Staff Shout-Outs

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During our winter storm, The

KIM CORDER,

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

STAFF SHOUT-OUTS

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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

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

“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 recognizeIAN 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

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

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

“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!

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