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October 14, 2024

Dr. Lara Shekerdemian, Pediatrician-in-Chief at Texas Children’s and Chair of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, was honored with the 2024 Section on Critical Care Distinguished Career Award by the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is only the fifth woman in 29 years to receive this honor.

“Under Dr. Lara Shekerdemian’s leadership, previously as Chief of Critical Care and today as Pediatrician-in-Chief, Texas Children’s has more than doubled its critical care capacity across Houston and Austin,” said President and CEO Dr. Debra F. Sukin. “We are thrilled to see this recognition of her incredible career in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, and no one is more deserving of this recognition. Dr. Shekerdemian’s compassion and commitment to clinical excellence make her an outstanding role model for our over 2,000 medical professionals at Texas Children’s.”

Dr. Shekerdemian was presented this prestigious award by her successor as Critical Division Chief, Dr. Katri Typpo at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida. In accepting this honor, Dr. Shekerdemian paid tribute to her mentors, family, colleagues from around the world and to her Department of Pediatrics community, which she highlighted her pride in leading. Dr. Fernando Stein, Professor of Pediatrics and former President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, was awarded the Distinguished Career Award in 2019.

Here, more than 80 pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists and trainees were recognized for their exemplary achievements in advocacy, practice and research that impact the care of children every day.

Several other Texas Children’s physicians were recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics this year including:

Dr. Nancy Butte – AAP Samuel J. Fomon Nutrition Award

Dr. Marietta M.de Guzman – James T. Cassidy Award

Dr. Seema Jilani – Holroyd-Sherry Award

Dr. Keila Lopez – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Award

Congratulations to each of these physicians! Thank you for all you do to advance pediatrics while serving the mission of Texas Children’s and Baylor College of Medicine.

As a reminder, the deadline to be compliant with the flu vaccination requirement is now less than 30 days away on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. This deadline applies to all employees, Baylor faculty and staff, contractors and volunteers.

Important reminder

Employees who do not already have an exemption received through Texas Children’s last year will need to request a medical or religious exemption from the requirement by Monday, Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. Approved exemptions are subject to additional safety measures or requirements. Exempt employees will receive notice of any additional requirements as part of their exemption.

• Vaccine availability. There are multiple ways to receive a flu vaccine.
  • Texas Children’s Pediatrics (TCP). Schedule your flu vaccine during your child’s onsite appointment at any TCP, but you will need to submit proof through the Employee Health virtual assistant tool.
  • Flu vaccine events. Free vaccinations are available at the North Austin Campus, The Medical Center, West Campus, The Woodlands and TCHP.
  • Outside provider. You can receive the vaccine through your doctor or pharmacy but will need to submit proof through the Employee Health virtual assistant tool.
  • Employee Health. Click here to schedule a one-on-one appointment.

• Baylor flu vaccine requirement. Baylor team members must also complete the Baylor attestation process by Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. if they received the vaccine outside of Baylor, including at a Texas Children’s flu vaccine event, through the BCM Flu Vaccine app. Baylor team members will need their ECA to access the app. Those team members who cannot access the app can also send their vaccine record to vaccinecompliance@bcm.edu and the attestation information will be entered on their behalf. Non-BCM members of our Medical Staff will receive attestation instructions in a separate email from the Medical Staff Office.
   
• Employee Health virtual assistant tool. Visit texaschildrens.org/employeevaccines (you may need to refresh your browser) on or off the network to submit proof and access exemption request forms, consent form, flu event schedules and FAQs.
   
  • Submit proof. If you receive the flu vaccine at a TCP, doctor’s office or pharmacy, you will need to submit proof of vaccination via the Employee Health virtual assistant tool, which is accessible off the network. Please upload a photo of the flu vaccination record received during your appointment. Please ensure the writing is legible and includes your full legal name and birth date. A flu vaccine receipt from a pharmacy will not be accepted as proof of a flu vaccine administration record. You will not need to submit proof of vaccination if you receive the vaccine at a Texas Children’s flu vaccine event or in a one-on-one appointment with Employee Health.
  • Exemptions. Employees who do not already have an exemption received through Texas Children’s last year will need to request a medical or religious exemption from the requirement by Monday, Oct. 14 at 5 p.m. Approved exemptions are subject to additional safety measures or requirements. Exempt employees will receive notice of any additional requirements as part of their exemption.
  • Consent form. This form is required for those who wish to receive their flu vaccine at a Texas Children’s flu event or through a one-on-one appointment with Employee Health. It can be completed at an event or through the Employee Health virtual assistant.
  • Event schedule. Receive your vaccine at one of the 29 vaccine events throughout Texas Children’s.
  • FAQs. Access a detailed FAQ document.
     
• COVID-19 co-administration. Employee Health will offer the latest COVID-19 vaccine in limited quantity. Receiving this vaccine is optional. Team members can now schedule a co-administration appointment.

• Connect feature. A link to the Employee Health virtual assistant tool is available in the Current Initiatives section on the Connect homepage.
   
• Contact information. If you have any questions, please contact Employee Health at (832) 824-2150, option 5, Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or send an email to employeehealthfluvaccinations@texaschildrens.org.
   
• En español. Para ver este mensaje en español, por favor oprima aquí.

The mission we fulfill at Texas Children’s is profoundly important and everything you do makes a difference for the children, women and families who rely on us. Thank you for the compassionate, exemplary care you provide to our patients, their families and each other.

October 8, 2024

Texas Children’s is thrilled to announce we’ve been named the No. 1 pediatric hospital in the state of Texas for the 16^th year in a row by U.S. News and World Report. Ten of the hospitals’ specialties ranked within the top 10, and Behavioral Health, a newly ranked specialty this year, earned the highest designation available. Texas Children’s remains the best hospital in the country for children in need of pediatric cardiology and heart surgery care for the eighth consecutive year and earned a No. 1 ranking for pediatric nephrology.

President and CEO Dr. Debra Sukin shared her gratitude and appreciation in her announcement to the organization, “These outstanding results are a reflection of the hard work, dedication and expertise of our entire team. Each one of you plays a vital role, and it’s your combined skills that make a life-changing difference for our patients. I am immensely grateful for your commitment to the patients and communities we serve – this is what makes Texas Children’s the world’s leading pediatric and women’s health care organization and the No. 1 children’s hospital in Texas.”

The specialties ranked as follows:

No. 1: Cardiology and Heart Surgery

No. 1: Nephrology (Kidney disorders)

No. 2: Pulmonology and Lung Surgery

No. 2: Neurology & Neurosurgery

No. 2: Urology

No. 3: Neonatology

No. 4: Cancer

No. 4: Diabetes & Endocrinology

No. 5: Gastroenterology & GI Surgery

No. 7: Orthopedics

Behavioral Health

Read more about these rankings in our press release. 

This recognition is a reality because of each of you, the members of our One Amazing Team, tirelessly committed to our mission to create a healthier future for children and women throughout our global community. “That’s why these rankings matter: they empower families to make informed decisions and demonstrate that Texas Children’s is fulfilling its promise to deliver life-changing care to patients who need us most,” said Sukin.

Congratulations and thank you for all you do for Texas Children’s!

As you celebrate this recognition with your colleagues, please send your celebration photos to the HR Communications team for inclusion on Connect and social media.

 

 

October 7, 2024

Jaymes Mennel began his journey with Texas Children’s in 2005 as a physical therapy student in the Medical Center expecting to only be here a short while. Almost 20 years later, he has worked his way up and now serves as therapy manager at The Woodlands campus, overseeing physical therapy, occupation therapy and speech language pathology services. Jaymes is a lifelong student, committed to bettering the lives of his patients and his team members.

Why do you love Texas Children’s?

I joined Texas Children’s in 2005 as a student, initially planning to complete my internship and then move back to be closer to my family. However, I quickly fell in love with the work – both with the children and the dedicated teams at TCH. I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with an incredible group of therapists, nurses, doctors and support staff. The talented and passionate team members have provided me with countless opportunities to learn and grow. 

What is your favorite work perk?

As a manager, one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is watching my staff grow as clinicians and witnessing the positive impact they have on their patients. I take pride in knowing I’ve contributed, even in a small way, to the development of my therapists which ultimately leads to better patient care. Additionally, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed interacting with our amazing patients and their families, and I cherish the opportunity to see them acquire new skills and reach their goals. 

Who is the work bestie you can’t live without? Give them a shout out!

Honestly, there are too many to name. I’m fortunate to have incredible relationships with so many people throughout TCH.  

What piece of advice would you give a new Texas Children’s employee?

Stay eager to learn. No matter how long you’ve been in your field, there is always something new to discover, someone to learn from or a different perspective to consider. Always ask questions and focus on finding solutions. Sometimes we get too caught up in the problem and forget to look for the answers. 

How do you recharge your batteries away from work?

I have an amazing wife and two young boys who keep me busy. We love spending time together playing cards, traveling, watching movies and going for walks. I’m also a big sports fan, especially when it comes to football. I enjoy going to concerts, musicals, and I’ve been fortunate to be part of the Texans mascot’s flag crew for several years; a unique opportunity that actually came about through a connection I made at TCH.