The more we know, the more we connect. Click to read this month’s DEI update. Read More
As a traveling physical therapist, Cassie Jones treated patients at organizations around the country. Once she stepped foot in Texas Children’s, it didn’t take long for her to fall in love with her co-workers, patients and the organization itself. As she put it, she couldn’t leave, and has now been with us for 11 years as a pediatric pain physical therapist, currently practicing at Clear Lake Specialty Care.
“I’ve worked at a lot of great facilities, but I really found a home at Texas Children’s,” said Cassie. “As a top pediatric hospital, we have kids come from everywhere with some of the rarest and most complex conditions. Some patients have the only documented case of their condition, so we all have to be at the top of our game to work together and develop the best treatment plans for them.”
Studies show up to one-third of children suffer from chronic pain, yet physical therapists treating chronic pain are very rare. The robust Pain Medicine program at Texas Children’s with dedicated physical therapists at many locations makes us a destination for these patients. The restorative model at Texas Children’s features a team comprised of a pain physical therapist, pain psychologist and physician prioritizing therapy over medication.
One of Cassie’s biggest success stories involves 16-year-old patient Joscey. She had ankle sprains, a tendon repair and multiple surgeries as a result from basketball injuries. She failed four courses of traditional PT focused on sports or traditional concepts. By the time she came to Cassie, she had quit in-person school and attended school online. She gave up the sport she loved and could no longer spend time with her twin sister at the movies or shopping. Her family is avid vacationers, hikers and she was not doing any of that with them. She lost herself and said her identity was gone.
Fast-forward to a year later and she is working to return to school in the fall. She plays basketball on a daily basis and is back to fun outings with her twin. She even went on a three-week vacation with her family hiking in Utah.
Recently, the department held a patient community day in partnership with the U.S. Pain Foundation, inviting current patients from around the system and their families, giving them a chance to get together and meet others going through the similar challenges. Joscey told her inspiring story and several attendees said she was the first person that gave them hope to overcome this.
Many kids dealing with chronic pain are completely isolated from the outside world and have little to no social interaction, which can add to their anxiety, fear and loneliness.
“Community day was more beneficial than we could have hoped for,” Cassie said. “Our patients met others going through the same thing and they instantly became friends. They exchanged phone numbers and Instagram handles. One Mom told me her daughter has social anxiety and hadn’t spoken to another kid in years as she watched her talk with a group of girls. It was amazing. We all cried a lot that day.”
Not all patients see instant success like Joscey, and some go through years of physical therapy. Cassie explained every patient is different, but their team works together to develop treatment plans for each individual. They will never give up finding ways to help these patients deal with their pain.
“Treatment for chronic pain can change someone’s life. It’s more than just getting them back to playing a sport, which is wonderful, but we’re privileged to have the opportunity to turn someone’s life around, and there’s nothing more rewarding.”
Know a team member who exemplifies our mission and core values? Help us recognize and reward your colleague as a Super Star! To nominate, click read more.
March 29, 2024
This week on Mark Wallace’s blog, he invites Dr. Michael Belfort, Texas Children’s Obstetrician/Gynecologist-in-Chief and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine, to help celebrate Doctors’ Day as he shares what being a physician means to him. Read more
March 26, 2024
In honor of the upcoming Texas Children’s Houston Open (TCHO) PGA TOUR event, Antone’s is offering a signature sandwich called the Texas Clubhouse (or TCH). Antone’s is on site March 25-26 in the Fresh Bistro in the Medical Center making these delicious sammies fresh to order.
Decked out in TCHO golf attire, CEO Mark A. Wallace visited the Bistro to tell patrons about the sandwich and our partnership with Antone’s.
“Directly in line with the incredible partners they are, Antone’s created a sandwich to celebrate the Texas Children’s Houston Open, and it’s simply amazing. This isn’t the first time they’ve developed a sandwich to celebrate and promote Texas Children’s and they outdo themselves every time. Not only are they longstanding supporters of Texas Children’s, they are wonderful friends who truly believe in the work we do for children and women around the world.”
The sandwich features Antone’s Smoked Turkey Club with a Texan twist: thin slices of smoked turkey, zesty pepper jack, crispy Applewood bacon, fresh arugula, all topped with their spicy Chow Chow relish – a first for Antone’s – and chipotle mayo, on a pretzel bun.
As a reminder, Antone’s is donating a portion of its sandwich sales from all Texas Children’s eateries to the Astros Golf Foundation benefiting their charity partners, which includes Texas Children’s. We want to thank Antone’s CEO Craig Lieberman and his team for their continued support and partnership – and of course the amazing sandwiches!
The Antone’s po’ boy sandwich wrappers include a QR code sticker that links to the TCHO website to learn more about the tournament and purchase tickets. Texas Children’s team members and their spouses/significant others are eligible for 20% off the purchase of grounds tickets at the tournament through our title sponsorship and our incredible partnership with The Astros Golf Foundation. The discount promo code is TCHTCHO.
Mr. Wallace also stopped for photo ops at the TCHO displays with team members and Texas Children’s facility dog, Crosby! We invite everyone to visit the Fresh Bistro or The Auxiliary Bridge in the Medical Center, as well as areas in West and The Woodlands campuses to take photos at the TCHO displays to celebrate the upcoming golf tournament. Post your photos on social media using hashtags #TCHoustonOpen #TCHO.
Visit the Texas Children’s Houston Open SharePoint site for details.
March 25, 2024 Hear how Daniel and his team make a difference for patients.
Daniel Pham knows the outpatient pharmacy is typically a patient’s last stop before they head home – the grand finale – and he dedicates himself to making the experience a positive one.
“I am the team’s Greatest Showman,” said Daniel, summarizing his energetic and friendly approach to work in The Center for Women and Children – Southwest and the unique qualities that make him “The Difference” at Texas Children’s.
This Is Me: Defining Experiences
Daniel, who is Vietnamese American, embraces life with the same kind of enthusiasm he exhibits in his career. In high school he was very active. He joined the orchestra, played tennis, served on the student council, and was named prom king.
“In the Asian culture we are taught to just lay low and do well in school. I wanted to break that mold.”
Daniel’s outgoing nature contrasted with his older brother Dennis’s more subdued personality. In remission since 1999, Dennis is a childhood cancer survivor. Daniel says that Texas Children’s was a light for his family during a difficult time, saving his brother’s life twice.
Rewrite the Stars: Balancing Work and Life
Family and his culture are especially important to Daniel. His parents and grandparents left behind everything familiar in Vietnam to start a life in America. Daniel does not take his family’s hard work and sacrifices for granted but he has taken notes from his father who expresses regrets about spending so much time focused on his career while his sons were growing up.
From bath times and nighttime prayers to driving imaginary buses and dancing to favorite tunes, Daniel is embracing his “daddy era.” His daughter refers to him as Mickey Mouse, a title Daniel wears with honor. He knows every lyric to the hit song from Disney’s Encanto, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” because it helps his daughter fall asleep.
He and his wife Janel, who is a speech pathologist at Texas Children’s Specialty Care in Sugar Land, are an effective team and committed to savoring all the moments they have with their children while, as parents, they are “still their favorite people.”
“I feel like I am continuously unlocking new skills as a parent, and now I get to take all the skills from home and make connections with the kids and parents at work.”
Come Alive: Finding Purpose in a Passion
For almost 10 years, Daniel has been a source of light for our patients and families. Even five minutes spent with a patient in the pharmacy is important to him because he knows people will remember that he makes them feel safe, valued and seen.
“Drug interactions is a cool skill, but being remembered for your human interactions gives you purpose.”
Daniel attributes the comfort he feels in his own skin and the comforting presence he offers to others to his mother, Nhan Tran, who passed away last year. Nhan was multilingual, an artist, a space flight engineer and made the best homemade Pho and Bun Thang. Daniel, who has inherited her superpowers of attentiveness, generosity, and playfulness, has a positive impact on his team and the families in our care.
“I chose health care because it is a career where I get to use both my head and heart,” Daniel said. “My career at Texas Children’s has been a fulfilling journey of growth, lessons, and discovering my true north within the organization, and I hope to remain as a positive light for the future.”
Two of our three 50-year honorees reflect on their legacy. Read more
