Methodist Magazine - Summer 2021 Edition

CELEBRATING

LIVES

OF

PURPOSE

METHODIST

MAGAZINE VOL. 3 2021

"What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you."

—Ralph Waldo Emerson

CONTENTS 8 10 12 14 16 17 18

20 22 23

Staff Shout-Outs Guest Columnists: A Letter from Methodist Hospital Women's Specialty Unit

24 26

Behavioral Health: 8 Tips to Manage Your Anxiety

28

Healthy Recipes from Chef Tony

30

Military Rehab: Military Members Recognized in New Rehab Program at Texsan

32

Patient Story Highlights A Special Group of Caregivers Inspires Young Cancer Survivor to Pursue Her Dream Career Department Spotlight Employee Health Employee Undergoes Successful Bariatric Surgery at Specialty and Transplant Showing Pride During Pride Month

Teacher Nine Months in Remission After Undergoing Breakthrough Cancer Therapy

34

Guest Columnists: Kate Kalthoff - The Importance of the Patient Experience

36

Viva Fiesta!

38

Moves Across Methodist

An Unconscious Father Fought COVID-19, Unaware of Admitted Son Rooms Away

40

Dying Mother's Heartbeat Placed in Build-A-Bears

The Butterfly Garden: Remembering Our Pediatric Patients

Growth Across Methodist Healthcare

44

Firsts, Milestones and Awards

47

Upcoming Events

The Power of Prayer

Volume 3 | 3

EDITOR Cheri Love-Moceri Associate Vice President of Communications

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Breeden Communications Manager Methodist Hospital | Texsan and Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant Morgan Shannon Director of Communications Methodist Children’s Hospital Women's Services Melissa Greedman Director of Communications 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

Volume 3 | 5

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D

ear Methodist Healthcare Family,

With COVID-19 spreading throughout our community with alarming speed and intensity, the burden on our employees grows heavier.

Just two months ago we were caring for 36 COVID positive patients. Today we are caring for well over 500, approximately 91% of whom are unvaccinated. One can only imagine how agonizing it must be to run a marathon at a sprinter’s pace when someone keeps moving the finish line.

I know that many of you are frustrated. You’re tired. We’re in the middle of a politically and socially divisive conversation that seems to have no end. It’s exhausting. For many months, we saw the pandemic bring out the best in humanity, but now 20 months in- we sometimes see it bring out the worst. From trying to enforce mask and visitation policies throughout the hospital, to tending to unhappy visitors in ERs bursting at the seams – you’ve probably taken the high road so many times you have a nose bleed.

And sadly, some who require your care mismanage their fear, lashing out with angry words and unkind gestures. Others in our community have become so numb to the daily headlines and statistics, they no longer stop to express appreciation to healthcare workers who have remained on the frontline from day one, still consumed by the struggle with this deadly virus. You don’t get the same recognition you did last year. It seems people have either moved on, or they’re being admitted to the hospital.

Often neither group says thank you.

a sentence or two could possibly go toe-totoe with your experiences. It’s like putting a Band-Aid over a bullet wound. I think this is one of those times, but to say nothing at all feels disrespectful to a group of incredible humans so worthy of being seen. So to that end, I offer this tale of perspective:

When facing the adversity of boiling water, a carrot, an egg, and a ground coffee bean respond quite differently.

The carrot goes in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to boiling water, it softens and becomes weak.

The egg is fragile. Its thin outer shell protects its liquid interior, but after sitting in boiling water, its insides become hardened.

The ground coffee bean…now that is unique. After sitting in boiling water, it changes the water.

You live a life of Divine purpose that can change everything for someone. Despite how your environment may make you feel some days, please know that you are greatly respected and admired.

It’s not fair.

As difficult as the world feels today- and it IS difficult- please don’t let the world change you.

You are all that is right and good. You continue to change the world.

The world asks too much.

Blessings on you and your work,

Sometimes, there are no words. Sometimes using words to address such understandably high emotions may seem offensive- as though

Allen

Volume 3 | 7

“

JAMES WILLIAMS

is our Blood Bank Manager at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan and has been with Methodist Healthcare System since 2005. James is an incredible individual; a man who wears his heart on his sleeve.

Since he has been employed at our hospital, he has created a department in the blood bank that is efficient and has high employee engagement.

He is dedicated to providing the best patient care possible for all of the patients that we serve and continuously demonstrates a high level of commitment to community service. He recently heard of the critical blood shortage across the San Antonio community and immediately corresponded with the

South Texas Blood and Tissue Center and organized a blood drive for our hospital. James demonstrates remarkable concern for the welfare and happiness of patients through his knowledge in the medical profession. He is genuine, dedicated, passionate and faith based, and comes to work daily to make a difference not only for the patients that we serve, but also for all of the staff who work here at Methodist Healthcare. He is a remarkable individual who shares his knowledge and prays with us when times are challenging. James has definitely made this world a better place by inspiring others to get involved by caring for the community and others in need.”

“

—Deanee Mejia Director of Laboratory Services Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan

MONIQUE GROSS

is a recent recipient of the Daisy Award at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant. She is the only nurse of her kind that specializes in pelvic floor testing within our division. She stands out for her charismatic personality and how she faithfully involves herself for the care of her patients. She is a treasured entity for the colorectal community and to our physicians here at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant."

—Heather Andis, R.T.(R) Radiology Director Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant

STAFF SHOUT-OUTS

“

Nurses,

KRISTEN SHELLY AND AMBER LUTRINGER

at Methodist Children’s Hospital made fabulous cakes and cookies for patients celebrating birthdays. Both of the nurses are pros, not only at being amazing nurses, but also being amazing bakers!”

—Amy McIntyre Director of Pediatric Hematology/ Oncology/BMT Unit Methodist Children’s Hospital

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“

On May 3rd, one of our ER night shift nurses,

JANET VILLANUEVA,

went above and beyond for one of her patients. Janet recognized that her admit hold patient was going to turn 21 while waiting for her inpatient bed. Janet couldn’t let her milestone birthday be uncelebrated, so she bought the patient a piece of cake and a Starbucks drink from the cafeteria and got the entire night shift to come and sing Happy Birthday to her. She even left the call light on outside the patient’s room for the remainder of her shift so that all staff coming by would know it was her birthday and

could celebrate her. That totally made the patient’s night despite being in the hospital for her 21st birthday.

This was an exceptionally challenging shift, with a census of 174 patients, admitted 54 patients and were holding 29 of those patients in the department.

I was inspired by Janet’s generosity and willingness to go the extra mile for her patients, even in the earliest of hours. It was a true care-like family moment.”

—Kimberly Loucks Interim Adult Emergency Department Director Methodist Hospital ER

“

LUIS GONZALEZ AND LAWRENCE THANG

have gone above and beyond in the Food and Nutrition department at Methodist Hospital | Northeast. While we have been incredibly short staffed due to COVID-19, both are always willing to step up and work any shift or any job to help the department, oftentimes changing jobs at the last minute to cover last-minute schedule changes.

If that is not great enough, they do all of this with an amazing attitude and always perform at a high level.

Their compassion and commitment to excellence has allowed us to perform well during this tough time and inspire others to do the same.”

—Joshua Cranick Director of Food and Nutrition Services Methodist Hospital | Northeast

PEER PRAISE Want to recognize a peer? Please email us at MethodistCommunications@ MHSHealth.com and tell us about your co-worker!

The San Antonio Express-News Salute to Nurses Award Ceremony featured two employees from Methodist Healthcare.

Congratulations to

RICHARD ELEFANTE, Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak, for being named Best in Class ER, and

MARIA BERNADETTE BACHO, Methodist Hospital | Texsan, for being named Best in Class Rehab.

Volume 3 | 9

GUEST COLUMNIST A LETTER FROM METHODIST HOSPITAL WOMEN'S SPECIALTY UNIT Editor's Note: The following letter was written by the Methodist Hospital Women’s Specialty Unit team. It demonstrates the deep connection between our patients and caregivers.

OUR UNICORN Nastasia Mancini Kotkova, a name the staff here at the Women’s Specialty Unit will never forget. She was a unicorn! She was a patient you hear about but rarely see! She was born to Gerardo Matta Mancini and Elena Kotkova on January 10, 2002 in Cancun, Mexico. She always had a smile on her face and lived each day with such joy, energy, and vibrancy. She was a proud Latina who spoke four different languages!

Nastasia loved the Spurs, Lilo & Stitch, and her friends! She was a fashonista and an avid Tik Tocker. She had the best personality. Nastasia grew up with many loving friends and family.

She’s traveled the world and had seen so much that many of us would dream of! She was living life!

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Nastasia first came to us in 2019 after she was diagnosed at age 17 with ovarian cancer.

She had gone through surgeries and many treatments. Unfortunately, the cancer had shown itself again. Her parents brought her to us with such emotions that parents go though seeing their child fighting for their life and not having the ability to take it all away. They learned we were truly there for Nastasia and all their family.

We all became a team fighting for her! During times of her treatments, we claimed room 244 as her room. We became closer to her and her family than any other patient we’ve come across. From then on until April 16th, 2021, she taught us many things, personally and professionally, as individuals and as a team.

On WSU, we meet many brave women battling unspeakable hardships, but Nastasia

was one of the youngest at only 19-years-old.

However, she handled everything with a grace that was astounding to see in such a young lady. Nastasia never complained. Nastasia never lashed out. Nastasia never questioned, “Why me?”. As Dr. Carlos Diaz-Velez had said, “we often found ourselves comforted by her.

Her strength and fierceness inspired and has really brought WSU together to help in fighting alongside her.”

There are truly no words that can express the honor we felt while taking care of Nastasia. Her family became a part of ours. Her fight became our fight! Nastasia’s dream was to become a nurse and to do this alongside us on WSU. She saw each of us provide the best care we could day by day and wanted to be able to give back as a nurse herself.

In her final week, Dr. Joseph de la Garza, Dr. Carlos Diaz-Velez, and the staff on WSU were able to make her an Honorary Registered Nurse graduating from our Women’s Specialty University! She and her parents were provided with a framed certificate and badge with her picture on it. Her mother cried with tears of joy. Nastasia loved it! Her room was filled with gifts, flowers, and people she loved all the time!

It was two days later that heaven called for their angel to grace their presence. All our hearts were broken at once, and the tears still pour from our memories.

We are privileged that Gerardo and Elena chose us to care for their daughter and allowed us to be a part of her life. There will never be another Nastasia! Your WSU family loves you Nastasia. We will never forget your spirit.

You will always be in our thoughts and in our hearts!

With Love and Gratitude, -The Women's Specialty Unit

Volume 3 | 11

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH 8 TIPS TO MANAGE YOUR ANXIETY JOEY ENRIQUEZ

Manager of Behavioral Health Outpatient Services Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant Anxiety is a mental health concern that we all experience from time to time, but the impact as well as the effect and severity on our overall well-being can vary from individual to individual. It can be characterized by symptoms such as excessive worrying, headaches, sleep disturbances (too much or too little), irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, nausea, increased heart rate/excessive perspiration, panic attacks and more.

The causes of anxiety vary as well, but oftentimes it can be due to significant life stressors (finances, relationships, work and medical concerns). This can also include resurfaced traumatic experiences or even biological/physiological factors.

Some anxiety, believe it or not, can be a positive thing as it can act as a motivator, can focus attention and signal the need to engage in selfcare. In most cases, however, anxiety can lead to other health concerns, both psychological and physiological, if left unaddressed.

12 | Methodist Magazine

It is important for our health to take steps to address and decrease the anxiety we experience, but how do we do that? Here are some tips on some activities you can do to help manage your anxiety: • Mindfulness. Taking time for yourself in a space free of distractions, take a relaxed stance/ posture, be present in the moment by focusing on the present moment, take slow breaths in and out, closing your eyes and visualizing a calm or soothing image is also helpful during this exercise.

• Create a routine. Uncertainty can heighten anxiety so planning daily activities is beneficial in creating a sense of control in your daily living.

• Get adequate sleep. Try to get eight hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation decreases the ability to concentrate.

• Stay active. Engage in a physical activity like exercising, sports, or going for a run or a walk.

Spring Issue 2021 | 13

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Joey Enriquez, Licensed Professional Counselor, is the new Manager of Outpatient Behavioral Health Services at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant. He has 13 years of experience in behavioral health, starting his career as a mental health case manager, and then then moving on to provide individual and group level counseling therapy services. Eventually he transitioned into a team leader role and progressed into program management. Prior to starting his career in behavioral health, he was an enlisted service member in the United States Air Force also working in health care.

“I have always had an interest in psychology, how

• Balanced nutrition. Eating healthy, staying hydrated, limiting alcohol/caffeine intake as these can aggravate or worsen anxiety.

• Develop a hobby or activity. Volunteering, painting, journaling/blogging, puzzles, crafts, cooking/baking, knitting, board games, learning a new skill.

• Do something for you. Many times, we get so caught up in our daily responsibilities (work, family, errands, events, bills) that we forget to unplug and take time for ourselves. This should be “you” time doing an activity that is relaxing and pleasurable, protected time and a break from responsibilities or the many hats (employee, parent, spouse, organizer, friend etc.) that we wear each day.

the mind operates (thoughts and emotions), and that interest has only grown over the years.

What I have observed working in health care is that the need for behavioral health is always growing and that even in today’s modern wellness and self-care minded society a lot of stigma still exists about engaging in behavioral health services and how the need for these services can be perceived.”

Joey shared he was drawn to Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant because the organization recognizes the need for these services and has worked to expand accessibility to others in need.

NURSE CARE HOTLINE The HCA Healthcare Nurse Care Hotline is available 24/7 to help nurses manage anxiety, balance their work and life responsibilities, practice self-care and handle common nursing-related issues. Nurse Care is available by calling (800) 480-1234.

• It’s okay to ask for help. Everyone needs help from time to time. You know you the best. Being able to recognize the need for assistance may not always be easy, but in doing so, you are being proactive to take care of yourself. Think of it this way. When you have a pain in your stomach that you feel is outside the ordinary, you reach out for medical assistance in order to address the effect on your health and possibly prevent any additional complications from occurring.

This is no different than that.

A HEALTHY RECIPE FOR THE BUSY HEALTH CARE 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.

Notes from Chef Tony: Korean chicken salad is a quick and healthy recipe, incorporating tasteful ingredients that burst in every bite. Summer is a great season to get creative with nutritious salads, and this one will get you out of your ordinary with a Korean flare.

However, there are a few ingredients that you may not already have in your pantry.

You can make this your own by substituting ingredients for convenience and adjusting heat levels.

There are many ways to substitute for gochujang, the popular Korean chili paste with the spicy and bold miso-like flavor. The bad news: none will have the same complexity of flavor. One alternative for gochujang is to mix one tablespoon of

14 | Methodist Magazine

CHEF TONY DOMINGUE

Executive Chef Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children's Hospital

red pepper flakes with a few dashes of soy sauce. You can even add a dash of sugar to get that sweetness factor. Sriracha can also be used as an alternative to gochujang. To completely cut the heat from this dish, you can use tomato paste.

If you give gochujang a try, there are many ways to use the ingredient in other dishes to ensure it doesn’t go to waste. Try using it as a marinade, as a condiment with rice, or use it as a dip with fresh vegetables.

Another ingredient that gives this dish a beautiful aesthetic and taste is furikake, which is a versatile Japanese seasoning traditionally used as a garnish. If you’re in a pinch and don’t have furikake, you can substitute this with sesame seeds and a dash of salt.

Volume 3 | 15

KOREAN CHICKEN SALAD MARINADE AND DRESSING: • 1-tsp rice wine vinegar • 1-tsp minced ginger • 2-tbsp gochujang (substitution offered) • 1-tsp soy sauce (substitute for low sodium) • 1-tsp scallion • 1-tsp sesame oil • 2-tbsp canola or vegetable oil

INGREDIENTS: • 2- 5 oz. boneless chicken breast • napa cabbage, halved • carrot • cucumber • grape tomatoes, halved • radish • avocado, halved and diced • scallion • 1-tsp furikake • fried shallot

PREPARE THE DISH: Mix the first six ingredients of the marinade and dressing together. Slowly drizzle in the oils to make a vinaigrette. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the dressing aside and marinade the chicken in a separate bowl covered for 10 minutes.

Toss the carrot, cucumber, grape tomatoes, radish, avocado, and scallions in a bowl. Top with the rest of the dressing.

Bake or sear the chicken breast until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.

Let rest.

To plate the salad, halve the napa cabbage and lay on a plate. Place the remaining salad ingredients over the cabbage. Dice the chicken into pieces and top on the salad. Then garnish with scallion, fried shallots and the furikake (or sesame seeds and salt).

MILITARY MEMBERS RECOGNIZED IN NEW REHAB PROGRAM AT TEXSAN Methodist Hospital | Texsan is celebrating the discharge of its first patient from the rehabilitation program recognizing our active duty service members and veterans. SSG Mike Baltazar, US Army, needed physical therapy and occupational therapy after complications from another surgery.

The staff surprised him in the rehab gym on his Independence Day, the day before discharge from rehab at Texsan, to celebrate his hard work. Director of Rehab, Pam Kane, passed SSG Baltazar a special Challenge Coin, to honor his service and recovery.

“We are so proud that he is able to go back to serve our country,” said Pam Kane, PT, MA. “It makes what we do even more significant to see our patients go back to the real world and do what they love.”

The Military Active Duty & Veteran Rehab Program provides an increased level of therapy to help patients returning to active duty and veterans returning home.

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TEACHER NINE MONTHS IN REMISSION AFTER UNDERGOING BREAKTHROUGH CANCER THERAPY There’s a breakthrough therapy for treating patients with cancer, and it is accessible right here in San Antonio, Texas. Methodist Hospital is leading the future for immunotherapy with a revolutionary treatment for patients with hematologic malignancies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a new treatment that is much more directed to attack just cancer cells; it programs a patient’s immune system to recognize and fight cancer all the time. The immune system is responsible for ridding the body of abnormal cells that are foreign (like cancer) or infected.

Doris Franke (76), a former educator and current patient enrolled in the CAR T-cell clinical research trial is a proven success story for this breakthrough treatment. After relapsing from two unsuccessful chemotherapy treatments for her lymphoma diagnosis, she was referred to Dr. Paul Shaughnessy, MD, medical director of the Adult Blood and Marrow STEM Cell Transplant Program at Methodist Hospital for CAR T-cell evaluation.

“I was really excited that I could be in a trial. I thought, wow, if this could help me, great, if they can learn something about it to help others, even better,” commented Doris.

In September of 2020, Doris received her transplant and has been in remission for 9 months. “I’m so grateful that I was chosen to be part of this trial,” commented Doris. “It meant the world to me and gave me an opportunity to have a longer period of remission so that I can enjoy my family, grandchildren, and this beautiful world.”

During the CAR T-cell treatment process, T-cells are drawn from a patient’s blood and genetically modified to recognize the patient’s cancer cells when reinfused. First, a patient’s white blood cells are collected through a process called apheresis, isolating the T-cells from other blood cells. The T-cells are then modified in a special facility to program them to recognize cancer cells, which can be thought of as “fighter” T-cells. The new T-cells are reinfused into the patient to target and kill cancer.

To learn more about CAR T-cell immunotherapy and cancer care at Methodist Hospital, visit SAHealth.com/specialties/blood-cancer.

Volume 3 | 17

GUEST COLUMNIST KATE KALTHOFF, CPXP

Vice President of Patient Experience Methodist Healthcare

Sometimes I wonder if any of this matters.

Over the course of my 20+ year career, there have been so many tough days, so many demands, so many obstacles, so many difficult people, so many things that have made my job harder. Every day, I’ve tried so hard to do good work, to leave things better than I found them, to touch people’s lives. And there have been so many times in those 20+ years when I’ve headed home at the end of the day feeling like none of it made a darn bit of difference.

And then, something happens to remind me that it does.

Just a few months ago, I got a message on Facebook from someone I wasn’t connected to, trying to send me a private message.

I recognized his name immediately and accepted the friend request. It was a man I had met at a suburban Chicago hospital in 2001. His message was short, “Hi Kate - it’s been such a long time - just wanted to reach out to you and say hi - (my wife) and I will never forget you it’s been 20 years since (my daughter) is gone - God Bless - “ I nearly fell out of my chair.

20 years ago, his daughter had been in a car accident and was declared brain dead. I offered him the option of donating her organs and spent quite a bit of time guiding him through that decision. Just another day for me, but clearly, it meant a great deal to him. The simple act of being present, of staying out of judgment, of listening, of helping someone who is going through an unbelievably difficult experience…this is how we make a difference in the world. Twenty years later, this family still remembered me and remembered me enough to want to reach out and tell me. I had no idea at the time that they’d feel this way.

This is what it means to work in healthcare.

This is why I lead patient experience in healthcare systems. This is why I tell nurses, and food service workers, and housekeepers, and physicians, and registration teams, and telephone operators, and valet parkers, and security guards, and hospital presidents that how they treat people matters.

We often have no idea what our patients and their families are going through when we see them. We only know they’re scared, sad, sick and coming to us for help. How can we be anything to them but kind?

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Years from now, the kindness you showed someone will still be remembered and appreciated. Those people may not reach out to you over Facebook, but they’ll still be grateful to you. Through all the tough days and the many demands that you can’t control, you can control how you treat your patients and their families.

Try this simple exercise at the start of every work day: • Think of 3 words you’d want patients or your coworkers to use to describe you.

• What are you going to do to leave them with that impression? If you want them to think of you a certain way, there are things you have to do; what are they?

• Knowing that some days are tougher than others, overcome those challenges by holding on to those 3 words. Take a few seconds when you’re feeling stressed and say those 3 words to yourself.

• Share those 3 words with your team and have them share theirs with you. Lift each other up and encourage one another by reminding each other that you are those 3 words, on good days and bad days.

You never know who you’re going to impact, whose life you’re going to touch, or who is going to remember you 20 years from now.

Volume 3 | 19

AN UNCONSCIOUS FATHER FOUGHT COVID-19 HIS SON WAS ADMITTED DOWN THE HALL TO FIGHT SAME ILLNESS

COVID-19 invaded the Davilla home, severely infecting more than one family member.

David Davilla could not catch his breath, so his wife rushed him to Methodist ER | Boerne. He was transferred to the ICU at Methodist Hospital | Texsan, where he spent a month in the ICU fighting for his life.

During that time, his 20-year-old son, Blake, was admitted as his symptoms progressively worsened. He was down the hall for four days, and his father did not even know.

David’s wife, Crystal, an ICU nurse, returned to her own hospital to care for her patients with COVID-19, while her husband and son were hospitalized. She spent her time off driving around the hospital praying for her family.

"I would sleep in the parking lot because I couldn't come home and have my son's room be empty, as well as my husband's. It was a

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little much,” said Crystal.

Fortunately, David and Blake never stopped fighting. Blake was released after four days in the hospital. After the third intubation, David began improving, but he wasn’t strong enough to go home. He was transferred to Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Rehabilitation Center for the next phase of care and recovery.

“When I initially evaluated him, it did take three people to transfer him from a bed to a chair,” said Pauline Castro, physical therapist.

Due to David’s hard work and determination, as well as the incredible care he received across all three facilities, he is now able to get out of bed and walk on his own. Three months after contracting COVID-19, David walked out of Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Rehabilitation Center and returned home to his family. He continues his rehabilitation and is making progress every day.

Here are the letters David wrote about his rehab therapists

Pauline Castro: “I would like to take this opportunity and express my sincere gratitude to you and your team. In particular I would like to recognize Pauline Castro, my physical therapist. Pauline did an outstanding job in rehabilitation.

Pauline is a natural motivator and an excellent therapist. When I began my stay at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Rehabilitation Center, it took three people to move me from my bed to my wheelchair. I am now walking at 160 feet at a time, my personal best, and walk approximately 400 to 500 per session.

This is in large part due to Pauline‘s tenacity, commitment and dedication to her patients.

I reached these goals because of Pauline.

I greatly appreciate her guidance in making me stronger and in reaching my personal goal of walking. Please understand it was no small feat. It took tremendous guidance and professional insight on Pauline’s part. I did the heavy lifting, but it was Pauline who laid the roadmap to success. I am grateful to all her hard work, guidance and support. Now, as I prepare for my journey home, I wish to nominate Pauline Castro for outstanding Physical Therapist. I wanted Pauline to be recognized for changing the life of someone who was intubated three times, put on dialysis and trached all in an effort to save his life and combat the adverse effects of COVID-19. With my muscles atrophied, Pauline began her work.

She has an abundance of energy, enthusiasm and intelligence. Her professionalism is of the highest standard. I think it is important that you hear from your patients on how your team directly improved their lives.

Please accept this letter as a token of my appreciation of Pauline and her encouraging spirit, get-it-done attitude and her willingness to help her patient regardless of their deficits.”

-David Davillax

Valerie Gutierrez: “I wish to pass on my most sincere gratitude to Valerie Gutierrez. I wish to nominate Valerie for most Outstanding Occupational Therapist of the Year. Valerie, as my OT, embodied all of the characteristics to help me in my recovery from COVID. I have been intubated three times, received a trach and dialysis. Valerie was kind, patient but challenged me in my development to improve. Valerie is a compassionate individual who was very encouraging and utilized techniques which continued to strengthen my core. Valerie showed a deep concern for my well-being and pressed me to increase in my development. She did all these steps in a compassionate and committed way.

I cannot thank her enough for her dedication and commitment to me as a patient. On days where the doctors were adjusting my meds, she listened and worked around any issues I was encountering. What most impressed me about Valerie is her dedication to improve her patients regardless of their issues.

The words that best describe Valerie are kindness, caring, committed, dedicated, collaborative and professional. Valerie consulted with Pauline on my improvement.

She always checked on my oxygen levels to make sure I was fine. During bath time, she showed me ways to make it easier and more efficient. She did all these therapeutic guidance directions with great ease and a positive attitude. During my six weeks, Valarie always had a positive attitude, reflective guidance, was encouraging and very professional. Today, I walked over 160 feet with a walker with a total of over 450 feet for the day. Valerie has been a big part of my success in therapy, and I believe she should be recognized for her efforts. Many blessings to you and your unit and your entire team.”

-David Davilla Volume 3 | 21

ICU nurses recorded a young mother’s heartbeat to comfort her children after she passed from COVID-19.

At 41 years old, Sandra Obregon – mother, wife, daughter and friend – lost her life to COVID-19. After spending 45 days at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak, Sandra and her intensive care unit (ICU) team developed a special connection that spread to the entire Obregon family.

At the time, the hospital was not allowing visitors as a safety precaution, which would have meant her husband, Mark, could not visit. Circumstances unexpectedly changed when Mark simultaneously became a patient at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak. As her symptoms worsened, Sandra and Mark’s care teams arranged a visit for the couple before she was intubated.

DYING MOTHER'S HEARTBEAT PLACED IN BUILD-A-BEARS AND GIVEN TO HER GRIEVING CHILDREN

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When Mark was not there, her caregivers assumed the role of family. When Sandra passed away, her care team knew they did not just lose a patient – they lost a dear friend.

Their hearts ached for Mark and their three children: Nathan (14), Noah (5) and Isabella (2). In response, the ICU team wanted to express their empathy and gratitude in a meaningful way.

The nurses decided to donate Build-A-Bears for her children, but these were not just ordinary bears. They were intimately designed to include the sound of their mother’s heartbeat, captured by an EKG prior to her death. Their hope is that when Nathan, Noah and Isabella hear her heartbeat and feel the vibrations in these bears, they will know their mother is always with them and that her nurses’ hearts are with them, too.

The children were not the only ones surprised with a gift from the caregivers. When a request for donations went to the entire ICU team, the generosity exceeded the cost of the bears.

They presented the remainder of the funds to Mark to reiterate that they are his family, too.

THE POWER OF PRAYER PATIENT NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER RECEIVES PRAYER THROUGH FOLLOW-UP CALL

On May 11, 2021, I came to Methodist Hospital for a biopsy due to a spot on my lung identified by a CT scan. Once I was released, I went home to rest. In a day or two, I received a call from a nurse named Allisa, wanting to know how I was doing, to inform me of my next steps, and to let me know that my care was important to them. I then explained to her that I would be scheduled for a lobectomy on my upper right lobe. There was a pause.

She said, “Ms. Schmidt?”

I said, “Yes?” She said, “May I pray with you?”

I felt my heart smile and tears fell. A stranger was sent to me that knew I needed prayer. We prayed together, and I thanked her. Allisa’s thoughtfulness made a huge impact on my life; I must have told everybody I came in contact with about this conversation.

I came back to Methodist Hospital for surgery on June 3, but first had to present for preregistration testing (i.e. COVID test, EKG, labs, chest X-Ray) on June 1. After being called in from the main waiting room, I was guided into a smaller waiting room. As I was sitting there, I wondered where I would need to go to either thank Allisa or give her kudos to her superiors.

A young lady came in and got me to do my COVID test. I sat down in the room to do the test, and the nurse said, “My name is Allisa and I will be doing your COVID test.” I said, “Allisa?”

She said, “Yes.” I asked if she ever called patients once released, of which she said yes. I told her she called me after my release from the biopsy and that she prayed with me. She said, “I remember you!”

At that point my emotions were overwhelming that I actually MET her, the nurse that brought me a life-changing experience! We hugged, cried together, and prayed together once again. I then went next door for labs, and she asked if we could take a picture together. No way was this an accident.

Since my surgery on June 3, Allisa has texted me to see how I’m doing and reminded me that the hospital and staff are there for me. God bless you forever, Allisa. You will never know how you changed my life and touched my heart.

-Geraldine Schmidt (Patient)

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COUPLE WEDS AT NORTHEAST SO DYING GRANDMOTHER COULD ATTEND Despite her brave fight against terminal lung cancer, Avis Russell’s health began rapidly declining. Her granddaughter, Sean, was planning to marry her middle school sweetheart in a couple of months, but knew her grandmother's condition was too severe.

To Avis’ surprise, Sean and her fiancé decided to move up their wedding and have an intimate ceremony in her room at Methodist Hospital | Northeast, so she could see her granddaughter get married. Avis spent some of her final moments on this earth celebrating and loving her granddaughter.

PATIENT STORY HIGHLIGHTS CANCER PATIENT SEEKS LIGHT IN A DARK TIME BY MARRYING AT METHODIST HOSPITAL Juan Gonzalez was recently diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. He and his wife, Norma, planned to get married in July but had to postpone the wedding due to his cancer diagnosis. As a way to shine light during a dark time, the couple joyfully decided to wed at Methodist Hospital. Celebrated with cake, a sparkling toast, and cheerful wishes from staff, the couple says it was their dream wedding.

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TWINS DISCHARGE FROM METRO’S NICU Micaela Cavazos was only 26 weeks pregnant with her twins when she began having seizures on Valentine’s Day, landing her in the ICU intubated and on a ventilator at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan. Micaela underwent an emergency C-section, and her babies, Sebastian and Liam, were immediately sent to the NICU and placed on ventilators.

BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR REUNITES WITH CARE TEAM 66-year-old Linda Martinez was diagnosed with breast cancer last year in the midst of the pandemic. On the one year anniversary of her diagnosis, June 4th, Linda returned to Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan as a cancer survivor to thank her care team. Linda was especially excited to see volunteer Debbie, and her nurse navigator, Pam, who had been with Linda throughout her journey, providing support and encouragement over the phone. We're proud to be a part of stories like Linda's.

When Micaela woke up, she learned the twins had been born premature. She first met the babies outside their incubator, and couldn’t touch the twins for almost a month. After 100 days in the NICU, Sebastian and Liam were finally able to leave the hospital. Their care team walked them out and waved them goodbye as they headed home.

PATIENT AT SOUTH GIVES NURSE A DRAWING OF VIRGIN MARY 60-year-old Celia Munoz was admitted to Methodist Hospital | South in severe respiratory distress due to pneumonia. Celia got to know her nurse John, whom she says is so kind to her. Both are very devoted to their faith, so Celia decided to draw a picture for John of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is a powerful symbol of Mexican identity, faith, and protection. She wanted John to have the photo so that Mary could watch over him, protect him, and bring him good luck. John was so honored to receive it that he put it on his locker at the hospital.

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A SPECIAL GROUP OF CAREGIVERS INSPIRES YOUNG CANCER SURVIVOR TO PURSUE HER DREAM CAREER After the storm, the sun will shine again. Rays of light are finally beginning to shine on cancer survivor Kate Hardaway’s path. The 17-yearold has taken recent trials and allowed them to become her inspiration and motivation.

She has much to celebrate including beating cancer, graduating high school one year early and recently being accepted into Abilene Christian University where she will pursue her newfound dream of becoming a certified child life specialist (CLS). Many people have never heard of this job, but it is one Kate and other childhood cancer survivors know well.

“My child life specialists were a big motivator throughout my treatment,” Hardaway said.

The CLS team at Methodist Children’s Hospital has been with Hardaway during her one-anda-half-year journey with stage four Hodgkin lymphoma.“ They helped explain all of my surgeries, and they even showed me a port and let me access it before it was put in. They made sure I always had something fun to do during my hospital stays,” she recalled.

“I want to be able to help kids going through treatment like me, and now I feel like I have a unique perspective.”

Hardaway’s strength and compassion for others radiate during each conversation with her. But she has not had an easy road to follow.

Her diagnosis put a pause on many life events to which teenagers look forward. Her first hospitalization prevented her from being able

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to attend her high school’s homecoming dance, prompting her care team to organize a surprise homecoming in the hospital. Just when she thought she was cancer-free and about to earn her driver’s license, cancer put a pause on another exciting moment.

“I started getting [symptoms] again in May [2020] and they did scans and my cancer had come back. The treatment plan was to do two or three rounds of chemotherapy and then a stem cell transplant,” Hardaway said.

The transplant left her with little energy and extreme sickness. The weeks-long hospital stays during a pandemic felt isolating at

times. Her family, friends, nurses and the child life specialists helped her push through. Their encouragement paired with her grit, allowed her to excel in school from her hospital bed.

“In November 2020, I got pneumonia and was admitted back into the hospital,” she said.

“I just started doing a lot of my school work during that stay. I got a whole bunch of school work done and I finished my junior year around Thanksgiving.” Hardaway says her teacher asked if she wanted to go ahead and pursue the coursework for her senior year. Driven, Hardaway agreed.

At the time, Hardaway thought she would graduate high school early and take a gap year before attending college. However, only a few weeks later, during an impromptu visit to the northwest Texas area, Hardaway scheduled a tour of Abilene Christian University, one of the few universities in Texas with a child life specialist program. “I loved it so much that I went home and completed my application that night,” Hardaway said. It was perfect timing because applications were due four days later.

To her parents’ delight, she was accepted.

Hardaway will return to Methodist Children’s Hospital for follow-up care during her college career. She is looking forward to the day when she can walk through the hospital doors as a child life specialist who motivates, educates and serves as the person children can lean on and confide in during their hospital stays; the same way her child life specialists have cared for her.

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT EMPLOYEE HEALTH

Back Row: Juanita Russell, Deborah J Martinez, Joseph McCarty, Ronnie Jaimes, Raine Soret, Ruby Washington, and Cindy MacClean; Front Row: Celia Berryman, Katherine Pugh, Adriana Hatch, Nancy Ohlenburger, Jacquelyn Henderson, Leslie Towner, and Geri Hall From flu shots, to fit testing, to workplace injuries, the employee health nurses at Methodist Healthcare specialize in identifying risk and caring for our employees. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this team took on an elevated role to support and care for our staff in ways they never have before.

“I remember being on the phone with an employee who was driving to the ER with very severe symptoms of COVID-19. They asked me if they were going to die. That was heartbreaking, because I felt like there was nothing I could do,” said Leslie Towner, RN, Employee Health Nurse at Methodist Hospital | Northeast. “I wanted to be there to hold their hand and to comfort them. I could only be on the phone to talk them through it. That was hard.”

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We'd love to learn more about you! Please email MethodistCommunications@ MHSHealth.com to request to be featured in the next issue.

Leslie said some employees have come back after recovering from COVID-19 to thank her.

She said they have cried together remembering the scary moments of uncertainty and knowing 28 | Methodist Magazine

this crisis has brought them closer together.

Then they get back to doing what they do – caring for others. Leslie said this last year has definitely stretched the team to their limits, but that it has always been a very rewarding job.

The employee health nurses are charged with giving annual flu vaccines, maintaining shot records, providing drug screenings and pre-employment immunization records, and respirator fit testing. They are also case managers for employees involved in work injuries like needle sticks, blood and body fluid exposures, or TB exposures.

Employee Health nurses run the Healthy Work Environment at each facility where they have staff train and educate their own department peers on employee safety and keep their environment and workplace safe. Employee Health’s main responsibility is keeping the employees safe.

Reminder: Don’t come to work sick. Let your employee health nurse know if you have a fever or other symptoms. See your PCP for care.

Thank you for helping maintain a safe place for our staff, patients and visitors.

Vanessa Morales, a Patient Care Tech at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant, was injured at work and turned to her Employee Health Nurse Deborah Martinez to navigate the process.

A vital signs machine attacked me during a rapid response,” said Vanessa. “I fractured my ankle during a code. The house supervisor, which serves as Employee Health outside of office hours, called Deborah for assistance.

I’m grateful she was there to help me. It’s not something you think about until you need it.”

Vanessa was able to return to work on light duty with restrictions. Deborah shared that she loves what she does and enjoys being able to care for all the staff.

EMPLOYEE HEALTH

BY NUMBERS 17 Employees 25 Average pre-employment new hires daily vaccines to staff at the Methodist 10,000+ COVID-19 Healthcare health clinics

11,000+ flu vaccines annually vaccines administered monthly 1000+ flu (MMR, Varicella, Hep B, and more)

“The safety of our patients and colleagues is our highest priority, honoring the mission of our organization. Employee Health Nurses have embodied this calling for years, promoting and protecting the health of our colleagues with compassion. They care like family, often putting the needs of others before their own. While Employee Health Nurses have always strongly contributed to our workforce culture, the past year and a half has given “above and beyond” brand new meaning!”

RYAN SLEDGE, MBA, MPH

Vice President, Workforce Health & Safety HCA | Clinical Operations Group

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EMPLOYEE UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL BARIATRIC SURGERY AT SPECIALTY AND TRANSPLANT

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Patient care assistant turned patient gets lifesaving weight-loss surgery

“Everything I did was hard.

I was tired. I was out of breath. I actually felt my body declining.”

When Felicia Urdiales saw the number 403 on her bathroom scale, she was terrified. At just 25 years old, she was afraid for her life, and she was tired of struggling. As a Patient Care Assistant at Methodist Hospital, she was worried about her future.

“Everything I did was hard. I was tired. I was out of breath. I actually felt my body declining,” said Urdiales. “I knew that my coping mechanism as a child became eating, but I didn’t know how to break out of that habit.”

Felicia tried lap band surgery in 2014 with a company that is no longer in business. When that procedure failed for her situation, she couldn’t go back to the location for a revision.

She gained back half the weight she lost. Then last year, her co-worker told her about the Weight Loss Center at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant and kept reminding her to call. When she finally made an appointment, she met with the surgeon to discuss her options. Dr. Dana Reiss, a bariatric surgeon with Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant, helped her figure out the best procedure. They decided to do laparoscopic Roux-en-Y (LRNY) gastric bypass.

“I was really scared at first,” said Felicia Urdiales.

“The lap band you can take out. The LRNY is permanent. You either do it, or you don’t. But if you don’t, you’ll regret it. That’s how I felt.”

Urdiales said that Dr. Reiss was so knowledgeable and that gave her confidence in her decision. She also had her family’s support.

Today, Urdiales is making positive changes in her life and looking forward to the future.

She’s planning to grow in her career. She wants to go to nursing school when her son starts kindergarten. For now, she’s enjoying the time she spends with her son going to places like the waterpark and feeling more confident each step of the way.

“I’m at the six-month mark, and I’ve lost 60 pounds,” said Urdiales. “I get compliments from co-workers. Some say you look unrecognizable, which I don’t take it as rude. I acknowledge and accept what I looked like before. And I’m so happy I changed it.”

Ready to start your weight loss journey?

You can calculate your BMI or take a health risk assessment at SAHealth.com/weightloss. Methodist Healthcare Weight Loss Center has two locations: one at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant and another at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan.

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SHOWING PRIDE DURING PRIDE MONTH At Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, June is a busy month! During Pride Month, the hospital goes "all-out" to celebrate and support the San Antonio LGBTQ+ community, including their staff and patients.

This year, the hospital hosted several Pride events for employees, many on Fridays which were named "Pridays." They were also proud to sponsor San Antonio Pride 2021, as they do each year.

Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan has also been recognized as a “Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation for demonstrating our commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBTQ+ patients and their loved ones, four years in a row.

“Being recognized as a leader in healthcare equality for the LGBTQ+ community means so much to our hospital. Our staff strives to provide the very best care for every patient; diversity and inclusion are an essential part of

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our hospital’s culture,” said Greg Seiler, CEO at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan. “Our mission statement is ‘serving humanity to honor God by providing exceptional and cost-effective health care accessible to all.’ Receiving this honor proves our understanding, commitment, and compassion, for the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and their families.”

To learn more about the care and support the hospital provides the LGBTQ+ community and their families, visit sahealth.com/pride.

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THE BUTTERFLY GARDEN: REMEMBERING OUR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS During two evenings in June, patient families and our Methodist Children’s Hospital staff members took a moment to pause and recognize our pediatric patients who passed between the months of March and December 2020. The remembrance ceremony was wellreceived by families who attended the ceremony virtually. In addition to two lovely evenings of remembrance, the Methodist Children’s Hospital Bereavement Committee announced plans for The Butterfly Garden, an outdoor space near the entrance to the children’s emergency department, for families and staff to remember and reflect. The garden will be especially beneficial to loved ones who are able to visit the hospital without having to endure the difficult return of walking through our hospital doors.

“We hope this space also serves as a place for our staff members to reflect and remember,” said Jenna Painter, certified child life specialist.

“Hard days are inevitable, and it’s important to be able to take a break and feel those feelings, whether it be in private or with our colleagues.”

During each ceremony, chaplains opened with a prayer and each child’s name was read aloud.

Families shared tribute messages, while staff members wrote their own special messages to our patients who have made a lasting impact on their hearts and work. Those messages, along with memory rocks, were placed in the first flower box in the garden. The Butterfly Garden is expected to open in fall 2021.

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Volume 3 | 35

VIVA FIESTA! Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan employees Mari Feist, Ashley Soto, and Gabriela Jimenez from the rehabilitation team showed off their Fiesta spirit and medal collection during an fun video shoot. The hospital was proud to sponsor the Texas Cavalier River Parade for the third year.

Lori Watkins Rogers, a clinical pharmacist at Methodist Hospital, celebrates as twin babies Calvin and Amelia Rogers were born at Methodist Hospital during Fiesta.

Methodist Moment: Fiesta Royalty visited staff at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant to thank them for their service to the community. La Reina Linda VII Letitia Garza passed out Fiesta medals and posed for pictures with the team. Viva Fiesta!

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Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children's Hospital staff pose with the Fiesta court.

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MOVES ACROSS METHODIST

JOHN ARMOUR NAMED CFO AT METHODIST HOSPITAL AND METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL John Armour has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital. John holds a 25-year tenure at HCA with extensive financial, operational, and accounting healthcare experience.

Throughout his career, John has held a variety of financial positions, including his former role as CFO in the HCA Gulf Coast Division where he was responsible for the financial management of Clear Lake Regional Medical Center, Pearland Medical Center, and Mainland Medical Center.

John has also served in CFO roles at Kingwood Medical Center, Bayshore Medical Center, East Houston Medical Center and Texas Orthopedic Hospital.

John possesses the skills to anticipate and address financial roadblocks while controlling assets, leading teams, monitoring productivity, and meeting financial goals. He holds a BBA from Sothern Arkansas and a MBA from Northcentral University. He has been

instrumental in many growth and development initiatives throughout his career and was recognized as a Houston Business Journal CFO of the Year nominee in 2018.

“We are excited John has joined our team,” commented Dan Miller, Chief Executive Officer for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital. “As a long-serving HCA colleague and seasoned financial executive, John’s knowledge of the market and track record of operational success will be tremendous assets for our campus. I am confident he will provide strong leadership and will be an excellent addition to our organization.”

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PAM GUILLORY NAMED CNO AT METHODIST HOSPITAL | SPECIALTY AND TRANSPLANT Pam Guillory has been named the new Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant, effective Aug. 1. She most recently served as the Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Methodist Hospital | South.

Pam has more than 25 years of experience as a nurse, and she began her career as a staff nurse for Clear Lake Medical Center in Webster, Texas. Pam also had a

significant nurse leadership role serving as the Director of Nursing Operations at Houston Methodist Hospital for eight years.

Pam was serving as the Chief Nursing Officer for the South Texas Regional Medical Center, when it was purchased by Methodist Healthcare and renamed Methodist Hospital | South in 2017. Several years ago the role of Chief Operating Officer was added to her responsibilities. In her time at South, she led the hospital to many successes, including achieving a 5-star rating from CMS, Level IV trauma designation, consistent high patient and employee engagement scores, six consecutive top scores for patient safety, and standing up a dedicated unit for patients impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODIST CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL WELCOMES NEW CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER Khaver Kirmani, MD, MBA has been appointed Chief Medical Officer of Methodist Children’s Hospital and Women’s Services. Dr. Kirmani joins Methodist Healthcare from Arizona, where he served as a practicing neonatologist for more than 25 years and as the Chief of Pediatrics at Banner Children’s at Desert for four years. During that time, he completed his MBA and Master’s in Leadership.

leadership roles in nonprofit organizations. He has worked alongside national organizations and state legislators to improve regulations and bills affecting the care of pregnant women and newborns.

Dr. Kirmani is transitioning to executive physician leadership to affect health care quality, patient safety and process improvement more broadly, rather than one patient at a time.

“We are excited Dr. Kirmani has joined our team,” said Court LeMaistre, Chief Executive Officer of Methodist Children’s Hospital and Women’s Services. “His leadership experience is already proving to be a great asset to our organization and he is a great addition to the team as we accomplish clinical and operational growth in the coming years.”

During his time at Banner Children’s at Desert, Dr. Kirmani engaged in targeted quality and process improvement projects, as well as patient safety improvement processes. He led his teams to improve inpatient length of stay and decreased ventilated days in the pediatric ICU. Dr. Kirmani has experience with various

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GROWTH ACROSS METHODIST HEALTHCARE GROWING OUTPATIENT SERVICES AT METHODIST HOSPITAL | SPECIALTY AND TRANSPLANT Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant has expanded its Outpatient Behavioral Health Services in a new location now on the hospital’s campus. The newly renovated space increases access to more patients needing mental health services.

“We are excited about what this space is going to bring to the care of our patients in an outpatient setting,” said Jeff Wilson, CEO of Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant.

“We’ve expanded the group room capabilities, added space for virtual sessions, and have closer interaction between our inpatient and outpatient staff.”

The department added group therapy rooms and expanded its intensive outpatient program, with additional days and times offered to accommodate patient schedules. The suite offers a more conducive environment to healing and recovery in the treatment of behavioral health conditions, including mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorder. The space also provides more offices for virtual option delivery, including virtual assessment and virtual Intensive

Outpatient services. Our outpatient services is one of few community programs that provides medication management oversight for all levels of care by a Psychiatrist and/or Advanced Practitioner.

To learn more about Behavioral Health Services at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant, visit SAHealth.com/mentalwellness.

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METHODIST HOSPITAL | NORTHEAST IS LAUNCHING NEW LUNG NODULE PROGRAM This July, Methodist Hospital | Northeast will be the second facility within the system, following Methodist Hospital, to open a lung nodule program supported by the Care Assure team. With the rapid rise of lung CT screenings resulting in incidental lung nodules, there is an opportunity to provide increased care and support for patients most at-risk of developing or living with lung cancer.

The goal of this new program is to increase education and provide a seamless process for primary care physicians within the community to connect their patients with the appropriate care. If a patient’s CT scan reveals an incidental lung nodule finding, and he or she is eligible for the program, one of our navigators will step in to ensure the patient receives the necessary care.

Data for low-dose CT scans are significantly low in our country. While these screenings have proven effective in saving lives, less than six percent of eligible patients are screened.

Of the patients who have a low-dose CT scan, very few receive a follow-up nodule evaluation.

By implementing standardized technologies and processes, including high-quality outreach and communication, this program will lead to improved quality of care and patient satisfaction as well as improved efficiencies and resources for physicians and hospital care teams.

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GROWTH ACROSS METHODIST HEALTHCARE

METHODIST HOSPITAL | NORTHEAST CONTINUES TO SIGNIFICANTLY EXPAND TO GROW ALONGSIDE ITS COMMUNITY Supporting some of the fastest growing areas in our nation, Methodist Hospital | Northeast has invested over $100 million in expansion projects over the past several years. This year, the hospital invested an additional $37.3 million, so our medical and hospital staff have better resources to care for the rapidly growing health needs of the northeast Bexar, Guadalupe and Comal counties.

In 2021, the list of approved projects includes:

Some of the previously completed projects include:

• Renovations of the first floor to provide a more aesthetically-pleasing environment as well as more efficient and convenient spaces for various teams

• The expansion of its emergency room by 15 beds and more than 40 treatment spaces • The opening of two freestanding emergency rooms (Methodist ER | Converse and Methodist ER | Nacogdoches) • The first phase of the inpatient tower with 30 new all-private rooms for neurosurgical and orthopedic patients • The addition of a new helipad

• A new hybrid operating room to support the cardiovascular and surgical service lines • A three-level vertical expansion of the parking garage with 238 additional parking spaces for patients, visitors and staff • An enhancement of the electrophysiology lab with new and advanced technology

• Phase two of the inpatient tower expansion which adds 30 all-private patient rooms to support surgical and medical services lines while creating 30 additional beds in the ICU At this time, all projects are on schedule to be completed by the end of the year with more exciting expansions on the horizon in 2022.

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METHODIST HOSPITAL EXPANDS SLEEP MEDICINE IN SAN ANTONIO About 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems. Methodist Hospital recently opened a brand new sleep center, located at 4330 Medical Drive, to help patients rest better and avoid serious health risks through diagnosing and treating sleep disorders.

The demand for sleep studies at Methodist Hospital has significantly increased over the past couple of years. Patients were referred to nonlocal sleep labs for their studies, and space limitations meant some people weren’t quickly being accommodated. In partnership with Vital Sleep, The Center for Sleep at Methodist Hospital helps expand sleep medicine and diagnostic testing in San Antonio and throughout Texas, alleviating the need to travel far from home.

The center has a fully-equipped diagnostic sleep lab that conducts a variety of tests using the latest medical technology to assist physicians in the evaluation and treatment of patients with sleep disorders or problems such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and sleepwalking.

“The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has increased over the years. Given that we now know that untreated sleep apnea is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, it has become essential to identify and effectively manage OSA to achieve optimal population health,” commented Misha Peter, MD, Medical Director of The Center for Sleep at Methodist Hospital.

The eight-bed specialized care center provides testing to patients of all ages with various sleeping disorders that affect their health and well-being. The center was designed with patients’ comfort in mind; each private room feels more like a hotel, with amenities such as in-suite restrooms, television, and a hallway kitchen space where guests can get refreshments.

Some people who have high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, weight gain and memory issues don’t realize that sleep disorders may contribute to these health conditions. Patients who are experiencing persistent, loud snoring; muscle soreness or

weakness; difficulty falling asleep; restless sleep; or have recently gained weight and are morbidly obese should consider a sleep study.

“The new sleep lab is a necessary and welcome addition to the city of San Antonio, supported by the exceptional level of healthcare provided

by Methodist Hospital,” commented Dr. Peter.

“We are proud to be able to offer this facility to accommodate our city's growing needs.”

The Center for Sleep at Methodist Hospital is located at 4330 Medical Drive, Suite 140. For more information, please call (210) 575-9100.

FIRSTS, MILESTONES AND AWARDS SOUTH CELEBRATES 4-YR. ANNIVERSARY

On July 1, Methodist Hospital | South celebrated their fourth anniversary since joining the Methodist Healthcare family.

“Since the hospital became part of Methodist Healthcare System in 2017, we have been able to provide high-quality and cost-effective healthcare to the community members of Atascosa County,” said Greg Seiler, CEO at Methodist Hospital | South. “We look forward to more growth and serving the community.”

Soon, the hospital will be renaming to Methodist Hospital | Atascosa to better reflect the entire county that it serves and show their commitment to their community.

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STONE OAK REHAB 1-YR. ANNIVERSARY

Recently, the facility was nationally-recognized

by Newsweek as one of “America's Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers in 2020.”

To be considered one of the nation’s top rehabilitation facilities within the first year of opening and during a pandemic is an extraordinary accomplishment and a true reflection of each team member’s high quality of care and commitment to excellence.

Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Rehabilitation Center not only made the top 20 list for best rehabilitation centers in Texas, but it was also only one of seven within HCA Healthcare to be ranked. Thousands of physicians, therapists and other experts across the U.S. were invited to rank facilities based on the following criteria: quality of care, service, follow-up, accommodation and amenities relative to in-state competition.

Additionally, Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Rehabilitation Center received the 2020 Top Performer Award based on ranking in the top decile of Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation’s (UDSmr) program evaluation model for nearly 900 facilities. The facility also achieved a patient satisfaction score of 93 percent for stroke. Hear from one of the facility’s recent stroke rehabilitation patients, Theresa McIntyre-Adame: “Tammy, Matt, Savannah and all of the people here are nice and encourage you. They have a good sense of humor, are very attentive, have good hearts and are very good at what they do. I met a lot of really neat people and I’ll never forget them. They’ve taken really good care of me.”

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FIRSTS, MILESTONES AND AWARDS CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF LIVER TRANSPLANTATION

Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant celebrated the 20th anniversary of its first liver transplant with an emotional reunion. On July 7, 2001, Elizabeth Said became the first liver transplant patient at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant. Exactly 20 years later, she came back to thank the staff, physicians, and the organ donor whose last gift was an organ donation.

“I remember at first I was scared. I didn’t want to be the guinea pig for a new transplant program,” said Elizabeth. “But when I met the doctors, I realized that your medical team would do everything in their power to save me, and they have done that for 20 years now.”

Elizabeth expressed her gratitude toward the surgical team, nurses, leaders, the lab team, and liver transplant program. She told the group that as a mother of six she prayed that God would allow her to see all her children grow up. In the past 20 years, she has watched her children grow up, and start their lives. Now she’s watching her grandchildren grow up as well.

In the past 20 years, Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant has performed more than 700 liver transplants and consistently has one of the best survival rates in transplants in Texas and in the U.S. Our nationally recognized transplant program is only possible because of the countless individuals who choose to donate life by becoming an organ donor.

“I encourage everyone to consider registering to become an organ donor,” said Jeff Wilson, chief executive officer of Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant. “What we see every day at our hospital is the tremendous impact that decision has on our patients’ lives and on our lives as caregivers.”

To learn more about organ donation, click here SAHealth.com/organdonor.

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UPCOMING EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2021 ZERO PROSTATE CANCER RUN/WALK

It starts with you. It starts with community. It starts with coming together. You're joining the ONLY national prostate cancer event, raising funds, sharing hope, and inspiring bold action to ZERO out prostate cancer.

When: September 19, 2021 Where: Mission County Park | 6030 Padre Drive Time: Begins at 8:30 am Team link: Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant will create a team closer to the event https://support.zerocancer.org/ More Information: ZERO Run/Walk

OCTOBER 2021 BIKE MS: RIDE TO THE RIVER TEAM MH VS MS

Join a community of cyclists dedicated to changing the world for people with MS as we ride from the Alamo City to New Braunfels. Multiple route options all include a ride down beautiful River Road in Gruene and themed rest stops along the way. Feel the extraordinary support and excitement throughout your journey as we come together to reach our goal - a world free of MS.

When: October 2 - 3, 2021 Where: Starting location Rolling Oaks Mall, 6909 N Loop 1604 E Time: Saturday, October 2 - 8:00 am, Sunday, October 3 - 7:30 am Team link: Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant will create a team closer to the event https://mssociety.donordrive.com/ More Information: Team MHvsMS

Are you a motorcycle owner and would like to join the Motor Marshals to help escort for the Bike MS event and other events? For more information on getting involved as a Motorcycle Team/Enthusiast Group/Club please send a message or email to Ray McLeaird: raymcleaird@hotmail.com; Mobile (210) 422-7729.

WALK FOR PKD

The Walk for PKD is your chance to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands in America and millions worldwide who have polycystic kidney disease (PKD). This year, Walk for PKD will meet you wherever you are to connect virtually, celebrate and make a difference like never before through powerful online tools and exciting events. While we will not gather in person in 2021, you can still #endPKD your way.

When: October 8 - 17, 2021 Where: Wherever you are Time: Anytime Team link: Register here https://support.pkdcure.org/

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UPCOMING EVENTS OCTOBER 2021 (CONT.) WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION CYCLE NATION

Presented By: Methodist Healthcare and Methodist Healthcare Ministries

When: October 16, 2021

The walk is full of flowers, each carried by someone committed to raising funds and awareness for a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer's and all other dementia. Whether you join us in person or walk from home, your participation makes a difference!

Time: Registration begins at 7:00 am

Chairman: Scott Rausch, CEO Methodist Hospital | Texsan Our work will fund life-saving stroke and heart disease research and we're stronger together. Let's be real: Cycling is not only fun, it's a way to look good and feel good. Whether if be on the road or on a stationary bike, we're cycling towards better brain and heart health.

Where: Six Flags Fiesta Texas Team link: Register here https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2021/

When: October 28, 2021 Where: JoyRide Cycling + Fitness San Antonio at Alon | 10003 NW Military Hwy Time: 4:30 pm Team link: Register Here https://www2.heart.org/site/TR/ CycleNation/

NOVEMBER 2021 AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION HEART & STROKE WALK

Team Captain: Carlos Ochoa - VP, Cardiovascular Services 2021 Heart Challenge Chair The San Antonio Heart & Stroke Walk is back, and you won't want to miss it!

Sign up for a one-of-a-kind experience to join together with friends, family and colleagues to get moving and focusing on improved health, all while helping to defeat heart disease and stroke.

When: November 13, 2021 Where: TBD Time: TBD Team link: Register Here https://www2.heart.org/site/TR/ HeartWalk/

If you are interested in signing up or joining a team, please reach out to methodistcommunications@mhshealth.com to request more information.