After climbing Mount Kilamanjaro this summer, L&D nurse Morgan Fischer stopped in Malawi to volunteer at a birthing center and visit one of our area global health centers. Read More
October 10, 2023
Grateful parent submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Pathology Patient Care Technician Amber Greer.
“It was my daughter’s first time getting blood work done, she had two unsuccessful attempts and we had come back for a redraw. We had seen Amber previously and we felt comfortable going back and seeing her. She was very personable and professional. She remembered we needed to use the heel warmers on her arms to get a good vein. She was able to get it on the first try and we were all thankful! Getting blood is never fun for anyone but Amber made it as smooth of a process as possible for baby, mom and dad! Will definitely will be asking for Ms. Amber for any future blood draws.”
Caught You Caring
There are countless examples of how team members make an impact every day. Through our Caught You Caring recognition program, anyone (patients, families, colleagues, vendors, volunteers or visitors) can provide a kind word about someone who went the extra mile. Even the smallest act of kindness can brighten someone’s day. Click here to submit a recognition for a colleague. The recipient and their leader will receive an email notification. Since its inception in 2015, there have been more than 40,000 recognitions submitted.
October 2, 2023
We are saddened to share the passing of our dear friend and beloved former volunteer, Elaine Kuper, who died Sept. 26, 2023, at the age of 100. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Oct. 8 at Congregation Beth Israel Memorial Garden – click here for more information.
Elaine, who celebrated her 100th birthday last November, was the epitome of a dedicated volunteer who truly lived and breathed Texas Children’s Hospital. Originally from Buffalo, New York, she moved to Houston when she was 12 and began volunteering just two weeks after we opened our doors in 1954. With every passing day, Elaine grew more and more in love with our patients and their families – and in return, they grew more in love with her.
“I just loved being with people,” Kuper told USA Today in a touching story they produced earlier this year to commemorate her life of service. “It’s the best. There’s no hospital like [Texas Children’s].”
Elaine was a charter member of The Auxiliary to Texas Children’s Hospital and completed over 18,000 volunteer hours in her lifetime. She spent 61 incredible years as a volunteer and was a mainstay at the information desk for over 45 years. She enrolled in Spanish lessons to help navigate Spanish-speaking families around the hospital, and also assisted with mail delivery and facility tours. The Volunteer Services suite was named in her honor at her retirement celebration in 2015.
“I consider it a blessing to have known such a giving, dedicated and purely genuine person,” said President and CEO Mark A. Wallace of Elaine’s passing.
Elaine taught us all what it means to care for others selflessly. She will be deeply missed by all of us here at Texas Children’s, and our thoughts are with her family and close friends.
The more we know, the more we understand, the more we connect. Read this month’s DEI update. Read more
Appreciative parent submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Staff Nurse Lauren Baer.
“Lauren welcomed us with a warm smile and was so kind during our visit. Macie was nervous about having her fracture looked at and Lauren made Macie feel so comfortable and happy. Thank you for a great experience!”
Caught You Caring
There are countless examples of how team members make an impact every day. Through our Caught You Caring recognition program, anyone (patients, families, colleagues, vendors, volunteers or visitors) can provide a kind word about someone who went the extra mile. Even the smallest act of kindness can brighten someone’s day. Click here to submit a recognition for a colleague. The recipient and their leader will receive an email notification. Since its inception in 2015, there have been more than 40,000 recognitions submitted.
There are multiple ways to receive your flu vaccine this year – at a TCP, Texas Children’s flu event, outside provider or at a one-on-one appointment with Employee Health. All the information you need to know is available on the Employee Health virtual assistant tool.
Employee Health team members are available to answer your questions via phone 832-824-2150, option 5, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or email employeehealthfluvaccinations@texaschildrens.org.
The most frequently asked questions they’ve received are below.
How do I apply for exemption? I had an exemption last year; do I need to complete another one?
Medical or religious exemptions obtained from Texas Children’s last year will automatically carry over to this season, so there is no need to recertify, unless the exemption was based on a temporary medical condition. For all team members, including those who joined Texas Children’s after April 1, 2023 and want to request a medical or religious exemption, please follow the prompts on the Employee Health virtual assistant tool to apply. Employees who do not already have an approved exemption from Texas Children’s last year can request a medical or religious exemption from the requirement by Monday, Oct. 16.
Where do I complete my consent?
The consent form is available on the Employee Health virtual assistant tool and 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.
Where do I submit proof of my vaccine?
If you receive the flu vaccine at a TCP, doctor’s office or pharmacy, you will need to submit proof. Follow the prompts on the Employee Health virtual assistant tool. You will not need to submit proof if you receive the vaccine at a Texas Children’s flu vaccine event or in a one-on-one appointment with Employee Health.
I work for Baylor, can I get my flu vaccine at TCH? I am Baylor, where do I send my information to be compliant with TCH?
Any team member with a Texas Children’s badge is eligible to receive the flu shot at a Texas Children’s event or through a one-on-one appointment with Employee Health, at no cost. Baylor team members must complete the Baylor attestation process by Nov. 1 if they received the vaccine outside of Baylor, including at a Texas Children’s flu event, through the BCM Flu Vaccine app. Baylor team members will need their ECA to access the app. Those 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.
I cannot make it to any events. Where else can I get the flu shot?
If you cannot attend one of the Texas Children’s flu vaccine events, other options to receive a flu vaccine are below.
- Texas Children’s Pediatrics (TCP). Team members can schedule their flu vaccine during their child’s onsite appointment at TCP, but will need to submit proof through the Employee Health virtual assistant tool.
- 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. One-on-one appointments can be scheduled. If the available online appointments do not fit in your schedule and you would like to request a specific day/time, please email employeehealthfluvaccinations@texaschildrens.org.
September 25, 2023
Earlier this year, President and CEO Mark A. Wallace announced the start of a search process for the next President of Texas Children’s. The Board of Trustees appointed a search committee and engaged a top-tier firm to help us carefully select the right leader to guide Texas Children’s through this next chapter. Today, we are thrilled to share the appointment of Debra Feigin Sukin, PhD, as our next President!
“We set out to fill this role with the best person for the job – one who was thoughtful, strategic and experienced but who also understands Texas Children’s and deeply appreciates the culture we have built and created together,” said Mr. Wallace in an email to the organization. “As you know, I’m a big believer in destiny, but I could never have predicted the power of destiny in this process.”
Sukin currently serves at Houston Methodist as an Executive Vice President with responsibility for four Houston Methodist hospitals and is the Chief Executive Officer of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital, in addition to system responsibilities leading Neurosciences and the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart Center. Before joining Houston Methodist, she was the Senior Vice President of St. Luke’s Health System in the Texas Medical Center.
“Not only does Debbie have the necessary health care leadership experience, but she has lived and breathed Texas Children’s her entire life,” Mr. Wallace added. “Both of her parents worked at Texas Children’s, and she also began volunteering at Texas Children’s at age 16. As a parent of two boys with special needs, she has spent the last two decades experiencing the world-class care, clinical research, empathy and heart of Texas Children’s.”
You might recognize Sukin’s surname – she is daughter of the late Dr. Ralph Feigin, renowned pediatrician and Texas Children’s Physician-in-Chief for more than 31 years. Her mother, Dr. Judith Feigin, worked here in pediatric education and training. Sukin was also involved in the opening of Texas Children’s Angelman Syndrome Clinic, a cause and rare genetic condition close to her heart and family.
“I am truly honored and excited to serve as the new President of Texas Children’s,” said Sukin. “Texas Children’s has always been a profoundly special place to me, and I’m humbled to have this opportunity. This is an amazing organization and I look forward to working with the outstanding faculty and staff throughout the system and leading the next evolution of Texas Children’s. Mark has been a mentor and friend for many decades and I feel especially fortunate to serve under him as he continues on as CEO. I truly cannot wait to see what we can accomplish together as a team in the months and years to come.”
Sukin will join Texas Children’s on Jan. 8, 2024. Please join us in welcoming her with open arms and our signature Texas Children’s hospitality!
Click here to learn more about this historic appointment for Texas Children’s.