November 20, 2023
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The nearly 80 members of the Sterile Processing department work seamlessly every day across campuses to do their part in delivering the highest quality and safest care to our patients. This commitment helped them earn the Healthmark Heart of the Hospital Award. Only five Sterile Processing departments across the country earn this recognition every year. They also received a Mayor’s proclamation. This accolade recognizes events and people that positively contribute to the economic, social and/or cultural fabric of the city of Houston.

“I am incredibly proud to work alongside a team that consistently puts patients first and tirelessly dedicates themselves to the well-being of our community and the advancement of the sterile processing industry,” said Amanda Ward, assistant vice president, Perioperative Services. “Witnessing their unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standards of sterilization and safety for our patients is truly inspiring.”

While their day-to-day commitment and shared vision for excellence helped them achieved this recognition, highlights mentioned in their application include a successful Joint Commission audit, the teams’ resiliency in keeping up with all the changes and updates in the department and success on multiple projects. One of the biggest achievements was reducing their carbon footprint by enhancing their tracking system and going paperless in department reports and documentation.

The team also worked tirelessly with the operating room, clinical areas and external areas of the hospital to mitigate risks in instrument care and handling, as well as ensure the appropriate transport of soiled items for over 115 areas of the hospital.

Ward continued, “This award recognizes the hard work of this team. Their passion for excellence not only reflects our organization’s values but also sets a shining example for the entire healthcare industry.”

Congratulations to the Sterile Processing Department!

In a recent meeting, the Texas Children’s Board of Trustees honored Dr. Peter J. Hotez with a resolution for his extraordinary leadership, distinguished service and scientific contributions to vaccine development and global health.

Dr. Hotez, co-director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Center of Vaccine Development (CVD) and professor and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the author of several books.

“It is an honor to witness Dr. Hotez continue to be an extraordinary force in our global fight against COVID-19,” said C. Park Shaper, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “With 120 million doses administered globally, the low-cost, patent-free vaccine developed by Dr. Hotez and his team has protected millions of vulnerable children and adults, and significantly reduced the spread of this devastating virus in many underserved parts of the world.”

In addition to a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2022, Hotez also received the AMA’s Scientific Achievement Award. This year he received the AAAS Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for promoting vaccines and combating vaccine misinformation, as well as the inaugural IDSA Anthony Fauci Courage in Leadership Award.

“Since he arrived in 2011, Dr. Hotez’s unique expertise, preeminent talents and tremendous commitment to our mission have truly impacted the growth of Texas Children’s,” said President and CEO Mark A. Wallace. “Dr. Hotez has selflessly dedicated his life’s work to creating a world where every person has seamless access to safe and effective vaccines, and he continues to be an inspiration to all who know him.”

Even in the decades before COVID-19, Dr. Hotez served as a leading voice in vaccine advocacy, policies and legislation. “Texas Children’s, Baylor College of Medicine, the Texas Medical Center, and our surrounding communities are immensely proud and incredibly blessed to have a brilliant and committed scientist, physician and researcher such as Dr. Hotez in our epicenter,” said Pediatrician-in-Chief Dr. Lara Shekerdemian.

The difference is life changing at Texas Children’s, and Dr. Hotez is living proof of how we deliver the impossible for the benefit of the world by doing things differently and unapologetically. Join us in congratulating him on this incredible honor!

November 13, 2023

Texas Children’s Hospital has done it again, earning its second impressive workplace ranking in Austin this year. Fresh on the heels of its No. 6 recognition on the Austin Business Journal’s Best Places to Work list, Texas Children’s has received the honor of a No. 2 ranking in the mid-size category for Austin American Statesman Top Workplaces!

The ceremony was held at Fair Market in Austin and our team showed out in a big way, even earning the award for “Most Spirited” group in attendance. Nominated alongside many other companies in the Austin community, Texas Children’s executives accepted the recognition sporting matching TCH baseball jerseys. It was just one more opportunity to display the cohesive and supportive culture being built in Austin!

Austin American Statesman Top Workplaces lists are compiled by Energage, who provides a confidential survey to employees of nominated companies, then compiles scores based on corporate culture, amenities, benefits and retention strategies.

In a city as diverse and enterprising as Austin, there are no shortage of options for talented and caring professionals like the members of our One Amazing Team. Thank you for your commitment to making a difference as we continue to grow our presence in the Austin community!

Check out the recap video from this exciting event!

Meet Robert Ball, admissions supervisor at Texas Children’s Hospital – North Austin. Motivated by forging relationships and putting his skillset to good use, he’s always thinking about the hospital experience for our patients and families – from the moment they walk in until they’re discharged to head home.

How did you end up at Texas Children’s?

I’m originally from Louisiana and have an architecture degree, but transitioned to health care in 2009. My 15 years of experience ranges from front-end operations to consultant work and various roles across the revenue cycle. Working at a children’s hospital in Virginia, and going through cancer, motivated me to pursue pediatrics. When I was looking for a new role, Texas Children’s was a top choice based on its history and mission, and many people I encountered agreed it’s a great place to work.

What are you most excited about as we open North Austin Campus?

I can’t wait to cultivate our Texas Children’s culture and apply it with a unique Austin spin – and to build relationships with our partners, patients and families to ensure we remain one of the best in the nation.

Why are you passionate about your role, and what’s next in your career?

I’m passionate about helping and empathizing with people. Since admissions is the point of entry and exit for the hospital, I can utilize my skills to ensure our patients have a great experience from start to finish. In my past roles, the most rewarding aspects were the face-to-face interactions and relationship building. When I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and admitted to the hospital, seeing the kids in my unit push through and stay strong inspired me to enroll in PA school. I’d like to specialize in pediatric oncology.

What makes Austin a great place to live and work?

Living in Austin, I’ve learned this is an amazing place to live and work. Austin provides an array of great music, amazing food, beautiful lakes and parks, and diversity. One of my favorite restaurants is Doc B’s located in the Domain.

What’s the best career or work advice you’ve ever received?

Become a lifelong learner. Sometimes in life, we become complacent in our day-to-day work and careers, and tend to forget the world keeps on spinning and changing. With a learning mindset, we grow personally and professionally every day.

Admissions, transfers, and discharges are the three types of patient movements within a hospital. Our admissions representatives oversee all aspects of scheduling, registration, pre-admission and admission operations – ensuring the highest possible customer service, accurate data for clinical/strategic planning, an efficient billing and collections process, and compliance with state and federal laws.

Right Care, Right Place, Right People. Now ranked #1 in Texas and #3 in the nation, we’re bringing the best to Austin. Click here for countdown updates, resources and more on the Austin Expansion SharePoint.

Appreciative parent submitted the following Caught You Caring recognition for Audiologist Brianna Diaz.

“Dr. Diaz went above and beyond to make my daughter’s hearing aid molds extra special this time. Ava wanted a butterfly imprint on her molds and Brianna took it upon herself to find a company that could make this happen. She kept in touch with us often to let us know the progress, and I know it took her quite a bit of extra work and time on her part. It meant everything to my five year old and we are very grateful for her efforts. Thank you again, Dr. Diaz! We are lucky to have you here at the West Campus.”

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.

November 6, 2023

Meet Renee Henderson, manager of Patient & Family Services at Texas Children’s Hospital – North Austin. With 20+ years of experience as a social worker in Austin, Renee and her growing team can’t wait to meet and start serving the families who walk through our hospital doors early next year.

What brought you to Texas Children’s?
I’ve been a social worker in Austin for many years now, and love watching this community grow. I have served the community in many ways, and began working as a medical social worker nine years ago. Medical social work is a profession that allows us to support patients at their greatest time of need. I came to TCH due to the amazing reputation, and I was excited to be a part of something special for our Austin community.

What’s the best career or work advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice came from my dad, who reminded me that work shouldn’t be “work” but rather a calling or personal purpose. We spend the majority of our life in our jobs, making it important to find joy in what we do every day.

Why are you excited about Texas Children’s growing presence in Austin?
Austin has grown so quickly, particularly over the last 10-15 years. This growth has transplanted many families from all over the country here to our city. Our Austin families deserve to have the quality of care that Texas Children’s is known for all over the world.

What makes Austin a great place to live and work?
Austin is becoming a big town, but still has a small town feel. There is always something going on from music festivals to sporting events to craft fairs. Our family loves going to the H-E-B Center for hockey games, Round Rock Express baseball games, and walking miles and miles of hiking trails all over town.

What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
I am truly passionate about making sure our families have the support they need during their hospitalization and beyond. The most rewarding thing is to be present in a family’s most difficult moment, while having the opportunity to support and connect them to needed resources. It is an honor to provide relief to our families during very challenging and often unexpected events.

We understand the challenges families encounter when a child or loved one is hospitalized and away from home. Designed to offer assistance and resources to help meet their needs, our Patient & Family Services (including child life, social work, family advocacy, guest services, spiritual care and more) are critical in providing the right care.

Right Care, Right Place, Right People. Now ranked #1 in Texas and #3 in the nation, we’re bringing the best to Austin. Click here for updates, resources and more on the Austin Expansion SharePoint.

October 31, 2023

On Mark Wallace’s blog, he invites Texas Children’s Pediatrics physician, Dr. Desiree Evans, to help honor and celebrate the incredible life and legacy of Dr. Robert F. Austin. Read more