Departments & Divisions
Clinical
Matheus C Franco, MD, MBA, MSc, PhD
Associate Professor/Clinical
Director of Endoscopy. Multispecialty and Research Hospital
Director of Third Space Endoscopy
Currently seeking M.S. & Ph.D. students
Subspecialties: Advanced Endoscopy and Gastroenterology
Dr. Matheus Franco is an advanced endoscopist and the Director of Endoscopy at UT Health San Antonio’s Multispecialty and Research Hospital (MSRH). With extensive expertise in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, his practice is centered on third-space endoscopy, including endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), along with other advanced endoscopic techniques including interventional EUS and ERCP, endoscopic therapy for GERD, and bariatric endoscopy.
Dr. Franco completed his training in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, followed by a dedicated year of Advanced Endoscopy training in gastrointestinal oncology at São Paulo Hospital. Seeking further specialization, he pursued an additional year of advanced endoscopy training at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, refining his expertise in complex therapeutic procedures. To expand his mastery of cutting-edge techniques, he engaged in international visiting training at premier institutions, including the Academic Medical Center in the Netherlands and the National Cancer Center in Japan.
Dr. Franco has played a key role in pioneering advanced techniques. His innovative approach and evidence-based practice have significantly enhanced patient outcomes in both oncological and benign gastrointestinal conditions.
Beyond his clinical excellence, Dr. Franco is deeply committed to education, leadership, and research. He holds a PhD in Gastroenterology, as well as master’s degrees in Technology and Business Administration. As a previous member of the World Endoscopy Organization’s Emerging Stars Program, he has honed his skills in global healthcare leadership. A prolific researcher and sought-after speaker, he has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and international conferences, reinforcing his reputation as a leader in advanced endoscopy.
Dr. Franco’s expertise and commitment to innovation make him an asset to UT Health San Antonio, where he will continue to expand the frontiers of endoscopic care and develop novel, high-impact service lines for patients in need of advanced therapeutic interventions.
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Professional Background
Education
- 2022 - PhD - Gastroenterology - University of São Paulo
- 2021 - MBA - Management of Clinics, Hospitals and Industries - FGV
- 2013 - MSc - Technologies and Health Care - Federal University of São Paulo
- 2007 - MD - Medicine - Federal University of São Paulo
Training
- 2017 - Fellowship - Advanced Endoscopy - Cleveland Clinic, OH
- 2015 - Fellowship - Advanced Endoscopy in Gastrointestinal Oncology - University of São Paulo
- 2013 - Fellowship - Gastroenterology - Federal University of São Paulo
- 2010 - Residency - Internal Medicine - Federal University of São Paulo
Highlights
2022 - 2024 Emerging Stars Program - World Endoscopy Organization (WEO)
2023 - 2024 Chief of Strategic Planning - Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy.
2023 Observership - National Cancer Center, Tokyo, Japan
2019 Boston Scientific Award for Brazilian Endoscopy - New Technologies for continuing medical education
2014 Best research study in the XIII Brazilian Digestive Disease Week
2011 Observership - Academic Medical Center (AMC), NetherlandsAppointments
- 2025 - present - Associate Professor of Medicine - UT Health San Antonio
- 2025 - present - Director of Third Space Endoscopy - UT Health San Antonio
- 2019 - 2024 - Director of Endoscopy - Sirio-Libanes Hospital at Brasilia
- 2021 - 2024 - Medical Director of Clinical Governance - Sirio-Libanes Hospital at Brasilia
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Instruction & Training
- 2023 - 2024, Third Space Hands-On Course, IRCAD RJ, Brazil
- 2024, Advanced Endoscopy Hands-On Course, Brazilian Digestive Endoscopy Week
- 2020 - 2024, ERCP Hands-On Course, Boston Scientific, Brazil
- 2024, ESD Hands-On Course, Olympus, Brazil
- 2024, Endoscopic Suture Hands-On Course, Boston Scientific, Brazil
- 2024, ESD Hands-On Course, Endoscopy Training Center, Brasilia, Brazil
- 2019 - 2020, RFA for Barrett Esophagus, Medtronic, Brazil
- 2014 - 2015, Coordinator of EUS Journal Clud, Cancer Institute of São Paulo
- 2012 - 2014, Preceptor of the Internal Medicine Residency, Federal University of São Paulo
- 2012 - 2013, Coordinator of “Scientific Meetings of Digestive Endoscopy”, Federal University of São Paulo
- 2010 - 2012, Coordinator of the “Course for update in Gastroenterology”, Federal University of São Paulo
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Research & Grants
Third Space Endoscopy: evaluating the role of magnifying chromoendoscopy to manage large colorectal lesions
Therapeutic EUS: evaluation pancreatic pseudocyst drainage with lumen-apposing metal stents compared with plastic and biliary metal stents
Gastrointestinal bleeding: with development of a clinical care pathway for patients with acute bleeding; and development of a new score system for evaluation of patients with cancer and acute upper GI bleedingGrants
2016 Top Case Presentation Grant - Quality in Endoscopy Symposium – Upper GI Endoscopy & Neoplasia - European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE).
2015 National Scholar Award – Brazil. UEG Week Barcelona 2015; European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE). -
Service
Global
Editorial Board for the website endoscopiaterapeutica.com.br
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Publications
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Clinical
third-space endoscopy, including endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), Zenker's diverticulotomy, and submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER)
Including interventional EUS and ERCP
Endoscopic therapy for GERD (TIF)
Bariatric endoscopy