August 20, 2019

Back-to-school is a time full of anticipation as students get ready to learn new things and make new friends. However, it can also be a time of stress and anxiety for families who can’t afford back-to-school supplies.

To help ensure Houston-area students have the materials they need to start the year successfully, advanced practice providers (APPs) in the Department of Surgery APP Community Outreach Committee collected more than 50 backpacks filled with school supplies from across the three Texas Children’s Hospital campuses. The backpacks were donated at YMCA of Greater Houston locations and The Woodlands Family YMCA at Branch Crossing as part of YMCA Operation Backpack.

This was the fourth year APPs participated in the backpack drive, one of two major charitable initiatives held by the committee each year in which APPs from all Texas Children’s Hospital locations join forces for a common cause – to give back to the community. The other larger annual initiative is a food collection drive in January that benefits Houston Food Bank and Montgomery County Food Bank.

“Each campus participates in numerous events throughout the year, but we wanted to find a couple of opportunities to give back during the year when everyone can be involved,” said Jackie Broda, PA-C in Pediatric Urology and Clinical Lead of the Community Outreach Committee. “Going back to school is obviously a big thing for all our patients. So the backpack drive allows us to help kids get started back to school on the right foot.”

Supplies for each donation included:

  • 1 new backpack
  • 1 package of pens
  • 1 package of #2 pencils
  • 1 pencil sharpener
  • 1 eraser
  • 1 24-pack of crayons or 8-pack of markers or colored pencils
  • 1 package ruled loose leaf 8.5 x 11 paper (wide ruled)
  • 1 12” ruler
  • 1 pair of child safety scissors
  • 2 pocket folders
  • 2 spiral notebooks (100 sheets each)
  • 1 glue bottle or glue stick
  • 1 composition notebook

The backpack drive and food drive are just a part of the busy annual calendar of charitable initiatives and community events that APPs take part in every year at each Texas Children’s Hospital campus. Committee members take an active role in organizing and also volunteer at these events, which include the annual Family Fun Runs, Camp For All 2 U, Teddy Bear Clinics and many, many more – and all in addition to the amazing care and support they provide for patients and families every day.

“It’s a source of pride that everyone comes together for these incredible causes, but it’s awe-inspiring how much everyone is willing to give back on top of all the amazing work they do helping our patients,” Broda said.

Department of Surgery APP Community Outreach Committee 2019 Backpack Drive

Clinical Lead: Jackie Guarino Broda, PA-C

Texas Children’s Hospital – Texas Medical Center campus
Lead: Marielle Faraone, PA-C
Co-project Leaders: Marielle Faraone, PA-C and Madison Fitzgerald, PA-C
Donated: 14 backpacks

Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus
Lead and Project Leader: Anna Shafer, PA-C
Donated: 12 backpacks

Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands
Lead: Stephanie McGee, PA-C
Co-project Leaders: Alaina Dozar, NP and Jill Goeltz, PA-C
Donated: 28 backpacks

Fetal growth restriction is a major public health concern that can lead to short-term complications for the newborn and possibly the development of health problems later in life. Researchers at Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine were recently awarded $3.2 million by the National Institutes of Health to develop an improved way to assess umbilical venous blood flow using 3D and Doppler ultrasound techniques. They aim to improve the detection and monitoring of small fetuses.

Fetal growth restriction increases the risk of stillbirth, problems during the newborn period, and neonatal death. Affected fetuses also are predisposed to developmental delay as well as the occurrence of adult diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and stroke.

“Our research team will initially validate the accuracy and reproducibility of new 3D volume flow measurements and then develop corresponding reference ranges in normal pregnancies,” said Dr. Wesley Lee, co-director of Texas Children’s Fetal Center and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor. “Detailed observations of fetal growth, heart function, and circulatory changes will be made in over 1,000 small fetuses with estimated weights below the tenth percentile. The results will be correlated with pregnancy outcomes to identify prenatal predictors of clinical problems in newborns.”

According to Lee, identifying the most vulnerable, small fetuses may not only influence their neonatal course, but could also have lasting impact on long-term health consequences during adult life. Researchers hope to develop 3D umbilical venous flow as a reproducible circulatory measurement that is accurate and clinically applicable, even during early pregnancy.

The five-year investigation is a collaboration between Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, University of Michigan, Perinatology Research Branch of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and GE Healthcare.

August 13, 2019

Texas Children’s Pulmonology recently celebrated a well-deserved milestone after learning they were ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report for the second straight year in a row.

On June 19, the Pulmonology team gathered in a conference room on the 10th floor of Wallace Tower to celebrate this impressive accomplishment. Pulmonology, which first debuted in the top spot in the 2016 rankings, was once again recognized as the best in the nation for children in need of pulmonary care.

“At Texas Children’s, we built our program to serve the needs of children with all types of lung disease, from common ailments to the most complex cases,” said Chief of Pulmonary Medicine Dr. Peter Hiatt. “Our unrelenting commitment to providing life-changing and life-saving treatments to children is what motivates us every day to do better and ultimately achieve the best possible patient outcomes.”

The U.S. News rankings uses a methodology that weighs a combination of patient outcomes, quality of health care, available clinical resources, such as specialized clinics, external accreditations and compliance with best practices. Improved rankings show a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing high-quality care and identifying gaps where improvements are needed.

Big wins for patients and families

Building on the successes of previously existing programs, the Pulmonology team continues to make great strides in patient care and outcomes which were recently noted in the U.S. News rankings:

  • Improved one year survival for lung transplant patients.
    Texas Children’s has one of the largest and most successful pediatric lung transplant programs in the country. The one-year lung transplant survival metric is based on data collected from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) database. Based on this metric and when comparing the volume of our lung transplant patients across the country, the team has seen measurable improvements in our one-year lung transplant survival rate.
  • Improved growth percentile for cystic fibrosis patients 0 – 24 months of age.
    Along with respiratory lung problems, cystic fibrosis patients may encounter digestive problems that can lead to nutritional concerns (malnutrition) and poor growth. Attention to nutritional status and lung function in the first years of life is crucial to promoting the most favorable outcomes. Our pulmonology team improved the median weight-for-length (WFL) growth percentile in CF patients (0-24 months of age) by focusing efforts on early intervention. This included working with our CF dietitians to manage nutrition and avoid calorie and nutrient deficiencies in this patient population. Also, the team collaborated with our CF Family Advocacy group to help under-insured or uninsured families obtain supplements.
  • Reduced hospital re-admissions for patients with asthma-related symptoms
    Pulmonology develops the protocols that guide the organization on how asthma care is delivered to patients across the system. Multidisciplinary collaborations helped the organization decrease hospital re-admissions for exacerbated asthma-related symptoms. Our team collaborated with our partners at the Emergency Center and Texas Children’s Pediatric practices to manage care for chronic to high-risk asthma patients. Other efforts included educating patients about follow up care and the importance of asthma medication adherence to reduce unnecessary re-admissions.
  • Achieved below target threshold for hospital length of stay (LOS) for asthma patients
    Texas Children’s stayed under the 2-day threshold for asthma length of stay on average. Prompt administration of systemic corticosteroid in the Emergency Department (ED) setting and having a focused unit for asthma inpatient care allowed for close monitoring and weaning of therapy to allow for a timely discharge. This was a partnership with the ED and hospitalist clinicians.

Click here to learn more about Texas Children’s Pulmonary Medicine and our services.

July 29, 2019

Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers recently honored three team members with the Bravo Award for going above and beyond to ensure our patients and families receive the best possible care.

The award is handed out quarterly and recognizes nurses and other professional staff in the Cancer and Hematology Centers for outstanding performance. Anyone within the Texas Children’s system may nominate a member of the cancer and hematology teams for this award. The team’s clinic leadership will select the winners.

Last quarter’s winners of the Bravo Award were:

Suzy Gaius is a Financial Counselor with the Cancer and Hematology Center at Main Campus. Gaius was honored for spending countless hours explaining insurance plans and options to families and staff. She is always available to help us ensure patients receive ongoing care. Gaius is patient and never rushes families if they have questions or need more information.

Yadhira Huerta is a Social Worker with the Vannie Cook Vannie Cook Children’s Clinic in McAllen. Yadhira is a team player who always finds time to lend a hand and give accurate and compassionate advice. She is caring, respectful, and goes out of her way to find answers for patients’ needs. She is equally passionate about helping care for members of the care team at the Vannie Cook clinic.

Teresa Nafegar is a Medical Assistant in the Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic Main Campus. Teresa is excellent at keeping patients moving through her pod in clinic. She is a great communicator to the medical team promptly updating them on patient needs and offering ways to increase efficiency. Nafegar also is able to find creative ways to communicate with patients with whom she may not share a common language.

July 15, 2019

There are many types of supervisors in various work environments; those who enforce rules, and those like Ashly Swaty, who elevates them. As a Patient Care Manger in the Legacy Tower pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), Swaty makes sure that all the nurses are taken care of and have all materials and any assistance they need.

With the PICU being so unpredictable on a daily basis, in addition to payroll paper work and nursing rounding, she ensures that nurses take lunch breaks on time. Due to the busy and fast-paced environment at times nurses often cannot leave the bedside without someone covering their assignment. Swaty is known for not hesitating to step in and make sure both the patient and nurse are taken care of daily.

“Her heart is to serve our patients, families, and staff. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure those around her have the best experience possible,” Director of Nursing, Shannon Holland said. “In all my years of leadership, I have rarely met someone with Ashly’s dedication and compassion.”

Holland recalled a time on a busy day when a nurse skipped lunch because she was extremely busy managing her very sick patient.

“Ashly jumped in feet first, took over care, and insisted the nurse take a break,” she added. “She did all of this with a smile and supportive and caring attitude. She is truly a servant leader who is caring, genuine, and the embodiment of Caught You Caring!”

Another part of Ashly’s job is to sit down with patients’ parents to understand the motivation behind certain behavior and how they can move forward with better outcomes.

“I truly love being with the families!” Swaty said. I know these days may be the worst of many in their lives, but it means the world to me knowing I can bring just a little bit of comfort or knowledge, when they’re questioning something.”

The appreciation and compassion she has for her patients and nurses goes hand in hand. Her selfless personality is why she believes there are others that deserve this award as well, nonetheless, she is grateful for the honor and the opportunity to work for such a prestigious organization.

“I was so shocked when I found out. I was mostly surprised because, honestly, there are so many people who do great things here in the PICU, so anybody in this whole place could have won,” Swaty said. “It’s such a great honor to be recognized, and an even greater honor to work for Texas Children’s.”

July 9, 2019

Every team needs someone who wants to do the required tasks that no one else is willing to carryout. Calvin Haskett is that person as the waste removal unit support assistant in the Facilities Operations Department.

When he walks in at six o’clock in the morning before anything, he drinks a cup of coffee to prepare for a day of hard work, as he is known for putting his all in every day. According to Haskett after making sure his areas are clean and all of his supplies are prepped, he makes sure that his coworker is in good shape and prepared for the day as well. His highly considerate personality and drive is why his managers speak so highly of him.

“Calvin is soft spoken and pays attention to every aspect of his job,” Assistant Director of Facility Operations Lisa Green said. “Calvin recently requested off for vacation and when another employee had an emergency and needed the same days off, he later rescheduled his vacation time around his coworker’s time off to make sure the department was not short staffed. That is just one example of his unconditional dedication to our team.”

Haskett has been at Texas Children’s hospital for seven years and his urge to learn more grows every year. His mangers and co-workers have been captivated as he practices Error Prevention in his work even though he has not had the official training that is provided to managers.

His willingness to go above and beyond is shown on a daily basis. With this being his first award on the job, Haskett said he could not believe he was being recognized for his work.

“I felt shocked and did not know what to say at first,” Haskett said. “I have never gotten an award and it’s something very special that I will always remember. I love working at Texas Children’s; it’s a good company to work for with good, caring people.”

In recognition of Patient Care Assistants (PCA) Week, Veronica Campos shares her thoughts on Sharonda Brown, who she recently nominated for an award for her above and beyond efforts. Read more