February 9, 2021

In celebration of Black History Month, Texas Children’s Medical Staff Committee on Diversity, Inclusion and Equity is shining a light on African American pioneers in medicine. This week we salute Dr. William Augustus Hinton, the first African American to hold a professorship at Harvard University, and Lillian Holland Harvey, who initiated the process that created the first full baccalaureate nursing program in Alabama.

As the rate of congenital syphilis has increased each year since 2012, substantial racial disparities have also persisted. In 2018, more than 40 percent of congenital syphilis cases occurred among Blacks, as compared to roughly 32 percent among Hispanics and nearly 23 percent among Whites. In 2017, Texas reported the fourth highest congenital syphilis cases in the country, with Harris County ranked among the top five jurisdictions in the state. The Texas Health and Safety Code even requires all pregnant women in Texas, including our patients at Texas Children’s, to be tested for syphilis at the first prenatal visit; during the third trimester of pregnancy; and again at delivery.

The disturbing rise of syphilis within racial and ethnic minority populations can be attributed in some part to fear and distrust of health care institutions. Social and cultural discrimination, language barriers and provider bias – or the perception that these may exist – likely discourage some people from seeking the care they need. But how did this fear and distrust take root at all? The “Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male” is a significant factor.

In 1932, the Public Health Service began working with the Tuskegee Institute to record the natural history of syphilis. The study initially involved 600 Black men: 399 with syphilis, and 201 who did not have the disease. The study was conducted without the patients’ informed consent, and though projected to last only 6 months, actually continued for 40 years. The men were never given adequate treatment for the disease, not even after penicillin became the drug of choice for syphilis in 1947. After the Associated Press published a story about the study in 1972 that prompted public outcry, an Ad Hoc Advisory Panel appointed by the Assistant Secretary for Health and Scientific Affairs concluded the study was “ethically unjustified” and advised stopping it immediately.

In recognition of our ability to diagnose and treat syphilis and to acknowledge Tuskegee as an important part of Black history, we honor the physician credited for developing an improved diagnostic test for syphilis, and the dean who expanded educational opportunities through her work at the Tuskegee School for Nurses.

William Augustus Hinton, M.D. (1883-1959)

Born in 1883 to former slaves, Hinton earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Harvard in 1905. After teaching for several years, he entered Harvard Medical School, competing for and winning prestigious scholarships. In 1912 he earned his M.D. with honors – yet even with such outstanding credentials, because of racial prejudice, Hinton was barred from pursuing a career in surgery at Boston-area hospitals.

Not easily deterred, Hinton instead took a job teaching serological techniques at what was then Harvard’s Wassermann Laboratory, also working part-time as a volunteer assistant in the Department of Pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital. His task: to perform autopsies on all persons suspected of having died from syphilis. Hinton is the first African American physician to publish a textbook, titled “Syphilis and Its Treatment, 1936.” He is known internationally for the development of a flocculation method for the detection of syphilis called the “Hinton Test.”

Hinton is also the first African American to hold a professorship at Harvard University. For a number of years, he directed the activities of the Wassermann Laboratory, where he was able to observe both in-patients and out-patients and correlate the results of serologic tests with the clinical manifestations and the treatment of patients affected with syphilis.

When premarital and prenatal laws, together with regulations pertaining to blood donors, were passed by the state of Massachusetts, it was necessary to evaluate laboratories wishing approval to perform serological tests for syphilis. Under Hinton’s direction, the Wassermann Laboratory helped expand the number of approved laboratories from 10 to 117. The serology lab at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Laboratory Institute Building was named for Hinton.

Source: Harvard Medical School

Lillian Holland Harvey (1912-1994)

Harvey received her diploma in nursing in 1939, her first stop in a long journey of education. Her bachelor’s degree in 1944 led to a master’s in 1948, and eventually her doctorate from Columbia University in 1966.

Harvey’s intensity toward education and learning landed her first as the director of nurse training at the Tuskegee School for Nurses, a historically Black nursing school that offered only 3-year degree programs. Once she became dean, Harvey initiated the process to turn the diploma-program school into a full baccalaureate nursing program – becoming the first in the state of Alabama. This program brought national attention to the School of Nursing. During WWII, Harvey used her position as dean to create training programs and opportunities for Black nurses to join the Army Nurse Corps.

Harvey served as dean of Nursing at Tuskegee Institute for 25 years until her retirement in 1973. During her tenure, she strived to improve integration on many levels in Alabama, including attending the Alabama Nurse’s Association, where she was required to sit in a separate section. A recipient of the Mary Mahoney Award from the American Nurses Association, Harvey also has an award in her name by the Alabama Nurse’s Association.

Sources: Amanda Bucceri Androus, RegisteredNursing.org; Capstone College of Nursing at the University of Alabama

Texas Children’s is committed to cultivating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive culture that supports every team member in feeling they are valued and belong. Additional information about this important, ongoing work will be shared throughout the year via email and on Connect.

February 8, 2021

Texas Children’s employees who receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine – or have previously received the vaccine – now also have as many as 35 shots at winning $1,000.

The Get the Vaccine to End COVID-19 Drawing was announced Monday, February 8, and will continue every weekday through Friday, March 26. Texas Children’s employees who receive their first dose are automatically eligible for the drawing and the $1,000 prize.

The drawing is a fun and exciting new way to celebrate the vaccine breakthrough, and the hope it gives all of us for better days to come beyond the pandemic. Full details on eligibility and requirements are outlined here.

“I want all of you who are eligible to get the vaccine,” said President and CEO Mark A. Wallace, who will pick the lucky winner of the drawing at random each weekday. “I’m proud of our progress and thankful to those who have already stepped up, but I want us all to stay focused on encouraging our colleagues who have not yet done the same.”

To date, more than 68 percent of Texas Children’s employees have received at least one vaccine dose. A wealth of helpful resources of information are available on Texas Children’s COVID-19 vaccine website for those who may still have questions.

To schedule your vaccination appointment now and get your chance at the $1,000 prize, simply click here and sign up for the date and time that work best for your schedule.

Texas Children’s Department of Surgery Mentorship Program paired 62 Advanced Practice Providers with executives, physicians, nursing leaders, administrators and seasoned APPs across the system in 2020, providing each mentee with a trusted and experienced adviser to support and guide them to greater success in their roles.

Launched in 2015 by Ryan Krasnosky, director of the department’s APP program, the initiative connects motivated APPs with engaging mentors with three goals in mind:

  • Promoting the benefits of mentoring in the career of an APP,
  • Building collaborative relationships throughout the organization, and
  • Providing a structured mentoring program for surgical APP leaders and future leaders.

Interest in the program has been so robust that the department designated three separate tracks to allow mentees to focus on the areas of development that most interest them: Leadership, Clinical or Research.

The 2020-21 group of APP mentees came from the Medical Center, The Woodlands and West Campus. To hear firsthand insights about the unique relationships they built with their mentors and all the program accomplished even amidst the challenges of the pandemic, click here to watch a special showcase video created in accordance with social distancing recommendations and other safety precautions. A special thank you to Sarah Philips, PA-C, for producing the video.

“It’s about having somebody you trust to talk to about the challenges that you face, and somebody who’s comfortable enough to share with you stories from their life – things good and bad – and what they’ve learned from that,” Surgeon-in-Chief Larry Hollier said in the video. “The program that’s been developed here is intended to jumpstart this process; to not have you have to rely on simple luck to come across one of these people.”

Senior Vice President Matt Girotto agreed. A sought-after mentor in the program for the last 4 years and counting, he believes we all have mentors in our lives.

“As I reflected upon the questions asked to me, I realized how much I drew upon things I heard or observed at home growing up from my parents, through a homily at church, through a lecture at school or through countless conversations with coworkers and bosses,” Girotto said. “Many of these lessons were not formal, but the words and advice were just as impactful and meaningful.”

If you have interest in becoming a mentor for this upcoming term, please reach out to APP Project Manager Jordan Rodriguez at jlmcandr@texaschildrens.org.

Dr. Lisa Hollier, Chief Medical officer at Texas Children’s Health Plan, and Dr. Larry Hollier, Surgeon-in-Chief at Texas Children’s Hospital, share their experience of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine together.

Deedy Breaux recalls her experience as she fought for her life and the importance of getting your COVID-19 vaccine. Read more

February 4, 2021

In recognition of their unwavering commitment to our patients and the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, four vaccinated Texas Children’s health care heroes were selected to attend Super Bowl LV in Tampa, Fla. The NFL and Houston Texans are treating our team members to this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Those chosen to attend Super Bowl LV are:

  • Kaitlin Hernandez, Respiratory Therapist
  • Bhumi Patel, RN
  • Dr. Matthew Pesek, Medical Director, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus
  • Matthew Rivera, RN
Dedicated to our patients amid the pandemic

Hernandez, Pesek and Rivera have worked in the Special Isolation Unit (SIU) at Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus since March. Patel has worked on 15 West Tower at the Medical Center Campus caring for COVID-positive acute care patients throughout the pandemic.

“I’ve worked in the SIU for many years,” Hernandez said. “This is what we’ve trained for.”

“Because we were prepared, we were able to care for children with COVID-19 effectively and safely very early on in the pandemic,” Pesek commented.

“Working in the SIU has been the most enjoyable work I’ve ever done in my nursing career,” Rivera added. “I can’t say enough about the team we work with.”

They all note that while this past year was challenging, their training and support from the Texas Children’s community and their families helped them get through some of the toughest days.

“I’ve had so many opportunities to grow and become the nurse I am now,” Patel said. “I love working for Texas Children’s and can only imagine what the future will hold.”

Gearing up for the big game

On Tuesday, TORO and the Houston Texans Cheerleaders surprised our health care heroes with a special send off, complete with Texans gear, a travel kit and more.

“I’m not really an emotional guy, but when they told me I was going to the Super Bowl, I was emotional and shocked,” Rivera said.

Health care workers from across the country, including our four selected health care heroes, will have completed their COVID-19 vaccination prior to traveling to the big game.

“I feel blessed to be vaccinated,” Rivera said. “I trust the science and the doctors around me.”

“I’m so grateful that we were able to get vaccinated so quickly,” Patel added.

Each team member received a roundtrip flight on United Airlines, two-night hotel stay and a ticket to the game, among other items.

All activities during Super Bowl week, including game day, will be conducted in accordance with CDC and local health guidelines. Health and safety precautions, such as increased physical distancing, face coverings, hand hygiene stations, first aid areas and directional signage will all be in place to create a safe environment for all individuals in attendance.

“It’s incredible that people are noticing and recognizing the work we do. It makes us all feel so good,” Hernandez said.

“This is a huge morale boost for all of us who have been working so hard throughout the pandemic,” Pesek added. “It’s amazing that the NFL is going out of its way to recognize thousands of health care frontline workers who are doing an incredible job, day in and day out.”

Texas Children’s is the Official Children’s Hospital of the Houston Texans. To learn more about our partnership, visit texaschildrens.org/texans.

February 3, 2021

As Texas Children’s continues to vaccinate our team members and patients against COVID-19, we have also received many questions around women’s health, especially from those of you who are currently pregnant, nursing or planning to start a family.

Here are some of the most common questions you have asked. Additionally, our Texas Children’s and Baylor physicians recently made this video to discuss these concerns, which you are encouraged to watch and share.

I am currently pregnant. Should I receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

You should discuss the decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccine further with your provider – not only on the vaccines’ risks and benefits, but also your risk of moderate or severe disease if you were to remain unvaccinated and become infected with the virus.

The Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) and the American College of Obstetrician Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued guidance statements to aid patients in evaluating the benefits and potential risks. There are several facts that are worth knowing when making this decision:

  • The risks of COVID-19 disease in pregnant women are greater than in non-pregnant women.
    Specifically, pregnant women are up to five times more likely to be hospitalized, three to four times more likely to need to be cared for in an ICU, and two to three times more likely to require life-saving measures (like a breathing tube or life support). In addition, while the data is not yet complete, there is at least a small increased risk of maternal death, stillbirth, and preterm birth with COVID-19 disease during pregnancy. Black and Latino women have an especially increased risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19.
  • The COVID-19 vaccine has not yet been thoroughly tested in pregnant women.
    Pregnant women were not allowed to take part in the clinical trials of the vaccine. However, a few people received the vaccine in the clinical trials and did become pregnant. Although these were small numbers, there were no reports of problems and monitoring continues.
  • The Pfizer and Moderna authorized vaccines are not a live vaccine, meaning that you cannot become infected with the virus when you receive the vaccine.
    Although about 4 in 100 people had a fever with the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine in the trial, and 16 in 100 after the second dose in the trial, this does not mean they became infected. These are anticipated responses to the vaccine and clues that it is arming your immune system to fight the virus should you become infected. Pregnant and lactating women can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help with the fever and muscle aches that might come with receiving the vaccine, and it won’t cause harm or lessen the effectiveness of the vaccine.

What if I am nursing? Can the virus be transmitted to my infant or toddler through the vaccine?

Because the vaccine does not contain a live virus, there is no virus to transmit with nursing.

Is there an increased miscarriage rate and/or risk?

This is unknown at this time. However, as summarized above, it is felt that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh any possible small and still theoretical risks. In the Pfizer trial, the only women suffering miscarriage were in the placebo group. However, the data is simply not robust enough to make any conclusions.