acute Evaluation & Management of Sepsis. Conference. Acute Evaluation & Management of Sepsis. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. Pneumonia in Cancer Population: Lessons Learned since 2006. Conference. Pneumonia in Cancer Population: Lessons Learned since 2006. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. Acute Evaluation & Management of Sepsis. Conference. Acute Evaluation & Management of Sepsis. Houston, TX, US.
- 2009. Acute Evaluation & Management of Sepsis. Conference. Acute Evaluation & Management of Sepsis. Houston, TX, US.
- 2007. Pneumonia Performance Indicators. Conference. Pneumonia Performance Indicators. Houston, TX, US.
- 2007. Compliance and Documentation with established Pneumonia Indicator in the Emergency Center. Conference. Compliance and Documentation with established Pneumonia Indicator in the Emergency Center. Houston, TX, US.
Regional Presentations
- 2023. Building a Culture of Safety. Visiting. Healthcare Quality Improvement Class - UT School of Public Health. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2018. Value Added Impact of both POC and Lab Lactic Acid Analysis when Emergently Evaluating Patients with Cancer. Conference. Value Added Impact of both POC and Lab Lactic Acid Analysis when Emergently Evaluating Patients with Cancer, TX, US.
- 2015. Emergency Medicine & Nephrology Onboarding & Orientation Improvement Project. Conference. Emergency Medicine & Nephrology Onboarding & Orientation Improvement Project, US.
- 2015. High Value Care at the End-of-Life at a Comprehensive Cancer Center Emergency Department. Conference. High Value Care at the End-of-Life at a Comprehensive Cancer Center Emergency Department, US.
- 2013. Quality Council Report, Division of Internal Medicine. Conference. Quality Council Report, Division of Internal Medicine, US.
- 2013. DEM re-credentialing. Conference. DEM re-credentialing, US.
- 2010. Update on Sepsis. Conference. Update on Sepsis. Victoria, TX, US.
- 2007. Pneumonia Performance Indicators in MDACC EC and Order Sets. Conference. Pneumonia Performance Indicators in MDACC EC and Order Sets, US.
- 1989. Bone Mineral Density in Normal Control Hispanic population using Quantitative biography and comparison with results obtained in studies using U.S. Caucasian woman. Conference. Bone Mineral Density in Normal Control Hispanic population using Quantitative biography and comparison with results obtained in studies using U.S. Caucasian woman. Puerto Rico, PR.
National Presentations
- 2025. Strengthening Crisis Response: Enterprise Patient Safety Incident Command in Action. Poster. Institute Healthcare Improvement Forum. Anaheim, California, US.
- 2023. To Err is Human, a Healthcare Organization Blueprint Towards Safety and Reliability. Poster. 2023 ASCO Quality Care Symposium. Boston, MA, US.
- 2023. What Enterprise-Wide Improvement Looks Like. Conference. Ambulatory Celebrate Improvements. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Back to basics... Professional Fulfillment. Conference. Division of Pharmacy Quality and Research. Houston, TX, US.
- 2021. Partnering with Patients for Safety. Conference. Department of Patient Safety. Houston, TX, US.
- 2015. High Value Care at the End-of-Life at a Comprehensive Cancer Center Emergency Department. Conference. MD Anderson Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2014. Outcome of cancer patients admitted through the emergency department (ED) of a comprehensive cancer center: A call for ED-based palliative care. Conference. Poster presentation. Boston, MA, US.
- 2011. Quality Care in Cancer Patients with Pneumonia. Conference. Poster Presentation. Orlando, FL, US.
- 2009. Compliance and Documentation with Established Pneumonia Indicators in MD Anderson Cancer Center Emergency Center. Conference. Compliance and Documentation with Established Pneumonia Indicators in MD Anderson Cancer Center Emergency Center. Austin, TX, US.
- 2008. Early Goal Directed Therapy: "Management of Sepsis". Conference. Early Goal Directed Therapy: "Management of Sepsis". Houston, TX, US.
- 2008. Pneumonia in Patients with Cancer. Conference. Poster Presentation for the Second Infections in Cancer Symposium. Houston, TX, US.
- 2006. Doctor, why am I so weak?. Conference. Poster Presentation, Oncologic Emergencies. Houston, TX, US.
- 2006. Unusual Electrocardiogram Changes in Hypocalcaemia. Conference. Poster Presentation, Oncologic Emergencies. Houston, TX, US.
International Presentations
- 2020. Monitoring COVID-19 Initiatives and Safety Concerns at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Conference. ASCO Quality Care Symposium. Virtual meeting, US.
- 2019. Emergency Department Surge & Overcrowding: An Interdisciplinary Solution for an Institutional Issue. Conference. Poster presentation. Chicago, US.
- 2018. Enhancing Patients' Preferences at the End-Of-Life. Conference. Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) & BMJ. Amsterdam, NL.
- 2017. Emergency Department Intervention Program for Enhancing Choice at the End of Life. Conference. Emergency Department Intervention Program for Enhancing Choice at the End of Life. Lisbon, PT.
- 2015. Palliative Care in the Emergency Department. Conference. Palliative Care in the Emergency Department. Rome, IT.
- 2015. Enhancing Value of Care at the End of Life (EOL) at a Comprehensive Cancer Center Emergency Center (EC) by Introducing Palliative Care. Conference. Enhancing Value of Care at the End of Life (EOL) at a Comprehensive Cancer Center Emergency Center (EC) by Introducing Palliative Care. London, GB.
- 2014. Intensive care unit admissions and in-hospital mortality in patients admitted through the emergency department of a comprehensive cancer center. Conference. Poster presentation. Chicago, US.
- 2012. Compliance with established pneumonia core measures at MD Anderson Cancer Center in the Emergency Center. Conference. Poster presentation. San Diego, US.
- 2012. In-hospital mortality of patients admitted through the emergency department of a comprehensive cancer center. Conference. Poster presentation. Chicago, US.
- 2012. Staphylococcus aureus susceptibility to vancomycin and alternative agents at a comprehensive cancer center. Conference. Poster presentation. London, GB.
- 2010. Can Emergency Center Pneumonia Clinical Pathway Order-Sets Ensure High-Quality Care and Pathogen-Directed Therapy?. Conference. Can Emergency Center Pneumonia Clinical Pathway Order-Sets Ensure High-Quality Care and Pathogen-Directed Therapy?. Nice, FR.
- 2009. Compliance & Documentation with Established Pneumonia Indicators in MDACC Emergency Center. Conference. Compliance & Documentation with Established Pneumonia Indicators in MDACC Emergency Center. Berlin, DE.
- 2008. Pneumonia in Patients with Cancer. Conference. 18th European Congress of Clincial Microbiology. Barcelona, ES.
Formal Peers
- 2017. Enhancing Patients’ Preferences at the End of Life. Visiting. Philadelphia, PA, US.
- 2015. Providing High Value of Care to Patients with Advanced Cancer - The Palliative Care Initiative in the Emergency Department. Visiting. San Juan, PR.
- 2000. “Women in Medicine 101,” Expanding Your Horizons in Math & Science, Invited by American Association of University Woman. Visiting. Houston, TX, US.
- 1994. Palliative therapy of painful bone metastases Rhenium Rel 186 Etidronate in patients with breast and prostate cancer. Invited. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
- 1993. Bone scintigraphy in the evaluation of osseous metastases in patients with esophageal cancer. Invited. Ann Arbor, MI, US.
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2017 - 2018 |
| Title: | Safe and appropriate disposition of patients from the Emergency Department who require a short hospital stay |
| Funding Source: | IRG: MDA Division of Internal Medicine |
| Role: | Co-I |
| ID: | QIAB 10821 |
| Date: | 2014 - 2015 |
| Title: | HIV Testing at MD Anderson's Emergency Center and Medical Oncology Program at LBJ; implementation for routine testing for HIV at MD Anderson's Emergency Center and Medical Oncology Program at LBJ, Gilead Sciences Inc., |
| Funding Source: | Gilead Sciences |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| Title: | Outcomes Testing of NCCN Bronchoalveolar Lavage Guidelines |
| Funding Source: | National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) |
| Role: | Co-I |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Aung FM, Knopfelmacher A, Beno J, Newman A, Taylor J, Clemens MW, Rivera J, Gonzalez CE, Phipps, R. A Successful Patient Blood Management System Implemented during the COVID Pandemic Based on Daily Blood Inventory Levels in a Single Large Oncology Institution. Blood 140(Supplement 140):11391-11392, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Qdaisat A, Yeung SJ, Variyam DE, Badugu P, Ghaly F, Rice TW, Halm JK, Carter BW, Sun J, Gonzalez CE, Viets-Upchurch J, Steele JR, Wu CC. Evaluation of Cancer Patients With Suspected Pulmonary Embolism: Performance of the American College of Physicians Guideline. J Am Coll Radiol 17(1 Pt A):22-30, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 31376398.
- Reyes CC, Anderson KO, Gonzalez CE, Ochs HC, Wattana M, Acharya G, Todd KH. Depression and Survival Outcomes After Emergency Department Cancer Pain Visits. BMJ Support Palliat Care 9(4):e36, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 30171043.
- Gaeta S, Edwards T, Bourenane S, Gonzalez CE, McFarland, Karen, Milling D. Emergency department surge and overcrowding: An interdisciplinary solution for an institutional issue. Journal of Clinical Oncology 37(27_suppl):242-242, 2019. e-Pub 2019.
- Cooper MR, Holmes A, Seid A, Gonzalez CE, MacDonald LQ. "Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of To Err is Human". Am J Med Qual 34(5):519-520, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31479301.
- Gonzalez C, Elsayem A. Patient-Centered Care at the End of Life in the ED. NEJM Catalyst, 2019. e-Pub 2019.
- Penn TM, Trost Z, Parker R, Wagner WP, Owens MA, Gonzalez CE, White DM, Merlin JS, Goodin BR. Social support buffers the negative influence of perceived injustice on pain interference in people living with HIV and chronic pain. Pain Rep 4(2):e710, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31041415.
- Gonzalez CE, Okunbor JI, Parker R, Owens MA, White DM, Merlin JS, Goodin BR. Pain-Specific Resilience in People Living With HIV and Chronic Pain: Beneficial Associations With Coping Strategies and Catastrophizing. Front Psychol 10:2046, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31555190.
- Gonzalez CE, Brito-Dellan N, Banala SR, Rubio D, Ait Aiss M, Rice TW, Chen K, Bodurka DC, Escalante CP. Handoff Tool Enabling Standardized Transitions Between the Emergency Department and the Hospitalist Inpatient Service at a Major Cancer Center. Am J Med Qual 33(6):629-636, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29779398.
- Rice T, Brock P, Gonzalez C, Merriman K, Shelal Z, Granwehr B. Screening for Human Immunodeficiency Virus in a Comprehensive Cancer Center: Initiating Practice Change through the Emergency Department. Acute Medicine 17(2):91-95, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- 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, Thakurta NG, Ninotchka B, Chaftari PS. A Rare Case of Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of the Pleura Causing Spinal Cord Compression in a Patient with Multiple Myeloma. Medical Science Case Reports 4:19-24. 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. Palliat Care Med 7(2), 2017. e-Pub 2017.
- Elsayem AF, Merriman KW, Gonzalez CE, Yeung SC, Chaftari PS, Reyes-Gibby C, Todd KH. Presenting Symptoms in the Emergency Department as Predictors of Intensive Care Unit Admissions and Hospital Mortality in a Comprehensive Cancer Center. J Oncol Pract 12(5):e554-63, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27072570.
- Gonzalez CE, Johnson T, Rolston K, Walters R, s E, Kidin L, George S, DeJesus A, Haq S. Assessing Compliance with Established Pneumonia Core Measures at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Journal of Healthcare Quality 37(4):232-44, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 24629128.
- 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.
- Calin G, Tudor S, Giza D, Lin H, Kita Y, D'Abundo L, Toale K, Shimuzu M, Ferracin M, Challagundia K, Cortez M, Fuentes-Mattei E, Tulbure D, Gonzalez C, Henderson J, Row M, Rice T, Ivan C, Negrini M, Fabbri M, Morris J, S-C Y, Vasilescu C, Fabris L. Cellular and Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus microRNAs in Sepsis and Surgical Trauma. Cell Death & Disease, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 26126662.
- Gonzalez CE, Johnson T, Rolston K, Merriman K, Warneke C, Evans S. Predicting Pneumonia Mortality Using CURB-65, PSI and Patient Characteristics in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department of a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Cancer Medicine 3(4):962-970, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 24802800.
- Gu MM, Gonzalez CE, Todd KH. Emergent Management of Constipation in Cancer Patients. Emergency Medicine 43(11):6-12, 2011. e-Pub 2011.
- Quin GA, Gonzalez CE, Lizotte P, Adler RS, Shulkin BL. Technetium-99m-MDP Uptake in Hilar Lymph Nodes in Sarcoidosis. J Nucl Med 38(2):262, 263, 1997. e-Pub 1997. PMID: 9025753.
- Weissman AF, Gonzalez CE, Shapiro B, Shulkin B, Francis IR, Leach K. Multiple chemodectomas. Carotid body tumor masked by salivary gland uptake on I-123 MIBG scintigraphy. Clin Nucl Med 19(6):527-31, 1994. e-Pub 1994. PMID: 8062474.
Review Articles
- Shapiro B, Gonzalez E, Weissman A, McHugh T, Markel SF. Malignant paraganglioma of the prostate: case report, depiction by meta-iodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy and review of the literature. J Med 41(1):36-41, 1997. e-Pub 1997. PMID: 9195851.
- Gonzalez CE, Fig LM, Cano M, Gross MD, Shapiro B. Technetium-99m-red blood cell scintigraphy in the localization of nonenteric hemorrhage. J Nucl Med 35(8):1333-7, 1994. e-Pub 1994. PMID: 8046489.
Professional Educational Materials
- Gonzalez, CE. When is an emergency an emergency? A patient's guide for use of MD Anderson Emergency Center Facility. Network Summer, A publication of the Anderson Network, 2007.
Other Articles
- Gonzalez C, Luk WS, Rivera J, Newman A To err is human: A healthcare organization blueprint towards safety and reliability. JCO Oncology Practice 19((11_suppl)):392, 2023.
- Bouobda GT, Gonzalez CE, Phipps RA, Middleton LP Value Added Impact of Both Point-Of-Care and Laboratory Lactic Acid Analysis When Emergently Evaluating Cancer Patients. Oncol Ther. PMID: 32700044.
Editorials
- Gonzalez CE, Westphal DM, Fetterolf D, Brodie B. CERTIFICATION IN MEDICAL QUALITY. American Journal of Medical Quality (AJMQ).
Abstracts
- Rivera J, Bates T, Gonzalez CE. Management of diagnostic imaging significant actionable findings is improved through the development of the Actionable Finding Vigilance Unit which serves as a safety net through enhancing communication, promoting safety, and reducing risk. American Society Clinical Oncol 22(2.5), 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Gonzalez, C, Burns, L, Bingham, J, Newman, A, et al. Monitoring COVID-19 Initiatives and Safety Concerns at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. American Society of Clinical Oncology Journal 38(29), 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Gonzalez CE, Brito-Dellan N, Banala SR, Rubio D, Ait Ass M, Rice TW, Chen K, Bodurka DC, Escalante CP. Modified tool enabling standard transitions of care between the Emergency Department and the hospitalist inpatient service at a major cancer center. MDACC DoIM Research Retreat, 2017. e-Pub 2017.
- Granwehr BP, Merriman KW, Shelal Z, Bazerbashi H, Brock PA, Gonzalez CE, Torres HA, Rice T. HIV-testing in a cancer center emergency department. Journal of Clinical Oncology 34(7):225-225, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 28152683.
- Banala, Srinivas, Gonzalez, Carmen E, Brito-Dellan, Norman, Rubio, David, Aiss A, Mohamed, Rice, Terry, Chen, Karen, Bodurka, Diane C, Escalante, Carmelita P. Safer transitions of care at a major cancer center: The emergency center to hospitalist experience. Journal of Clinical Oncology 34,(no. 7):247-247, 2016. e-Pub 2016.
- Granwehr B, Brock P, Gonzalez CE, Henderson J, Merriman K, Shelal Z, Bazaerbashi H, Massey R, Rice T. Routine Screening for HIV in a Cancer Center Emergency Department - Yes, We Can. 2016 Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), 2016. e-Pub 2016.
- Granwehr B, Brock P, Gonzalez C, Henderson J, Merriman K, Shelal Z, Bazerbashi H, Massey R, Rice T. Screening for HIV Infection in the Emergency Department of a Comprehensive Cancer Center: Recommendations and Challenges. DoIM Research Retreat, 2015. e-Pub 2015.
- Elsayem A, Merriman KW, Gonzalez CE, S-C Y, Chaftari P, Henderson J, Todd KH. Intensive care unit admissions and in-hospital mortality in patients admitted through the emergency department of a comprehensive cancer center. 2014 ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago Illinois, 2014. e-Pub 2014.
- Elsayem A, Gonzalez CE, S-C Y, Merriman K, Todd KH. In-hospital mortality of patients admitted through the emergency department of a comprehensive cancer center. 2012 ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago. DoIM Research Retreat, 2012. e-Pub 2012.
- Yeung S, Merriman K, Elsayem A, Gonzalez CE, Todd K. Characteristics of Frequent Users in an Emergency Department of a Comprehensive Cancer Center. DoIM Research Retreat, 2012. e-Pub 2012.
- Johnson T, Wattari S, Rolston K, Gonzalez C. Vaccination and Tobacco Screening Rates among adult cancer patients at a comprehensive cancer center. 3rd place Poster winner, DoIM Research Retreat, 2012. e-Pub 2012.
- Jacobson K, Lee L, McMahon L, Sappington J, Johnson T, Gonzalez C, Todd K. Improvement of Pain Management in Cancer Patients in the Emergency Center. University of Texas Annual Symposium on Clinical Safety and Effectiveness, San Antonio, TX, 2012. e-Pub 2012.
- Jacobson K, Lee L, McMahon L, Sappington J, Johnson T, Gonzalez C, Todd K. Improvement of Pain Management in Cancer Patients in the Emergency Center. International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Paris, France, 2012. e-Pub 2012.
- Gonzalez CE, Johnson TN, et al KL. Compliance with established pneumonia core measures at MD Anderson Cancer Center Emergency Center. J Clin Oncol 30, 2012 (Suppl 34, Abstr 189), 2012. e-Pub 2012.
- Johnson T, Wattari S, Gonzalez CE, Rolston K. Vaccination Rates among Adult Cancer Patients at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Clinical Microbiology and Infection 18(Supplement 3; R2798), 2012. e-Pub 2012.
- Chaftari P, Tayar J, Ashutosh G, Gonzalez CE, Cyclete WR. Emergency Center Observation Unit. Presented at the UT System Quality Conference, 2011. e-Pub 2011.
- Rolston KVI, Mihu CN, Johnson T, Gonzalez CE, Bhusal Y, Tarrand JJ. Staphylococcus aureus Susceptibility to Vancomycin and Alternative Agents at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. ESCMID Library, 2011. e-Pub 2011.
- Gonzalez CE, Johnson TN, Roston KV. Can Emergency Center Pneumonia Clinical Pathway Order-Sets Ensure High-Quality Care and Pathogen-Directed Therapy?. 2010 International Forum on Quality and Safety in Health Care, Nice, France, 2010. e-Pub 2010.
- Gonzalez CE, Johnson TN, Rolston K. Compliance and documentation with Established Pneumonia Indicators in MD Anderson Cancer Center Emergency Center. UT System CS&E Conference: Building the Bridge at the Quality Chasm, Austin, TX, 2009. e-Pub 2009.
- Gonzalez CE, Johnson T, Rolston K, Evans S. Compliance and documentation with Established Pneumonia Indicators in MDACC Emergency Center. Presentation at the 2009 International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Berlin, Germany, 2009. e-Pub 2009.
- Gonzalez CE, Johnson T, Evans S, Rolston K. Pneumonia in patients with cancer. Presentation at the 18th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2008. e-Pub 2008.
- Roccobono DE, Coyle EA, Johnson TN, Hogan HL, Gonzalez CE, Rolston K. Stratificatin of Infecting Organisms, Susceptibilities and Antibiotic Selection based on Admitting Service in a Cancer Center. ACCP 2007 Annual Meeting Guide and Abstracts, 2007. e-Pub 2007.
- Gonzalez CE, Johnson T, Evans S, Rolston K. Compliance and documentation with Established Pneumonia Performance Indicators in MDACC Emergency Center. 2007 Research Retreat, Division of Internal Medicine, 2007. e-Pub 2007.
Book Chapters
- Gonzalez CE, Halm J. Constipation in Cancer Patients. In: Oncologic Emergency Medicine: Principles and Practice. Springer International Publishing, 538, 2016.
- Spinks T, Gonzalez C. Quality Measures for Oncologic Emergency Medicine. In: Oncologic Emergency Medicine. Springer, 2016.
- Gonzalez CE, Jacobson KL, Markovich M. Emergencies in Infectious Diseases. In: Oncologic Emergencies. Springer, 195-220, 2016.
Books (edited and written)
- Manzullo E, Gonzalez C, Escalante C, S-C Y. Oncologic Emergencies. Springer, 2016.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified July 22, 2026