Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
My name is Mark Mazziotti and I’m an Associate Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, and I work in the Division of Pediatric Surgery. I’ve been on staff at Texas Children’s since 2001 and joined the Baylor Faculty in 2006.
Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
I was finishing clinic and the clinic staff told me that Jag Grooms, our office administrator, wanted to talk to me about a new hire in the conference room at the end of the hall. I thought that was strange but didn’t think twice and walked into a surprise. The staff, Jag, and my administrative assistant Vanessa Mose, presented me with the award.
What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do? How has the organization helped you achieve your personal and professional goals?
It is a great honor to even be considered for an award that is based on the core values of Texas Children’s Hospital. I’ve been fortunate to work at one of the best children’s hospitals in the world over the past 18 years. The amazing clinical volume and the ability to attract patients from all over the United States has helped me fulfill my career goals. Although I perform the full complement of procedures of a pediatric surgeon, I focus on correcting chest wall deformities. I’ve had the privilege of treating patients from 4 different countries and ten different states. I also have the opportunity to teach medical students, residents, and fellows and this is incredibly rewarding.
What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
To me, a Super Star always goes the extra mile and makes sure that they excel at their craft. For me, I want to make the patient experience special. I gladly add patients to my clinical schedule so they don’t have to make a second trip to the hospital. Patients and their families are anxious and need their health care problems addressed and resolved. As a surgeon, I deal with very anxious patients and parents and it’s my job to inform them, care for them, and do my best to get them back to their usual activities.
What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
I have always had a motivation to excel at everything I do. It is an inherent motivation, but also one instilled by my parents to be the best that I can be, as well as to seek to help others. I think what helps me the most is to put myself in the shoes of those I care for – when that occurs, you almost don’t require motivation.
What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
Without a doubt, I would have to say the people. No matter what their level of experience or their role, it’s clear that we all pull together and have common goals. It’s no wonder that Texas Children’s Hospital is always among the best places to work.
What does it mean to you that everyone at Texas Children’s is considered a leader? What is your leadership definition?
In my opinion, it means that everyone at Texas Children’s should strive to lead by example. The definition of a leader is someone that motivates and inspires others around them. I believe the best leaders influence the actions of others by demonstrating qualities such as compassion, patience, honesty, integrity, decision-making capabilities, good communication skills and accountability.
Anything else you want to share?
I love art and art history. I have over one hundred published medical illustrations and I enjoy oil painting. I have historically painted a canvas for our graduating fellow, although for the past two years I have created movies.