June 10, 2019

Camp Periwinkle Days came to the Cancer and Hematology Centers last week creating a fun surprise for patients and families arriving for their appointments.

“This could not have happened at a more perfect time,” said Sarah Payne as she watched her two daughters stuff with cotton a plush pig and monkey wearing astronaut outfits. “She was not excited about coming today.”

Organized by The Periwinkle Foundation and sponsored by Northwestern Mutual, the two-day affair included NASA-themed decorations and displays, various arts and crafts, face painting, games, music and more. The camp was held in the Cancer and Hematology Centers’ infusion and waiting room areas for easy access to all.

“Our goal is to bring the magic of summer camp to those who might not have otherwise have the opportunity to go,” said Doug Suggitt, executive director of The Periwinkle Foundation. “We are always so pleased to see the smiles on the faces of those who get to experience the camp and are thankful to our partners for making it such an impactful event for everyone involved.”

This is the ninth year Camp Periwinkle Days has been held at the Cancer and Hematology Centers and the third year for Northwestern Mutual to sponsor the event.

Northwestern Mutual Managing Partner Jeff Reeter volunteered at the camp and said it was a joy to participate in such a wonderful occasion.

“It’s a very heartwarming experience that probably impacts us more than the patients and families we encounter,” Reeter said. “We are so grateful to be a part of it.”

Director of Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers Dr. Susan Blaney said she is thankful for everyone who continues year after year to make the event such a success.

“Fighting cancer is hard,” Blaney said. “A little extra fun goes a long way for these patients, families and staff.”

To learn more about Camp Periwinkle click here. To learn more about Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers click here.

The Texas Children’s Pavilion for Women garnered several top distinctions in medical care for women and babies by excelling in maternity quality measures like breastfeeding practices, minimally invasive gynecology and exceeding patient satisfaction. Learn more by visiting our 2018 virtual Annual Report.

Lauren Stombaugh shares how her positive, patient experience with her care team at Texas Children’s 10 years ago inspired her to return to Texas Children’s to begin her nursing career. More

Texas Children’s own Joselin Martinez, senior administrative coordinator to the Pediatric Department of Neurosurgery, was recently honored at The Admin Awards® Gala at the Houston Post Oak Hotel on May 22.

Sometimes referred to as the “Academy Awards for Admins,” The Admin Awards® is the first and only public recognition program of its kind in the nation that specifically honors the achievements, dedication and importance of administrative professionals. Individuals are recognized across several categories – such as Office Management, Company Loyalty, Spirit and Rookie of the Year – at celebrations in seven U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Denver, Chicago and Houston. The winners are chosen by an independent panel of judges from a pool of hundreds of nominees.

Martinez received the Administrative Excellence in Healthcare Award, presented to an individual who effectively serves and exhibits excellence in the health care industry.

“I was very happy and excited to have been nominated and my application selected from hundreds of applications in the Houston area,” said Martinez. “I never thought I would make it to the final round of nominees, let alone be the winner! To receive such an award with my name engraved in it, and the amazing company that I work for meant so much.”

She was nominated by Texas Children’s Director of Neurosurgery Oncology Dr. Guillermo Aldave, Chief of Neurosurgery Dr. Howard Weiner and Epilepsy program coordinator, Georgina Cedillo.

“Ms. Martinez is outstanding in every way and I could not carry out the many critical functions of my job without the continuous, tremendous expertise she brings to our team every day,” said Weiner. “I am struck by her ambition, drive, intelligence, independence and the manner with which she carries herself – always with great courtesy and a pleasant demeanor, despite the stressful nature of her work. She is clearly headed for greater heights of success.”

In addition to numerous support responsibilities, Martinez also serves as academic coordinator for the Division of Neurosurgery’s resident and fellowship program.

“Joselin is one of the reasons why our department is so highly regarded among other institutions, especially when it comes to her performance as direct coordinator for the academic part of our residency and fellowship program,” said Aldave. “We consistently receive positive feedback from applicants from all over the country about how efficiently and well-organized their time at Texas Children’s is. Joselin is responsible for that incredible first impression.”

Martinez is also is a current member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and an active member of the Medical Group Management Association. She holds a dual master’s degree in Healthcare and Business Administration, as well as certifications in medical office management and Lean Six Sigma.

“My work in the department of Neurosurgery has been nothing but fulfilling in every way,” Martinez said. “Texas Children’s Hospital opened the opportunity for me to be a part of a tremendously focused team that values each and every one of their staff. Being a part of this team has been nothing but spectacular in every way, and I am motivated now more than ever to be the best I can be for Texas Children’s Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery.”

The Mark A. Wallace New Employee Pep Rally allows new employees to learn more about the organization and meet executives and other leaders within a festive atmosphere complete with foam fingers, pompoms and lively music. Participants included new and recent hires based at the Medical Center. The pep rally was held on June 3 at the Pavilion for Women Conference Center.

“We are flourishing and we’re blessed to have all of you here,” President and CEO Mark Wallace told the new employees, recalling Texas Children’s early days in a single, seven-floor building – well before the opening of Legacy Tower at the Medical Center campus; the suburban hospitals at West and The Woodlands; and the urgent care centers and specialty care clinics that stretch across Harris County and now reach into Austin and Central Texas.

“In 1989, I knew this was our destiny,” Wallace said. “I knew Texas Children’s was going to grow and flourish because that was part of the plan: taking care of more patients and more families. The key to our success has always been the people and the leadership.”

Wallace also introduced himself and shook hands with every new employee at the pep rally, pausing often to pose for photos and snap selfies.

Many people hope to be able to work in their preferred career upon graduation, while others may just want to work at their desired workplace with the goal of moving towards that career. Juan Flores, Radiology Generalist at The Woodlands Campus, as successfully done both very early in his career and can add a system-wide award to that list.

“This is amazing! I just graduated a little over a year ago, so working here is kind of like a dream come true,” Flores said. “I never thought I’d work at Texas Children’s until maybe later on, until I have more experience, but I took a chance so I’m happy about that.”

Flores is known to be very quick to volunteer outside of his role as a radiographer. He is on the Radiology Events and Activities Committee, he has played a role in several simulations inside and outside of Radiology, he is a part of the Customer Obsession Task Force, and helps with The Teddy Bear Clinic.

When his youthful presence is removed, Flores can be mistaken for a Texas Children’s veteran even though his has only been here a year, as his work constantly exemplifies our mission.

“In such a short time, Juan has been a fantastic addition to our team! He takes his role as a radiographer seriously and puts forth 110 percent every day,” Assistant Director of Radiology Traci Foster said. “Regardless of the day he’s having, Juan is always positive and has a great sense of humor.”

Foster recalled a time when a 4-year-old in the orthopedic clinic had a fractured arm and needed an x-ray. She says that the child was extremely anxious due to a recent, difficult, experience at an outside urgent care.

“Juan worked with the mother of the patient to identify a comfort position for the child. He was extremely patient and allowed them time to warm up to the environment by showing them the big camera and allowing the patient to touch and explore the room and equipment prior to positioning him for the x-ray,” Foster said. “The child was very receptive to his gentle approach and was able to complete the x-ray while smiling and saying ‘cheese.’ The mother was so appreciative of Juan and so are we. The entire department thanks Juan for going above and beyond to create a great patient experience for all of our patient families.”

At times after a hard day of work, when an emergency occurs there aren’t many people who will volunteer for additional duties. Flores’ hard work, determination, and persistence are all of the reasons why he is one of this year’s Caught You Caring Award recipients.

“I was so surprised when I found out that I won this award. “The fact that I’ve only been here a short while, and I work with so many other amazing people, this was really unexpected,” Flores said. “I love it here. It’s a tough job, but it’s extremely rewarding, and I hope to continue here for years to come.”

June 3, 2019

Denine Moody shares her experience using Cigna Telehealth, a new benefit that allows employees who are enrolled in a Texas Children’s medical plan, to connect with a doctor for consultation right from their smartphone. More