- SPECIAL EDITION -
NURSES' WEEK AND HOSPITAL WEEK
METHODIST
MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE 2021
CRITICALLY-ILL MOTHER MEETS BABY for the First
Time Five Weeks After Giving Birth
Heart-warming Stories from the WINTER STORM
Practicing Mindfulness to Manage Stress
CONTENTS 3
Leadership and Development Opportunities
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Staff Shout-Outs
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Guest Columnists: Dean Gunning, RN and Melinda Urdiales, RN
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Mental Wellness Tips: Practicing Mindfulness
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Healthy Recipes from Chef Mark
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Patient Stories Holocaust Survivor Continues to Share Her Story Thanks to Caring Staff One Year after Leaving the Hospital, COVID-19 Patient Returns with Tacos and a Grateful Heart Critically-Ill Mother Meets Baby for the First Time Five Weeks After Giving Birth
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Dynamic Nursing Duo Crosses State Lines to Bring Expertise and Hometown Care Abroad Free Program Teaches Teens How to Cope with Stress and Aims to Reduce Stigma of Mental Health Topics Is There a Doctor in the House? Four Generations Have Answered the Call
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Winter Storm Moments
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Leaders With a Servant Heart
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Nurses' Week and Hospital Week: Paying Tribute to the Heroes of Our Hospitals
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Growth and Development
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Firsts, Milestones and Awards
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Methodist Moment: An Open Heart Connection
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EDITOR Cheri Love-Moceri Director of Coporate Communications
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Breeden Communications Manager Methodist Hospital | Texsan and Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant Morgan Downing-Shannon Communications Manager Methodist Children’s Hospital Melissa Geedman Communications Manager Methodist Hospital Lauren McCormick Communications Manager Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan and Methodist Hospital | South Emily McLoughlin Communications Manager Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak and Methodist Hospital | Northeast
LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES RESILIENCE IN LEADERSHIP Aundreia Evans-McClain Leadership Development Training Specialist 2020 was a year coupled with both challenges and unexpected opportunities for leaders and staff in our organization. As we learn how to navigate the new world of work, resilience will remain a top priority. Resilience is our capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. When we build up our resiliency skills, we increase our ability to “spring back” in the midst of rapid changes or challenges which helps us to lead more effectively. One of the ways I like to practice resilience is by taking “brain breaks” when I recognize myself getting easily flustered or distracted. Taking a quick 5-10 minute break helps me to refresh and refocus so I can appropriately respond to all of the things that come my way on a given day. Want to become more resilient, but not sure where to start? Check out our Harvard Spark Resiliency Resources! Here you will find resources such as stress management tips and strategies for self-care. Click here to learn more! Contact us or join us on Facebook for updates: @MHSLOD aundreia.evans@mhshealth.com
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STAFF SHOUT-OUTS
During our winter storm,
KIM CORDER,
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Director of Physician Services in IT, was amazing. Mike Dahlke and I both live in an area that was without power for the better part of four days. She went out on the icy roads and delivered firewood and fire starter logs to me and a camp stove with propane to Mike. She also went and picked up a co-worker’s daughter (whom she had never met previously) and brought her (and her dog) to her house to stay for two days. She was an awesome leader during this really crazy, stressful time. She checked on us and made sure that she did whatever she could to help us all out. I know that she was out in her neighborhood delivering water to people also and had a ‘refugee camp’ in her house. I told her that she is most definitely on my zombie apocalypse team! Award or not, she really went above and beyond for her team!” —Jeanne Lewis Lead Consulting Provider Solutions Specialist HCA Information Technology Group
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The Transplant program at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant would like to recognize the following staff:
EUGENE FERRER AND MELISSA GONZALES
with the Print Center for working so hard to print and deliver all the materials needed for the Transplant Vaccine Clinic. They went above and beyond in providing forms, cards, posters, floor stickers, etc. in a quick timeframe. We were able to vaccinate thousands of our most vulnerable patients against COVID-19 and get it done quickly and efficiently thanks to the Print Center’s partnership.” —Amanda Weichold VP of Transplant Services Methodist Hospital | Specialty Transplant
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I’d like to recognize pediatric occupational therapist,
KEELY SURPRENANT (left)
and pediatric oncology/BMT nurses,
JEFFREY SAUNDERS AND KENSEY DELGADO
(both right) for shaving their heads and raising more than $13,000 for St. Baldrick’s to support childhood cancer research! They were brave enough to do something not many people would do voluntarily to honor and support the little fighters they work with every day.” —Laci Reynolds Director of Rehab Services Methodist Hospital | Methodist Children’s Hospital
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ROLY SANDO
is very frequently mentioned by coworkers when asked ‘who is deserving of recognition?’ His work ethic and skills are exemplary, and he willingly works many extra hours to help ensure that we provide exceptional and timely care. He serves as a role model for all of the I-CARE values: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.” —Todd Cooper Director of Laboratory Methodist Hospital | Northeast
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The work family here at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant would like to recognize the energetic and awesome work of one of our own,
CHI PHU.
From our up-front screener team, to inpatient units, and up through our senior leaders, his name is widely known. Chi takes care of so many of our beloved patients at the bedside as a patient care technician. His tenacity for learning and ‘caring like family’ makes him an incredible asset to our patients and staff. This past year, Chi has grown in his service to our patients; on the resource team, he assists as a safety attendant, video monitor technician, patient care tech, and his newest accomplishment as an emergency room tech. He is often complimented for his energy, willingness to learn, and his ability to meet patients on their level. A patient recently said, ‘That young man treats me like my grandson, with respect, and you can tell he cares.’ Our Behavioral Health nurses have complimented Chi for his therapeutic approach and respect for all of our mental health patients. Our staffing office often says every unit wants Chi because he is requested frequently. Chi treats all patients and staff with admiration and kindness. He treats everyone like family. We are blessed to have Chi on our team, and he is truly an asset to those we serve. We look forward to his growth in his career.” —Melissa Cantu Director of Nursing Administration & Throughout Methodist Hospital | Specialty Transplant
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Administrative Assistant,
CHRISTINA DONAHUE
supports Methodist Hospital | Texsan’s CEO Scott Rausch and CFO David Heckman. That’s her day job. After the snowstorm that hit Texas, she was called up for duty to support her fellow Texans. Christina Donahue is also an Air Force Reserve Technical Sergeant. In February, FEMA needed help organizing and distributing water, and she was one of five from her unit selected to go to Fort Worth to assist the Texas Task Force. Christina is part of the Air Transportation Unit and is specially trained in driving heavy equipment, like the 10K (lbs) industrial forklift she drove to move water. Over three days, they moved over 100 pallets of water, more than two million pounds, to 37 aircrafts. "Christina is such a valuable member of the team at Texsan, but it makes us so proud to know that she’s also serving her country in a big way," said Scott Rausch, CEO. "She’s passionate about helping people, and I think that’s where her commitment to our country and Texsan comes from." Christina served eight years active duty with the Air Force. She’s been in the reserves for four years. Every year, she takes leave for two weeks of training, and she stands ready to respond during an emergency.” —Scott Rausch CEO Methodist Hospital | Texsan
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There have been many challenges due to COVID-19, but one huge help has been the creation of our Patient Safety Screener team at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan. I’ve been lucky to support these individuals as they’re crucial in setting the tone when anyone enters the hospital. They have the unique opportunity to interact with every person that walks through the door and the ability to impact their initial perception of our hospital. I’d like to specifically recognize
IAN IKAMBA for his exceptional service; he is warm, inviting, and makes everyone who enters our hospital feel at home. Since day one, he has worked hard to connect with our frequent patients and visitors, doctors, nurses, employees, and even vendors that know him by name. Ian is very compassionate; one example is his willingness to go out of his way to help people. Ian got to know a frequent visitor of our hospital and was always there to answer their questions and listen when they wanted someone to talk to. He even bought them a cup of coffee with his own money on several occasions. He did this not because someone asked him to, but because he wanted to be kind; that’s just the type of person he is. Ian is a team player and frequently brings questions and ideas to the table; I appreciate his proactiveness and drive to integrate screeners with all hospital departments to improve the patient and visitor experience. He ensures he does everything he can to communicate with departments on changes or needs from the screener stations, which is truly helpful. Ian was also a key team player during the winter storm; he spent the night at the hospital to ensure he was there for his shift. I can also count on Ian for creative ideas, which makes the day fun. He will ask about decorating the main entrance and gives 110% if there is an opportunity to dress in theme. Although this might seem small, gestures like this show how Ian adds to our hospital’s culture and makes people feel welcome. Ian is working towards finishing his Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. He chose to join our screener program to understand what it’s like to be on the front lines. I know his curiosity and care for others will take him far as a future healthcare administrator. Thank you for all that you do, Ian. You are truly an example of our mission and a leader.” —Emily Gerwels Assistant Administrator, Co-Ethics and Compliance Officer Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan
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Dr. Thangudu and I wanted to recognize
MARIAH MADISON, RN,
on 5 North on a great catch. Their patient was S/P total thyroidectomy and had developed a large hematoma to his neck shortly after coughing. Nurse Mariah called a code blue instead of an RRT, even though the patient had not lost his airway and still had a pulse. This was a GREAT CALL as the potential for lost airway was very high in this situation. Because Mariah called a code blue the patient was able to have fast and efficient response from the RRT nurse, Dr. Thangudu, RT, ER staff and physician, and MSICU RN. We also wanted to recognize the amazing teamwork everyone did in maintaining the patient's airway, initiating and starting emergent blood transfusion, keeping the patient calm, and taking the patient immediately to the PACU and OR. It took 26 MINUTES from the start of the code to landing the patient in OR. WOW!! —Lori Townsend Chief Nursing Officer Methodist Hospital
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Transporting much-needed water bottles to our hospitals was absolutely crucial during the storm. Despite the historic weather conditions,
MICHAEL SCHAEFER
Division Director of Support Services, took it upon himself to deliver the water. Ultimately, his vehicle became stuck on a steep hill, dangerously sliding in ice. After thankfully coming to a stop, Michael walked more than 5 miles in the storm to get home. On the way, he spotted an ambulance that was also stuck and helped push it until it was freed. Like many in Methodist Healthcare, he put others first and brought new meaning to “Support Services”. —Palmira Arellano Vice President of Communication and Community Affairs Methodist Healthcare
STAFF SHOUT-OUTS
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MARY HASLER
is a great respiratory therapist with many years of experience. She strives to make a difference and positively impact all the people she encounters, whether patients or healthcare providers. Mary has a Godgiven ability to take care of others and work through difficult situations. This past year was a challenging year for all healthcare workers, especially for respiratory therapists who faced the most difficult times in their careers. Throughout these challenging times, Mary always kept a positive attitude. She encouraged everyone by taking time to talk to them and make them feel important. She frequently worked extra hours to ensure we had enough coverage to take care of our patients safely. She is always looking for opportunities to improve our department. In Mary’s own words, she is here ‘Stamping out diseases and saving lives!’ She is a true inspiration to our department.” —Ben Castruita Director of Respiratory Therapy Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan
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MARY ALICE GARCIA
is an extraordinary team member who performs echocardiography at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Cardiac Imaging Center. She is consistently recognized for her empathetic care, compassionate service, and expertise in performing echocardiographic exams. She is a long-tenured team member who is devoted to the Methodist mission and is passionate to improve cardiovascular wellness in our community. She is truly a life saver.” —Austen Holton, MBA, R.T.(R)(CT) Director of Diagnostic Imaging Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak
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FRANCES SOWARD
has provided an amazing 31 years of service to her community! Always the patient advocate, her compassion and perseverance are the basis of our I-C.A.R.E. values. She has been at the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19 in the Methodist Hospital | South ICU and has continued to give her special touch that makes so many of her patients remember her. When speaking with her peers, they say, ‘Frances is the best preceptor because she teaches nurses how to do it the right way.’ Her commitment to our patients is shown time and again, and she is always willing to help her team. From her Methodist South family, we would like to thank her for all she does. There are countless lives that her healing hands have touched.” —David Long Director of Emergency Services Methodist Hospital | South
PEER PRAISE Want to recognize a peer? Please email us at MethodistCommunications@MHSHealth.com and tell us about your co-worker! Spring Issue 2021 | 7
GUEST COLUMNIST DEAN GUNNING, RN IV
ICU Night Shift Charge Nurse Methodist Hospital | Texsan
“It’s been over one year since the first patient with COVID-19 came to Texsan. It’s been a year filled with so many changes and challenges for everyone, but especially for the nurses taking care of patients with COVID-19. I really believe my time in the military helped prepare me to get through this incredible time, and I am grateful for the life experiences I’ve had that helped me care for my patients and my work family.
I served 20 years in the Air Force, including a year in Desert Storm. The military teaches you how to manage stress. I believe the key to that is the culture and structure it provides. The military is a big family that respects each other and takes care of each other. That’s how it feels at Texsan. I’ve worked here for 17 years, and we probably spend more time with our work family than our actual family. We make it a point to ask how each other is doing and pay attention when someone isn’t doing ok. We know when something is wrong, and we try to see if there is something we can do to help. It makes a difference knowing that we have each other’s back.
Within a few weeks of the start of the pandemic, we converted at least half of the ICU to a COVID unit.
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It was stressful at first, because we didn’t know what to expect. The PPE protocols were very strict, and we had to watch each other with a checklist to make sure we didn’t skip a step. Now we aren’t scared of it. We know exactly how to put on the PPE and take it off without the checklist. We’ve gotten more comfortable with the procedures. Then we had to evolve how we cared for patients with COVID-19 who couldn’t have any visitors. We spend a lot more time with our patients now than ever before because they don’t have anyone else to be with them. We are helping patients FaceTime with their families. We are trying to keep their family members updated over the phone and to give them hope. It’s tougher because a lot of family members are stressed out that they can’t be there. People get more agitated over the phone, and it is harder to calm them down than when they are here in person. It’s harder to give them peace of mind over the phone.
It does get tiresome. The workload is harder, and the staff is more stressed out. But at the end of the shift, you have to put work behind you and enjoy your family, get out and do something that you enjoy doing. For me, that’s hanging out with my little grandson – he’s my little buddy. We go outside and do some gardening and play. We are teaching him some exercises and that’s pretty funny. Watching a three-year-old learn to do jumping jacks will definitely put a smile on your face.
I’m definitely proud of our team and how we have managed to care for our patients and their families during such a difficult year. I hope we can all lean on our Methodist family to continue caring for our patients and each other.” Spring Issue 2021 | 9
GUEST COLUMNIST BELINDA URDIALES, RN
ER Registered Nurse Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan
“Driving to work one day, I saw a billboard that read, ‘What inspires you?’ My immediate thought was courage. I wondered if my quick response was because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I knew it had to be something deeper. So, I began my personal reasoning processes—why courage? I took a long, introspective look to see where courage came from. The Merriam-Webster defines ‘courage’ as mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. From this list, the word ‘strength’ stood out.
From this, I debated that if courage derived from strength, then, where exactly do we get strength? For me, this was an easy answer—trust. My investigation into trust began more than a decade ago. The memory of it remains seared in my mind but actually closer to my heart. He was 22-years old, and I was 2 months into my emergency nursing career. Shift report stated that he was simply staying over in our emergency department until an ICU bed became available. From across the unit, I could see he was sleeping. I walked over to his bedside that cold, sunny morning with a fresh warm blanket in hand and began to greet him in my usual manner. ‘Good morning, my name is…’ but before I was able to finish my introduction, he rolled onto his back and smiled. His smile stopped me from what I was doing.
In helpless astonishment, I marveled at the sincerity, and warmth that had permeated from his smile. I had seen that same trusting smile on my own children many times over as I had awakened them from sleep on many mornings. I could not help myself from smiling in return. The words of a previous nursing instructor echoed in my mind; there is no other profession that will allow an individual to give a total stranger complete trust with their lives. You must respect that. My patient’s eyes never
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opened that fateful morning: he simply rolled over, arched his back, with arms stretching wide, and cheerfully muttered, ‘good morning.’ He seemed to have quickly fallen back to sleep. His smile was gone. I called out his name with no response. I forcefully rubbed on his sternum calling out his name a little louder this time. Again, no response. He was no longer breathing. I called out for help as I desperately tried to palpate a pulse. No pulse. I reached for the code blue button on a nearby wall, and within minutes the ER physician was at bedside asking loudly, 'why aren’t you ambuing the patient?' I stifled my tears and insecurities as I tried to stay focused on performing procedures that needed priority in that moment. The E.D. Team on duty that morning were at my side long before the physician had been but had gone unnoticed.
inadequate as my early days of nursing school. Unfortunately, my 22-year-old did not survive. The charge nurse pulled me aside and reassured me that I had done everything I could. This was the moment I understood and appreciated just how precious the profession of nursing truly is.
Since that fateful day, over 20 years ago, many surveys have proven nursing as the most trusted of all professions.
They had already sensed my overwhelming anxiety when they heard me frantically calling out my patient’s name. They worked together quickly, efficiently and effortlessly, picking up from where I had lagged and faltered. Textbook cases are never examples of real-life scenarios.
As a healthcare team, we are daily witnesses to this trust. We see it on the smiles of first time parents in L/D, even to the stifled but appreciative tears generated by family members who know we have done our best in our ICUs and EDs.
During my orientation, I had seen many codes in our ED before, but this was different. He was my patient. I couldn’t stop feeling as
Trust brings out courage, which ultimately brings out courageous love. Courageous love is the ability to lay down one’s life for the sake of another. This is what nurses do the moment we clock in for what we think of as “just another workday.” We leave behind our lives for 8-12 hours for the sake of others. Trust in each other; trust in ourselves—this is my daily inspiration."
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MENTAL WELLNESS TIPS: PRACTICING MINDFULNESS TO MANAGE STRESS JOE AVERA, PHD
Licensed Professional Counselor Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant A crisis situation on a unit can raise stress levels dramatically. Sometimes those crisis moments at work can cause you to feel anxious, scared, or even angry. We often think there’s something wrong if we have these feelings, but you know what? It’s okay to have those feelings. Our feelings are natural reactions to life situations. It’s also important to be able to recognize that while the situation needs to be dealt with in the moment, it’s going to change in the next few minutes or hour. Our feelings and emotions are also going to change. When we are not being mindful and/or being present in the moment, we can get caught up worrying about the outcome. How do I deal with the parent of an adult patient whose constant questions, suggestions and interruptions are interfering with my ability to provide the best level of care? I may be frustrated with them, but if I’m paying attention to what is going on, I may recognize that this
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person is scared and concerned for their loved one. We may be familiar with the medical situation, but this person may not know what is happening. This insight may help me feel more compassion and empathy for the parent and help me find a way to reassure them and address their concerns. Healthcare professionals, especially front-line staff, must be mentally present at work to make tough decisions and provide the best care possible. Anxiety, stress and depression can take a toll on each of us and affect those in our care. One of the most effective tools for treating anxiety and depression is mindfulness. Mindfulness is simply the intentional act of paying attention to what is occurring in the present moment with acceptance, and without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help you feel more grounded, reduce anxiety and help you pay attention to what is going on.
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SQUARE BREATHING
Breathe OUT for 4 seconds
SQUARE BREATHING MINDFULNESS: TIPS TO GET STARTED • Put down your phone. • Do not multitask. Do one thing at a time. • Smile. • Ask yourself what you need. • Practice paying attention. One way to do this is to drive a new way to work. It forces you to pay attention. Making that change from autopilot mode can help you get comfortable making changes.
Stop what you are doing. Breathe deeply. Square breathing is a technique of breathing in for four seconds, holding it for four seconds, and then breathing out for four seconds. Repeating that for several minutes will help relax the nervous system. Use your breath to help take control over the situation. Studies show that healthcare workers are at a higher risk of suffering from depression and anxiety. This last year has increased that even more for many of us. We want to make sure you have the tools to manage that stress and the resources to help improve. Please reach out to your leader or HR team if you need help.
Hold for 4 seconds
Hold for 4 seconds
Breathe IN for 4 seconds
A HEALTHY RECIPE FOR THE BUSY HEALTHCARE EMPLOYEE
Have any meal prep tips or recipes to share with your co-workers to help them be healthy and efficient? Send us your ideas at MethodistCommunications@ MHSHealth.com.
MARK MARIN
Executive Chef Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak
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GREEK SALAD WITH CHICKEN Yield: 2 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS: • 2-5oz - chicken breast • 1oz - feta cheese • 1oz - kalamata olives • 1oz - garbanzo beans • 4oz - arugula • 1oz - red onions • 1oz - cherry tomatoes • 1oz - balsamic vinaigrette
DIRECTIONS: Pan sear chicken breast in olive oil with salt and pepper. Cook until temperature reaches 1700F. Combine all salad ingredients in bowl and lightly toss. Place mixture in bowl, top with diced chicken and drizzle with olive oil. Enjoy!
PATIENT STORIES HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR CONTINUES TO SHARE HER STORY THANKS TO CARING STAFF
Rose Williams, 93, is one of few Holocaust survivors still with us today. Until COVID-19 struck our nation, Rose spent much of her time traveling across the country, sharing her inspiring, yet heartbreaking story. On January 10, Rose was taken to Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak after tripping over her oxygen chord and breaking her hip. She had a successful surgery before graduating to Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Rehabilitation Center; however, her journey there was not easy. Rose’s insurance company initally assigned her to a skilled nursing facility. Considering her traumatic past and current health conditions, she and her family had serious concerns. “Being assigned skilled nursing was going to be a death sentence for her,” said Rose’s ad hoc caregiver and dear friend, Becky Hoag. After multiple denials from the insurance company, Methodist staff such as case managers, administrators and other team members, stepped in and fought on Rose’s behalf to admit her to Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Rehabilitation Center. “The people at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak advocated for her,” Becky shared. “From housekeeping to dieticians to nurses to PT to OT and all the way up to the CEO, they made a point to get to know her, and to know her story.” Rose is improving with each day. “I cannot emphasize enough how much they have really helped me,” she said. “They were exceptional. If it weren’t for the rehab, I don’t think I would be in the condition I am in now.” Because of the great lengths this team went to ensuring she got the care she needed, Rose gets to continue telling her story. “There is no way to thank both the hospital staff and rehabilitation people, not just for kindness and compassion, but for the energy and concern they showed her,” Becky commented. “I really don’t think she would be with us today if that didn’t happen.”
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Have a great story to share? We’d love to hear it! Please email us at MethodistCommunications@MHSHealth.com and you may be featured in our next issue!
ONE YEAR AFTER LEAVING THE HOSPITAL, COVID-19 PATIENT RETURNS WITH TACOS AND A GRATEFUL HEART
This letter is dedicated to a group of very special people, ICU nurses and personnel. I say special because I know they are dedicated to their jobs and patients; it is a calling. They put in long hours and during COVID times; they truly give their hearts and souls to their patients. I know my family sent tacos to these wonderful people as they took care of me during my stay in ICU. It was the beginning of COVID and I now realize how busy they were and how many times they only had a brief moment to eat those yummy tacos. Whether they were warm or stone cold, their primary concern was to care for their patients, including me. I cannot stress my gratitude for your dedication and for not giving up on me and other patients during the first wave of COVID. I was blessed to be in your care, and you all were blessed by a strong team of prayer warriors praying for you as well. On the day I was released from rehab, I was interviewed by KSAT news. I told our community that Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak was not only a hospital, but a temple of God. I truly believe this because without your faith, prayer and medicine, I would not be here today to bring you tacos. I thank you from my heart.
JOSE LUÍS (LOUIE) DIAZ-MARISCAL
COVID-19 Survivor at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak
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PATIENT STORIES HAPPILY EVER AFTER – A PATIENT WEDDING AT METHODIST HOSPITAL | METROPOLITAN After 17 years together, Tony and Carol decided to get married at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, where Tony is a patient. At 62 years old, the couple had held off on sharing vows due to Tony’s ongoing health issues, but felt that life is too short to keep waiting.
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“We’ve been looking out for each other for a long time; we wanted to get married and live the rest of our lives the best way we can from here on out,” said Carol. Tony is receiving care for respiratory failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Carol has been by his side through it all. The staff on the third floor helped make the day special by providing cake and decorations; and two staff members even signed as witnesses! Many others watched out in the hallway, and congratulated the pair on their special day. It was truly a special moment for all, and the couple was ecstatic to say, “I do!”
TRUMPET-PLAYING WORLD WAR II VETERAN CONTINUES HIS LOVE FOR MUSIC AFTER HEART PROCEDURE PROLONGS HIS LIFE Lyle Bird (94) vividly recalls the days of riding a motorcycle across the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco, setting up at the Golden Gate Theatre for a full day of shows. Having grown up in a musical family where his mother played the piano daily, Lyle, 15 at the time, played the trumpet in several swing bands during the big band era. When Lyle was 17, his parents agreed to let him join the United States Navy to fight in World War II. Stationed aboard the USS Okanogan, Lyle’s role was a signalman, responsible for communications between ships and shore, though his fondest time spent aboard the ship was playing in the jazz band. Lyle was deployed to Okinawa, Japan, leading to the days when the atomic bomb struck, the beginning of the end of the war. American troops were hauled to Japan, and it was there where Lyle honorably played Taps with his bugle for the
soldiers fighting on the frontline who were buried at sea. Today, Lyle and his wife, Deena, share a life of joy. They have 10 children, 20 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and a social life met with weekly happy hours and musical gatherings. His present day glory is shared with celebrations of his historic past. Lyle is among the 325,000 World War II veterans alive today and has been recognized across many honorary events. He was able to attend the Changing of the Guard in Arlington, and in 2018, Lyle was invited to participate in a wreath presentation at the Pearl Harbor Day event at the World War II Memorial, followed by an Honor Flight from Austin, Texas. Lyle lived a life far beyond many ever experience. Though with age comes some foreseeable health conditions, and just years before marking a century of existence, Lyle was told he had aortic valve stenosis, requiring a heart valve replacement. He underwent a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure at Methodist Hospital. TAVR is a minimally invasive procedure and an effective option to improve quality of life in patients who otherwise have limited choices for repair of their aortic valve. “He had surgery on a Thursday, came home on a Friday with oxygen, and by Sunday I could hear him playing his trumpet again in his studio,” Deena recalls. “I told him, ‘I don’t think you need that oxygen anymore.” Lyle is back to great health and feels better than ever. “Life is good,” he commented. He was excited to get back into the studio doing what he loves – playing his trumpet.
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PATIENT STORIES CRITICALLY-ILL MOTHER MEETS BABY FOR THE FIRST TIME FIVE WEEKS AFTER GIVING BIRTH Cathi Aguilera was 29 weeks pregnant when she was diagnosed with COVID-19 and required life support to survive. Due to her pregnancy, Cathi was at a greater risk of developing severe COVID-19 respiratory complications. She was intubated on a ventilator when her oxygen levels progressively dropped below 60 percent. Her illness advanced rapidly; her lungs had filled with fluid and the effects of the virus caused them to fail. The depletion of her oxygen had become near-fatal and endangered both her life and her baby’s. Simultaneously, Cathi’s care teams worked tirelessly to ensure the first-time mom would live to meet her baby girl. In its rarity, Cathi’s OB, Tiffany Satterfield, MD, emergently performed a C-section in the Lung Rescue ICU, while Jeff DellaVolpe, MD, critical care physician, worked to cannulate Cathi for ECMO, a form of life-support that replaces the function of the lungs and heart for patients with life-threatening illnesses.
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“I remember thinking how much longer? How much longer? The baby isn’t going to be alive,” commented Dr. Satterfield. The moment the baby finally came out, she heard a faint noise. “My God, she’s alive.” The neonatal team stabilized the newborn while Dr. Satterfield stitched Cathi. Baby Raya was born at 29 weeks, weighing three pounds and three ounces. Meanwhile, Cathi faced an incredibly strenuous recovery. She remained on ECMO for nearly three months. Her lung function marginally improved, and she was in a sedated coma for several weeks. She remained on life support and was on dialysis to support her kidneys, which had failed. Cathi fell ill to depression, common for patients who have prolonged hospital stays. Her care team recognized a decline in her mental health and her will to fight had been exhausted. Cathi’s care team knew she would not recover in the absence of motivation. The lung rescue
FUN FACTS ABOUT….
THE MEDICAL COURIER TEAM • The team is responsible for transporting just about anything and everything among our nine hospitals, Medical Office Buildings and Free-standing Emergency Rooms. • The team couriers everything from patient specimens and pharmaceuticals to dialysis machines and OR supplies. • Working seven days a week, they processed almost 75,000 tickets last year alone! • The Dispatch Team answered more than 22,000 phone calls with an average answer time of 19 seconds.
team worked together with the NICU team so that Cathi could meet her baby girl in hopes it would encourage her to keep fighting to survive. Cathi met baby Raya five weeks after she delivered. Dr. Satterfield said meeting her baby was Cathi’s turning point in her
recovery, and the fact that they’re both alive is the grace of God. Today, Cathi and baby Raya are comfortably back home. It was the love of being a mother that got Cathi through the scariest moments of her life.
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DYNAMIC NURSING DUO CROSSES STATE LINES TO BRING EXPERTISE AND HOMETOWN CARE ABROAD At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Methodist Hospital nurses, Kirsten Tracy and Megan Madalinski, were among thousands across the United States who stepped up to support the outbreak New York City faced. After two months, the best-friend duo returned to Texas to care for the growing critically ill COVID patient population their hometown of San Antonio was challenged with. Kirsten and Megan, nurses who had previously specialized in surgical progressive care, were now skillful in treating acute patients on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. “It was intimidating at first [treating COVID-19 patients]; we were seeing rapid declines in these patients’ health, requiring ICU level of care,” commented Kirsten. By October, El Paso, Texas experienced a massive outbreak in COVID cases. This time, the uproar was in Kirsten and Megan’s home state. Hospitals were unequipped and understaffed to manage the surplus of patients, and a national emergency response was called in to support. FEMA was en route to send aid, though the exhausted medical staff could only work under demanding conditions for so long without relief. “We had the experience and felt confident taking on COVID, so we volunteered to help our state when they needed it most,” commented Megan. “We felt a calling to go.”
Kirsten and Megan were assigned to Las Palmas Medical Center. As the number of cases increased, the demand for space did too. Kirsten recalls implementing processes for opening units daily. “When we were done opening one unit, we were already looking for future space to open another,” she recalls. “We took a lot of best practices from Methodist Healthcare out there, and they were open to learning and adapting, which was crucial.” When Kirsten and Megan arrived in Las Palmas, only three units were designated to treat COVID-19 patients. Within weeks, nearly every space of the hospital had been converted into an ICU. After two weeks, the nursing duo returned to San Antonio. Reflecting on their experience, Kirsten said, “It was so inspiring to see how well others came together amid a crisis. The camaraderie among everyone was amazing. I’ve never seen so many people come together for one cause.” “We were doing it together,” Megan mentioned. “We couldn’t turn down the opportunity. It was important for us to take a chance and help fellow Texans in need.” Today, Kirsten and Megan have transitioned out of COVID-19 care.
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FREE PROGRAM TEACHES TEENS HOW TO COPE WITH STRESS AND AIMS TO REDUCE STIGMA OF MENTAL HEALTH TOPICS Every three years Methodist Healthcare develops our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) based on the needs we see in our community. One of the five priorities listed in our current CHIP is Behavioral and Mental Well-Being. Health is about more than the physical body. Mental health is related to how people think, feel and act as they cope with life, how they manage stress, relate to others and make choices. Today’s teens face pressures that past generations never experienced. Research shows that 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses develop by age 14, and 75% are developed by age 24. When it comes to adolescents, 1 out of 3 have an anxiety disorder, and they are most likely to turn to peers when faced with stress or emotional challenges.
Students must be better equipped with the coping, communication and self-assessment skills they need to proactively advocate for their own mental health and the mental health of their peers. Mental Wellness Basics is an innovative digital course that arms students with the knowledge and tools to achieve and maintain positive mental health now and in the future. Methodist Healthcare has partnered with HCA to offer a Mental Wellness Basics curriculum at no cost to schools and students across San Antonio and Atascosa County. The program is administered by EVERFI, an international technology company driving social change through education, has already reached over 390,000 students since it started in 2018. The program includes four courses that are geared towards grades 8-10 and highlight the following areas: • Reduce stigma: By normalizing mental health and illness, individuals are more likely to tell others when they have concerns and are more likely to seek treatment. • Increase knowledge and awareness: Learners are equipped with up-to-date facts on mental health disorders, symptoms and treatments. • Encourage action: Establishing effective coping strategies. • Empower students to be advocates: Seeking help from others and supporting friends in need.
Is there a middle school or high school child in your life that you would like to have access to this program that is offered for free by your employer? Email us at MethodistCommunications@ MHSHealth.com so we can reach out to get their school signed up.
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IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE? FOUR GENERATIONS HAVE ANSWERED THE CALL
For the Rogers family, the answer is always “yes,” and it has been for four generations. In honor of National Doctors’ Day, March 30, we wanted to highlight the Rogers family of Doctors, where two currently serve at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan and provide exceptional care to their patients. It started with Randall’s grandfather, Albert Lewis Lanning, in 1895, a general practitioner in Castroville. The family moved to San Antonio, where his son, Albert, was adopted by Edgar Rogers in the early 1930s. Albert Rogers graduated from Central Catholic High School and then St. Mary’s University. He received his medical degree from Baylor Medical School in Dallas and interned at the Robert B. Green Hospital. “He was a dedicated physician who in his early years performed surgery and obstetrics and even administered anesthesia to the patients of his colleagues,” said his son, Randall Rogers, M.D. “He was a devoted physician with a strong work ethic.” Dr. Albert Rogers had his private practice at the Nix and then continued at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan as a family practitioner for 40 years and served as chief of staff. He practiced for a total of 67 years, passing away at age 94 in 2009. The strong work ethic and commitment to medicine continued with Dr. Randall Rogers, who practices colon and rectal surgery at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan and served as chief of staff in 2006. He also has served as president of the Texas Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. 24 | Methodist Magazine
Every $1 donated equals seven servings of cereal.
METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IS EXCITED TO HOST THE VIRTUAL ROWAN WINDHAM MEMORIAL CEREAL DRIVE. Let’s put an end to childhood hunger in our community!
Randall, 70, said that he knew that his dad expected him to be a physician. “Though I had several different jobs during college, I really did not consider any profession other than medicine,” he said. The two of them practiced together for many years, which he says brought them closer as father and son. The family legacy continued when Matthew, Randall’s son, decided to become a doctor. Matthew, 37, said his dad did not pressure him. “The medical field has changed a lot,” said Randall. “It is much more competitive. Students start worrying about test scores much earlier. The medical schools require more, too—excellent grades and community service. It takes a lot of determination to be a physician today.” Matthew said medicine was a career that appealed to him. He has been with Urology San Antonio for five years. Specializing in urologic cancers, kidney stones, and robotic surgery, Matthew said he likes the mix of surgery and office-based practice.
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year-old daughter, and three-year-old son. “We want to let them do what they want to do when the time comes to pursue a career,” he said. “But who knows, maybe there’s a fifth generation of doctors in the family.” Greg Seiler, CEO at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, said he is proud that the hospital has been part of the Rogers family legacy. “Through four generations, the Rogers family continues to embody an outstanding commitment to patients and health care excellence. We are so pleased to have this talented family as part of the Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan team. It is physicians like these who enable us to meet the health care needs of our community with our high standard of quality care.”
The offices of Drs. Randall Rogers and Matthew Rogers are just three steps from each other— same building, same floor—in the Metropolitan Professional Building, across McCullough Avenue from Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan. In fact, Randall is still using the same suite and desk his father used. Their specialties allow them to consult with each other on cases and also refer patients. “When we consult, the teaching goes both ways,” said Randall. Matthew agrees. “We have surgery on the same days and see a lot of each other,” he said. They also enjoy hunting and fishing together, along with other members of the family. Matthew and his wife are parents of a six-year-old son, five-
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WINTER STORM MOMENTS Amid the harsh winter storm that struck Texas in February, members of the San Antonio Jeep Club and other vehicle alliances stepped up to help Methodist Hospital employees safely get to work. Equipped with vehicles and experience designed to handle difficult off-road conditions, the Jeep Club was able to provide over 150 employees commutes to and from work. Staff acknowledged the club members’ community stewardship with a recognition reunion.
Methodist Children’s Hospital certified Child Life Specialists, Charlesy Crocker, Lauren Owen-Ramirez, Caroline Wilson and Jenna Painter set out to make sure the children were able to play in the snow from their hospital rooms. They filled dozens of tubs full of snow. Although it was a race to make it from the parking lot, up the elevators, to the patient rooms before the snow began to melt, the pressure was worth it after seeing the eyes of each child light up. For some children, this was the first time they had seen snow in person, making it even more special to be able to provide such a memorable experience!
Evelyn Luna, Chris Dunbar, Melissa Weinman and Jennifer Powell warmed up hands and employee hearts with hot chocolate at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak!
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“This year’s Winter storm was one to remember. We couldn’t have made it through without exceptional staff like EVS Lead, Abraham Dennis. Abraham volunteered to go out and pick up his colleagues that couldn’t make it to work because of the road conditions. He even helped get his director’s truck free after getting stuck on the side of the road. When the trash service wasn’t able to make their pick-ups, Abraham personally transported the excess trash across the parking lot to help clear the loading dock. Abraham spent every night that week in the hospital to ensure he would be available for anything his team might need. The best part, he did it all with a big smile and an unwavering willingness to help. Abraham is such a valuable part of our EVS and Methodist Hospital | Northeast family.”
Methodist Hospital | Texsan CFO, David Heckman, helped set up air mattresses in the MOB for staff spending the night in the hospital.
Alice Ziegenfuss, Nursing Support, and Kate Cherubin, Director of Telemetry spread the love and warmth on the cold days by making valentine cards for all the patients at Methodist Hospital | Northeast.
Peter Moreno, North Campus FNS Supervisor at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak, treated the rehab team like royalty as they make MHSORC their home away from home for the night. Spring Issue 2021 | 27
WINTER STORM MOMENTS "My team worked 24-hour shifts, staying overnight and alternating days driving back and forth through the weather. They operationalized a backfill of a DA tank to get water from tanks and the fire department through the building to heat it. They managed multiple sprinkler line ruptures and the associated floods. They also managed multiple fire alarms due to loss of water pressure, our fire pump, and two steam leaks. They sacrificed their time with their families and the multiple personal power losses, water losses, etc. to be there for our patients and the community.”
EVS and CVTS employees at Methodist Hospital | Northeast bring snacks to all the employees working long hours.
Ronni Bishop Director of Facilities Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak
Caption applies to both photos above: The wonderful care team in the Transplant Unit stayed night and day for a week to care for transplant patients at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant.
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EVS Aide Luis Gomez, and Meli White, RN, venture out into the snow at Methodist Hospital | South.
Employees line up for the River City Produce popup market at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan that was quickly set up for our employees to have access to purchase fresh produce and essential food items.
Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan’s ER team showed true resilience throughout the challenges that the weather brought including serving a record number volume.
Keri McGinnis, RN, from the Methodist Hospital CATH Lab Call Team, helped inflate air mattresses and assemble cots in the John Hornbeak building so staff could have a place to sleep.
ICU Charge Nurse, Allisyn Narro, was one of the major reasons the ICU at Methodist Hospital | Northeast was successful during the crazy SNOVID 2021 week. She worked every single day of that week, pulling 14+ hour shifts while waiting for oncoming RNs to safely arrive. Not only was she willing to come in and take care of the patients when the snowstorm hit, but took care of her co-workers as well. She showed up with a car full of groceries for the staff and toiletries for the nurses staying at the hospital. She also covered shifts for her co-workers who could not make it in because of weather. She kept morale up and made sure every single patient and nurse had what they needed during that difficult time.
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LEADERS WITH A SERVANT HEART Chadi Awad, CNO at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, picked up ICU Nurse, Margie Lopez, for work so she could make it in safely.
Methodist Hospital CEO, Dan Miller, also picked up NICU nurse, Katarina Hodde, from her home to take her to work.
Texsan CNO, Amanda Wood, and ED leaders Stephen Gudowski, RN, ED Director Michael Brewbaker, and Sabrina “Breezy” Wimsatt, RN came in during the snow storm to help prepare and serve meals to staff. 30 | Methodist Magazine
Greg Seiler, CEO at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan helped LAZ employees Michael Alarcon and Sergio Gonzales, shovel snow on the sidewalks around campus.
Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan COO, Alex Romero, cooked breakfast when the cooks couldn’t make it in.
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NURSES' WEEK AND HOSPITAL WEEK: PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE HEROES OF OUR HOSPITALS NOEL HAMILTON, ORTHO/NEURO RN, is an exceptional nurse at Methodist Hospital | Northeast. A patient on the unit since March 10 had COVID in January and was found to have a left lower extremity thrombus. He was started on anticoagulation at that time, but returned in February for severe leg pain. He had severe thrombus of his arteries, which developed ischemia, and he unfortunately had to have an above-the-knee amputation. He was discharged to Rehab, where his wound dehisced and was readmitted to inpatient for a debridement and wound vac placement.
The patient was uninsured and needed a wheelchair to regain his feeling of independence. Despite case management efforts, we were unsuccessful in getting the patient one. Noel, who has taken care of Mr. Emerson several times during his stay with us, reached out to his church and was able to obtain a brand new wheelchair for the patient through donation. As you can imagine, the patient was beyond happy that he could now move around outside of his room and feel some independence that he once lost.
It was a life-changing mission; not only for Methodist Children’s Heart Institute’s lead pediatric cardiovascular interventional specialist,
JACOB SHOOPMAN, R.T.(R)(VI) but also for the children he helped treat in Tanzania. “These children are dealt a bad hand in life and we’re here to slip an extra ace under their sleeves to give them the chance to live a normal life without health restrictions,” Shoopman said. In March, Shoopman joined pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Mary Porisch, on a mission trip with the faith-based organization, For Hearts and Souls. “As the only nonphysician in the group, I was honored to be invited,” Shoopman said. Shoopman and Dr. Porisch were there to help establish One New 32 | Methodist Magazine
Heart, a program that performs pediatric cardiac procedures in the country’s capital of Dodoma. One New Heart is now only the second such center in the country of 60 million people, and the first not requiring private insurance or funding. During the trip, Shoopman trained and educated staff, as well as advised and assisted during pediatric catheterization procedures. Shoopman and Dr. Porisch reached a major milestone by completing the country’s first two patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure procedures. “A PDA closure is a common or accessible procedure in the United States. So, hearing that only two were done [in Tanzania] might seem very underwhelming to Americans, but for Tanzanians, this was years in the making,” Shoopman said. “The hospital’s doctors and staff erupted into cheers when we completed the first procedure. It was incredible.” This was Shoopman's first mission trip, and he hopes it will not be his last. For him, the experience reinforced that he is doing what he has been called to do. “Being able to see the kids the next day in recovery doing well and being given a new chance in life—that will be something I will always carry with me.”
DR. PHOEBE KING is the Clinical Chief of Internal Medicine and Critical Care at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant. Dr. Phoebe King was named Physician of the Quarter earlier this year for her outstanding medical contributions at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant. Dr. King has led the charge against COVID-19, helping care for our most critical patients. She is passionate about patient care and promotes teamwork among the different departments.
MARIA CUEVAS QUINTANA was speaking with the family member of one of our Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak ER patients, and they connected because they both spoke Spanish. She could have just pointed to the patient where the cafeteria was, but she actually took the time to walk the patient there. Knowing the family member had a long day, Maria also waited for the patient to choose her meal and paid for it. Anyone can point you to where you need to go, but she did more.
When
CHRISTIAN REYES brought the tray with two ice creams to his ICU patient at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak, he said “I see you kind of like ice cream.” They started talking, and knowing he was declining, the patient shared that he really wanted a banana split as his last treat. Christian told
RUTH EANES-ALONZO the patient advocate, and they decided to make him a banana split. The patient passed that night. Because of that connection, we were able to fulfill a wish for someone. Christian and Ruth went above and beyond by ensuring they listened to the patient and connected with him on a personal level. They could easily drop the tray and be done with that. They weren’t just treating the patient as a patient – they were treating him like a human.
Meet one of our special Blue Bird volunteers,
BECKY GRAHAM. She has been a volunteer at Methodist Hospital for almost nine years and has accumulated over 5,000 hours. In addition to helping visitors and staff in our Surgery Waiting Room, Becky also answers phones in Patient Transport. She has served on a number of committees on the Blue Bird Auxiliary Board, which is important to keep our busy non-profit successful. We can always count on Becky to jump in to help with special projects, even during the challenging time with COVID. We are so appreciative of Becky’s big contribution all these years. Spring Issue 2021 | 33
HOSPITAL HEROES CONTINUED... DANNY SIERRA, SENIOR IT DIRECTOR In response to new challenges encountered with COVID-19, Methodist Hospital was faced with trying to enable a way for caregivers to interact with patients without being in direct contact with them. The need to preserve PPE wisely was an immediate goal, as well as reducing exposure to caregivers. The IT group responded by purchasing iPads around town, where available, and figuring out how to attach them to rolling stands, and later IV poles. We had to get very creative in making this work using spare parts and items not intended for this purpose. The initial iPads went to our EDs to enable our providers to interact with patients before being admitted and potentially exposing others. We took that same idea and
extended it into the in-patient setting, giving our providers a way to remote into iPads placed into patient rooms so they could meet without having to enter the room. We then furthered that opportunity by enabling iPads to be used by patients to video call family and friends whom they could not see in person. We ultimately rolled out 80 iPads to support our COVID units and several other iPads to help support outpatient units in connecting with their patient population. We effectively maintained an iPad factory in Sub-level 1 that took many hands and nights to put together but helped creatively meet the new demands presented by this pandemic.
SHAYLA MYERS, PHYSICAL THERAPIST, has been at Methodist Hospital | Texsan for more than nine years. She’s been a physical therapist for 15 years. Her favorite thing about her job is the interaction with patients and helping them take the steps to getting better. She’s also the Rehab Safety Representative and brings her eye for safety to the group. She loves her job and loves being at Texsan!
AUNDREIA MCCLAIN, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TRAINING SPECIALIST, plays an integral role in the development of our future leaders, teaching the necessary skills to succeed. Most recently, she performed a moving rendition of our National Anthem during the Spurs’ Hometown Heroes game, honoring the incredible healthcare heroes who have supported our community.
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Jason Miller and Fresca
Brandon Miller and Chanel
Frankie Trifilio and Lady
METHODIST HEALTHCARE EMS MANAGERS The EMS Relations Managers serve as a hospital liaison with local, regional, and state EMS agencies. As patient advocates, these managers develop and implement business plans to drive service line growth, and improve quality and processes. They are responsible for collaboration across all care settings within the facility as it relates to EMS and disaster preparedness. Our Methodist EMS Relations Managers managed a critical role liaising with the public safety community during the rapidly evolving landscape
COVID-19 presented. Disseminating timesensitive process changes, coordinating patient movement, providing case follow ups, performing early contact tracing, providing for safe and rapid decontamination, responding to inundated health systems and later providing support for several fallen firefighters and the loss of a prominent EMS Medical Director, the EMS Relations Managers exemplified integrity, compassion, respect, and excellence without hesitation.
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL March 13, 2020, Methodist Hospital received its first COVID-19 patient, marking the beginning of a year unlike any other for the facility. Over the next year, Methodist Hospital treated more than 3,500 COVID-19 patients. One year later, on March 13, 2021, Methodist Hospital held a candlelight vigil of remembrance to honor the lives lost to COVID-19. A small gathering of care team members joined in person at the hospital, while additional staff and community members were invited to watch the vigil virtually via Facebook Live. Several family members of Frances Garza, a former patient, spoke at the event, including her daughter Aurora Perkins (left) who expressed her gratitude for the amazing care her mother received throughout her COVID-19 battle.
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GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT METHODIST HOSPITAL | STONE OAK BECOMES AN ADVANCED TRAUMA CENTER The Texas Department of State Health Services recognizes Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak’s significant investments in improving its trauma services by officially designating the hospital as a first-time Level III Advanced Trauma Center. To receive this recognition, the hospital was found to have zero deficiencies in the state’s mandatory survey. According to the state, Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak is the first hospital to rise from a previously undesignated trauma program to a Level III Trauma Center and receive a perfect survey on its first review. Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak’s elite trauma team has expanded to include dedicated trauma surgeons, a nationally-certified trauma program manager and highly skilled
nurses, who are committed to treating traumatic injuries with rapid response and the highest level of care. As a Level III Advanced Trauma Center, the hospital is equipped with cutting-edge technology, dedicated resources and 24/7 trauma surgeon coverage. These specialized surgeons, who are all instructors for the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) program, use their expertise to train nurses and other providers on the most advanced and reliable approaches to caring for critically injured patients.
“I am very excited to be a part of the team bringing advanced trauma care to Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak,” says Jason West, MD, trauma surgeon and trauma medical director. “Our physicians and staff have vigorously trained for this purpose. We look forward to giving residents of Stone Oak and the surrounding areas the opportunity to have their traumatic injuries managed by specialists from research-based institutions working in a private hospital close to their home.” The trauma team closely collaborates with the specialty physicians across Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak’s various service lines to ensure every patient receives the continuity of exceptional care he or she deserves, from trauma care
to orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery to rehabilitation and more. “By bringing this level of trauma care to our community, we no longer have to transfer our patients to other facilities and can instead provide the convenient and life-saving care our community deserves right here in Stone Oak,” says Marc Strode, Chief Executive Officer of Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak. “As we have been pursuing this designation over the past year, it has been outstanding to see everyone come together and work so collaboratively around this patient population. I have tremendous confidence in our team and cohesive approach to provide our patients with exemplary trauma care.”
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METHODIST HOSPITAL | METROPOLITAN RENAMING OF FREE-STANDING ER FURTHERS COMMITMENT TO ALAMO HEIGHTS COMMUNITY Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan announced the renaming of their free-standing emergency room to Methodist ER | Alamo Heights alongside Methodist Healthcare’s opening of a CareNow® Urgent Care Center in Alamo Heights. The hospital recently renamed their freestanding emergency room to better reflect the primary community it cares for, as well as the geographic location of the ER. Formerly known as Methodist Metropolitan Emergency Center at the Quarry, Methodist ER | Alamo Heights is a stand-alone, full-service emergency room located across from the Alamo Quarry Market at 250 East Basse Road.
As a department of Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, the ER has been serving members of the community during emergency situations since 2014 and continues to provide convenient access to acute medical care.
Operated by emergency-trained physicians and staff with extensive emergency treatment experience, the 8,500 sq. ft. clinic features seven private rooms, a lab, imaging services, and access to a vast variety of specialists who practice at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan. The ER is open 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, and operates the same as a hospital emergency department.
Care, located at 5410 Broadway Street (at the corner of Broadway and Austin Highway) for patients experiencing minor illnesses and injuries. CareNow® Urgent Care is part of HCA Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest providers of health care services, and operates more than 150 urgent care locations across the country.
With advanced technology and equipment on-site, they can treat fever, chest pain, abdominal pain, strokes, fractures, lacerations, seizures, trauma, and many other emergency situations, including COVID-19 symptoms. Patients who are considered to be critically ill can be stabilized at the ER and transferred to Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, or another Methodist Healthcare hospital, for continued care.
“The renaming of our ER and the opening of our CareNow® Urgent Care Center demonstrate our commitment to the community of Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, Terrell Hills, Monte Vista, and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Greg Seiler, CEO of Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan. “I myself live in Alamo Heights, and I am very happy that we can provide Methodist-quality emergency and urgent care services to my friends and neighbors.”
To further expand its footprint in the Alamo Heights area, Methodist Healthcare has also opened an urgent care clinic in partnership with CareNow® Urgent
Offering both an ER and an urgent care in Alamo Heights, Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan can better meet the health care needs of the community.
METHODIST HOSPITAL | METROPOLITAN EARNS LEVEL III MATERNAL CARE AND NICU FACILITY DESIGNATIONS
To receive the Level III Maternal Care designation, the hospital demonstrated particular care standards related to the treatment of pregnant and postpartum patients and validated that all quality measures are reviewed regularly, reflecting continuous improvement. To round out a full complement of complex services at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, the NICU program demonstrated performance as a Level III designated facility. A two-day survey of the NICU was conducted to review the hospital's outcomes and quality initiatives, ancillary departments, provider and nursing credentials, and more. The results showed that the hospital has one of the premier NICUs in the state and can provide exceptional care to infants of all gestational ages.
Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan was recently designated as a Level III (Subspecialty Care) Maternal Facility and as a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Facility by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Metropolitan is the only hospital in the city to have a freestanding facility completely dedicated to the health of women and their newborn babies, The Suzell Waller Women's Pavilion.
"Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan is committed to providing exceptional care to the mothers' fragile infants while also keeping the family informed and engaged in their infant's NICU journey," said Sarah Auge, Director of the Neonatal ICU. "Our highly skilled team works together to treat these infants with the most innovative and safest practices. Achieving this recognition shows our outstanding outcomes and reflects the kind of family-centered care we provide to the San Antonio community."
FIRSTS, MILESTONES AND AWARDS
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LEAPFROG HOSPITAL SAFETY GRADE A'S Seven Methodist Healthcare hospitals earned Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade ‘A's’ in the spring of 2021, a national distinction recognizing achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care. Congratulations to all of our hospitals’ incredible efforts to keep our patients safe and especially to Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan for earning their 10th A in a row!
Hospital Safety grades for Spring 2021: 10th A
7th A
Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan
Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant
6th A
4th A
Methodist Hospital | South
Methodist Hospital | Texsan
3rd A
3rd A
Methodist Hospital
Methodist Children’s Hospital
in a row
in a row
in a row
3rd A
in a row
in a row
in a row
in a row
B
Methodist Hospital | Northeast
Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak
Our wonderful partner, Hearts Need Art, recently launched “Gratitude Grams”, a program designed to support healthcare workers through the arts community.
In the Hearts Need Art Gratitude Grams program, medical staff receive a personalized email and video from a musician, artist or writer once a week. Each video includes a message of thanks and an encouraging song, uplifting poem or simple art activity.
After almost a year of fighting COVID-19, burnout among medical staff is on the rise. Burnout can cause healthcare workers to feel hopeless, trapped, helpless, worthless, depressed, sleepless and tired.
After watching their Gratitude Gram, participants report feeling more hopeful, empowered, energized and appreciated. Enroll today at HeartsNeedArt.org/ gratitudegrams.
FIRSTS, MILESTONES AND AWARDS
METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ESTABLISHES THE REGION’S FIRST SENSORY-FRIENDLY ER For a child, a trip to the emergency room can be scary and intimidating. New sights, smells and sounds add to the already delicate situation that brought the child to the hospital in the first place. These stressors are especially difficult for a child with autism spectrum disorder or for a child with a sensory need. This was the case for Sandra Obregon’s son, Ernesto, who has autism. When he was 5-years-old, Ernesto required a trip to a local pediatric emergency room. “I had to explain to the nurse that he had autism, but she still was not able to work with him, and had to restrain him to take his vitals,” Obregon recalled. Her son had eaten berries that were found outside, which caused concern for poisoning. Due to the overstimulation of the environment, Ernesto would not drink the activated charcoal cleanse. “We knew he would not drink it on his own, so they decided to do it through his nose. All I did was sit in a corner and cry while three adults restrained him through this process,” Obregon said. In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Methodist Children’s Hospital is proud to announce it is now the first sensory-friendly pediatric emergency room in the South Texas region.
The sensory-friendly ER program’s goal is to avert and avoid over-stimulation so that the proper treatment can be provided to the patient. "Each child has their own special sensory needs, and when these needs are not met, this can create feelings of frustration for all involved,” said certified Child Life Specialist, Charlesy Crocker. “Kids comply and cope better with medical procedures when these needs are taken into account.”
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Obregon is excited for the safe and calm experience the program will provide children and their loved ones. “We can now go to a setting where we are understood immediately by the medical personnel focus on the ailment or injury, and on the child getting the medical
care they need with less stress for everyone. This is truly life-changing!” Obregon said. It was important to make the new sensoryfriendly emergency room customizable to each patient’s unique need. Methodist Children’s ER staff members only introduce items to the patient’s room or care plan that will be beneficial to him or her. “Our goal is to provide the best practice for all children. One child might seek sensory stimulation, whereas the next child is sensoryavoidant. If we were to fill a room with items that speak to sensory stimulation, this would greatly hinder the sensory avoidant child’s peace of mind and experience,” Crocker said.
Some of the steps taken to implement the new program include: • Establishing sensory-friendly patient rooms throughout the emergency department that have been painted pale blue, which is a calming color • Providing a sensory-trained certified Child Life Specialist in conjunction with a sensory-trained pediatric ER nurse at bedside • Adding a dimmer function to light switches to lower the brightness to the child’s comfort level • Shifting the monitors to ring at the nurse’s station instead of the patient room • Supplying softer gowns, or providing the option of leaving the child in their own clothing
• Designing a menu of more than 20 sensory-friendly items that are customizable for each patient’s specific sensory need, which includes, but is not limited to: » Soothing projectors that project different patterns of light on the ceiling » Noise-reducing headphones » Weighted blankets » Beads » Sensory circles » Fidget spinners » Fiber optic lights » Adopting a “sensory passport” process for future ER visits, which allows staff to pull up the patient’s medical chart and easily identify the child’s sensory needs and tools used from prior visits
If a parent or guardian does not already know that their child has a sensory need, the hospital’s Emergency Room staff is trained to recognize whether a child might benefit from a sensory-friendly room and its offerings. Knowing that the need for th s type of care is great, the hospital hopes to expand this program to its freestanding emergency rooms and establish sensory-friendly patient rooms throughout Methodist Children’s Hospital in the near future.
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FIRSTS, MILESTONES AND AWARDS SAN ANTONIO VOTES METHODIST HOSPITAL | NORTHEAST “BEST HOSPITAL” FOR THE 2021 YOURSA READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS Methodist Hospital | Northeast was voted as “Best Hospital” for the 2021 YourSA Readers’ Choice Awards. We are committed to upholding our mission of “Serving humanity to honor God by providing exceptional and cost-effective health care accessible to all.” We credit this award to not only our courageous, compassionate and resilient team, but also our community, who has continued to trust us to provide exceptional health care. With every challenge we have faced over the last year, our community has proven its invaluable support.
Methodist Hospital | Northeast is focused on ways to meet the growing needs of the northeast Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties. Over the last few years, we have invested over 100 million dollars in growth initiatives.
To name a few, we recently expanded our emergency room and are currently adding two new floors with 60 private inpatient beds to meet the demand for care. We also have three new neighborhood freestanding emergency rooms: Methodist ER | Converse (now open), Methodist ER | Nacogdoches (now open) and Methodist ER | Kitty Hawk (opening summer 2021). These locations give more families access to safe emergency care that is close to home. From advanced cardiovascular and neurosurgical care to orthopedic and joint replacement surgeries, Methodist Hospital | Northeast is committed to providing compassionate and life-saving care.
The American College of Cardiology has recognized Methodist Hospital | Texsan for its demonstrated commitment to comprehensive, high-quality cardiovascular care. Methodist Hospital | Texsan was awarded the HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence designation based on meeting accreditation criteria, and through ongoing performance registry reporting. Texsan previously earned HeartCARE Center designations in 2019 and 2020.
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METHODIST HOSPITAL OFFERS REVOLUTIONIZED TREATMENT FOR PROSTATE CANCER, REDUCING SIDE-EFFECTS AND DAMAGE TO QUALITY OF LIFE
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. Customary prostate cancer therapies include surgery and abrasive radiation treatment, often presenting significant side effects and major impacts on a patient’s quality of life. Now, Methodist Hospital offers a revolutionized incision-free and customizable solution for men diagnosed with low-to intermediate-risk prostate disease.
and provide constant feedback during the procedure in order to minimize damage to surrounding tissue and organs. The MR images and the customized procedure plan enables the physician to draw out boundary lines, while avoiding important nerve bundles and critical structures around the prostate; this reduces the risk of side effects and preserves the patient’s natural functions.
Methodist Hospital is first in South Texas, and second in the state, to perform its first MRIguided transurethral ultrasound ablation, a radiation-free procedure used to treat prostate disease. Naveen Kella, MD, urologist, performed the first procedure on Monday, April 5, 2021.
The MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation procedure is not a one-size-fitsall therapy; it is a minimally-invasive and customizable procedure personalized to meet the patient’s unique anatomy and tissue. Patients no longer have to commit to several visits to treat their cancer; this out-patient treatment is performed in a single session and takes a few hours, meaning patients spend less time in the hospital and more time living their lives.
The system is connected to the MRI machine, which allows the physician to use highprecision MR imaging to determine the areas of the prostate that will be ablated. A temperature algorithm helps control
METHODIST MOMENT: AN OPEN HEART CONNECTION “Her personality calmed my nerves. Just seeing her face gave me joy,” said Mark Poynter, patient at Methodist Hospital | Texsan. Nurses go above and beyond every single day – giving a piece of themselves to their patients. Emily Turner, RN at Methodist Hospital | Texsan, shared her personal health journey to connect with a patient in need of someone who really understood what he was going through. Mark suffered a heart attack just before Valentine’s Day. He was transferred to Methodist Hospital | Texsan for open heart surgery. His procedure was rescheduled when
the winter storm hit San Antonio, and then the blood donation shortage caused a delay. That extra time in the hospital with limited visitors had Mark really worked up. “The night before the surgery, he was upset and crying. I knew he was scared,” said Emily. “I shared with him that I had open heart surgery three years ago while I was in nursing school. I told him exactly what was going to happen.” That connection helped Mark relax. He credits her for giving him courage and helping him survive. “She’s a really good nurse with a good spirit,” said Mark. “She’s like family to me.”
