Awards – Page 34 – Texas Children's News

August 4, 2015

Dr. Huda Zoghbi, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator and the director of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (NRI) at Texas Children’s, has been awarded a Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke for her “distinguished record of substantial contributions in the field of neurological science.”

Zoghbi received this award for her groundbreaking research on spinocerebellar ataxia, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects gait, speech and other activities controlled by voluntary muscles as a result of a CAG repeat in Ataxin-1 protein. Zoghbi identified the gene responsible for this disorder almost 20 years ago. Spinocerebellar ataxia continues to be a primary focus of her research program at the NRI.

This seven-year research grant will allow Zoghbi’s team to further explore the molecular mechanisms underlying spinocerebellar ataxia-1 by which the mutant protein Ataxin-1 cannot be folded properly in the cell, interfering with action of neurons. The protein contains many repeats of the CAG or glutamine amino acid, making it unwieldy for activity in the cell.

Zoghbi’s research project aims to lower the level of toxic protein in the cell, screen human cells in culture and the fruit fly for additional drug targets that can help lower the levels of the protein, and explore modifications and interactions of the Ataxin-1 protein to understand features that would be relevant outside the cerebellum of the brain.

The Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award is named in honor of the late Senator Jacob Javits of New York, a strong advocate for neurological research who died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

July 28, 2015

Ronald Maxie from Supply Chain is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star employee. “What makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star is hard work, dedication and compassion for others,” said Maxie. Read more of Maxie’s interview, and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.

Q&A: Ronald Maxie, April 2015 Employee

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Ronald Maxie, Supply Chain Tech II, 8 Years.

What month are you the Super Star for?
April 2015

Tell us how you found out you won the Super Star Award.
My management team told me.

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do?
I feel enlightened and grateful that my peers value my work ethic.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a Super Star?
Hard work, dedication and compassion for others.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
To contribute and participate in the mission of Texas Children’s Hospital.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
Being part of a GREAT dock staff that provides the BEST service to support staff, patients and their families.

Anything else you want to share?
I would like to say to my Texas Children’s family that the pleasure has been all MINE!!

The Texas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary awarded urologist Dr. Patricio Gargollo the Denton A. Cooley Fellowship in Surgical Innovation Award and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Scott Rosenfeld the Outcomes Fellowship Award for 2015. Each award totals $75,000. This is the fourth year the Department of Surgery has received funding from the Texas Children’s Auxiliary.

The Denton A. Cooley Fellowship in Surgical Innovation Award is given to a physician whose surgical research focuses on innovative ways to help children and to save lives. The Outcomes Fellowship Award supports patient care, education and research.

Gargollo is director of the Program for Complex Urogenital Reconstruction, associate medical director for Pediatric Surgery of the Texas Children’s Simulation Center and co-director of the Urology Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program. With his award money, Gargollo proposes to integrate clinical simulation into the curriculum for medical students, residents, fellows and physician assistant fellows. Specifically, he proposes to combine training in laparoscopic techniques and simulation technology.

Rosenfeld specializes in pediatric orthopedics, sports medicine, scoliosis and hip disorders. He also is co-director of the Adolescent and Young Adult Hip Clinic at Texas Children’s. With his award money, Rosenfeld proposes to develop diagnostic algorithms for pediatric musculoskeletal infections and determine the most efficacious means of treatment. These clinical practice guidelines will be region specific, making them useful in all parts of North America.

July 14, 2015

Wendy Knight from Kangaroo Crew transport team is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star employee. “What makes one person standout from another is the little things,” said Knight. “It’s not only doing your job, but trying to put a smile on a little one’s face in one of the worst times of their lives.” Read more of Knight’s interview, and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.

Q&A: Wendy Knight, March 2015 Employee

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Wendy Kristine Knight, RRT, NPS. I am a respiratory therapist on the transport team, nicknamed the Kangaroo Crew, at Texas Children’s Hospital. I started working for the respiratory department at Texas Children’s, my senior year of high school through a program called HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). I would get up at 4:30 a.m. and drive in Monday through Friday, work three hours, then drive home, change clothes and go to school. It made for a very busy and fun senior year. After I graduated I went to respiratory school and then was rehired in November of 1992. So I have worked at Texas Children’s for a total of 24 years.

What month are you Super Star for?
March 2015

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
One morning I was walking down the hall and a person was trying to get into our department to deliver breakfast food. I badged her in and as I was walked in I jokingly said “Hey everyone I brought food this morning.” About 15 minutes later my management team came down and said they had an announcement that one of the team had been selected as Super Star of the Month. I was looking at all my team mates trying to figure out which one had won the award. In my mind it could have been any one of us. I could not believe it was me when she said my name. Then everyone started kidding with me saying that I really did bring them food.

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do?
It is quite an honor and I am grateful to receive this award but I think of it as recognition for the dedication and professionalism of my team. In my opinion, the Kangaroo Crew provides outstanding service to our patients, referring hospitals and to Texas Children’s. I am very fortunate and proud to be part of such a distinguished team.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
I think we are all great in what we do or we would not work for Texas Children’s. But if I had to say what makes one person standout from another it would be the little things. It’s not only doing your job, but trying to put a smile on a little one’s face in one of the worst times of their lives. It’s remembering as you jump into a situation, critical or not, as you begin your procedures that your patient has fears, feels pain and you may be their only advocate for compassion. Taking the time in a critical situation with a family who is having trouble understanding what is happening to their child and why, even when you feel rushed or harried. Also, the ability to give the parents peace as you transport their very sick child, because they know that you will treat their child as if they are your own.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
My grandfather always told me to strive to be the best me I can be. He was a huge influence in my life. Also, my teammates on the Kangaroo Crew inspire me with their dedication and support. They are a second family to me. However, by far, my biggest motivation is my patients. In their darkest moments, these children and their families depend on my teammates and I to safely deliver them into the world renowned care of Texas Children’s Hospital.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
I love working with children. I realized when I was going through respiratory school that I was the happiest when I worked with children. As I rotated through hospitals in respiratory school I realized Texas Children’s was my first and last choice. I was determined to come back to Texas Children’s once I graduated. At Texas Children’s Hospital children come first. It isn’t a numbers game. They made sure your work assignments gave you enough time to be with your patients which enabled me to give the best quality care. As a teaching hospital Texas Children’s is at the forefront of cutting edge technology, research and medical treatment. It is an exciting place to work and I am thankful to be part of the Texas Children’s team.

Anything else you want to share?
Yes. I would like to thank Texas Children’s for this much appreciated award. I am grateful for the opportunities Texas Children’s provides me. I would like to express my gratitude to my teammate Melissa Campbell for so graciously nominating me. I would like to thank my teammates and the management team of the Kangaroo Crew. I am proud of our accomplishments and thankful for my place among you. Finally, I would like to acknowledge my family and friends who have supported me through every step of my career. I consider myself blessed by all those around me, family, friends and coworkers alike.

June 23, 2015

Patrick Hatcher from Facilities Planning and Development is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star leader. “A Super Star at Texas Children’s is one who takes initiative, leads by example and focuses on the opportunities in spite of the obstacles,” Hatcher said. Read more of Hatcher’s interview, and find out how you can nominate a Super Star.

Q&A: Patrick Hatcher, January – March 2015 Leader

Your name, title and department. How long have you worked here?
Patrick Hatcher, Logistics Program Manager, Facilities Planning & Development. I have worked here for 2 ½ years.

What month are you Super Star for?
First Quarter 2015 (January – March)

Tell us how you found out you won a super star award.
The good news came through my leader, Allison Muth, disguised as an “Organizational Update” meeting. Very surprising!

What does it mean to be recognized for the hard work you do?
It is great to be appreciated, but also very humbling. I work alongside so many other super stars both in Facilities Planning & Development and other departments.

What do you think makes someone at Texas Children’s a super star?
A Super Star at Texas Children’s is one who takes initiative, leads by example and focuses on the opportunities in spite of the obstacles.

What is your motivation for going above and beyond every day at work?
Contributing to the well-being of our patients and coworkers is my main motivation.

What is the best thing about working at Texas Children’s?
The best thing about working at Texas Children’s is understanding that our efforts are tied to a greater purpose.

Anything else you want to share?
I would like thank my leaders Pete Dawson, Jill Pearsall and Allison Muth for affording me with opportunities to grow personally and professionally. I am truly fortunate to work for such an amazing organization with an equally amazing mission and vision.

June 16, 2015

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Dr. Peter Hotez works with several leaders in his current position, and he’s recently added the leader of the free world to that list. Hotez, who heads the Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, is also dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. He recently took on the role of U.S. Science Envoy appointed by the White House and State Department.

The U.S. science envoy program began in 2009 when President Obama expressed the need to reach out and engage with other countries beyond military activities. The program was created through the state department and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The U.S. Science Envoy program selects renowned and distinguished American scientists to promote the United States’ commitment to science, technology and innovation as tools of diplomacy and economic growth.

“President Obama recognized that our greatest resource here in the U.S. is our research universities and institutes as well as our hospitals,” Hotez said. “Yet we don’t really portray that to the world. This is our chance to change that.”

Currently the program officially employs three science envoys for a one year term. Hotez’s fellow envoys are involved in climate change and environmental initiatives while Hotez is taking on the task of vaccine diplomacy, creating a framework for foreign institutions to build their own infrastructure and develop vaccines needed in their region. Hotez’s initial targets for this work are Morocco and Saudi Arabia. Located in Northern Africa and the Middle East, the two countries are situated in areas with almost no ability to make vaccines.

“When diseases of regional importance strike, they are generally not of interest to the major multi-national pharmaceutical companies so vaccines don’t get made,” Hotez said. “As we saw with Ebola, once a substantial outbreak happens, it will likely not stay in that region.”

For Hotez, the envoy was both a great opportunity and a great responsibility. He said working for the first true global children’s hospital with the greatest global outreach of any pediatric institution, made the task an easier one to achieve. Texas Children’s already shares intellectual capital and manpower with countries in the developing world through the Baylor International Pediatric Aids Initiative, global surgery work, heart center outreach, the Cancer Center’s international initiatives as well as several other physicians who continue to expand the reach of their programs across the world. Hotez said it’s important to share intellectual capital and help these countries build their own infrastructure in order to have a lasting impact and succeed in this humanitarian goal.

“Citizen Diplomacy, our so-called ‘soft power,’ is one of the great underachievers in US foreign policy at this point,” Hotez said. “The idea that scientists would put aside their nation’s ideology to work together on a lifesaving product is what this is all about.”

While implementing science diplomacy in the Middle East and North Africa, may be a tough task, it’s a role with global impact.

June 9, 2015

Aisha Jamal from Business Planning is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star employee. “I think a Super Star is someone who is passionate about Texas Children’s and our mission,” Jamal said. “It is someone who doesn’t just do what is expected but instead takes it to the next level, exceeding both one’s own as well as others’ expectations.”

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