Celebrating a Legacy: The Evolution of Neuroradiologist Stanley Handel
Stanley Handel (’60) began his distinguished medical career as a freshman at the University of Houston in the 1950s. He expressed gratitude for the University, stating, “I owe a lot to the University of Houston. My professors and classmates put me on the right track and made me feel confident and capable.”
He specifically credited Mamie Wong Moy, who taught his challenging freshman chemistry class, for her dedication to her students and her active academic involvement. “I was only 17 at the time, and I wasn’t really prepared for university life. She cared about her students, including me, and she got involved in our career paths.”
Besides Moy, Handel received motivation and guidance from Sarah Huggins, the first female chair of the biology department, and Catherine Cominsky, professor of biology and his pre-med advisor.
Handel reflected on his uncertainty about pursuing a medical degree after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biology. However, “Sarah Huggins heard of my plans to delay and connected me with the principal of Incarnate Word Academy, an all-girls school. I taught science there the year following graduation, and halfway through the year, I realized I needed to keep moving toward that medical degree. Sarah probably knew that would happen.”
“I don’t know what I would be doing now without UH.”
Armed with strong references from UH, Handel enrolled at The University of Texas Medical Branch. “Every day in medical school was a unique adventure,” said Handel. “There were so many stories and happenings centering around life, death and people. I’d share them with anyone who would listen.”
He graduated with high honors and, after two years of military service, completed a radiology residency at the University of California San Francisco, which led to a career in neuroradiology (diagnosing conditions of the brain, spine, head and neck with tools such as CT and PET scans).
Handel's career included stints at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center and a private practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Now retired, but he and his wife Carolyn enjoy spending time with their four children and five grandchildren.
At 85 years old, many would consider Handel’s life to be well-lived and deserving of a peaceful retirement. Instead, Handel continues to share his experiences through writing. His third published book, “A Memoir of The University of Texas Medical Branch UTMB 1961-1965: A Five-year Transition to Physician” tells of his adventures and memories through medical school.
“I knew I had a story to tell,” said Handel. “And this book talks about life before, during and after medical school at UTMB.” Handel continues to write and has several more books planned.
Additionally, he has recently become a Life Member of the UH Alumni Association, declaring, “I will always be a Cougar.” He connected with Christina Kouzounis, UH Development Officer for Life Membership, through his UH friend Anthony Kouzounis, Christina's uncle. “Christina promptly signed me up for membership, and the University of Houston has kept me on track. Without UH, I don’t know what I’d be doing now.”
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