Supporting the mental health of physicians and care teams is as critical as caring for patients. That’s why Texas Children’s is proud to have earned the 2026 Wellbeing First Champion badge from the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation.
The badge is a national symbol for organizations whose credentialing processes do not include intrusive mental health questions or stigmatizing language. For Texas Children’s, it signals that team members can seek care without fear.
We spoke with the physicians from our hospital system’s credentialing committees who made this achievement possible to hear about their role and how this recognition strengthens support for team wellbeing.
Dr. Sapna Singh, Chief Medical Officer for Texas Children’s Pediatrics, focused on removing stigmatizing language from credentialing and employment processes to ensure physicians could seek care without concern for career impact. She said these changes also communicate to future recruits that well-being is a priority. “Mental health and suicide prevention must be a priority for all healthcare organizations,” she said.
Chair of Texas Children’s Credentials Committee Dr. Caitlin Sutton concentrated on transparency, translating committee work into actionable policies. She said that by clearly explaining mental health policies during credentialing, Texas Children’s helps applicants feel confident and supported. “We are creating a safer, more supportive environment,” she said.
Dr. Mark Ward, Chair of Texas Children’s Physician Services Organization Credentials Committee, helped implement the policies across the system that earned the recognition. He said the badge reflects the hospital’s ongoing commitment to normalizing mental health care and creating a supportive environment for physicians. “This recognition is really the culmination of a long-term effort to destigmatize mental health challenges,” he said.
Texas Children’s appreciates Dr. Singh, Dr. Sutton and Dr. Ward for advancing mental health and wellbeing across our hospital, showing that caring for providers is as essential as treating patients.
