Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
My name is Caitlin Justus and I am a physician assistant in the Department of Surgery. I have worked at Texas Children’s for 6 and a half years and am currently the clinical Lead for the West Campus Surgical Hospitalist team.
Tell us how you found out you won the Best of the West award.
I was invited to meet with my mentor, Kara Abrameit, in the West Campus boardroom following the Daily Operations meeting. When I walked in, I was surprised by several of my teammates and West Campus leadership. Matt Timmons, assistant vice president at West Campus, was virtually present and presented me with the award.
What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
I am humbled and honored to have received the Best of the West award. I get out of bed every morning envisioning the potential impact I can have throughout the day and am motivated to show up. I show up for myself, my colleagues, and all of the patients and families that I have the pleasure of treating. Texas Children’s Hospital has been such a phenomenal place for me to jumpstart my career as a physician assistant. The organization has given me so many opportunities to lead others through leadership courses, Learning Academy classes, committee involvement, and various educational opportunities. I have learned that if you truly invest your time, passion, and skills into something, no matter how small, it will turn into something truly valuable.
What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s, The Best of the West?
Passion. Determination. Perseverance. I am fortunate to work with a lot of providers, nurses and ancillary staff who portray qualities that make them The Best of the West. Those people refuse to back down to a challenge, stick up for what is right, constantly choose to live compassionately, and always put their best foot forward.
What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
Motivation is seeing the organization grow and flourish coupled with our patient population. I love getting to work with pediatric patients and their families. We have such a unique job and can make such a lasting impact on so many people – I really try to use that to my advantage.
What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
I love the culture of Texas Children’s. We are One Amazing Team and are all here to better serve our patients and our community. Not only do we have the capacity to serve in the hospital, but we are afforded numerous opportunities to serve our community, peers, and colleagues. Texas Children’s attracts such personable, qualified, fun candidates and I have made such great friends through my time here.
What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
I echo Mark Wallace when he says “leadership always influences or determines outcomes, not some of the time but all of the time.” I believe that we all have the power and capability to change the trajectory of our lives – one small decision at a time. WE hold the power to make choices that can positively or negatively impact ourselves, and those around us. I believe that everyone at Texas Children’s who chooses to put their best foot forward, even despite difficult circumstances, is considered a leader. I was invited to participate in the inaugural Department of Surgery Infinite Leadership Program and our mentor, Clare Coonan, challenged us to define our leadership style and definition. To me, leaders are transparent coaches who engage teams to grow professionally and personally. Leaders are steadfast cultivators of old and new relationships. I personally try and amplify unity within my team and get to know others on a more personal level. I believe that spreading genuine joy, embracing differences, and inspiring others is what sets you apart as a leader.
Anything else you want to share?
In addition to my work family, I want to acknowledge my home family for their unwavering support. I have been married to my husband, Grant, for almost seven years and we have two kind and brave kids, Case and Hadley. My husband has been my greatest champion and I am forever grateful for his support. Leadership comes with a unique set of challenges, but those challenges have also been the greatest gift in continuing along my professional and personal journey.