Houston Methodist Foundation Annual Report 2023

HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

UNLOCKING MEDICAL DISCOVERIES TOGETHER

ANNUAL REPORT

METHODIST

2023

HOUSTON

w

2 Letter From the President and CEO

TABLE OF CONTENTS

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

2

FOUNDATIONS OF OUR GROWTH

4

INVESTIGATIVE MEDICINE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

6

TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

Research Shapes the Future

PATIENT EXPERIENCE

Leading With Compassion

35

Heart and Science | Memory Care

36

Hope Restored | Ocular Surgery

38

Window to Health | Center for Health & Nature

40

Baby Blues | Maternal Mental Health

41

11

Butterfly From Darkness | Reconstructive Surgery 12 Beat Goes On | Computational Medicine

16

Big Dreams | Women’s Health

18

Meaning of Life | Neurodegenerative Disorders 20

IN REVIEW

News & Updates

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Setting the Future in Motion

23

Generations of Generosity | Surgical Training

24

Close to the Heart | Women’s Cardio Care

27

Cultivating Talent | Career Advancement

28

Center of Gravity | Cancer Fellowships

30

2023 New Chairholders

46

2023 Giving at a Glance

53

Events Gallery

54

Leadership Listing

56

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

60

Anatomy of a Fellow | Graduate Medical Education 32 Back in the Saddle | Orthopedic Care

42

34

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 1

Susan Coulter, Dr. Marc L. Boom and Flynn Andrizzi

CHANGEMAKERS AT WORK 2 Letter From the President and CEO

It’s been said that the only constant is change.

During her tenure, Susan oversaw the creation of

With a mission to provide unparalleled safety, quality,

the Translational Research Initiative funds, shepherded a

service and innovation to our patients, we continually

transformational gift from the Jerold B. Katz Foundation,

refine and improve the research, treatments and approaches

and was the catalyst for the single largest gift in the

we employ. In fact, our very understanding of many

hospital’s history from Rusty and Paula Walter. As you

diseases and conditions is ever changing. As you will

read this, Susan is likely on a golf course somewhere or

read in the following pages, we are making great strides

enjoying family time with her husband, three children

in battling neurodegenerative disorders, harnessing

and their spouses, and three granddaughters.

the power of artificial intelligence and training future

Our path forward is an exciting one. I am pleased

oncologic leaders to attack cancer with groundbreaking

to introduce you to the foundation’s new president

new therapies.

and CEO, Flynn Andrizzi, PhD. Flynn has been a leader

Much of this progress is made possible by dedicated

in philanthropy for three decades and came to us from the

philanthropists who make selfless gifts to relieve suffering,

Hoag Hospital Foundation in Newport Beach, California,

improve lives and help shape the future of medicine.

where he served as president from 2010-23. Prior leadership

One example of the impact of such gifts is the endowments

positions included senior vice president and chief development

that help us attract and retain the superstars of tomorrow.

officer at the University of Iowa Foundation and vice

In addition to education, training and professional

president for institutional advancement at Thomas

development for nurses, physicians and scientists, endowed

Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Flynn also held top

positions provide protected time from clinical practice

fundraising positions at the University of Utah. Flynn

so they can pursue critical translational research.

and his wife, Alison, are wonderful additions to our

Philanthropic support is also helping to accelerate the speed of medical advances, particularly in areas

Houston Methodist family, and I hope you will join me in welcoming them.

like robotics and imaging — where change happens in months, not years. We are delighted with the establishment of a thriving hub for such progress: The Bookout Center for Medical Innovation, Technology, Research and Education in the Houston Methodist Academic Institute.

As you will learn in our cover story, we are also thrilled that

MARC L. BOOM, MD

a recent gift from the Jerold B. Katz Foundation will

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER ELLA FONDREN AND JOSIE ROBERTS PRESIDENTIAL DISTINGUISHED CENTENNIAL CHAIR HOUSTON METHODIST

increase the number of Katz Investigators to further elevate discovery. Additionally, critical support from The John M. O’Quinn Foundation will provide essential resources to aid in our work against neurodegenerative disorders.

We closed 2023 with another significant change.

After 13 years of exceptional leadership, Susan Coulter, JD, retired as president and CEO of the Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation.

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 3

FOUNDATIONS

of OUR

GROWTH

Highlighting those philanthropic foundations whose enduring friendship and visionary partnership have laid the groundwork for Houston Methodist’s growth for more than a century

A HEART for HOUSTON Charles Darwin once noted, “A man’s friendships are

Houston Methodist. In 2023, the foundation granted

one of the best measures of his worth.” Such is the story of

$13.2 million to more than 85 Houston organizations.

the 50-year history shared between Houston Methodist,

What this mission has meant for Houston Methodist

Claud and Marie Hamill, and The Hamill Foundation,

is inestimable. Substantial giving has helped build programs

the milestones of which read like a timeline of the

benefitting stroke education, nursing excellence and

hospital’s remarkable growth.

bereavement intervention, while the foundation’s long-

A keen and prudent Houston oilman, Claud Hamill

standing support of comprehensive urologic health and

served on the board of then Methodist Hospital from

neurodegenerative disease research carries far-reaching

1941-49. His relationship-focused style in both business

implications for the future of care.

and altruism was key when he and William N. Blanton

“Through the generosity of The Hamill Foundation,

approached fellow philanthropist Hugh Roy Cullen in

we’ve launched multiple clinical trials, including a vaccine

1945 to secure a $1 million gift that would ensure the

for recurrent prostate cancer,” says Dr. Brian J. Miles,

hospital’s relocation to the fledgling Texas Medical Center.

the Centennial Chair in Urologic Oncology in the

In 1969, Claud and beloved wife Marie created

Houston Methodist Department of Urology. “Hamill

the philanthropic foundation that would bear their

directors realize that it’s not enough to treat urologic

own legacy for decades to come as well as help launch

conditions — we must be totally invested in the outcome

Houston Methodist’s Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center and

of that treatment as well, including quality of life.”

the hospital’s first transplant program.

“They wanted to make Houston great,” says Tom Brown,

Foundation funding established the Houston Methodist Men’s Comprehensive Health Initiative in 2016,

longtime grants director at The Hamill Foundation.

followed by seed funding for a companion Urology Clinic

“Mr. Hamill made philanthropic decisions the same way

for Women in 2023. The purpose of both is to provide

he made oil deals: He knew who he was partnering with

best-in-class treatment and survivorship care for sensitive

inside and out. It was all about personal connection.”

urologic issues, pairing with related care in cardiology,

Today, Brown and fellow directors Bill Miller,

endocrinology and wellness. Support for an Advanced

Charlie Read, Charlie Snider and Barbara Strobel assure

Urologic Imaging Center will also mean innovative

that the Hamills’ vision for a better future takes root in

diagnostic and therapeutic imaging to aid in treatment of

some of Houston’s most revered nonprofits, including

urologic cancers and challenging female urologic issues.

4 Foundations of Our Growth

Dr. Stanley H. Appel, the Peggy and Gary Edwards Distinguished Chair in ALS Research and director of

Honoring a half-century of friendship, Tom Brown, Charlie Read and Dr. Brian J. Miles visit at The St. Regis Houston Hotel

the Ann Kimball and John W. Johnson Center for Cellular Therapeutics, appreciates shared vision as well.

respect that have driven a philanthropic friendship spanning

“The Hamill Foundation’s continuing support for and confidence in our mission to enhance the quality of life for our deserving patients with ALS and other neurological illness sends an all- important message of hope.”

a half-century have also spurred physician-patient bonds

— DR. STANLEY H. APPEL

Both physician and friend to Marie Hamill during her courageous fight against Parkinson’s disease, Dr. Appel’s own translational research has benefitted from Hamill Foundation giving for more than a decade.

Brown points out that the common goals and mutual

between foundation members and trusted Houston Methodist health care partners. Speaking to the genuine care shown both inside and outside hospital walls, he adds, “We feel that when you work at Houston Methodist, it’s not just a job — it’s a ministry.”

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 5

MEDICINE

IN MOTION JEROLD B. KATZ FOUNDATION SUPPORT ELEVATES RESEARCH TO NEW HEIGHTS

6 In the Spotlight

The generosity of Nicole and Evan H. Katz drives medical breakthroughs at Houston Methodist

Translational Research on the Rise The Katz Academy was established in 2016 with a significant gift from the Jerold B. Katz Foundation to recruit and retain the world’s most promising scientists in health care.

Although such philanthropic support often is directed toward research in a specific field, funding from the Katz Academy strategically empowers eligible researchers from any medical specialty to be nominated for consideration.

The group of multidisciplinary physician-researchers selected to serve as Katz Investigators receives five years of support to develop groundbreaking studies and trials for a wide variety of biomedical challenges. Each researcher retains the Investigator title throughout his or her career.

Fundamental to translational research is delivering important discoveries to patients as quickly and as cost-effectively as possible — a major goal for all Katz Investigators. In 2023, the Jerold B. Katz Foundation recommitted to this aim and expanded the Katz Academy from eight to a total of 12 awardees. The Foundation’s Science is full of vexing unknowns. Remarkable advances in

generous contribution to this endowment not only ensures

medical imaging allow neurologists to diagnose dementia

the Katz Academy’s longevity but also increases the steady

earlier than ever, but there is still no cure for neuro-

and flexible funding provided to current awardees.

degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and amyotrophic

When asked about the inspiration for their generosity,

lateral sclerosis (ALS). The root cause of artery-clogging

Evan H. Katz, president of the Jerold B. Katz Foundation

plaque may affect how a doctor decides to clear it, but

and an officer of the Houston Methodist Academic

best practice in the case of patients with diabetes remains

Institute Board, explains, “Research is a journey of

a mystery. And why do people living in certain parts of

discovery, an uncertain voyage of successes and failures —

Texas get cancer at higher rates than others? A tangle of

Katz Investigators are our modern-day explorers, fueled

contributing factors is difficult to unravel and even harder

by a passion to find clues hidden, complex and unique.”

to address. Houston Methodist physicians and scientists

Katz adds, “Medical breakthroughs are a part of the

appointed to the Jerold B. Katz Academy of Translational

heritage at Houston Methodist.” The kind of targeted

Research search for answers to these and other medical

investment made by the Jerold B. Katz Foundation is

mysteries to make life longer — and healthier — for us all.

what fuels those breakthroughs.

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 7

As Katz Investigators, Drs. Matthew D. Cykowski and Trisha Roy delve into research that could improve and save lives

“The Katz family has been the largest benefactor to

Center for Medical Innovation, Technology, Research

the Houston Methodist Academic Institute in its history,”

and Education testing how commercial lasers clear

says Dr. H. Dirk Sostman, the Ernest Cockrell, Jr.

peripheral arterial blockages (mostly in the legs),

Presidential Distinguished Chair and president and

some as tough as a copper penny. Dr. Roy’s challenge

CEO of the Academic Institute. “They have helped

lies in the precision needed to break up this plaque —

Houston Methodist bring innovative treatments and

without also breaking the delicate blood vessel wall.

pathbreaking medical devices to patients as quickly as

As a materials engineer, vascular surgeon, imaging

possible. This is the very essence of what translational

specialist and wound care physician, she is clearly the

medicine means.”

right person for the job.

Though 1 million procedures are performed each

Reaching New Heights in Health and Longevity

year to open up blood vessels, 70% of patients are

On any given day, you might find Katz Investigator

back within a year for further peripheral artery

Dr. Trisha Roy in an operating theater at The Bookout

disease treatment, in part because the devices used

8 In the Spotlight

the first time were either inappropriate or inefficient.

With a special interest in dementia and ALS,

With support from the Katz Academy, Dr. Roy partners

Dr. Cykowski studies diseases that are at epidemic

with commercial entities to better understand how

levels in our country and globally — and which are

available devices can be improved while also developing

bound to increase in frequency and prominence due to

gentler balloons and precision catheters in her own lab.

the aging population. During his research and clinical

Since her appointment to the Katz Academy

fellowships, he investigated a molecule that becomes

in 2020, Dr. Roy’s and her team’s transformative

dysfunctional at the early stages of multiple neurode-

findings have had an immediate impact on the medical

generative diseases. Thanks to his appointment as a Katz

community and in patients with advanced peripheral

Investigator in 2023, Dr. Cykowski can build on his

arterial disease. In fact, their development of a novel

discovery and pursue implications of his research findings.

method for using advanced MRI technology means

Understanding and potentially targeting this protein in

that they can view details otherwise missed with

patients could be a transformational treatment for many.

conventional approaches. This safe, radiation-free technique not only enables more personalized care

Funding the Next Steps for Patients

and helps mitigate the risks inherent in invasive

and Their Physicians

procedures but also puts Houston Methodist at the

The Katz Academy promotes solutions to pressing

forefront of the vascular surgery f ield.

problems in health care across fields and enables

Like Dr. Roy, Katz Investigator Dr. Matthew D.

Investigators to focus their research efforts on potentially

Cykowski is a triple threat in medicine: an excellent

lifesaving discoveries without the continuous stress of

clinician, superb educator and talented scientist.

applying for external funding. In addition, through

Dr. Cykowski rose to prominence through the

their ongoing work and support from the Katz

prestigious Houston Methodist Academic Institute

Academy, the first two Katz Investigators appointed

Clinical Scholars program after completing his

are today full professors who have been awarded

neuropathology fellowship at Houston Methodist

endowed chair positions.

Hospital. He now conducts cutting-edge research on degenerative brain diseases in the Academic Institute.

JEROLD B. KATZ ACADEMY OF TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH INVESTIGATORS 2018 | Nestor F. Esnaola, MD, MPH, MBA, FACS

2022 | Tariq Shafi, MD, MHS

2019 | Khurram Nasir, MD, MPH

2023 | Sadeer G. Al-Kindi, MD, FACC

2020 | Trisha Roy, MD, PhD, FRCSC

2023 | Jimmy D. Gollihar, PhD

2021 | Rodney J. Folz, MD, PhD, ATSF

2023 | Matthew D. Cykowski, MD

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 9

These positions not only confer prestige

SPOTLIGHT ON THE SCIENCE

but also protect research time for Dr. Nestor F.

Katz Investigator Jimmy D. Gollihar, PhD, is

the Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center, and

head of the Antibody Discovery and Accelerated

Dr. Khurram Nasir, the William A. Zoghbi, MD

Protein Therapeutics (ADAPT) laboratory,

Centennial Chair in Cardiovascular Health.

which played a pivotal role in Houston Methodist’s

Esnaola, the Diane Harkins Modesett Chair at

After being selected as a Katz Investigator,

response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically,

Dr. Nasir began building a dynamic Cardio-

his group contributed to screening convalescent

vascular Prevention and Wellness Program that

plasma, identifying neutralizing monoclonal

has succeeded in attracting top-tier talent and

antibodies from patient samples and uncovering

allowing for pursuit of detailed studies aimed

mechanisms of immune escape by the virus.

at intercepting cardiovascular events at their

Gollihar recognized early in the pandemic

inception. His work extends beyond traditional

that a lack of SARS-CoV-2 antigen created an

boundaries — shedding light on the deep impact

international bottleneck for the development

of social and environmental inequities on

of diagnostics and therapeutics for COVID-19.

health risks — and includes use of digital

To mitigate these concerns, his group created

health programs that leverage big data analytics

stable cell lines and led the mass production of

and foster cross-discipline partnership.

the “spike” antigen, which was used to screen

By focusing on translation instead of a

convalescent plasma for treatment of critically

specific disease area, the Katz Academy supports

ill patients at Houston Methodist, enabling

experts across fields and impacts multiple areas

lifesaving treatment.

of medicine at Houston Methodist and beyond.

“It was important to our family to lay a foundation that would provide a lasting resource to find better treatments, improve quality of life and, ultimately, give hope to patients who previously had none.”

— EVAN H. KATZ

TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

Research Shapes the Future No one is surprised to be prescribed antibiotics for strep throat or administered anesthesia prior to knee surgery.

Though these medical miracles are now taken for granted, both existed as unproven theories that required research and investment before becoming part of mainstream practice.

With the support and commitment of its philanthropic community, Houston Methodist physicians and scientists incorporate groundbreaking laboratory research into life-altering clinical practice every day.

So we can all envision a day when neurodegenerative conditions are managed with medicine, when cancer cells are routinely reprogrammed to self-destruct, when artificial intelligence detects disease at ever-earlier stages — and when these and other emergent advances move from the complex to the commonplace.

This is the promise of translational medicine at Houston Methodist.

BUTTERFLY FROM THE DARKNESS

THE DUNN FOUNDATION MEETS HARDSHIP WITH A HUMAN TOUCH

12 Translational Research

The so-called “butterfly effect” is a collision of science and theory.

It suggests that the slightest variance in the conditions surrounding an event can radically affect its outcome. On a rainy day in March 1963, a twin-engine plane went down near Andrau Airpark in West Houston.

The singular conditions of the incident — including a father’s profound love for his son — would set off a cascade of events whose ripples today benefit thousands of patients in Houston and beyond.

“I didn’t volunteer to go down in that plane,” says John S. “Steve” Dunn, Jr., of his decision that day to visit Houston before returning to law school at The University of Texas. “It changed the trajectory of not only my life but also my family’s, particularly my father’s.”

Steve suffered burns over 75 percent of his body in the crash.

The hours following were a blur of pain and motion, but he recalls the presence of his father at his side during the excruciating ambulance ride from Spring Branch to the Texas Medical Center (TMC).

John S. Dunn, a prominent businessman and founder of the eponymous insurance firm, was deeply affected by his son’s anguish on that jolting ride. A man of action inspired by humble roots, John eventually

“The generosity of the John S. Dunn Foundation exemplifies the transformational impact that is possible through philanthropy.

To a person, its board members have helped write the history — and the future — of Houston.”

— SUSAN COULTER, JD FORMER PRESIDENT AND CEO HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

would have Steve transferred to Houston Methodist for essential — and at times pioneering — burn care. He then worked with acclaimed TMC surgeon Dr. James “Red” Duke to make Houston home to the second critical care “air med” service in the nation, known today as Life Flight®.

Father and son never forgot the care received at Houston Methodist.

Today, the John S. Dunn Foundation and the institution share a 35-year history of realizing life-changing advances in science and education.

“We put a great deal of confidence in Houston Methodist because we consider it the best of the best in multidisciplinary care,” says longtime foundation board officer David Key. In fact, a transformational gift in 1987 prompted the naming of the John S. Dunn Tower, which at the time established the hospital’s status as the largest private teaching hospital in the country.

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 13

Since then, the Dunn Foundation has funded nine

Center for Research and Education in Reconstructive

endowed positions at Houston Methodist — the most of

and Plastic Surgery — and a 2023 gift to enhance

any single philanthropic organization — ranging from a

the center through the addition of the Eva Lynn and

hallmark investment in brain cancer research to support

John S. Dunn, Jr. New Century Chair in Reconstructive

for behavioral health, cardiac care, biomedical informatics

and Plastic Surgery, currently held by Dr. Michael J.

and orthopedic surgery. A recent gift also established

Klebuc. The center pairs world-class research with

the John S. Dunn Foundation Advancing Nursing

residency programs to bring young physicians

Excellence Award to recognize exemplary early-career

together with leading minds in the field, including

nurses. Trustee Terri Lacy explains that staying engaged

Dr. Klebuc — whose work in advanced microsurgery

with hospital leadership on current channels of need and

has made him a global authority in facial nerve

conducting annual visits with Dunn chairholders keep

reconstruction.

foundation members plugged in to progress.

9

“Reconstructive microsurgery is a discipline that allows

Perhaps the foundation’s most visible fingerprint in

a surgeon to move large volumes of tissue from one part

recent years lies in the Eva Lynn and John S. Dunn, Jr.

14 Translational Research

of the body to another and ‘hook up’ the nerves and

ENDOWED CHAIRS

& PROFESSORSHIPS

blood vessels to allow muscles and nerves to function

Eva Lynn Dunn, Steve’s wife, would be the first to

again,” explains Dr. Jeffrey D. Friedman, the Cathy and

agree. In 2014, she underwent lifesaving surgery that

Ed Frank Centennial Chair in Plastic and Reconstructive

required a simultaneous microsurgical procedure by

Surgery and division chief of reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Friedman. Of her care and interaction with the

“We owe much of our academic and clinical

surgical team, she says, “They are just as fine people as

success to Steve and Eva Lynn and the Dunn Foundation, who recognize the complexity and importance of such

they are surgeons.”

These days, the couple acknowledges the delicate

procedures — allowing us to bring new therapies and

balance of living life with gratitude, just as the

medical devices to patients,” he continues.

ephemeral butterfly dances on each new day’s breeze.

“It’s almost mind-boggling what we see doctors of

Together, they hold to the mantra Make something good

this caliber accomplish,” says Charles Lusk III, Dunn

come out of everything. More than 60 years after the

Foundation board president. “The bottom line is that

accident that nearly claimed his life, Steve reflects:

we see the great things that they are doing with the

“My dad taught me that. I am very proud of him for

support they receive.”

making a difference.”

The Dunn Foundation has funded nine endowed positions at Houston Methodist — the most of any single philanthropic organization — ranging from a hallmark investment in brain cancer research to support for mental health, cardiac care, bioinformatics and orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Michael J. Klebuc holds the Eva Lynn and John S. Dunn, Jr. New Century Chair in Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 15

THE BEAT GOES ON GIFT ACCELERATES CARDIOVASCULAR DATA ANALYTICS “You may find this surprising, but there are remarkable

Indeed, these similarities are what initially

synergies between the oil and gas industry and the

brought Dr. Lumsden, the Walter W. Fondren III

cardiovascular system,” says Dr. Alan B. Lumsden

Presidential Distinguished Chair and chair of the

of the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, together with

Center. “Whether you’re talking about pumping

retired petroleum engineer and oil field executive

blood through the human body or drilling to extract

Bob Allison. The two met through Pumps & Pipes, a

oil from the ocean f loor, it really comes down to

Houston Methodist DeBakey CV Education initiative

fluid dynamics.”

that unites top minds from Houston’s medical, energy

16 Translational Research

and aerospace industries for an annual field day of

The Allisons’ gift will benefit Dr. Lumsden’s

collaboration, idea exchange and problem-solving.

team through the Allison Family Cardiovascular

The ensuing friendship, forged over cross-

Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Endowment

industry intuition and curiosity, has proved a boon

as well as the addition of a computational scientist

to heart patients worldwide.

who will interface with surgeons to build on patient-

Since 2007, Bob and wife Carolyn have helped

specific, algorithm-based models.

to elevate cardiovascular care at Houston Methodist

“The groundbreaking research and good work

through gifts from The Carolyn J. and Robert J.

Dr. Lumsden and his team are already doing has

Allison, Jr. Family Foundation. Support for vital

resulted in safer and less invasive procedures,”

endowed research positions has paired with funding

says Bob. “The engineer in me is pleased to see

for physician assistant residencies, surgical robotics

mathematics playing such an important role in

simulation training and a renowned education platform

allowing scientists to investigate areas beyond the

that shares medical progress with practitioners across

scope of traditional research.”

the globe. The Allisons’ most recent gift, though, marks a new chapter in personalized health care.

As for strengthening an internationally recognized program whose surgeons perform more than 1,600

“Computational medicine is rapidly coming

cardiovascular procedures a year, Dr. Lumsden adds,

to the forefront of cardiovascular research and

“The ability to leverage data accurately enables us

clinical care,” says Dr. Lumsden, speaking of the

to study trends and preempt complications before

predictive analytics program the Allisons’ newest gift

they occur.”

will set in motion. “Advanced data analysis allows us

The Allisons say their support of Houston Methodist

to study readmission rates, complication factors and

is a matter of the heart. Concludes Bob, “The Lord has

mortality data to inform immediate and long-term

been good to us, and we want to share with people

care plans.”

who are doing good around the world, including

If medicine, by its very nature, culminates in a

Houston Methodist.”

mountain of collective data, then surgical practice is likely its peak. From the medical history and vitals that accompany a patient into the operating room to the copious data points collected through surgery and recovery, big data allows physicians to develop quantitative models of disease and best-practice care. Applied to individual patients, these models offer a mathematical window into improved diagnostics and better prediction of disease progression and care outcomes.

BIG DATA ALLOWS PHYSICIANS TO DEVELOP QUANTITATIVE MODELS OF DISEASE AND BEST-PRACTICE CARE

REALIZING BIG DREAMS SHARED OUTLOOK SPURS GOODWILL

18 Translational Research

Dr. Pedro T. Ramirez dreams big. As chair of the

luncheon at which former first lady Barbara Bush

Houston Methodist Department of Obstetrics and

spoke on inequities in women’s health care. For

Gynecology, he envisions a world where women

nearly 20 years, Elaine and her late husband, Marvy

receive the care they need throughout their lives,

Finger, committed their resources toward medical

regardless of social status, age or ethnicity. A world

advances at Houston Methodist. With this first gift

where that care includes novel therapeutics like

since his untimely death in 2022, Finger was intent

molecular targeting to define personalized treatments

on making another meaningful contribution toward

for cancer. Where enhanced recovery after surgery

health care.

improves patient outcomes. And where innovative

“Dr. Ramirez’s extensive research background

treatments borne out of cutting-edge research bring

demonstrates a level of curiosity and insight that

knowledge and understanding to new heights.

offers real promise in the field of women’s health,”

Women in the U.S. currently trail their counterparts in other high-income countries in terms of

says Finger. “I’m looking forward to these issues getting more of the attention they deserve.”

health status. In fact, women’s health disparities

The new endowed position will home in on

were cited as a public health priority by the National

gaps in care and the need for an increase in women’s

Institutes of Health’s Office of Research on Women’s

health studies. Dr. Ramirez’s plan includes

Health. Disproportionately affected by issues such

ensuring patients receive timely, seamless care as

as chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, depression,

well as benefit from a robust research program

osteoporosis and dementia, American women

targeting female-specific conditions and effective

also face a rising frequency of maternal morbidity

diagnostic and treatment options. Ultimately,

and mortality.

Finger and Dr. Ramirez foresee the creation of

These surprising statistics were what prompted

a comprehensive women’s wellness center that

Elaine Finger’s generous decision to partner with

provides women of all ages and backgrounds

Dr. Ramirez by establishing the Elaine W. Finger

with powerful education and prevention tools,

Distinguished New Century Chair in Women’s

including mental health and wellness resources.

Health — a position that will enable Dr. Ramirez

Finger reveals that what excites her most about

to grow the department’s reach and breadth.

“Elaine and I share a vision for women’s health.

philanthropy — besides the chance to influence medical progress — is her participation on various trustee

Her gift allows us to expand the scope of our research

boards, including the Houston Methodist Academic

and identify new ways to tackle the health conditions

Institute board.

that are unique to women,” says Dr. Ramirez. “We are extremely grateful.”

Finger has been involved in advancing women’s health since she co-chaired a Houston Methodist

“It really is exhilarating to be in the same room with diverse peers, all working toward the same mission and goals,” she reflects. “There’s nothing like working together on a shared cause.”

Dr. Pedro T. Ramirez and Elaine Finger take a moment to catch up at Houston Methodist Hospital

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 19

THE

MEANING

OF LIFE

COMBATTING NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES WITH HEART AND COMMITMENT

20 Translational Research

As they were discussing wellness on the way to a

The recent philanthropic investment establishes

Houston Texans football game one fall morning,

The John M. O’Quinn Foundation Neurodegen-

John M. O’Quinn told his longtime business partner

erative Disorders Laboratory, through which an

and foundation trustee Rob Wilson III, “At some time,

interdisciplinary team of neurologists and neuro-

I want to give a meaningful gift to Houston

scientists in the Houston Methodist Stanley H. Appel

Methodist — that’s number one on my list.”

Department of Neurology conducts innovative research,

Discovering meaning and purpose in life

runs clinical trials and develops new treatments

energized O’Quinn. He rose from a modest start

for disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, peripheral

to graduate first in his class at the University of

neuropathies, ataxia and Parkinson’s disease.

Houston Law Center before becoming one of the

The gift will support ongoing and new research

most sought-after plaintiffs’ attorneys in the country.

as well as help attract the brightest in the field

Driven by a powerful sense of justice and the desire

thanks to the creation of two endowed chairs

to change lives for the better, O’Quinn represented

for neurodegenerative disorders research and

the underserved in his professional life and championed

an endowed fellowship.

societal advances in education, health care, the

A confluence of factors makes this research an

environment and services for underprivileged youth

urgent matter. The World Health Organization projects

through the eponymous foundation he created in 1986.

the number of people over age 65 will at least double

O’Quinn’s admiration for Houston Methodist in

in 30 years, resulting in a larger population most at

life translated to philanthropic support following his

risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. More-

unexpected passing in 2009, including endowments

over, these conditions are among the most complex

establishing The John M. O’Quinn Centennial

due to a wide range of potential causes — or none at

Chair in Concussion Research and Care in 2018 and

all — a variety of symptoms, and few to no biomarkers

The John M. O’Quinn Foundation Presidential

that can be accurately and reproducibly measured.

Distinguished Chair in Neurology in 2021. His stated intention from that fall morning, though, truly became a reality in 2023, when The O’Quinn Foundation made a transformational gift — one of the largest gifts made by the foundation since his death — to Houston Methodist to support research, education and patient services across a full spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders.

“We’re very passionate about brain research,”

GLOBALLY, THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE

OVER 65 WILL AT LEAST DOUBLE IN 30 YEARS

says Wilson, O’Quinn’s friend of three decades and now president of the foundation. Wilson adds that members of the foundation and their families know firsthand the impacts of neurological diseases.

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 21

Furthermore, mild cognitive impairment is often dismissed

“As our population continues to live longer, it’s critical to

as a byproduct of the aging process rather than a potential

help now,” says Wilson. He points out that O’Quinn was

precursor to disease, thereby missing opportunities for

determined to make an investment that could profoundly

early intervention.

change lives. “Houston Methodist is best positioned to

In addition, attracting and training the next gener-

do that by improving the quality of life for those suffering

ation of neurologists and neuroscientists has become a

from these diseases with treatments and, ultimately, cures.”

pressing issue. While the prevalence of neurodegenerative

The investment made by The O’Quinn Foundation is

diseases increases, the U.S. already faces an 18% shortage

critical to accelerating research and treatment discoveries

of neurologists. This philanthropic support will enable

to outpace the increasing number of people affected

the Neurodegenerative Disorders Laboratory to train

by the diseases. Although cures are currently elusive,

young talent in exploring biomarkers, molecular targets

treatments for some neurodegerative disorders, as well

for therapeutics and more in the decades to come.

as promising research and clinical trials, are underway at Houston Methodist.

18

%

SHORTAGE OF NEUROLOGISTS IN THE U.S.

For example, the use of anti-inflammatory mediators in cell therapy to combat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis demonstrates that this novel type of cell therapy could slow or even arrest the course of the disease.

Houston Methodist researchers are also studying whether lecanemab — a recently FDA-approved drug shown to slow the progression of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease — can prevent this form of dementia if given to predisposed people before symptoms develop. Clinical trial results for a similar medication, donanemab, are also very promising.

Studies also suggest that the use of high-resolution, high-contrast, quantitative MRI could be useful in providing noninvasive and objective biomarkers in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathies.

When speaking of O’Quinn, Wilson likens his late friend to a modern-day Robin Hood on a mission to make a difference. Thanks to the ongoing philanthropic investment by the foundation, the Department of Neurology can continue its meaningful work combatting diseases of the brain.

And time is of the essence. Indeed, Wilson chuckles as he envisions what O’Quinn would say about the gift: “Why didn’t you do this five years ago?”

22 Translational Research

TRAINING & EDUCATION

Setting the Future in Motion Every first-rate physician begins as a resident new to the field. It takes expert instruction, hands-on learning and attentive mentorship to train the leaders who will change the medicine of tomorrow. When these bright young minds meet top clinicianscientists, the result is novel research and scholarly activity that benefit not only student and teacher but also society at large. For patients, this means broader access to expert providers and the kind of highly specialized care only available at academic medical institutions.

At Houston Methodist, philanthropic support enhances a competitive graduate medical education program that hosts nearly 400 high-achieving residents and fellows each year.

With partners including Weill Cornell Medical College, Texas A&M University, the University of Houston and Rice University, Houston Methodist’s education programs pique the imagination and power innovation.

Together, we all drive the translational research that sparks solutions.

GENERATIONS of GENEROSITY BRINGING SURGERY INTO THE FUTURE Medicine is advancing more rapidly now than ever,

The Bookout Center is an advanced, state-of-the-art

protecting us from once ubiquitous diseases and curing

surgical training and technology innovation facility.

illnesses before they become debilitating. Still, many

The training mission includes all levels of surgeons,

common issues can be addressed only by a medical inter-

from students to practicing experts. The innovation

vention more than 6,000 years old: surgery.

mission is dedicated to development of robotic,

At Houston Methodist, this ancient practice stands

imaging and digital surgery platforms. Translational

at the forefront of change thanks to a transformational

research and education programs at the world-class

gift from longtime supporters Ann and John F. Bookout III

center are focused on precise, efficient and personalized

to establish The Bookout Center for Medical Innovation,

surgical interventions for enhanced patient care and

Technology, Research and Education.

improved outcomes.

24 Training & Education

“The Bookout Center continues the tradition of innovation that Mr. Bookout helped make possible.

It is inspiring to see Ann and John carry on his legacy.”

— DR. MARC L. BOOM

Simulation Specialist Robert Schnur (left) and Sr. Simulation Specialist Hajar Abdellaoui (far right) demonstrate to John F. III and Ann H. Bookout highly specialized tools used in precision robotic-assisted surgery

The Bookout Center builds on the work of

an active member of the Houston Methodist board —

the Houston Methodist Institute for Technology,

helped make possible,” says Dr. Marc L. Boom, Ella Fondren

Innovation and Education (MITIE ), which John’s

and Josie Roberts Presidential Distinguished Centennial

father, John F. Bookout, Jr., helped conceive in 2007 to

Chair and president and CEO of Houston Methodist.

enable health care professionals to learn and hone surgical

“It is inspiring to see Ann and John carry on his legacy.”

SM

and clinical skills using virtual and advanced technologies.

Indeed, it is difficult to speak about Houston Methodist’s

Each year, approximately 6,000 Houston Methodist

history without mentioning the Bookout name. The

medical trainees visit MITIE to augment their learning

family’s contributions toward innovation and education

through hands-on education. “Everybody needs to be

for the next generation of medical experts abound.

retrained at some point, and the best way to do that is in

“The Bookout family’s help has allowed our faculty to

a learning environment,” says John F. Bookout III, former

investigate new avenues for developing technologies

chair and current member of the Houston Methodist

that will create better, safer outcomes for our patients,”

Academic Institute Board. “It’s a really special place.”

says Dr. H. Dirk Sostman, Ernest Cockrell, Jr. Presidential

“The Bookout Center continues the tradition of

Distinguished Chair and president and CEO of the

innovation that Mr. Bookout — who is 101 years old and

Houston Methodist Academic Institute.

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 25

More than 15 million Americans undergo surgery

“We foresee extended reality and spatial computing

every year. Whether to remove an inflamed appendix,

having a pivotal impact on surgical technology, education

replace an arthritic joint or excise a cancerous tumor,

and training,” says Stuart J. Corr, PhD, director of

surgeries carry a certain amount of risk. The Bookout

innovation engineering and associate professor at

Center aims to mitigate these risks by supporting

the center. To achieve this goal, the center also will

medical professionals at all levels and specialties as they

engage mechanical engineers, computational scientists

refine and retool their surgical skills in simulated,

and clinicians with an interest in robotics.

highly realistic environments using resources

With academic excellence and expert training

such as high-resolution imaging and diagnostics,

in mind, the Bookouts also endowed two positions.

virtual reality, artificial intelligence and robotics.

The John F. III and Ann H. Bookout New Century

“When you use robots, it’s all about data generation,”

Presidential Distinguished Chair in Medical Innovation

says Dr. Alan B. Lumsden, Walter W. Fondren III

and Research and the John F. III and Ann H. Bookout

Presidential Distinguished Chair in the DeBakey Heart

Centennial Distinguished Chair will ensure the

& Vascular Center, executive director of MITIE and

center recruits and retains top-caliber talent for

medical director of The Bookout Center. “In medicine

generations to come.

today, we have something we’ve never seen before in

“I envision The Bookout Center as a beacon for

terms of data production and generation, and we need

discovery,” says John F. Bookout III. “It’s been a journey

to leverage that.” Adds John F. Bookout III, “We can

that has brought many people together. We’ve now

use that data to devise next-generation care that

got the right leadership in place and are excited for

anticipates problems rather than reacting to them.”

the breakthroughs we can achieve together.”

Architects of ingenuity: Stuart J. Corr, PhD, Dr. Alan B. Lumsden and Dr. H. Dirk Sostman

26

Training & Education

Dr. William A. Zoghbi shares with Lois E. Davis his plans for a fellowship in women’s cardiovascular health

TAKE HEART BRINGING WOMEN’S CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH FRONT AND CENTER

“This endowment will help Houston Methodist attract early-career physicians — most notably women, who are currently underrepresented — to focus on women’s heart health.”

Even as the rate of heart attacks has decreased among older individuals, women between the ages of

A marathon runner experiences shortness of breath

35 and 54 are having heart attacks more frequently.

and indigestion while playing with her children.

Despite this uptick, they remain less likely to see a

Should she chalk up her discomfort to stress or

cardiologist. Since key warning signs, like extreme

check in with a cardiologist? If she’s like the majority

exhaustion and jaw pain, are less common in men,

of American women, she might miss these potential

they are often overlooked. According to a 2022

early signs of a heart attack.

American Heart Association report, only 22% of

“Heart disease is the number one cause of death in America,” says Lois E. Davis. “But it is such a

physicians and 42% of cardiologists said they felt prepared to assess heart disease in women.

silent killer that women are often unaware they’re at

“We have many women in the family,” says Davis.

risk.” The Lois E. and Carl A. Davis Women’s Heart

“With two daughters, a sister, four nieces, grandnieces

Health Fellowship Endowment in the Houston

and granddaughters, this is very close to my heart.

Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center is

I’m really excited about what Dr. Zoghbi has planned.”

designed to change that, improving care for women

Thanks to Davis’ generosity, clinicians and

and bringing more doctors to the field.

“There is a common misconception, even

physician-researchers who prioritize women’s heart health will now receive dedicated training and

among medical professionals, that cardiovascular

mentorship to better understand and discern women’s

disease is less prevalent in women; it is not,”

unique cardiovascular health needs.

says Dr. William A. Zoghbi, The Elkins Family Distinguished Chair in Cardiac Health.

Scan here to learn more about heart attack warning signs in women

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 27

28 Training & Education

CULTIVATING TALENT PHILANTHROPIC DREAM FUELS CAREER ADVANCEMENT AT HOUSTON METHODIST CLEAR LAKE Monica Millican first glimpsed the collective benefit

The Millicans both began working in their teens,

of generosity as a child visiting Hermann Park’s

building successful careers in real estate, the mortgage

green expanses. “After learning that a donor gave

industry and property management. Given her long-

that wonderful park to Houston, I felt determined

standing dream of helping the community at large,

to become a philanthropist,” she recalls. “It truly

it was only natural that Monica found herself involved

became a lifelong goal.”

in several local nonprofit organizations. At Houston

Today, native Houstonians Monica and husband

Methodist Clear Lake (and a community hospital

Larry Millican know well the joy of generous giving

that preceded it), she served on the ethics committee

to change lives. Their gift to create the Monica and

and governing board, chairing the latter. Passionate

Larry Millican Education Endowment to support

about health care and effecting change, Monica gave

entry- and mid-level employees seeking to advance

of her time and talent in nearly 20 years of service

their careers at Houston Methodist Clear Lake

to the institution.

Hospital is one example.

With the intent of helping to retain health care

“I’m guided by the Margaret Mead quote ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,

talent and keeping employees from feeling stagnant

committed citizens can change the world,’ ” notes

in their professional roles, the endowment will cover

Monica.“Truly, never doubt the impact you can

education costs including scholarships, tuition,

have on others’ lives.”

and book and lab fees. In addition, internal career planning will pair with initiatives targeting high school students in programs that foster community connection and help cultivate a talent pool for careers in health care.

“College isn’t for everyone — it wasn’t for us,” Monica says. “ But if an employee can earn accreditations to move into health care or a more advanced position at Houston Methodist, we’d like this gift to help them do that.”

MONICA AND LARRY MILLICAN KNOW WELL THE JOY OF GENEROUS GIVING TO CHANGE LIVES

CENTER of GRAVITY CANCER GIFT REFLECTS PHILANTHROPY ANCHORED BY HOPE

For Martha A. “Marty” Dudley, vice president and secretary

Dudley was pleased to discover like minds in

of the Dudley Family Foundation, Houston has been a

the leaders she encountered at Houston Methodist,

“center of gravity” since 1981. Though she lived away

noting a refreshingly common mindset. “First, take

from Houston for business at various times, she returned

care of people,” she observes. “Then work to get ahead

to the city for good in 2021. Feeling settled, she sought to

of health issues — to understand genetics and identify

become more involved in the community and connected

issues early to prevent serious problems. It’s a very

with Houston Methodist through friends and family.

health-forward strategy.”

30 Training & Education

Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research and director of the Neal Cancer Center. An active member of the Houston Methodist President’s Leadership Council, Dudley hosted a gathering of Neal Cancer Center Council friends, including Dr. Chang and fellow members, at her home.

Dudley says she supports oncology research and education, in part, because of cancer’s prevalence.

“Cancer affects nearly every family somehow, but there’s hope in how enthusiastically Dr. Chang and her team speak about their work,” she explains. “It’s wonderful to be able to help world-class oncologists who are advancing the future of cancer medicine through research, medical education and academic training.”

Dr. Chang notes that the new fellowship endowment will enable the training of future leaders in oncology by supporting a rigorous graduate medical She notes that her heart lies in what she describes

education program in the center. “This generous gift

as “things that make the trains run on time — the

represents a pivotal factor in the realization of the

infrastructure.” So she began focusing on the fundamentals

center’s vision to prepare the next generation of medical

of education and research.

oncologists, and I am extremely grateful,” Dr. Chang says.

In 2022, the Dudley Family Foundation became a

“Training graduate students in the lab and clinical

Founding Member of the Ann Kimball and John W.

fellows in medical practice means they walk the path

Johnson Center for Cellular Therapeutics at Houston

of medical innovation as it flows from hypothesis to

Methodist. Additional 2023 support for the Houston

translational research to new clinical therapies.”

Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center is

About the center, Dudley adds, “They’re helping

dedicated to fellowships and the establishment of the Dudley

patients, finding new answers, passing on expertise

Family Foundation Oncology Fellowship Endowment.

— their work is my future and yours. It means all the

Making a point of personally connecting with the

world to patients and their families for doctors to be

specialty areas she supports, Dudley has built a friendship

empowered to accelerate their research to find cures

with Dr. Jenny C. Chang, the Emily Herrmann Presidential

and manage cancer faster.”

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 31

ANATOMY

OF A FELLOWSHIP

Dr. Chidinma Ejikeme is a postdoctoral fellow in the field of pulmonary disease and critical care

32 Training & Education

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PULMONARY SUBSPECIALIST IN TRAINING A little before 7 a.m., pulmonary and critical care fellow

“It’s exciting to perform as the attending

Dr. Chidinma Ejikeme works with an anesthesiologist

physician that we aspire to be, and I love that,”

to set up equipment and supplies for the first patient

she says with a smile.

of the day. Together, they review the case and discuss an anesthesia plan.

Dr. Ejikeme’s interest in medicine began as a child in her native home of Nigeria, but her path to

When the patient arrives 30 minutes later,

critical care medicine was paved by watching her dear

Dr. Ejikeme and other fellows assist — and learn — as

“fun uncle” and her grandfather battle cancer. “I had

the managing anesthesiologist administers medications,

planned to become a doctor, but I knew then that I

intubates the patient and monitors progress. It’s an

really wanted to help people who were critically ill,”

intricate dance the young physician will partner in

she relays.

for seven more cases today, breaking only for a quick

While those experiences attracted her to the field,

lunch before wrapping up patient care at about 4 p.m.

the appeal of working on a spectrum of diseases —

One of 372 Houston Methodist graduate

from the common to the rare — and the chance to

medical education residents and fellows, Dr. Ejikeme

learn from professors on both national and inter-

is in her second year of a three-year postdoctoral

national research trajectories were what drew her to

fellowship in pulmonary disease and critical care.

Houston Methodist.

By subspecializing in this field, she aims to provide

Training the next generation of experts to tackle

the most expert emergency medicine to patients

health care’s toughest challenges is central to Houston

suffering from ailments and diseases of the respiratory

Methodist’s identity as an independent academic

system, primarily of the lungs, trachea, diaphragm

medical center. “I’d choose Houston Methodist

and related structures.

for my fellowship again — the kind of training

Through a primary national academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medical College,

we get here sets us apart,” Dr. Ejikeme says.

Indeed, her fellowship at Houston Methodist

Houston Methodist offers fellows a rotation of 13

speaks to the future of medical innovation and

“blocks” that span approximately four weeks each.

discovery. “Our hope is to diagnose earlier and treat

Dr. Ejikeme is currently in the anesthesia and

better using new technologies, including artificial

thoracic surgery rotation; about half of the rotations

intelligence, to improve mortality and morbidity

in her three-year fellowship are in her focus area.

rates in our patients,” she explains. “In the future,

In the advanced pulmonary and critical care blocks,

will we be able to see the blockage or other condi-

she serves as the junior attending physician, helping

tion at a smaller size than we see it now and treat

to manage the medical intensive care unit and the

cancer earlier? I think in a few years we will be able

medical students who report to her.

to do that.”

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 33

By Saturday, Henri was admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital. On Monday, she underwent emergency double-hip replacement surgery performed by Dr. Stephen J. Incavo, section chief of adult reconstructive surgery at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.

“The work done in surgery was terrific, and we were so grateful that Dr. Incavo was able to operate on an emergency basis,” says Henri’s husband, Terence “Terry” Hall. “It’s amazing when your wife can’t get out of bed one day and then she’s on her feet again a few days later!”

“He gave me my life back,” says Henri, who used a walker in the initial weeks following surgery but has since returned to horseback riding and squat-lunge moves.

The couple matched their gratitude with generosity in 2023 with a gift to establish the Henrietta and Terence Hall Distinguished New Century Chair in Orthopedics. The endowed position will fund scholarly activities aimed at enhancing orthopedic care.

The support builds on the impact of a 2017 gift that created the Henrietta and Terence Hall

BACK

Distinguished Centennial Chair in Orthopedic

IN THE

Surgery, which is held by Dr. Shari Liberman.

A specialist in elbow and hand orthopedic surgery,

SADDLE

Dr. Liberman had operated on Terry’s injured elbow and treated a staph infection he had developed

HIP SURGERY RESTORES MOBILITY, PROMPTS GIFT ®

in an out-of-state hospital.

“She’s just wonderful — down to earth and very talented,” Terry says about Dr. Liberman.

An avid equestrian show jumper and Zumba

“We’ve truly had all-around excellent experiences at

practitioner, Henrietta “Henri” Hall was accustomed

Houston Methodist, from the doctors to the kind

to leaping out of bed. But one Friday morning, after

and attentive nurses. We hope that many others

months of increasing hip irritation, she was in too

will make like-minded gifts so that this level of

much pain to throw off the sheets and stand.

advanced care will continue long into the future.”

34 Training & Education

PATIENT EXPERIENCE

Leading With Compassion There’s so much more to health care than the treatment of illness and disease. Patients want to know that they’ve been heard and understood and that they have a trusted partner walking alongside them as they navigate uncertainty. Houston Methodist’s distinctive approach to wellness is centered on providing care for the body, mind and spirit, underscoring our imperative commitment to individualized, holistic care.

Core values of integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence come to life in our patients’ health care journeys. While Houston Methodist leads medicine by integrating worldrenowned expertise with first-rate research and innovation, we do so by leading with compassion for our patients and their families.

These are their stories.

BLENDING HEART & SCIENCE GIFT HONORS COMMITMENT TO HOLISTIC HEALTH

Barbara and Rusty Schlattman are thankful to live in a

Barbara serves on the board of trustees of Houston

northwest Houston community where world-class neurology

Methodist Willowbrook and is active in the community.

and stroke care are readily available to family and friends

She and Rusty hope their gift will inspire others to join

in their local health care home of Houston Methodist

in their vision of a tranquil space where specialists

Willowbrook Hospital. The Department of Neurology

understand that overall wellness includes nourishing

at Houston Methodist Willowbrook offers leading

the soul with holistic health and education resources.

medical experts, state-of-the-art neurosurgical facilities

“Houston Methodist Willowbrook is definitely on

and advanced treatment options for neurological issues

the right path,” Rusty says. “It’s been our family hospital

ranging from brain and spinal tumors to stroke, epilepsy,

for decades, and we are so proud of the ways it has grown

sleep disorders and neurodegenerative conditions such

and expanded. It’s a blessing for families to have

as Alzheimer’s disease.

neurology emergency and long-term care so close

“Having a full-service neurology care program in our suburban area has been transformational,” Barbara says.

to home.”

Keith Barber, CEO of Houston Methodist Willowbrook,

“We have quite a few friends suffering from dementia

agrees. “We are profoundly grateful to our remarkable

and Alzheimer’s disease, and it affects the person and the

community members, Barbara and Rusty. Their unwavering

entire family.” Rusty’s own family endured the difficult

support and boundless generosity have lit the path for

challenges of Alzheimer’s, and he has seen the effects of

us to embark on a transformative journey to confront

this terrible disease on patients and caregivers he has treated

challenging neurological diagnoses in a way that empowers

in his dental practice over the past 50 years.

both patient and caregiver to embrace a life defined by

In September 2023, the neurology department earned certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center

hope and resilience.”

Barbara concludes, “Anything we can do to help

from DNV Healthcare USA Inc. The prestigious title

the caregiver and give dignity to the patient is vital.

is awarded to institutions meeting rigorous criteria and

We want to ensure they are respected, nurtured and

offering the resources, infrastructure and expert staff to

given the best quality of life they can have — every day.”

diagnose and treat the most complex stroke cases.

Apart from accolades, the Schlattmans appreciate Houston Methodist’s holistic approach to health care, which involves caring for not only the body but also the mind and spirit. In providing a generous gift to create the Barbara and Rusty Schlattman Neuroscience Endowment at Houston Methodist Willowbrook, the couple wishes to create a special memory care program and an environment that, together, help the entire family when a loved one is diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease.

“We want to bring together heart and science,” Barbara says. “I visualize a beautiful, serene place — a designated space where people who are suffering and their families will find help, comfort and peace.”

BARBARA AND RUSTY HOPE THEIR GIFT WILL INSPIRE OTHERS TO JOIN IN THEIR VISION

NEVER SUSPENDING

HOPE SURGEON RESTORES MUCH MORE THAN EYESIGHT

averaging one every five years. “She never, ever complained,” youngest daughter Beth Alexander recalls.

In August 2022, Betty had a fall that resulted in a complete loss of the little vision she had left. Weary, the family was resigned to the likelihood of no remaining clinical interventions. As a last-ditch effort, they visited the Houston Methodist Blanton Eye Institute in February 2023. “I was just praying for any help, no matter how small,” remembers Glen.

They met with Dr. Garvin H. Davis, a retina specialist

Sitting in their living room, Betty and Glen Willis joke as

who had trained as a fellow under Dr. McPherson 20 years

they share stories about their 66 years of marriage and raising

prior and who conducted tests and discovered — to Betty’s

three daughters. Themes of faith, togetherness and happy

delight — that her retina was stable. However, the artificial

memories are woven throughout the close-knit family’s

lens in her eye was displaced. He then introduced her to

narratives, so much so that one might not guess that Betty

his partner, Dr. Rahul Pandit, an ocular surgeon and the

experienced a life-altering health crisis nearly 60 years ago.

medical director of the ophthalmology operating room

Standing up after working in her Houston garden one day in 1965, the young mother suddenly felt as if

at the Blanton Institute.

The family was stunned as Dr. Pandit described

she were looking through Venetian blinds. Thus began a

a path forward for Betty, instilling confidence and

decades-long optical-health journey with recurrent setbacks

conveying compassion they remembered from their

that would test the most fortitudinous of families

experience at Houston Methodist 50 years earlier.

— punctuated by two remarkable turning points that

Pandit’s goal was simple — reposition Betty’s dislocated

would take place at Houston Methodist.

ocular lens. The plan and techniques involved were far

The Willis family’s first encounter with the institution began with retinal surgeon Dr. Alice R. McPherson in

more complex, entailing mastery shared by a relatively small community of ocular surgeons.

the 1960s. The pioneering ophthalmologist eventually

Surgery on the front (anterior) region of the eye,

recommended laser surgery for Betty’s retinas, which had

known as advanced anterior segment surgery, is especially

deteriorated to the point of hemorrhaging. Unusual for

challenging because of the highly individualized structural

the time, the vitreoretinal surgery had to be performed

variability of the eye. Put simply, Dr. Pandit built

within 48 hours of stoppage of the bleeding. One snowy

“suspenders” to hold Betty’s lens in place and made some

morning in January of 1970, the family made their way

adjustments to her pupil. After her surgery, Betty was

to Houston from their then home of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

thrilled and surprised by the improvement in her vision,

The worst seemed to be behind them as Betty subsequently enjoyed a decade of stable vision.

which progressed virtually every day.

The surgery restored much more than Betty’s eyesight

But once again, her eyesight began to decline, and she

— it restored the couple’s independence and, in so

underwent several procedures over the next 20 years —

many ways, the family’s optimism. “When we walked in,

38 Patient Experience

Betty Willis, center, surrounded by daughters Glenda Jett and Janet Luby and husband Glen Willis

she couldn’t see a hand in front of her; now she can

To the family, the result is nothing short of a miracle —

read at 20/100,” points out daughter Glenda Jett.

with a good dose of medical innovation and humanity.

Remarkably, Betty never lost hope. A tenaciously

“It was like coming home,” concludes daughter

independent woman, she values her experience with

Janet Luby. “It’s been such a blessing in every way

the hospital’s holistic approach to compassionate care.

for us to come back to Houston Methodist.”

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 39

NATURE

OFFERS A WINDOW TO BETTER HEALTH Can virtual reality gardening help alleviate cancer

One example is determining how virtual “windows”

patients’ symptoms? What is nature’s effect in easing work-

may offer a healing alternative in patient rooms.

place stress? Will exposure to urban green spaces improve

Already, projects are yielding results and

pedestrian health?

amplifying interest in the field. One pilot study

While it’s long been recognized that connecting

being conducted at the center uses functional MRI

with nature is good for us, new research suggests that

to assess nature’s effect in alleviating workplace

such exposure, even in controlled clinical or workplace

burnout, possibly leading to novel interventions

environments, can have direct, measurable impact on

to reduce employee anxiety. A recurring health

our well-being. The Center for Health & Nature —

and nature symposium will bring together global

a special partnership between Houston Methodist,

research experts to explore the effects of nature

Texas A&M University and Texan by Nature — aims

on human health and healing through strategic

to quantify links between the outdoors and relief from

urban planning, including proximity to green

stress, physical pain, depression, high blood pressure

spaces. And a rooftop garden planned for

and a host of other conditions.

Centennial Tower, currently under construction

Established in 2018, the center is the only known

on Houston Methodist’s main campus, will

collaboration between a health system, a university and

provide a “laboratory” for researchers to measure

a conservation foundation for the study of nature

the impact of green expanses on health indicators.

as an innovative health care delivery system.

Insight from these and other programs

Supported by a generous gift from the

will inform best practices in health care

Kinder Foundation, researchers pursue

and urban design as well as workplace

evidence-based programs to explore how

wellness plans — confirming nature’s

nature-based therapies influence public

potent yet peaceful impact on

health and improve patient outcomes.

patient wellness.

40 Patient Experience

BEATING THE

BABY BLUES

While pregnancy and the early stages of motherhood

offering women immediate intervention, education,

are some of the most meaningful times in a woman’s

therapy, peer groups and access to mentors who

life, they may also be among the most difficult.

guide them on the path to total health. The program

Feelings of loneliness, worry and inadequacy can

will provide women, their partners and other

become overwhelming, and the related mood and

caregivers with thoughtful, comprehensive care

anxiety conditions many women may face can

for physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

result in long-term consequences.

Educating physicians on recognizing and

Often, general health practitioners lack

addressing patients’ behavioral health symptoms

behavioral health training specific to these periods in

before and after childbirth is a critical goal. Another

a woman’s life, and issues such as generalized anxiety

is to train a new generation of clinicians to appreciate

disorder and depression can go undiagnosed.

the need for women’s mental health awareness and

Fortunately, a new program at Houston Methodist

arm them with expert care and treatment options.

The Woodlands Hospital is poised to bring about

Ultimately, the program sets the stage for a broader

change. Thanks to a pivotal gift from the Woodforest

understanding of women’s health care during a beautiful

Charitable Foundation, the campus’s Marling Family

yet emotionally demanding time.

Childbirth Center initiated the Maternal Behavioral

With more than 500 interactions to date, the

Health Services program, which is helping save

Maternal Behavioral Health Services program is

women and their families from the heartache that

changing lives and reducing risks for women. Says

often accompanies these challenges.

Elizabeth Barnett, director of the Marling Family Child-

Through the inaugural program, providers

birth Center, “Through heartfelt gifts like this, we

integrate behavioral health training and tools into

anticipate expansion of this critical program to benefit

Houston Methodist’s holistic approach to health care,

every Houston Methodist campus in the coming years.”

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 41

NEWS & UPDATES

IN REVIEW UNDERWOOD CENTER CELEBRATES 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY The Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders has seen impressive growth since opening its doors in May 2013. Empowered by philanthropic support and the leadership of the Underwood Center Council, the center serves as a beacon in the field — ranking No. 5 in the U.S. for gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Special initiatives, such as the Fondren Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program and the Metabolic Liver Disease Program, give hope to those living with debilitating digestive illnesses. Faculty also continue to push boundaries in emerging areas like neurogastroenterology and robotic surgery to offer life-changing care to patients. Houston Methodist extends special thanks to Robert E. Fondren and Duncan K. Underwood for their exceptional leadership as co-chairs of the Underwood Center Council.

SPIRITUAL CARE GETS A BOOST AT HOUSTON METHODIST WILLOWBROOK On behalf of The Engraved Pencil Foundation, Mindi H. and Griffin E. Jones made recent gifts toward the Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Spiritual Care Fund. The gifts support the Clinical Pastoral Education Program — an accredited, yearlong hospital chaplain residency — and related spiritual care programs tailored to patients, families and employees.

The hospital’s chapel, now named the Mindi & Griff Jones Chapel, provides a physical focal point for spiritual care where patients and families can visit for prayer, spiritual care consultations and one-on-one interactions with loved ones or a chaplain.

“We are deeply grateful,” says Keith Barber, CEO of Houston Methodist Willowbrook.

“Spiritual care programs are vital in a hospital environment as they cultivate an atmosphere of caring, healing and hope that is so valuable during times when individuals face health challenges.”

42 In Review

COCKRELL FOUNDATION DEEPENS INVESTMENT IN BIOMEDICINE Since 2010, the Cockrell Center for Advanced Therapeutics within the Houston Methodist Academic Institute has served as a world-class epicenter for biomedical advancement. A 2023 philanthropic investment by The Cockrell Foundation reinforces the progress being made in the more than 7,000 square feet of clinical research space that hosts a full range of Phase 1 outpatient clinical care and study support services.

The shared vision, generosity and leadership of both the Cockrell family and The Cockrell Foundation have helped shape Houston Methodist for nearly 50 years, with giving to research spanning infectious diseases and hematologic oncology to tissue bioengineering and music therapy. In addition, a 2004 gift established the Ernest Cockrell, Jr. Presidential Distinguished Chair at Houston Methodist, currently held by Dr. H. Dirk Sostman, president and CEO of the Houston Methodist Academic Institute.

NIGHT CHAPLAIN FUND ESTABLISHED AT HOUSTON METHODIST WEST Thanks to Dorothy T. Nicholson’s generosity, patients and families at Houston Methodist West Hospital can now meet with a chaplain or reflect in the chapel in the evenings without having to wait until morning staff members arrive. Nicholson’s gift established the Houston Methodist West Night Chaplain Fund to support an evening chaplain and other spiritual care activities.

“We are delighted that Dorothy’s gift allowed us to expand spiritual care coverage so patients and families can seek comfort in their time of need,” says the Rev. Stacy Auld, system director for Spiritual Care and Values Integration at Houston Methodist.

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 43

NEWS & UPDATES 44 In Review

ROBBINS RISING STAR AWARD TO RECOGNIZE TOP RESEARCHERS Dr. Richard J. Robbins and wife Anne have generously funded the Anne and Richard J. Robbins, MD Rising Star Award Endowment in the Department of Medicine. Dr. Robbins retired in 2023 after serving as longtime chair of the Houston Methodist Department of Medicine, where he held the Charles and Anne Duncan Presidential Distinguished Chair in Medicine.

The endowment will provide one or more awards annually to young faculty or fellows who show particular promise in translational research through development of innovative therapies that offer potential for improved patient outcomes.

Each awardee will receive vital funds to support research and related activities.

GRANT SUPPORTS COMPASSIONATE TRANSPLANT ASSISTANCE The Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center, one of the most comprehensive transplant centers in the nation, marked its 10,000th organ transplant in 2023.

A recent gift from the JLH Foundation augments the John L. Hern Fund for Transplant Patients and Their Families, which was established by the foundation in January 2005 to help ease the financial burden of transplant patients and families who visit the center. Created to honor and continue the legacy of the late John L. Hern, himself a heart transplant recipient, the fund offsets the costs of travel, parking, lodging, meals, and essential medications and supplies for patients awaiting and recovering from solid organ transplantation. John’s daughter, Paula Hern, says, “I’m so proud we’ve been able to accomplish what we set out to do — to fulfill my father’s wish.”

NORTON ESTATE GIFT TO ENHANCE DISCOVERY IN DUAL SPECIALTIES For families grateful for care received at Houston Methodist — and passionate about making a difference in the lives of future patients — bequests allow for a legacy focused on preferred areas of research, education, training and the patient experience.

A gift from the Estate of Mr. James E. Norton will benefit scholarly activities in two areas of research at Houston Methodist through the Sylvia and James E. Norton Distinguished New Century Chair in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and the Sylvia and James E. Norton Distinguished New Century Chair in Otolaryngology. The endowed positions will support leading-edge medical discovery and education through the recruitment and retention of prominent physician-scientists who, in turn, will teach and train future leaders in their respective fields.

NEALS BOLSTER EDUCATION RESOURCES AT HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND Longtime supporters Mindy L. and Murray L. Neal recently established the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Educational Excellence Endowment, which will support the highestpriority educational and training needs as determined by the president and CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land.

In recognition of the impact of the Neals’ cumulative philanthropic support to Houston Methodist, the Brazos Conference Center at the hospital has been renamed the Mindy and Murray Neal Conference Center.

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 45

NEW

CHAIRHOLDERS LEADING DISCOVERY

The 24 Houston Methodist leaders selected to fill endowed chairs in 2023 represent exceptional expertise and innovation in their respective fields. Through the generous foresight of the benefactors who established these endowed positions, chairholders draw from an anchored, long-term financial resource to support their leading-edge work.

Valentin Dragoi, PhD

Rosemary and Daniel J. Harrison III Presidential Distinguished Chair in Neuroprosthetics Dragoi is scientific director at the Center for Neural Systems Restoration, a collaboration between Houston Methodist and Rice University. He is also a professor of neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College, a core faculty member at the Rice Neuroengineering Initiative, and a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rice University. He holds a doctorate degree from Duke University focused on learning and adaptive behavior as well as computational neuroscience and performed postdoctoral studies in systems neuroscience at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research on the relationship between neural circuits and behavior has been published in distinguished journals such as Nature and Science and featured in national and international media outlets. Dragoi has received numerous prestigious grant awards, including several NIH BRAIN Initiative awards, the NIH Director’s Pioneer Award, an NIH EUREKA grant and a Pew Scholars Award.

Nestor F. Esnaola, MD, MPH, MBA

Diane Harkins Modesett Chair in the Houston Methodist Cancer Center Dr. Esnaola is a clinician-scientist dedicated to optimizing cancer prevention, control and care equity.

As deputy director of Cancer Clinical Services at the Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center, he streamlines cancer care throughout the Houston Methodist system. As an experienced surgical oncologist, Dr. Esnaola has served since 2018 as division chief of surgical oncology and gastrointestinal surgery in the Department of Surgery at Houston Methodist. In this role, he participates in multidisciplinary care of patients with gastrointestinal cancers, hepatico-pancreatico-biliary malignancies, melanoma and soft tissue sarcomas. In 2018, he was named a Jerold B. Katz Academy of Translational Research Investigator at Houston Methodist. He has published numerous peer-reviewed studies in high-impact journals and served on many National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute study sections.

46 In Review

Christopher Fan, MD

The Fondren Centennial Chair in Gastrointestinal Microbiome As a clinical and research gastroenterologist, Dr. Fan’s goal is to gain insights into the interactions between the gut microbiome, its metabolites and the immune system in order to develop targeted therapies for gastrointestinal disorders. Dr. Fan serves as an assistant professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and as an assistant clinical member at the Houston Methodist Research Institute. After earning a bioengineering degree at Rice University, he received his medical degree at Duke University and completed his residency and gastroenterology fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Dr. Fan’s current research focuses on the microbiome in inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Alireza Faridar, MD

Stanley H. Appel, MD Chair in Translational Neuroscience Dr. Faridar is an assistant professor of neurology and neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College.

He serves as the principal investigator on several studies aimed at better characterizing underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders and developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies.

As a neurology resident at Houston Methodist, he initiated research and worked with mentors and fellow clinician-scientists Drs. Stanley H. Appel and Joseph C. Masdeu on cellular immunology and molecular neuroimaging of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. With the support of the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Institutes of Health, their innovative strategy for restoring regulatory T cells has advanced to the clinical setting to benefit individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Faridar has published 33 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters.

Jaime Gateno, MD, DDS

Sylvia and James E. Norton Distinguished New Century Chair in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

A clinician-scientist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon with 30-plus years of experience correcting craniomaxillofacial (CMF) deformities, Dr. Gateno chairs the Houston Methodist Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is a professor of clinical surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College and cofounder and director of the Surgical Planning Laboratory at the Houston Methodist Research Institute. Through a collaboration between the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and the Houston Methodist Research Institute, he developed the most advanced CMF virtual surgical planning software, which has received FDA approval for clinical use. His laboratory’s groundbreaking work in this area has revolutionized the field and greatly improved surgical outcomes for thousands of patients.

Ashrith Guha, MD, MPH

Blake and Roswell F. Vaughan III Centennial Chair Dr. Guha is medical director of the heart transplant and mechanical circulatory support program in the J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center and director of the pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular (RV) failure program in the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.

An associate professor of cardiology at Weill Cornell Medical College, he investigates the mechanisms and clinical implications of pulmonary hypertension and the resultant RV dysfunction in patients with heart failure, reduced ejection fraction and left ventricular assist devices. In his laboratory and clinical research, he strives to identify novel ways to diagnose and treat pulmonary hypertension and to explore mechanisms of RV failure and its impact on clinical outcomes.

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 47

Joshua D. Harris, MD

Bobbie Nau and John L. Nau III Distinguished Chair in Joint Preservation An associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, Dr. Harris is also assistant program director of the orthopedic surgery residency program at Houston Methodist.

He has directed Orthopedic Surgery Residency and Fellowship Research Day since it was established in 2016 and takes part in weekly educational conferences with Houston Methodist Hospital residents, Houston Methodist sports medicine fellows and Texas A&M University medical students. A magna cum laude graduate of The Ohio State University College of Medicine, he has authored 294 manuscripts and 26 book chapters, authored and edited three orthopedic surgery textbooks, and served on the editorial board for five orthopedic surgery journals.

Paul J. Holman, MD

Houston Methodist Chair in the Spine & Peripheral Nerve Center As a neurosurgery specialist and assistant professor of clinical neurosurgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, Dr. Holman has helped to develop innovative technologies to transform complex and minimally invasive spinal surgery. These include systems for spinal navigation, lateral fusion surgery and ultrasonic bone-cutting as well as the use of computer-assisted, preoperative planning software and patient-specific implants for adult scoliosis surgery. His training includes an advanced fellowship in Cleveland with renowned spinal neurosurgeon Dr. Edward Benzel and orthopedic spinal surgeon Dr. Izzy Lieberman, a pioneer in the use of robotics in complex scoliosis surgery. Dr. Holman plays an active role in the education of Houston Methodist neurosurgical residents and established the Department of Neurosurgery’s first spinal fellowship program.

Moonsoo M. Jin, PhD

MD Anderson Foundation Chair in Biomedical Imaging

As vice chair of research in the Department of Radiology and director of its Translation Imaging Center PET Core, Jin’s major research goals are to develop multiscale approaches for molecular imaging and novel therapies for cancer and inflammation. He also aims to increase understanding of mechanisms for tumor resistance and response. Currently, he is studying combinations of T cells using whole-body imaging paired with immune stimulatory antibodies and ionizing radiation to develop new treatments for solid cancers. As a member of the Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center, Jin seeks collaborative opportunities to contribute to the center’s cell therapy programs, works to develop advanced cancer therapeutics and imaging agents, and trains the next generation of scientific leaders.

Stephen L. Jones, MD, MSHI

Occidental Centennial Chair in Quality and Outcomes Research With the goal of leveraging technology to raise the standard of patient care, Dr. Jones leads the Center for Health Data Science and Analytics at the Houston Methodist Research Institute and serves as associate professor of clinical informatics in surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Dr. Jones’ research centers on the development of customized clinical informatics systems and databases for clinical practice and research, and he has co-authored 45 peer-reviewed papers.

He also has managed teams responsible for designing, writing and developing software that safely and efficiently e-prescribes over 100,000 prescriptions per month across the nation.

48 In Review

Rose Khavari, MD

Ben and Wendy Moreland Distinguished Chair in Urology As director of research at the Houston Methodist Center for Restorative Pelvic Medicine, Dr. Khavari specializes in male and female incontinence, reconstructive pelvic surgery, pelvic organ prolapse, neurogenic bladder (such as in multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injury) and urinary issues after prostate surgery. She is also director of the Houston Methodist Neurourology and Transitional Urology Clinic. Her translational research focuses on identifying brain and spinal cord regions that control bladder function in order to develop novel modalities for noninvasive neuromodulation to improve lower urinary tract function. Dr. Khavari also founded and leads the Department of Urology residency program.

Michael J. Klebuc, MD

Eva Lynn and John S. Dunn, Jr. New Century Chair in Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery Dr. Klebuc is a plastic surgeon with the Houston Methodist Institute for Reconstructive Surgery and an associate clinical professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College.

In collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center surgeons led by Dr. Jesse Selber, Dr. Klebuc collaborated to perform the world’s first skull-scalp transplant. His clinical focus areas include surgical treatment of the paralyzed face, microsurgery, peripheral nerve surgery, limb salvage, cancer reconstruction and corneal neurotization. His research interests comprise polyethylene glycol nerve fusion, automated facial recognition systems and corneal neurotization for the surgical prevention of blindness. He has authored more than 35 peer-reviewed articles and 30 book chapters and has won numerous academic and research awards.

Kathleen C. Kobashi, MD, MBA

Judith Helmle Shaw and Roy Gordon Shaw, Jr. Centennial Chair in Urology Dedicated to clinical medicine, research and the education of patients and future urologists, Dr. Kobashi serves as chair of the Houston Methodist Department of Urology and a professor of clinical urology at Weill Cornell Medical College. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Drexel University and has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on topics related to urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse. She is a trustee of the American Board of Urology, served as the first female president of the American Urological Association (AUA) Western Section, and currently serves as associate editor for both the AUA’s Urology Practice journal and the Canada-based Société Internationale d’Urologie Journal.

Her honors include receiving the esteemed AUA Victor A. Politano Award in 2023.

Sylvia Martinez, MD

Barbara Lee Bass Centennial Chair for Surgical Education Dr. Martinez is the division chief of acute care surgery and surgical critical care and the current director of the general surgery residency program at Houston Methodist. She is also an assistant professor of both surgery and clinical surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Martinez completed her medical degree at UTHealth Houston, her general surgery residency at Houston Methodist and a surgical critical care fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. As part of the inaugural class of the Houston Methodist general surgery residency program founded by Dr. Barbara Bass, she has a long-standing interest in and commitment to surgical education at Houston Methodist.

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 49

Eleftherios Mylonakis, MD, PhD

Charles and Anne Duncan Presidential Distinguished Chair in the Department of Medicine Chair of the Houston Methodist Department of Medicine, Dr. Mylonakis studies host and microbial factors of infection and the discovery of antimicrobial agents in both clinical and laboratory studies. Previously, he served as the Charles C. J. Carpenter Professor of Infectious Disease at Brown University, chief of infectious diseases at Rhode Island Hospital and the Miriam Hospital, and director of the COBRE Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Therapeutic Discovery.

His work has produced nearly 500 articles and has been cited more than 35,000 times. Dr. Mylonakis holds eight patents and has co-edited seven books about infectious diseases, including Antimicrobial Drug Discovery: Emerging Strategies and Antimicrobial Stewardship: Principles and Practice.

Sherif F. Nagueh, MD

Houston Methodist Chair in Cardiovascular Diseases As medical director of the echocardiography laboratory at the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Dr. Nagueh holds a steadfast interest in evaluating cardiac function, particularly in the left ventricle and diastolic processes. Impaired diastolic function in patients with cardiovascular disease causes shortness of breath and reduced functional capacity. With a goal of developing new approaches for diagnosing abnormal function of the left ventricle, Dr. Nagueh chaired two medical society guideline writing groups on the evaluation of left ventricular diastolic performance.

He leads several ongoing studies investigating left ventricular diastolic and left atrial pathology in patients with heart failure and with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Khurram Nasir, MD, MPH

William A. Zoghbi, MD Centennial Chair in Cardiovascular Health Dr. Nasir is chief of cardiovascular prevention and wellness, co-director of the Center for Health Data Science and Analytics at Houston Methodist, and inaugural director of the Center for Cardiovascular Computational Health and Precision Medicine. His clinical and research interests lie in precision medicine, digital health, health equity and health systems research.

He is a professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and was named a Jerold B. Katz Academy of Translational Research Investigator at Houston Methodist in 2019. After receiving his medical degree in his native Pakistan, he earned a master’s in health economics and policy management from the London School of Economics and Political Science as well as a master’s in public health from Johns Hopkins University.

Ashish Saharia, MD, MS

David M. Underwood Chair of Surgery in Digestive Disorders Dr. Saharia is director of the liver transplantation program at the Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center and surgical director of the liver transplantation program in the Department of Surgery. He also serves as associate professor of clinical surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, where he specializes in open and robotic/laparoscopic liver and pancreas surgery and abdominal transplant surgery. With a goal of intensifying research to find pathways and treatments for patients with liver and pancreatic cancers, his focus is in transplantation to address large, inoperable liver bile duct cancer — also known as intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Dr. Saharia is actively involved in several clinical trials and has published many peer-reviewed articles on kidney and liver transplantation.

50 In Review

Raj Satkunasivam, MD, MS

Miles Family Chair in Urologic Surgery As associate program director of the Hamill Fellowship in Urologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery at Houston Methodist as well as an associate professor of urology at Weill Cornell Medical College, Dr. Satkunasivam has a passion for research, meticulous patient care, and the education of future urologists and researchers. He completed his Doctor of Medicine and his urologic residency at the University of Toronto, then earned a master’s degree in biostatistics and epidemiology at the University of Southern California. In addition to training clinical fellows, he has mentored six postdoctoral research fellows and has been instrumental in establishing a robust foundation for and launching a strong genitourinary (male) oncology research program in the Houston Methodist Department of Urology.

Aldona Spiegel, MD

John F., Jr. and Carolyn Bookout Chair in Surgical Innovation and Technology Dr. Spiegel, chief of the Division of Innovation in the Houston Methodist Department of Surgery and director of the Center for Breast Restoration, is a renowned expert in reconstructive surgery and microsurgery. Her focus is on patient-centered care, aiding women in physical and emotional recovery after mastectomy procedures. With her extensive surgical experience, she has patented two acellular dermal matrix designs for breast reconstruction. Dr. Spiegel also established a preceptorship program at Houston Methodist Hospital, where she shares her surgical expertise with plastic surgeons through live demonstrations multiple times each year. Her recent work in 3D bioprinting and breast tissue and nerve regeneration opens new possibilities for innovative breast reconstruction approaches.

Masayoshi Takashima, MD

Sylvia and James E. Norton Distinguished New Century Chair in Otolaryngology Dr. Takashima serves as chair of the Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery at Houston Methodist and holds clinical specialties in minimally invasive sinus procedures, sleep apnea surgery and endoscopic skull base surgery. Under his leadership, the department created and earned accreditation for an otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) residency program and a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship program. Dr. Takashima’s research focuses on the pathophysiology and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis; he also has an interest in artificial intelligence in health care and education. He has directed training for over 70 residents, several of whom are now program directors, academic faculty and chairs throughout the country.

Juan “Jon” B. Toledo, MD, PhD

Ann and Billy Harrison Centennial Chair in Alzheimer’s Research Dr. Toledo serves as scientific director of the Nantz National Alzheimer Center, where he has worked to establish a clinical unit focused on dementia with Lewy bodies and to move the center toward accreditation as a Research Center of Excellence by the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

Dr. Toledo earned his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Navarra in Spain, where he also completed a neurology residency and doctoral program focused on Parkinson’s disease.

He subsequently completed a second neurology residency at Houston Methodist and a fellowship in movement disorders at the University of Florida. He has published 100 peer-reviewed research articles and eight reviews, including research on biomarker data to understand similarities and differences among neurodegenerative diseases.

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 51

Jennifer Townsend, MMT, MT-BC

Susie and Tommy Smith Chair in Music and Creative Arts Therapies As manager for Creative Arts Therapies at the Houston Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine, Townsend guides a team of board-certified creative arts therapists in evidence-based arts interventions to address patients’ neurological, physiological and psychological needs. Also an assistant professor of anesthesia and critical care at Weill Cornell Medical College, Townsend holds a master’s degree in music therapy from Temple University. She seamlessly transitioned to adult medical care after more than 10 years in pediatric care. Townsend has published articles spanning music therapy for delirium, neurological constructs of music, and applications of technology in music therapy in epilepsy and neonatal treatment. She authored a chapter on medically fragile children in the book Guidelines for Music Therapy Practice in Pediatrics.

Amy D. Waterman, PhD

Deborah C. and Clifton B. Phillips Centennial Chair for Clinical Research in Transplant Medicine Waterman examines how to reduce health disparities, expand access to optimal treatments and improve the patient experience as part of her health services and social psychology research laboratory. Currently the director of patient engagement, diversity and education, representing both the Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center and the Houston Methodist Research Institute, she has published more than 140 journal articles focusing on patient-oriented research, clinical trials and development of new educational technologies, including digital storytelling and implementation of international best practices. Her NIH-funded research builds risk models using computational medicine to predict the need for medical interventions in kidney patients and living donors. In 2019, she received an award for national influence in transplantation by a nonphysician.

Thanks to the GENEROUS SUPPORT

of our philanthropic community, Houston Methodist’s 147 endowed chairholders and professors are engaged in the RESEARCH, training and education, and care that enable Houston Methodist to lead medicine and accelerate the speed of medical INNOVATION

52 In Review

2023

GIVING AT A GLANCE

TOTAL COMMITTED

$ 91.9

3,638 GIFTS

MILLION

AREAS OF GIVING

3,166 UNIQUE DONORS 42% ACCELERATE RESEARCH 33% TRAIN SUPERSTARS 25% PROMOTE HEALING

SOURCES OF GIVING

72% INDIVIDUALS 28% FOUNDATIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS

EVENTS GALLERY

WOMEN’S HEALTH SYMPOSIUM Leslie Margolis, Dr. Shlomit Schaal, Keynote Speaker Allison Massari, Roberta Schwartz and Marcy Margolis

UNDERWOOD CENTER FOR DIGESTIVE DISORDERS 10TH ANNIVERSARY Sarah Underwood, Duncan Underwood, Dr. Eamonn M. M. Quigley, Lynda Underwood, David Underwood, Jr. and Christine Underwood

STEP UP TO THE PLATE LUNCH WITH DUSTY BAKER Dusty Baker, Dr. Kathleen C. Kobashi, Gerald Smith and Dr. Marc L. Boom

54 In Review

RENDEZVOUS ANEW GALA Honorees Peter and Elizabeth Blanton Wareing, Elaine Finger, and Dr. Mary and Ron Neal with Drs. Marc and Julie Boom (center)

RENDEZVOUS ANEW GALA CHAIRS Steve and Anne-Laure Stephens and Courtney and Doug Swanson

Scan here to see more event photos

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 55

LEADERSHIP

Houston Methodist Board of Directors Gregory V. Nelson, Chair John F. Bookout, Chair Emeritus Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr., Senior Chair Marc L. Boom, MD, President and CEO Carlton E. Baucum, Vice Chair Mary A. Daffin, Vice Chair Elizabeth Blanton Wareing, Secretary David M. Underwood, Jr., Asst. Secretary Joseph C. “Rusty” Walter III, Treasurer Joe Bob Perkins, Asst. Treasurer Emily A. Crosswell Martha Smith DeBusk Juliet S. Ellis Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey Mark A. Houser The Rev. Kenneth R. Levingston Vidal G. Martinez Constance M. Mobley, MD, PhD W. Benjamin Moreland Peter T. Nguyen, MD, President of the Medical Staff Thomas J. Pace III, DMin Armando A. Perez Edmund W. Robb III, DMin Douglas E. Swanson, Jr. Spencer A. Tillman Advisory Karla M. Kurrelmeyer, MD, President-Elect of the Medical Staff The Rev. Romonica Malone-Wardley Life Members Ernest H. Cockrell James C. Dishman Connie M. Dyer Issac H. Kempner III Robert K. Moses, Jr. Sandra Gayle Wright, RN, EdD

56 In Review

Houston Methodist Academic Institute Board of Directors Martha Smith DeBusk, Chair W. Benjamin Moreland, Vice Chair Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr., Senior Chair Marc L. Boom, MD, President and CEO, Houston Methodist Edward A. Jones, President and CEO, Houston Methodist Research Institute H. Dirk Sostman, MD, President and CEO, Houston Methodist Academic Institute Evan H. Katz, Secretary Antonio M. Gotto, Jr., MD, DPhil, Ex Officio Edward R. Allen III, PhD Steven Birdwell John F. Bookout III P. Embry Canterbury Martin Craighead Leslie Doggett Elaine M. Finger Robert A. Harrington, MD Sippi K. Khurana, MD Ransom C. Lummis David A. Modesett James Muschalik Gregory V. Nelson Joe Bob Perkins Mary Eliza Shaper Edward D. “Ward” Sheffield Jeffrey F. Simmons Suzanne H. Smith Christopher G. Stavros Steven D. Stephens Douglas E. Swanson, Jr. David M. Underwood, Jr. Amy L. Waer, MD Martha S. Walton Donna Sims Wilson

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation Board of Directors John W. Johnson, Chair John F. Bookout, Chair Emeritus Judge Ewing Werlein, Jr., Senior Chair Elizabeth Blanton Wareing , Vice Chair Flynn A. Andrizzi, PhD, President and CEO Emily A. Crosswell, Secretary Dorothy M. Ables Marc L. Boom, MD Charles W. “Carlos” Duncan III Vidal G. Martinez Gregory V. Nelson Gerald B. Smith David M. Underwood, Jr. Joseph C. “Rusty” Walter III James V. Walzel Marcus A. Watts Randa Weiner Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital Board of Trustees Gilbert Santana, Chair Wayne L. Baldwin Marc L. Boom, MD R. D. Burnside III Pastor Tommy J. Clements Adrienne Joseph, MD Shawn M. Kuntz Kelly N. Leblanc, MD, President of the Medical Staff Richard A. Peebles Gary T. Schmidt Christopher D. Siebenaler Lynda Villanueva, MD Houston Methodist Continuing Care Hospital Board of Trustees Noel R. Rainey, Chair Gary L. Kempf, President and CEO Christopher D. Siebenaler, Vice Chair Marc L. Boom, MD Kevin J. Burns Mick Cantu Dick Cheney Connie M. Dyer Robert K. Moses, Jr. Lynn Schroth, MD

Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Board of Trustees Levi Benton, Chair Christopher D. Siebenaler, Vice Chair Carl T. Little, Secretary Marc L. Boom, MD John D. Kennedy The Rev. Walter G. Neff Vince Nguyen, MD, President of the Medical Staff Charles E. Pulliam Elaine Renola Akhila Vijayakumar, MD, President-Elect of the Medical Staff Judge Holly T. Williamson Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Board of Trustees Sutapa Sur, Chair Suehing W. Y. Chiang, Vice Chair Marc L. Boom, MD Elizabeth P. Butler Anthony C. Francis Michael L. Garcia Gene E. Huebner, MD Jeffrey A. Jackson, MD Lonnie E. Meadows Sindhu Nair, MD, President-Elect of the Medical Staff The Rev. W. Martin Nicholas Scott R. Rivenes, MD, President of the Medical Staff William F. Schwer Christopher D. Siebenaler Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital Board of Trustees Ann K. Snyder, MD, Chair Mick Cantu, Vice Chair David P. Bernard, Secretary Ralph Alexander Marc L. Boom, MD Sayl H. Bunyan, MD, President of the Medical Staff Paul Y. Cunningham, MD, Vice President of the Medical Staff

Susan L. Dio Bishop Robert E. Hayes, Jr. Sallie T. Rainer Laura A. Sugg Samuel D. Warren, Jr. Houston Methodist West Hospital Board of Trustees Neice Lang, Chair Vidal Ramirez, Vice Chair Wayne M. Voss, Secretary Marc L. Boom, MD Sandra P. Bretting The Honorable William A. Callegari Mick Cantu Amito Chandiwal, MD, President of the Medical Staff Donald Chaney Stuart I. Levin Rahul B. Mehta Steven Morgan, MD Christina Pramudji, MD, Vice President of the Medical Staff Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Board of Trustees The Rev. Reginald Lillie, Chair Ewing K. Werlein, DMin, Vice Chair Keith D. Barber, Secretary Marc L. Boom, MD J. David Cabello Muhammad W. Hanif, MD President-Elect of the Medical Staff Linda B. Humphries Griffin E. Jones Sippi K. Khurana, MD Stacy L. Norton, MD, President of the Medical Staff Jennifer Pittman Andrea L. Robison Barbara J. Schlattman

President’s Leadership Council

Institutional Committees

Senior Cabinet Steven D. Stephens, Chair Robert J. Allison, Jr. Eva C. Bisso Kelli L. Blanton Marc L. Boom, MD Michael Casey Art Chavez David A. Cockrell Clayton Erikson Daniel M. Gilbane Terry Giles Michael J. Graff Janet Gurwitch George Kelly John Kemp David D. Kinder John P. Kotts William Gentry Lee, Jr. Aylwin Lewis Steve Lindley Michael C. Linn Rebecca MarkJusbasche Rahul B. Mehta Cynthia PickettStevenson Veronica SelinkoCurran, MD Douglas E. Swanson, Jr. David M. Underwood, Jr. Robert L. Zorich

Advocacy Committee George M. Masterson, Chair Gina B. Andrews Jonathan Baksht Eddy S. Blanton Kelli L. Blanton Muffin Clark David A. Cockrell Claudia Contreras David R. Dominy Janet Luby Jeffrey E. Margolis David R. McKeithan, Jr. Mary Ann McKeithan Denise D. Monteleone Joel L. Moore Cabrina F. Owsley Rick Perez Suzanne H. Smith Franco Valobra Karen D. Walker Dancie Perugini Ware Kelley Young

At-Large Members Arch H. Aplin III Bruce R. Bilger Isabel G. David Jack Dinerstein Carolyn W. Dorros Jenny Elkins W. Lawrence Elliott Thomas L. Elsenbrook Jeffrey H. Foutch Linda C. Gill Steven J. Kean Michael J. Plank Cullen R. Spitzer Alan L. Stein Scott Wegmann Paul Yetter

Patient Experience Committee Edward D. “Ward” Sheffield, Chair Matthew K. Baird Sarah Berges Bruce Bilger, Jr. George M. Britton, Jr. R. D. Burnside III Gerardo A. Chapa Muffin Clark M. Scott Cone Denis A. DeBakey William J. Doré, Jr. Ann H. Elvin Marc P. Gordon Vicki A. Hollub David D. Kinder Laura Laux Jeffrey E. Margolis Dale L. Martin Grant Martinez Andrew D. McCullough, Jr. Rahul B. Mehta Frank D. Perez Melanie C. Rothwell Scott E. Schwinger Veronica SelinkoCurran, MD David M. Underwood, Jr. Duncan K. Underwood Judge Holly T. Williamson

Faculty Campaign Committee Richard L. Harper, MD, Co-chair H. Dirk Sostman, MD, Co-chair Jett Brady, MD Ron Gentry, MD Robert E. Jackson, MD Gerald Lawrie, MD Brian Miles, MD Todd Trask, MD Specialty Councils Houston Methodist Advancing Nursing Excellence Council Emily A. Crosswell, Chair Judy Ley Allen Linda Clarke Anderson Ginger Blanton Leslie D. Blanton Virginia Watt S. Chandler Muffin Clark Cathy Fitzpatrick Cleary Allyson Priest Cook Carla Dawson Nancy Dinerstein Marcy Duncan Andrea R. Eastham Lauren Weil Friedman Jan Griesenbeck Briana M. Grosvenor Jes Hagale Deborah M. Harper Sonny Messiah Jiles Catherine S. Jodeit Judi Johnson Kistal Key Lucy C. Kormier, MD Elyse B. Lanier Judy Levin Dana A. Miller Julie Stone Payne Sissy Roberts Melissa B. Schnitzer Tommye S. Torian Jane C. Trotman Lynda K. Underwood Katherine E. Walsh, PhD Mary E. Webber Carolyn Josey Young

Houston Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine Council Robert E. Jackson, MD, Chair C. Richard Stasney, MD, Founder E. William Barnett Ginger Blanton Anthony K. Brandt, PhD Sharon Bryan Albert Y. Chao James W. Crownover Rod K. Cutsinger Sue Nan Cutsinger Gerald Dubin, MD Victor Fainstein, MD Jeremy Finkelstein, MD J. Todd Frazier Suzanne M. Glasscock Carole J. Hackett, BSN, EdM, RN Michael Hackett Richard L. Harper, MD Christof Karmonik, PhD Thomas A. Krouskop, PhD, PE Michael W. Lieberman, MD, PhD Sharon Ley Lietzow Judy E. Margolis Gabby Martinez Vidal G. Martinez Hoyt T. “Toby” Mattox Edwards U. McReynolds, MD The Rev. Charles R. Millikan, DMin James M. Musser, MD, PhD Judy Nyquist Nicholas A. Phillips Patricia Rauch Helen Shaffer L. E. Simmons Jerome B. Simon Nancy C. Smith Lois F. Stark Apurva A. Thekdi, MD Laura Jennings Turner Kevin E. Varner, MD Margaret Alkek Williams Aline D. Wilson Stephen T. Wong, PhD, PE Jo Dee Wright Robert A. Yekovich, DMA

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 57

Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center Council Robyn Canterbury, Chair Robert J. Allison, Jr. Seth M. Barrett J. Denny Bartell Kristen Berger Marc L. Boom, MD Kenneth E. Breaux John R. Butler, Jr. P. Embry Canterbury Carl M. Carter III Gerardo A. Chapa Mary A. Daffin Denis A. DeBakey Joann P. DiGennaro Brad Dinerstein William J. Doré, Jr. William J. Doré, Sr. Nan Duhon Jean Durdin Connie M. Dyer, Co-chair Emeritus Danielle Ellis Eva K. Farha Marc P. Gordon David B. Greenberg Matthew Harris Miguel A. Hernandez Wendy Hines Alard Kaplan Fadila B. Kibsgaard William E. King William E. Kline, PhD Cynthia G. Kostas Carole W. Looke John M. McCormack David R. McKeithan, Jr. Mary Ann McKeithan Mason L. Mote Lance Murphy Taylor Norris Frank D. Perez Cynthia PickettStevenson, Co-chair Emeritus Douglas R. Quinn Elizabeth C. Walter Houston Methodist Immunology Center Council Lloyd “Lucky” Burke, Co-chair James G. Frankel, Co-chair Laura T. Baird Sandy L. Burke Louis B. Cushman Stevan L. Dinerstein, MD Annie Criner Eifler Carol Frankel

58 In Review

Jennie Getten Michael J. Graff Rhonda Graff Christy Jennings Sippi K. Khurana, MD Carolyn C. Light David W. Light III Moez Mangalji Sultana Mangalji Jeffrey E. Margolis Aimee B. McCrory Donald Poarch Angela E. “Nikki” Richnow Mary Eliza Shaper Ann G. Trammell David M. Underwood, Jr. Aline D. Wilson Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center Council Dorothy M. Ables, Chair Jud Bailey Carin M. Barth E. Brian Butler, MD Jenny Chang, MD Carolyn Davis The Rev. Noel Denison Martha A. Dudley Ann H. Elvin Nestor Esnaola, MD Heather Firestone Alice Helms Carol Herder Charles Herder II Alan L. Kaplan, MD Rita J. Leader John W. Lodge III Christine Lukens Dale L. Martin Peggy D. Martin Maryanne W. McCormack David A. Modesett Diane Modesett Vivian O’Leary John Orton Katharine Orton Jackie Phillips Anne Rappold Cissie Rauch-Kaplan Julie Robertson Melanie C. Rothwell Betsy R. Siff Glenn R. Smith Betty A. Sommer Elizabeth S. Stone Bin S. Teh, MD Christine L. Underwood Kent Walters W. Temple Webber III Stephen T. Wong, PhD, PE Qing Yi, MD, PhD

Houston Methodist Neurological Institute National Council William E. Chiles, Co-chair Thomas C. Knudson, Co-chair James P. Bailey, Jr. James R. Bath Everett E. Bernal Randee K. Bernal Eddy S. Blanton Ginger Blanton John F. Bookout Allen Brivic J. David Cabello Mary Kay Cimo Kathleen Crist Elizabeth Dice Kevin Dice Gary W. Edwards, Member in Memoriam Kate Fowler Frank Gay Paula Gay Kate H. Gibson Robert H. Graham Sue Harris Sylvia Harris Titus H. Harris III Billy Harrison Gregory Hintz Suzanne Hixson Mary F. Johnston Elise Joseph Gregory A. Kozmetsky Carol Linn Jack B. Moore Meg Murray James W. Oden Cabrina F. Owsley Karen P. Payne Leon M. Payne, Member in Memoriam Arthur A. Seeligson III Donna S. Stahlhut Roxane R. Strickling Henry J.N. “Kitch” Taub II Anne G. Thobae Andrew C. von Eschenbach, MD Dancie Perugini Ware Elizabeth Blanton Wareing Lisa Wendell Shawn Wendell Steven B. Wyatt

Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders Council Rob Fondren, Co-chair Duncan K. Underwood, Co-chair James J. Braniff III Hether Benjamin Brown Pedro Durán Gomez Anissa Friedman Reid Friedman Jay Golding Lucie Harte James C. Pappas A. Carl Schmulen Mark Schmulen C. Loren Vandiver Elizabeth Blanton Wareing Marie Wise William Wise Michael Zilkha Nina Zilkha Specialty Task Forces Houston Methodist Behavioral Health Task Force David B. Lumpkins, Chair Frank Amsler Eliza Duncan Kelly Hackett Gayle G. Kennedy Joseph S. Looke Kristi P. Lumpkins Caroline Negley Peggy R. Roe Robert L. Zorich Houston Methodist Jack S. Blanton Eye Institute Task Force Eddy S. Blanton, Chair Hilary A. Beaver, MD Jack S. Blanton, Jr. Leslie D. Blanton Allen Brivic David M. Brown, MD Petros Carvounis, MD Jorie Jackson Frances M. Jones, DDS

Andrew G. Lee, MD Herbert Lyman Jean Lyman Kevin Merkley, MD Aaron Miller, MD Lisa O’Leary Cabrina F. Owsley Rick Raanes Sandy Rosenberg Florence Rutherford Michael G. Rutherford C. Richard Stasney, MD Ellen Wagnon Dancie Perugini Ware Charles Wykoff, MD Houston Methodist Brain and Bone Collaborative/ Orthopedics Task Force Jon D. Deutser, Co-chair Cynthia R. Levin Moulton, Co-chair J. D. Bucky Allshouse Lauren G. Anderson Eric Brueggeman Clint Cannon Jennifer Davenport Jace Duke Heather Firestone John Granato Debbie Hance Joshua D. Harris, MD Vijay Jotwani, MD Terry Lohrenz Mark Loveland Larry Margolis Patrick McCulloch, MD Hannah McNair J. Mace Meeks Keith Morris Randy Nelson, Member in Memoriam Kenneth Podell, PhD Jeffrey Raizner Margaret D. Reppert James C. Rootes, Member in Memoriam Todd Siff, MD Alan L. Smith S. Shawn Stephens Donald Trull Kevin E. Varner, MD Daryl W. Wade

Houston Methodist Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation Task Force Paula D. Criel, Chair Deborah Keener Brown Alan Conover, Member in Memoriam Sherrie Conover Kandice Fogle David B. Garten Kathy Ghobrial Elizabeth A. Hoff Tami Houston Edward A. Jones George P. Joseph Burt H. Keenan, Member in Memoriam Lawrence W. Kellner W. Gregory Looser Linda G. Lykos Barbara Manousso, PhD Patricia Maxin Walter McFadden Eugene A. O’Donnell Reena Patel Elizabeth Rotan Mary Seefluth Patricia Sloan Samuel Sloan Cynthia Urquhart Edward Urquhart, Member in Memoriam Houston Methodist Reconstructive Surgery Task Force In development Claudia Contreras, Chair Houston Methodist Spiritual Care Task Force Faisal Masud, MD Carolyn Meyer Steve Pate Rabbi Adrienne Scott The Rev. Dr. John Stephens Jim Walzel Judge Holly T. Williamson Nihala Zakaria Anita Zapata Sue Zinni Houston Methodist Surgical Innovations Task Force Marcos J. Basso Clio Crespy

Michael Ellington Douglas V. Getten Ryan Martin Dana L. Myers, MD Jon Phillip Spiers, MD, JD Jamie Taussig Randa Weiner John B. Young, Jr. Anat K. Zeidman Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center Task Force W. Gregory Looser, Chair Wayne Baldwin Deborah Keener Brown Cole Dawson John Dawson, Jr. Martha Smith DeBusk Jan Follansbee Kenneth G. Follansbee, Sr. Anita W. Garten David B. Garten Vicki H. Hitzhusen Elizabeth A. Hoff George P. Joseph Alard Kaplan Gayle G. Kennedy Colter Lewis Steven S. Looke Vicki L. Massad Michael M. Metz Valerie Naifeh Reena Patel Deborah Phillips Ahmed A. Rabie, PhD Edmund W. Robb Nora Smati Terrell Eastman Sprague Ellis L. Tudzin Christine L. Underwood Martha S. Walton Hilary S. Ware Houston Methodist Urology Task Force John Bonner Cathy Derrick Robert Derrick Karen Feld Larry Feld W. Benjamin Moreland Wendy Moreland Carolyn Putterman Leland Putterman Steve Selsberg Tricia Selsberg

Houston Methodist Women’s Health Task Force Marcy Margolis, Co-chair Leslie Margolis, Co-chair Elisabeth Bickham Kelli L. Blanton Lori Cohen Nancy Dinerstein Shari Fish Fredda Friedlander Melanie Margolis Melanie Morgan Cabrina F. Owsley Barbara Ross Elisha Selzer Betsy R. Siff Nina Zilkha Women’s Advisory Groups Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital Sonya Cather, Co-chair Mary Hartman Brown Cody, Co-chair Patti K. Albright Laura Alvarado Lanette Armstrong Sarah J. Baldwin Leila Bates Sandra Bell Helen Berrott-Tims Margaret K. Boyd Janet Brazzil Ginger Burnside Kelly Butler Sue Chatham Kathy Clausen Gabrielle G. Cockrell Sheila Crawford Heather Dickens Lynne B. Foley Mary E. Garcia Suzanne Heinrich Debbie C. Holmelin Susan Hotchkiss Teresa B. Hotchkiss Gena Hutto Susan Jackson Connie E. Jennings LaToya Johnson Gretchen Knowles Linda Krisher Connie Litteer Ginger McKay LaNelle L. McKay

Cherie Melendez Susan G. MooreFontenot Susan Passmore Carolyn Polumbo Tracey Prothro Melinda Reichert Sharon L. Rogers Sherrill A. Santana Lu Ann H. Schmidt Carol Skewes Charlotte A. Stephenson Karen L. Stewardson Susan Stewart Sheron K. Stickler Dana Taylor Connie Tilton Janet G. Wahrlich Georgina E. Walker Judy Wheat Tracey Wheeler Kathy Winn Diantha K. Woodcox Lena R. Yepez Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital Elaine Renola, Chair Susan Bailey Trisha A. Barita Kathleen M. Bastedo Janis Benton Jeanine Berwanger Pamela Britton Kippy Caraway Ashley Cargle Ashley N. Carner Mary Alys Cherry Peggy Clause Joan P. Culpepper Cronk Barbara Cutsinger Linda S. DeMasie Priscilla Fletcher Janet Greenwood Laurie Hall Ronica Hall Lela A. Hammond Brenda Kennedy Jeri Knapp Kim Krist Jordin N. Kruse Cindy Lewis Lindsey Little Debra D. Mansfield Joan McKinney Monica Millican Sandra Mossman Kim Noto

Diane J. Overman Jenee Pulliam Becky Reitz Denise M. Savrick Mary Ann Shallberg Margaret Sucre-Vail Cathy Supak Jane Sweeney Dianne T. Vega-Flecklin Diane Vest Royce Walker Judge Holly T. Williamson Patricia P. Wilson, PhD Gaynell N. Wylie Rosanne L. Zarcaro Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Elizabeth P. Butler, Chair Iman Ali Waynette Brunkhorst Yolanda Celestine Nasheel Dodhiya Mary Favre Star S. Edwards Hand Lynn C. Hewitt Rajni Jain Nancy Nunnery Alicia G. Scala Kavita Self Patricia Somers Sutapa Sur Terryl Troyer Sandra O. Varghese Katherine E. Walsh, PhD Jessica Williams Houston Methodist West Hospital Neice Lang, Chair Joni E. Baird Sandra P. Bretting Laura A. Espinosa Tamara Fugate Sandra Hernandez Cheryl Hollabaugh Linda Jenkins Margaret Laney Jeanette Lazarofsky Carol R. Levin Kay W. Mitchel Darshi Shah Janet Theis Melinda S. Vanzant May Wang Portia S. Willis As of 4.4.24

Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation 59

FROM THE CHAIR

Thanks to you, we had another successful year.

Because of generous benefactors, nearly $92 million was raised in 2023. You have read many of those benefactors’ stories, but there are three that merit special attention.

A transformational gift from the Jerold B. Katz Foundation will allow us to add four new members to the Katz Academy of Translational Research, bringing the number of Katz Investigators to an even dozen. The Katz family is the largest benefactor to the Houston Methodist Academic Institute to date, and we are most grateful for their latest investment in keeping us on the forefront of the future of medicine.

This year will see the launch of The Bookout Center for Medical Innovation, Technology, Research and Education.

The Bookout Center was established thanks to a transformational 2023 gift from Ann and John F. Bookout III and brings the Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation and Education (MITIESM) and the Houston Methodist Institute for Robotics, Imaging and Navigation (MIRIN) under one umbrella. The Bookout Center will serve as a leading research and training facility, integrating the use of robotics, imaging, virtual reality and artificial intelligence.

Both Evan H. Katz and John F. Bookout III serve on the Houston Methodist Academic Institute Board of Directors. We are blessed to benefit not only from their generous philanthropy but also their wisdom and leadership.

And a significant gift from The John M. O’Quinn Foundation adds two endowed positions and a fellowship to the fight against neurodegenerative diseases. It also catalyzes The John M. O’Quinn Foundation Neurodegenerative Disorders Laboratory, through which an interdisciplinary team of neurologists and neuroscientists in the Houston Methodist Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology can further advance study of these illnesses.

As you’ve read these pages, you’ve learned of other benefactors who have established endowed positions, created targeted research funds and made legacy gifts to support Houston Methodist for generations to come. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can help the No. 1 hospital in Texas improve patient care, save lives and help cure diseases, kindly let us know. We would love to enlist you in our effort to continue leading medicine.

JOHN W. JOHNSON

CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS HOUSTON METHODIST HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

CREDITS

President and CEO, Houston Methodist Hospital Foundation: Flynn Andrizzi, PhD Editorial Director: Shawn Gustafson | Associate Editor: Margaret Sherry Managing Publisher: Marjorie Gonzalez | Editorial Assistants: Stacy Jones, Veronica Vazquez Writers: Catherine Arnold, Catherine Gillespie, Luanne Jorewicz, Marc Levinson, Michelle Morris Creative Director: Karen Holland | Photographers: Robert Seale, Terry Vine | Illustrator: Aad Goudappel

60 Letter From the Chair

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Houston, Texas Permit No. 2034

1707 Sunset Boulevard Houston, Texas 77005 832.667.5816

2023FDN-Magazine