Program director

Ryan S. Turley, M.D., FACS

Trained in general and vascular surgery at Duke University Medical Center, Turley now serves as Program Director of the HCA St. David’s–CTVS Vascular Surgery Fellowship in Austin. A Texas A&M faculty member and Secretary of the Texas Society for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, he mentors students, leads clinical trials, and directs the Vascular CORPS research program with over 50 peer-reviewed publications.

Affiliate Faculty Bios

Jeffrey M. Apple, M.D., F.A.C.S.

    Jeffrey M. Apple, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a Dallas native and board-certified vascular surgeon trained at UT San Antonio, UT Southwestern, and Baylor Dallas. A former U.S. Navy staff surgeon with two Persian Gulf deployments, he is currently our president and is widely recognized as a premier vascular surgeon and leader in the Austin community.

    David A. Nation, M.D., F.A.C.S.

    David A. Nation, M.D., FACS trained in general surgery at UT Southwestern and completed his vascular surgery fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He is recognized for his outstanding teaching of General Surgery residents and will serve as Simulation Lead. Dr. Nation is an expert in all aspects of vascular and endovascular surgery.

    Kofi B. Quaye, M.D.

      Kofi B. Quaye, M.D., is a Duke-trained, board-certified vascular surgeon who joined CTVS in 2023. Passionate about limb preservation and carotid disease, he is committed to reducing PAD-related amputations. A former collegiate soccer player, he brings that same energy and teamwork to his practice, research, and involvement in national vascular societies.

      Scott A. Seidel, M.D., F.A.C.S., R.V.T

        Scott A. Seidel, M.D., F.A.C.S., R.V.T., is a Texas A&M graduate who completed general surgery at Vanderbilt and vascular and endovascular fellowships at UT Southwestern and Stanford. A CTVS surgeon since 2006, he is board-certified, skilled in minimally invasive catheter-based interventions, active in national societies, and widely published in vascular surgery.

        Taylor A. Smith, M.D., F.A.C.S., R.P.V.I.

          Taylor A. Smith, M.D., F.A.C.S., R.P.V.I., is a Louisiana native and UT Southwestern–trained vascular surgeon who previously served as Associate Program Director of the Ochsner Clinic Vascular Surgery Fellowship. Board-certified with broad expertise in open and endovascular care, he joined CTVS in 2019 and is an active contributor to research and national vascular societies.

          Joe K. Wells, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

            Joe K. Wells, III, M.D., F.A.C.S., is an Austin native who completed his general surgery training at UT Southwestern and his vascular surgery fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center. He has been a valued member of our group since 2000 and is board-certified, highly skilled in complex arterial and aortic interventions, active in medical mission work, and repeatedly recognized as a Texas Super Doctor.

            Nicolas Zea, M.D., RPVI, FACS

              Nicolas Zea, M.D., RPVI, FACS trained in general and vascular surgery at Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans. He later served on faculty at LSU Health Sciences Center and Tulane Medical Center, where he received multiple teaching awards. Dr. Zea joined CTVS in 2021 and serves as Associate Program Director, maintaining a comprehensive vascular practice based in the North Market and specializing in all aspects of vascular and endovascular surgery.