November 24, 2025

This special time of year reminds us how grateful we are for the remarkable individuals who lead with HEART every day to deliver the highest standard of care to our members, patients and their families.

We invite you to join us in a cherished tradition that truly reflects the spirit and culture of Texas Children’s. This celebration is all about you—your dedication, your compassion and your unwavering commitment to our mission.

Our Holiday Appreciation Celebration will take place across all campuses during the week of December 1–5. Each team member will receive a delicious, individually packaged Nothing Bundt Cake along with a beverage, all provided on a convenient “grab-and-go” basis.

Cake deliveries will be made to the Warehouse, Children’s Assessment Center, MFM Clinics, Specialty Care, TCP and Texas Children’s Urgent Care locations throughout the week. For any questions, please email TotalRewards@texaschildrens.org.

When it comes to pediatric medicine in Texas, we don’t just set the bar; we are the bar. This very reason is why 108 of our physicians are among the names recognized on Houstonia’s list of the Top Doctors 2025 in Houston.

The peer-nominated recognition of our doctors on this prestigious list is more than an honor. It’s a reflection of the extraordinary ways our doctors are redefining what’s possible for children’s and women’s health. Click here to see the complete list.

Each of our doctors on this list is carving their own path, pushing boundaries and setting new standards in their field. Their humble brilliance, compassionate care and team-oriented mindset are the driving forces behind our proud, 17-year legacy as Texas’ number one pediatric hospital.

One of our doctors on the list, Dr. Ankhi Dutta in the Infectious Disease department, shared she wouldn’t be where she is today without the support of her team members.

“I have been at Texas Children’s for 20 years now,” Ankhi said. “And what I am is because of Texas Children’s. My mentors have taught me how to be presentable, how to be kind, how to be compassionate and show empathy, and to be a good listener (to my patients).”

Our remarkable doctors on the list also find new ways to connect with patients and their families by stepping out of their comfort zones. Doing this allow those they care for and interact with to feel secure, heard and truly understood.

Another doctor on the list, Dr. Shannon DiCarlo in the Neurology department, said she engages in karaoke to get out of her comfort zone. “I love karaoke,” Shannon said. “Doing that…getting out of your comfort zone and interacting with people in that way is really helpful to work on building that rapport with people…making sure everybody is happy and taken care of.”

Learn more about how our doctors feel about this extraordinary accomplishment by clicking here.

Help us congratulate our doctors on the list who are trailblazers shaping their fields and inspiring the next generation of physicians!

November 17, 2025

Twenty years ago, our Heart Center became the first in Texas to implant a pediatric ventricular assist device (VAD) called the Berlin Heart into a patient teetering on life. Recently, providers and staff from our internationally renowned center came together to celebrate this successful and groundbreaking surgery that redefined our approach to bridge-to-transplant care for children with heart failure.

In addition to celebrating the 20th anniversary of the case that transformed pediatric heart care, the center reinforced its dedication to using cutting-edge technology to heal and give hope to every child with a congenital or acquired heart condition.

Chief of Congenital Heart Surgery Dr. Jeffrey Heinle and Surgical Director of Heart Transplant and Mechanical Support Dr. Iki Adachi had pride in their eyes during the event as they presented about the center’s generational impact in mechanical circulatory support and cardiac care. That same pride was shown in the eyes of Texas Children’s doctors in 2005 after they saved three-month-old Brady’s life by taking the bold step to implant the Berlin Heart at our hospital for the first time.

A Legacy of Life-Saving Innovation

Using innovative technology to advance pediatric cardiac care has been at the core of the Heart Center’s mission since its inception in 1984. This decades-long commitment to innovation is what encouraged our doctors to perform the risky, five-hour surgery on Brady, who was born with aortic valve stenosis with severe left ventricular dysfunction, and had been in critical condition since birth.

When our doctors offered the Berlin Heart as a treatment option to Brady’s parents, they reassured them that the VAD had shown remarkable promise, even though it had not yet been approved by the FDA. They explained that the device had already saved the lives of many children in Germany where it was developed. This news gave Brady’s parents a glimmer of hope in a difficult moment.

Although our doctors were performing the surgery for the first time, Brady’s parents felt confident their baby boy was in capable care. “Texas Children’s knew what they were doing,” said Becky, Brady’s mother. “They took care of us.”

During the surgery, our skillful Congenital Heart Surgery team placed small, flexible tubes into Brady’s heart. These tubes were connected through his skin to a pump outside his body. The mechanical pump and a computerized drive unit worked together to keep his blood flowing. He was on the VAD for 48 hours before he received a new heart from our life-changing Heart Transplant team.

Becky said although Brady was on the Berlin Heart for a short time, she believes the VAD helped him become strong enough to live through the transplant, which allows him to be alive and well today.

“We have the utmost trust in Texas Children’s,” said Becky. “They find things like the Berlin Heart, and they bring it here. They save children every day, so we’re thankful to them.”

Leading Pediatric Heart Care

In 2011, the FDA approved the Berlin Heart for children: an achievement made possible primarily by the vision, expertise and courage of our Heart Center which is currently ranked first in the nation for pediatric heart care.

The historic surgery our doctors performed on Brady showed the world that every child with severe heart failure, whether they are a tiny newborn or a growing teenager, could have a fighting chance at life.

“Brady’s journey inspired hope for children with heart failure,” said Dr. Adachi, “As we mark this wonderful, 20-year milestone, we celebrate the teamwork that made his recovery possible and reaffirm our commitment to innovative cardiac care.”

The Heart Center’s relentless pursuit of progress is reflected in every landmark moment they achieve.

For instance, when Brady received the VAD, he had to be confined to a hospital bed. Today, thanks to extraordinary advances in cardiac care at Texas Children’s, patients with the Berlin Heart can walk, play and enjoy other activities while connected to the device. This evolving device allows them to safely experience the joys of childhood.

“When families come to Texas Children’s from outside hospitals, I just hope Texas Children’s knows how thankful we are that they stay up to date on the latest and the greatest technology for these kids, and that they’re willing to sacrifice the risks and benefits of these new procedures and new machines,” said Becky. “This is home for us.” 

Join the Nursing Town Hall on Thursday, December 11 from 1-2 pm in Taussig Auditorium. 

If you can’t attend in person, you can stream the meeting via Microsoft Teams using the QR code.

You can also watch it later on the Voice of Nursing blog. 

November 13, 2025

Texas Children’s is proud to launch the Rice Physician Leadership Program, a significant new development opportunity created through our first partnership with Rice Business Executive Education. This program reflects our ongoing commitment to developing strong, thoughtful physician leaders who will guide our organization into the future. 
 
Through interactive sessions led by Rice Business faculty, participants will deepen their skills in leadership, healthcare strategy and change management—all within a curriculum designed to meet the evolving needs of physician leadership at Texas Children’s. 
 
Program session dates (2026): 

  • February 6 – 7 
  • February 27 – 28 
  • March 27 – 28 

Who Should Be Nominated 

Physicians who are: 

  • New or emerging Division Chiefs 
  • Preparing for broader leadership responsibilities 
  • Ready to lead through influence, drive excellence, and support our organizational mission  

Nominate a Physician Leader by December 5! 
Physicians may self-nominate or nominate another physician for consideration. 
 
Submit your nomination HERE. 

 

November 10, 2025

U.S. Navy veteran, Dr. Timothy Porea carries on his career of service by helping children facing cancer and blood disorders reclaim their health and their hope. As a pediatric hematologist-oncologist, he is guided by the same principles that shaped his military career as he leads and provides mentorship for the next generation of physicians.  

From Navy Scholarship to Pediatric Oncology 

Dr. Porea’s path to medicine began right here in Houston at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM), where he attended on a Navy scholarship. After completing his pediatric residency in San Diego, he spent two years as a general pediatrician caring for military children on Okinawa, Japan. The Navy later funded his pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship at Texas Children’s and BCM. 

Following fellowship, Dr. Porea practiced pediatric hematology-oncology with military families in Virginia for 14 years before retiring at the rank of Captain after 22 years of service. He returned to Texas Children’s and BCM for the third time in 2014. Today, in addition to his clinical and teaching roles, Dr. Porea serves as a mentor for military students across all four Houston medical schools. 

Lessons in Leadership 

Dr. Porea sees a shared foundation between medical and military institutions in their prioritization of teamwork. 

“For any given mission, if the entire team is not on board with the goals and how to get there, you risk failure,” he said. “Leaders must not lead from a pedestal but rather encourage and embrace feedback from the entire team in order to succeed.” 

Throughout his career, Dr. Porea has carried forward lessons learned from his Navy training, especially the importance of adaptability and readiness. 

“A large part of military training involves being flexible. Situations will always arise that may not have a precedent. We all need to be prepared to respond to a situation in which there may not be a protocol or standard operating procedure to follow.” 

He recalls one mentor’s advice during his Navy residency: “Be fluid; flexible is too rigid.” The phrase continues to guide his approach to medicine, leadership and teamwork. 

Mentorship and Professional Growth 

Dr. Porea is widely recognized for his mentorship of trainees, with awards that highlight his commitment to developing the next generation of physicians. Having spent the final decade of his Navy career helping run the military’s pediatric residency program in Virginia, he gained deep insight into the challenges of graduate medical education and the importance of professionalism and teamwork. 

“From the beginning, I try to help trainees build good habits like punctuality and showing respect to nurses and staff, as a way to set them up for success in the future,” he said. 

Dr. Porea believes that institutions like Texas Children’s and BCM value the unique discipline, adaptability and teamwork that veterans bring to their roles. Still, he encourages health care professionals moving from military to civilian practice to take initiative and advocate for their goals. 

“If there is something you want to do in your position, don’t hesitate to ask for it. If you don’t ask then the answer is automatically no, whereas if you ask there’s a good chance you’ll receive a positive reply.” 

Veterans Day Reflections 

Dr. Porea comes from a family of veterans, including his father who also served in the Navy, an uncle who died on an Army medevac helicopter in Vietnam, his maternal grandfather who served in the Navy in World War II and his great-grandfather killed on a submarine during World War I. This makes Veterans Day deeply personal for him. 

“We can all be proud of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Guardians who serve across the globe, often in austere environments.” 

This November, he’s looking forward to Fleet Week coming to Houston for the first time. 

“Houston isn’t a Navy town, so I think it’s great for people to be able to tour ships, meet with active-duty service members and learn more about what they do,” he said. “I’d encourage everyone to participate in some way in the activities planned for November 5–12. I hope people gain an appreciation for what our enlisted members and officers do to keep us safe and, in doing so, pass on their support to active-duty, veterans and retirees in our community.” 

As Veterans Day invites reflection on the meaning of service, Dr. Porea’s story reminds us that the same values guiding those in uniform are woven into the culture of Texas Children’s. His example shows how service, in every form, strengthens our shared mission to care for others with purpose and HEART.

What started as a simple promise — to make medical transportation easier for Texas Children’s patients and families — has grown into a remarkable milestone. Through multi-disciplinary teamwork and unwavering commitment, our Care Ride program has completed its 1,000th transport.

Since the program’s first ride in 2024, compassionate care has remained at the forefront of their purpose. This shared value has allowed the program to increase its efforts of ensuring behavioral health patients are transported from the hospital to psychiatric facilities with safety, comfort and timeliness.

On average, the Care Ride program picks up patients in 34 minutes while EMS transports can take longer. The program is dedicated to working efficiently because this approach reduces patient flow bottlenecks and allows children to quicky receive the treatment they need. Each thoughtfully planned transport is led by two trained professionals using secure, state-of-the-art equipment while helping patients feel at ease with child-friendly music and engaging videos.

This life-changing and free transportation service has done more than ease patients’ anxiety and lift a tremendous weight off families who want their child to be carefully transported with dignity. The service has contributed significantly to decreasing the stigma surrounding behavioral health. To learn more about the program’s purpose and influence, click here.

One parent commented, “Going to an unknown place is always scary. Yet, Care Ride made my daughter feel safe and at ease with the transport process.”

The impact is clear in the Transfer Center, “Since implementing our new Care Ride fleet, we’ve significantly improved patient movement and transfer efficiency. What once could take 24 hours or more—waiting for an available ambulance—can now be accomplished within the hour. The addition of these dedicated SUVs has allowed us to safely and efficiently transport psychiatric patients to accepting facilities, reducing wait times and improving the overall continuity of care.”

The Care Ride program is a cross collaboration of dedicated team members from Behavioral Health, including Mission Control and Transfer Center, Care Coordinators, Emergency Center Staff, House Supervisors and Providers and Security Officers working together to support our patients. 

One House Supervisor perfectly captured the program’s impact by stating, “Through the Texas Children’s Care Ride program, patients transferring to psychiatric facilities can travel safely, quickly and comfortably—reflecting our commitment to compassionate, patient and family centered care at every step.” 

Thanks to a generous $1 million gift from the Rawley Family Foundation, the Care Ride program continues to extend its impact, offering an added level of care and compassion for our behavioral health patients. According to the Rawley Family Foundation, their support of this program has a special meaning, “Our family is profoundly honored to support the launch of the Care Ride program. We’ve been part of the Texas Children’s community for generations, and this initiative touches our hearts in a deeply personal way. Every child deserves to be treated with dignity—especially in moments of vulnerability. The opportunity to help provide safe, compassionate transport for children in behavioral health crisis, free from fear or stigma, means everything to us. This program reflects the values our family holds most dear: hope, safety, and love. We’re incredibly excited to help bring this vision to life and humbled by the chance to impact patients and families in such a meaningful and lasting way.”

Join us in congratulating everyone involved in the Care Ride program on this exciting milestone!