Employee recognition – Page 8 – Texas Children's News

October 27, 2015

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Five outstanding Texas Children’s employees who exemplify leadership while upholding Texas Children’s mission and core values were honored October 23 at a luncheon naming the 2016 Catalyst Leadership Award recipients and the Catalyst Leader of the Year.

Six years ago, members of Texas Children’s Board of Trustees made personal donations to an endowed fund that led to the establishment of the Mark A. Wallace Catalyst Leadership Award in honor of Mark A. Wallace’s 20th anniversary as president and CEO. Nominations for the award are thoughtfully reviewed by the selection committee, which includes representatives from the organization’s senior executive team, Human Resources, Texas Children’s Board of Trustees, and Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Wallace.

“It was an impressive group of individuals nominated this year making the decision process extremely difficult,” Wallace said. “Please join me in congratulating these deserving individuals for their proven ability to lead by example both in their professional and personal lives.”

The 2016 Catalyst Leaders are:

Jamie Choi, Manager, Pharmacy
Preanka Desai, Administrative Supervisor, Radiology
Shannon Holland, Assistant Clinical Director, Nursing
Melissa Murrah, Director, Risk Management

The 2016 Catalyst Leader of the Year is Texas Children’s Pediatrics Humble/Atascocita Pediatrician Dr. Mark Farrior.

Farrior delivers the ultimate patient experience, both with his excellence in clinical practice, as well as his dedication to assist our physicians and staff to better care for all of our patients. “Leading tirelessly” is only the beginning of Farrior’s leadership style. He is one of the driving forces behind the usage of electronic medical records at Texas Children’s Pediatrics. He demonstrates excellent clinical judgment and serves as chairman for the TCP Practice Management Advisory Council, ensuring we provide the highest level of care for our patients and families.

“Dr. Farrior is an amazing person and physician,” said Dr. Stanley Spinner, chief medical officer and vice president of Texas Children’s Pediatrics. “Whenever we want to make something happen, Farrior is our go-to person. He’s always willing to go the extra mile.”

Farrior said being part of Texas Children’s is what keeps him going every day because the mission and guiding principles of the organization encourage him to focus on the quality of care he gives his patients. As for leadership, he said his best advice is to get involved and be engaged.

“Get on a committee, get to know the doctor’s in your group and help each other move forward,” he said. “We all are in this together.”

Throughout the coming year, Farrior and the other Catalyst recipients will receive a number of honors and participate in a variety of rewarding learning experiences. Additionally, as the Catalyst Leader of the Year, Farrior will further develop his talents by completing advanced training at a renowned organization.

To learn more about this year’s Catalyst leaders click here.

Five outstanding Texas Children’s employees were honored October 23 at a luncheon naming the 2016 Catalyst Leadership Award recipients and the Catalyst Leader of the Year.

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.

May 27, 2015

More than 400 employees and staff with 7,460 combined years of Texas Children’s service and expertise were given the royal treatment last week at the organization’s 27th Annual Employee Recognition Celebration.

Held on May 19 at the Bayou Event Center, the honorees dined at tables wrapped in linens and adorned with glittering candles and plush red, white and green flowers. After lunch, each honoree was led down a red carpet and onto a stage where President and CEO Mark A. Wallace and others shook their hands and thanked them for their 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40 years of service to Texas Children’s.

In addition to long-time honorees, recipients of the Best of the West, Mark A. Wallace Catalyst Leadership, Smiles and Super Star awards were recognized.

“You are the face of Texas Children’s Hospital. It’s not me, it’s not Dr. Andropoulos, it’s not Dr. Fraser, it’s not Dr. Kline,” Wallace said to the crowd. “It’s our 10,000 employees because you are here 24/7 every day.”

Valesca Adams, one of 10 honored for their 40-year milestone anniversary with Texas Children’s, said the organization and her job in Renal and Pheresis Services are a huge part of her life. In addition to “really liking” the people she works with, Adams said she loves the children and families she comes into contact with daily at the hospital.

“I love my job,” she said. “It’s fun to get up and come to work every day.”

Senior Vice President Linda Aldred said the annual employee recognition ceremony is a time to honor those who have given so much to carrying out the values and the mission of Texas Children’s to provide unparalleled family-centered care for our patients and their families.

“When people love what they do, when they believe in what they are doing, the results can be staggering and the contribution is too big to count,” Aldred said. “Your dedication is the heart of Texas Children’s past, present and future greatness, and that’s exactly what we are here to celebrate today.”

Congratulations to all of the honorees!

A copy of the event’s program can be found here.

May 19, 2015

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Something big is coming to Texas Children’s starting June 5.

Something we’ve never done before. And you’ll want to be there. Stay tuned to Connect for more details.

Save the date for something big, audacious and maybe even a little bit fun.

Friday, June 5
Texas Children’s Hospital Main Campus
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Monday, June 8
Texas Children’s Hospital Main Campus
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Monday, June 22
Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Summer, Fall and Winter 2015/2016
Your Texas Children’s location

Stay tuned to Connect for more information over the next couple weeks.

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Amonica Robinson recently received the Best of the West award for her work as a patient access representative in the Emergency Center at West Campus.

The award recognizes an employee each quarter who has exceled at demonstrating Texas Children’s values – leading tirelessly, living compassionately, amplifying unity and embracing freedom.

Robinson joined Texas Children’s in 2000 and will soon be celebrating her 15th year with the hospital. Most recently, she has provided exceptional customer service to our patients and families at West Campus. She also has been an integral part of the hospital’s Emergency Center admission team.
Some of her colleagues and patient families have said the following about Robinson:

“Amonica was so caring.”
“It was so nice to have someone who truly felt concerned about my child.”
“She reacts to the needs of the patients, doing her best to provide excellent customer service while they are waiting for care in the EC.”

Please join West Campus in congratulating and thanking Robinson for showing us what it takes to be the best of the west.

May 11, 2015

Bench and Bedside is a digest of the previous month’s stories about the clinical and academic activities of our physicians and scientists. We welcome your subsmissions and feedback.

April 28

Countdown to ICD-10: Deadline to meet educational requirements is September 1

On October 1, Texas Children’s and hospitals across the nation will switch from ICD-9 to the ICD-10 coding system to report patients’ diagnoses and procedures. The ICD-10 codes will allow greater specificity and accuracy in describing a patient’s diagnosis and classifying inpatient procedures. Texas Children’s education teams have developed helpful tools to ensure all employees are prepared for this mandatory conversion.

“We believe that communicating the change clearly and consistently will help ensure a smooth transition,” said Texas Children’s Chief Safety Officer Dr. Joan Shook. Read more

April 28

Super Star Physician: Dr. Stephanie Marton

Dr. Stephanie Marton from the Center for Children and Women – Greenspoint is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star physician. “Every day I see patients coming in to the Center, and I directly see the impact that Texas Children’s Hospital is making in this community.” Read more

April 28

Giardino to serve on ABMQ Board of Directors

Texas Children’s Chief Quality Officer and Senior Vice President Dr. Angelo Giardino was recently unanimously confirmed to serve on the American Board of Medical Quality (ABMQ) Board of Directors. The organization is closely associated with the American College of Medical Quality of which Giardino is a distinguished fellow. Read more

April 28

Patel receives distinguished fellowship award

Dr. Akash Patel will be presented with the 2015-2016 Christopher R. Getch Fellowship Award from the Congress of Neuroligical Surgeons Fellowships Committee during its annual meeting in September. This prestigious award provides $100,000 for advanced training and is given to a neurosurgeon or fellow engaged in clinical research that promises to significantly impact the field of neurosurgery. Read more

April 28

Dr. George Bisset receives prestigious award

Radiologist-in-Chief Dr. George Bisset will be honored for his contribution to pediatric radiology at the 45th annual Sociedade Paulista de Radiologia (SPR) meeting held in Brazil. The conference is the biggest diagnostic imaging meeting in Latin America and the fourth largest in the world. Bisset will be the first non-Brazilian to receive honorary membership in this organization. Read more

April 21

New Cain Labs website promotes groundbreaking epilepsy research

Texas Children’s has launched a new website dedicated to innovative epilepsy research conducted at the Cain Foundation Laboratories in the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute and other test centers around the world. The website also includes a repository of helpful information about epilepsy treatment programs for patients and their families, including a link to Texas Children’s Level IV Epilepsy Center. Read more

April 21

Surgeon-in-chief speaks at Texas Surgical Society meeting

Surgeon-in-Chief Dr. Charles D. Fraser, Jr. spoke at a Texas Surgical Society meeting on April 11 in Galveston. Fraser, who is the son-in-law of Dr. Denton A. Cooley, talked about the hospital’s 60-year history of pediatric heart surgery and the roles played by Cooley and himself. More

April 20

Texas Children’s Hospital helps determine standard of care for children with cleft lip and palate

Representatives from Texas Children’s Hospital: Dr. Laura Monson, pediatric plastic surgeon; Christy Hernandez, director of the Texas Children’s Hospital Outcomes and Impact Service; and Dr. John Wirthlin, craniofacial orthodontist, joined an international group of medical professionals, patients and parents to determine a standard set of outcome measures for children born with cleft lip and palate. These guidelines will help all institutions develp a standard treatment of care of this population of patients and will be available for implementation starting in February. Read more

April 14

Lee recognized for his contribution to fetal imaging advancements

Dr. Wesley Lee, co-director of Texas Children’s Fetal Center and section chief for women’s and fetal imaging at Baylor College of Medicine, recently received the William J. Fry Memorial Lecture Award from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM). Read more

April 14

New PAPRs help provide full complement of PPE

Texas Children’s recently acquired 30 powered air purifying respirators (or PAPRs) to protect emergency responders from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents. This addition to our PPE inventory helps ensure the safety of our health care professionals when they are treating patients with highly contagious infectious diseases. Read more

April 14

Texas Children’s, AAP partnership helps physicians advocate for their patients

Texas Children’s and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) signed a first-of-its-kind partnership agreement whereby every eligible faculty member of the Baylor College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics is a member in the AAP and the Texas Pediatric Society (TPS). Since this partnership began a year and a half ago, the following Texas Children’s faculty have been actively involved with the AAP and TPS to champion the health, safety and well-being of children: Dr. Robert Voigt, Dr. Robert Ricketts, Dr. Mark Gilger, Dr. Fernando Stein, Dr. Carol Tapia, Dr. Mark Ward, Dr. Krithka Lingappan and Dr. Bruno Chumpitazi. Read more

April 14

Texas Children’s Hospital receives Healthcare Informatics Magazine’s 2015 Innovator Award

Texas Children’s Hospital has earned second place in Healthcare Informatics Magazine’s fourteenth annual Innovator Awards. The award was given to Texas Children’s for its quality improvement work to identify, deploy and measure new best practices and improve outcomes for children with appendicitis.

“We felt there was an urgent need in the health care industry to accelerate the identification and deployment of shared guidelines of care,” said Dr. Charles Macias, Texas Children’s Chief Clinical Systems Integration Officer and Evidence Based Outcomes Center director. Read more

April 14

New pediatric urologist joins Department of Surgery

Dr. Duong Dai Tu has joined Texas Children’s as a new pediatric urologist. Tu, who started April 1, has been appointed assistant professor of urology and attending surgeon in urology at Baylor College of Medicine.

“Dr. Tu is bringing an exciting vision to the surgery team that will help us continue to develop a preeminent program, enabling us to better serve our patients and their families,” chief of Urology, Dr. David Roth said. Read more

April 7

Texas Children’s welcomes new surgeon and researcher, Dr. Sundeep Keswani

Dr. Sundeep Keswani joined Texas Children’s as a pediatric and fetal surgeon and an associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine. He also is the principal investigator of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded laboratory. Read more

April 7

Transplant team perform 95 organ transplants in 2014

Transplant teams with Texas Children’s Hospital performed 95 solid organ transplants in 2014, continuing to serve as one of the largest, most active and successful pediatric transplant programs in the nation. The heart and the lung transplant programs were the largest in the country last year with 32 heart transplants and 16 lung transplants.

“Texas Children’s Transplant Services continues to earn its reputation as one of the best pediatric transplant programs in the country,” said Dr. John Goss, medical director of Transplant Services. Read more

April 7

CRC presents resarch award to Dr. Srivaths

The Clinical Research Center presented the Clinical Research Award for First Quarter 2015 to Dr. Poyyapakkam Srivaths, Department of Pediatrics – Renal, Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Srivaths’s research activities in the CRC focus on investigating cardiovascular morbidity associated with end stage renal disease (ESRD) in children. Read more

April 28, 2015

Dr. Stephanie Marton from The Center in Greenspoint is the latest Texas Children’s Super Star leader. “Knowing that I am contributing a small slice to improving the futures of the children I work with is my biggest motivator. The smile on a kid’s face, their high fives, their questions and curiosity about the world, all keep me ticking.”

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