Dr. Jordan Orange, January – June 2016 Physician
Dr. Jordan Orange of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star physician. “I am motivated by the patients we serve – both directly and indirectly,” Orange said. Read more of Orange’s interview below and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.
Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Dr. Jordan Orange, Chief, Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology; Director, Center for Human Immunobiology, Texas Children’s Hospital; Professor of Pediatrics, Pathology and Immunology, Vice Chair for Research, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine. I started April 30, 2012.
What month are you Super Star for?
January – June 2016
Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I was surprised so say the least. Our practice administrator and the SVP over our area had invited me to a meeting to discuss provider schedules. I always try to be on my toes for these types of meetings and was therefore a bit keyed up to begin with. I went up to the 14th floor of the Feigin Center with Kim (the PA) met Diane Scardino (SVP) in the hall outside the conference room. They said: “this one’s booked” and took me around the corner to the larger conference room which was filled with our whole division. Was I surprised! Dr. Kline was there along with my wife, Dr. Shearer and all of my closest colleagues. Honestly I still have not recovered.
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What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do?
It is strange and uncomfortable to be recognized. Honestly the greatest prize is really in just getting to do what I do. That said, the recognition is really only a reflection and recognition of the people I work with. That makes me very happy because they are amazing people and truly deserve recognition for the great work they do. This award is really about and for them. Here is the text of the email that I sent to our division after the “surprise:”
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I wanted to thank everyone for the surprise celebration today. Needless to say I was completely shocked and un-expecting. It was so very kind of so many of you to take valuable time from your day. More importantly, I wanted to thank everyone for making this “super star” award possible. It is something that I share with each and every one of you. In fact, it is only our work together that creates anything “star” worthy. Thus, while I was the one receiving some congratulations today, this is an award that is ours and would not be possible without you. You are a superstar! Thank you for being my friend and colleague and for making Texas Children’s Hospital and Immunology, Allergy, Rheumatology the best possible place to come to work every day. As Dr. Kline said, “the sky’s the limit” for what we will accomplish. The future of our patients depend upon that – let’s keep reaching for the sky. Thank you for all you do! Jordan
How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
I have actually surpassed the goals that I had for myself professionally. Thus every day now is essentially gift and work to be enjoyed and shared. I really love that and so look forward to everything that will come importantly including the successes of those I work with. As for personal goals – I have wanted to make further strides in being a husband, father, friend, colleague and citizen. The culture of gentility, respect and humanity that so deeply permeates our organization is priceless and has really helped me grow in those categories.
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What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
I am still scratching my head a bit about this one. That said I can only assume that it is someone who brings people together – someone who makes the whole a lot more than its individual parts (see below). I am not sure that’s me, but it is something I feel really passionate about and enjoy trying to do.
What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
Of course as a pediatrician – I am motivated by the patients we serve – both directly and indirectly. Full stop. I also love what I do. My work is my hobby, my passion and my joy. When we went around the table at home discussing what we would do if we won the billion dollar lottery – I think I was pretty clear in that I would do exactly the same thing that I do right now. It is such a true joy and honor to be surrounded by many people who feel the same.
What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
I subscribe very deeply to our mission at Texas Children’s and I feel very passionate about doing whatever I can to advance it. The beautiful thing about being at Texas Children’s is that the mission is in people’s hearts. It is something that everyone comes together around and really means it. I love people’s passions, and here we truly share the same passion. How lucky are we.
What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader?
It means that everyone makes a difference. To themselves and to others. Everyone matters and everyone can have massive impact. The fact that it is recognized and fostered as such at Texas Children’s is probably why we have an unparalleled and unprecedented trajectory in the world of pediatrics. I am confident that there is no plateau in sight.
What is your leadership definition?
This is something that I have of course thought about a lot since being here and honestly not so much prior to being here. I like to think that even though I had only started thinking about it recently, however, it has been something I have been working on for a long time. Here goes: Facilitating and fostering parts into a far greater whole and enabling individuals to be their very best in all aspects of their lives.
Anything else you want to share?
I’m really just pretty blown away by this – it was so unexpected and I am so deeply grateful to everyone I work with. I accept the recognition only in sharing it with them.