Hundreds of Texas Children’s supporters turned out last week to The Forum Luncheon in The Woodlands. Hosted by The Development Department, the event focused on the imminent opening of Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands and its growing leadership and clinical teams.
Michelle Riley-Brown, who was named president of the new community hospital at last year’s forum in The Woodlands, unveiled her administrative leadership team:
- Julie Barrett, director of Outpatient and Clinical Support Services
- Hillary Griffin, senior project manager
- Bobbie Jehle, senior project manager
- Trent Johnson, director of Business Operations and Support Services
- Cathy Pierantozzi, director of Human Resources
- Ketrese White, director of Patient Care Services
“These are some of Texas Children’s strongest, most dedicated employees,” Riley-Brown said. “They undoubtedly will make Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands a success for patients, families and the community as a whole.”
Dr. Charles Hankins, chief medical officer at Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, took the podium next and told the audience that his clinical team is growing by the day and that his newest recruit was for the position of Chief Surgical Officer.
Dr. Jeffrey Shilt of Idaho State University and formerly of St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in Boise was named Chief Surgical Officer this month. Shilt is an orthopedic surgeon who has practiced and been on the academic staff at universities in North Carolina, Idaho and Louisiana. He earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine and did postdoctoral training at institutions in Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee and North Carolina.
“Dr. Shilt is a perfect fit for this position,” Hankins said. “We are glad he decided to join us and look forward to bringing the people of The Woodlands the best pediatric care the nation has to offer.”
The remainder of the luncheon was dedicated to the introduction of an additional three new physicians who will be working in The Woodlands:
- Dr. Kristin Ernest, sports medicine
- Dr. Michael Gleason, hematology/oncology
- Dr. Charles Hughes, otolaryngology
Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands will open its doors to outpatient care in the fall of 2016 and inpatient services the following year. Once completed, the facility will be a 560,000-square-foot complex and will offer inpatient and outpatient specialty pediatric care. Facilities will include 18 emergency center rooms, 85 outpatient rooms, five radiology rooms, four operating rooms and 32 acute-care and 12 PICU beds with future expansion plans for up to 200 beds.
Along with serving families throughout The Woodlands Area, Texas Children’s anticipates serving families in counties throughout Greater North Houston, including Montgomery, Walker, Grimes, Liberty, Harris, Polk, San Jacinto and Hardin.
Hundreds gathered Wednesday at the Forum Luncheon in The Woodlands to show their support for Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands, which, when complete in 2017, will be Texas Children’s second community hospital.
