Dr. Elizabeth Collins, associate professor of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine; and Texas Children’s Health Center for International Adoption received the Alumni of the Year Award from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
The award was presented at the commencement ceremony in May in Springfield, Illinois for Distinguished Service and “for an outstanding commitment to the health & welfare of their patients and their community and for humanitarian activities.”
Texas Children’s was recently recognized as a “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization.
Every year, the HRC conducts a unique survey called the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), which benchmarks and encourages equal care for LGBT individuals by evaluating inclusive policies and practices related to LGBT patients, visitors and employees in healthcare organizations throughout the nation.
For the HEI 2016 report, more than 2,000 health care facilities nationwide were included in the survey – a record 568 health care organizations voluntarily participated while the rest were proactively researched by HEI. Texas Children’s is one of only three hospitals – and the only pediatric facility – in Houston to achieve the “Leader in LGBT Healthcare Equality” award.
In order to receive this leadership distinction, Texas Children’s fulfilled the HEI’s Core Four Leader Criteria, which focused on policies and practices considered foundational for equitable and inclusive LGBT care such as patient and employee non-discrimination, equal visitation and training of key staff members.
“We are very proud of this designation. Our philosophy of family-centered care is contingent on providing a safe and respectful environment for our patients and their families as well as our caregivers to foster open communication and teamwork.” said David Wykes, director of Employee Relations. “As a leader in pediatric health care, we must lead by example, and this designation further exemplifies Texas Children’s dedication to our mission of providing quality health care to our patients and families regardless of age, gender identity, sexual orientation and ability to pay.”
Click here to learn more about the HEI.
Dr. Christian Schaaf, an assistant professor of Human and Molecular Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine and investigator at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s, recently received the Baylor College of Medicine Rising Star Clinician Award.
This annual award recognizes outstanding up and coming clinicians for their exemplary contributions to clinical excellence and expertise, consistent high level of patient care, commendable leadership skills and continuous exemplary service to the Baylor community.
Schaaf’s contributions have not gone unnoticed by his Texas Children’s and Baylor colleagues. “Besides Schaaf being an internationally recognized researcher and educator,” Dr. Robert Voigt says “his constant above and beyond dedication to his clinical work makes him a superstar.”
“In addition to expertise across all competencies of clinical care, Dr. Schaaf’s dedication to and advocacy for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families, both within and outside the clinic, is unrivaled,” said Voigt, head of the Section of Developmental Pediatrics and director of the Autism Center and Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics at Texas Children’s.
As a Texas Children’s medical geneticist and NRI researcher, Schaaf devotes much of his time to solving complex genetic medical mysteries to help families obtain a diagnosis for their children’s previously unknown neurological conditions. Schaaf has made groundbreaking contributions in advancing the understanding of the genetic basis of autism spectrum disorder and the discovery of several genes for neurodevelopmental disorders and rare genetic syndromes. Two of these rare syndromes now bear his name: Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf Optic Atrophy syndrome and Schaaf-Yang syndrome.
“It is impossible to fully convey how thankful we are for Dr. Schaaf,” said Amy Bell, whose child is a patient of Dr. Schaaf’s. “He is a true godsend to our family. His authentic, genuine care on such a human level is, without a doubt, the standard of excellence in medicine.”
In addition to receiving Baylor’s Rising Star Clinician Award, Schaaf has been the recipient of other prestigious awards including the Seldin-Smith Award for Pioneering Research and the Bowes Award in Medical Genetics for demonstrating a proven record of academic accomplishments, exemplary research and clinical excellence early in his career.
“I am humbled to receive the Rising Star Clinician Award,” Schaaf said. “Receiving this recognition is a tremendous honor, and I really owe it to the outstanding clinical and research environment and my instrumental mentors here at Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine.”
On May 31, The Shaw Prize Foundation in Hong Kong awarded the 2016 Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine to pioneering neuroscientist Dr. Huda Y. Zoghbi, director of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator, and Ralph D. Feigin Professor at Baylor College of Medicine.
The award was presented jointly to Zoghbi and Dr. Adrian P. Bird, Buchanan professor of Genetics at the University of Edinburgh, for their groundbreaking discovery of the genes and the encoded proteins associated with Rett syndrome.
“I am humbled to be honored by the esteemed Shaw Prize Foundation,” Zoghbi said. “We will use this support to continue the research into how Rett syndrome affects the brain with the hope that our research will impact future treatment options.”
Rett syndrome is the leading cause of intellectual disabilities in girls, affecting one in 10,000, and is particularly devastating as girls affected by the syndrome develop normally for the first few months of life before a catastrophic decline in neurological capabilities.
The Shaw Prize is an international award established in 2002 designed to foster scientific research. Awarded annually, the Prize honors individuals who have achieved significant breakthroughs in academic and scientific research or applications, and whose work has resulted in a positive and profound impact on mankind.
Zoghbi will receive the award, along with Bird, at a ceremony later this year in Hong Kong. The $1.2 million prize will be shared by Bird and Zoghbi.
Zoghbi’s discovery that mutations in the MEPC2 gene cause this devastating neurological disorder paved the way for the development of a diagnostic genetic test for Rett syndrome.
Every year, this program honors outstanding individuals whose personal leadership and contributions have positively impacted a team, a patient, a family, a process, an outcome or any element of our Texas Children’s mission. Nominations for the 2017 award are being accepted until Thursday, June 30.
Visit the Mark A. Wallace Catalyst Leadership Award website for complete details about the nomination process and this exciting recognition.
Dr. Jordan Orange, January – June 2016 PhysicianDr. 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.
Stephen Davis, a pharmacy operations manager at Texas Children’s, was recently honored by the Auburn Alumni Association, Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs, and the Office of Development as one of 14 recipients who received an Outstanding Alumni Achievement award.
This prestigious award recognizes recipients for outstanding achievements in their professional lives, personal integrity and stature, and service to the university.
“The Auburn Alumni Association is proud to be associated with these outstanding alumni, for both their achievements in their careers and their dedication to Auburn University,” said Jack Fite, president of the Auburn Alumni Association.”
Davis, who is also the program director for the PGY1/PGY2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration Residency, has demonstrated leadership and vision in advancing the practice and profession of pharmacy and improving patient care. He received the 2015 Pharmacy Leadership Award from the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists (TSHP). He has also been active in local, state, and national organizations. During his nearly six years of service at Texas Children’s, Davis has collaborated with colleagues to improve medication dose preparation safety, reduce medication waste, and enhance pharmacy productivity to ensure quality patient care.
Recipients were honored at a dinner and induction ceremony April 9 at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.