Earning the distinction of #1 pediatric transplant center in the United States for a seventh year in a row doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a total team effort sustained by passion and persistence. According to CVOR Manager Sophia Bailey, “it takes consistency and tenacity.”
A few of Sophia’s coworkers chimed in with their thoughts on what it takes to operate year-after-year as #1 and what motivates them to stay at the top.
According to Staff Nurse Miranda Orsak, “Through surgical and medical innovations our team has pioneered treatments and therapies that are now standard procedures. The time and effort poured into clinical research and evidence-based practice has greatly contributed to the success of the care we provide. While I believe the scientific breakthroughs contribute to setting us apart, our team is fueled by compassion. Family-centered care is a pillar that we deem very important, and we incorporate it into every step of the transplant process.”
While the medicine and research are a competitive advantage, equally as important to the team is their tireless dedication to patients and delivering excellent care. They all agree while the team is stacked with gifted and talented individuals, they work together seamlessly and care for each other in ways that bring out the best in each of them.
“I appreciate working with people who care about me as a person and understand the relationship between my work and my life,” said CVOR Nurse Tenitra Smith. “They know what I need personally to perform at my best professionally.” She added why she loves working on the transplant team – “I work on a team that fixes broken hearts!”
Many of the staff have been together for years, which is part of their success formula.
Senior Administrative Assistant Kathy Raford pointed out, “Our vice president and director both started as transplant coordinators and most of my colleagues have also served on this team for more than 10 years.”
Kathy has seen it all in her 17 years on the transplant team. One of the things she thinks sets us apart from other hospitals is how we establish trust and build relationships with providers and patients from the outset. When she first started working in transplant, she handled new referrals. Many referring physicians were “shocked” someone actually answered the phone and that physicians responded to phone calls sometimes within the same day by email or phone.
When asked what she loves about working at Texas Children’s on the transplant team, long-tenured Transplant Coordinator Katie Crockett said, “I love calling parents/patients to let them know we have a donor heart for them. That is the best call. Seeing them post-transplant and doing well is amazing. I have worked at Texas Children’s since I was a baby graduate nurse in 2000 and have loved all of the friendships I have made and patient families that I have had the pleasure to be a part of their journey. It is an honor to be a part of their worst and best days. I love my patients and our team, and I learn something new every day.”
Miranda may be more of a newcomer to the team, but she’s already felt the impact her work has had on her patients as well as their impact on her. “I have witnessed heart warriors battle with extended hospital stays and continue to beat the odds. Seeing these patients’ and parents’ strength is truly inspirational and I feel so very honored to partake in their care. It is always a celebration on the unit when we receive word that a heart is available for one of our kiddos. Nothing makes me happier or prouder than seeing a patient win their battle and be able to go home,” Miranda said.
In the last year, Texas Children’s successfully performed 99 organ transplants, the highest volume for all pediatric centers across the United States for the seventh year in a row. According to the Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network (OPTN), in 2023, our transplant teams had leading pediatric volumes in the country with 24 hearts, 5 lungs and 34 livers, and 36 kidney transplants. In addition to these exceptional volumes, our teams are dedicated to quality patient care and our programs lead the nation with exceptional outcomes as well.
Pediatric Transplant Week is April 21-27 and April is Donate Life Month. We thank and honor all the dedicated team members in these departments who create a healthier future for children and women, every day. We are also so grateful to all the selfless organ donors and their families who chose to donate life during their darkest hour.