Methodist Magazine Vol. 8 2022

CELEBRATING

LIVES

OF

PURPOSE

METHODIST

MAGAZINE VOL. 8 2022

Staff Bring Holiday Joy to Our Community in Need

CONTENTS 4

Staff Shout-Outs

6

Supporting Our Community

10

Guest Columnist

12

Methodist Moments

14

Caring Like Family

22

Moves Across Methodist

28

Growth and Expansion

30

Awards and Achievements

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EDITOR Cheri Love-Moceri Associate Vice President of Communications Kimberly Felan Communications Manager Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant Methodist Hospital | Texsan Melissa Geedman Director of Communications Methodist Hospital Ashley Funkhouser Communications Manager Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Methodist Hospital | Northeast Lauren McCormick Director of Communications Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan Methodist Hospital | Atascosa

STAFF SHOUT-OUTS “RAUL ESCAMILLA IS A PCT ON CVTS that works hard to make a difference! Raul has shown an impassive work ethic with attention to detail as well as a positive attitude. When Raul is at work, his energy and passion are contagious to his co-workers and patients. You can hear Raul connecting with his patients and giving extra special attention when needed. Raul joined CVTS and immediately sought-after opportunities to learn more and quickly jumped in to assist with the Pressure Injury Prevalence Study. He doesn’t miss any opportunity to learn something new. He definitely sets the bar high and makes a difference!”

Susan Holm, Manager of Cardiovascular Telemetry Services at Methodist Hospital | Northeast

“At Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, we staff lactation consultants 24/7. This has assisted in supporting mothers who want to exclusively breastfeed. Overnight coverage helps to assist with early morning feedings, when a lot of our moms are exhausted and can use the expertise and extra assistance to feed their babies. Every lactation consultant on our team is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). They partner with our families to support the parent’s choice on how to feed their baby. Our lactation team ensures that every mom & baby are seen by a lactation consultant at least once throughout their stay.

Allowing them the opportunity to ask questions on how to breastfeed or even how to suppress milk if wanting to formula feed only. Our IBCLCs have also recently brought breastfeeding classes back to Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak twice a month to help our expectant families feel more comfortable and educated on breastfeeding before they deliver. We are so appreciative of our amazing lactation team. Thank you

THERESA BRYAN, MIKAELA KEROUAC, SONSIRE MEACHUM, KAT STEEL & GABRIELLE VOLKMER for being so passionate and supporting our patients before and throughout their stay!”

Andrea Aguirre Reyes, Mother Baby Manager at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak

“HILLARY LYSSY, OT, AND SUE ANN SMITH, PT cover most of their hours in the acute setting for rehab but also help cover in the outpatient setting as needed. On several occasions in the last few weeks, they have been recognized for their care by patients at the hospital. They start talking about discharge with the case managers on day one and attend the daily rounds with nursing and hospitalist to make sure all information for the patient is being relayed and that the best outcomes are found for the patients.

Lisa, our VP of Clinical Operations and Med Surg Director, said she has never seen two therapists more involved in their patient’s care and well-being. They are on top of all that is happening with patients and always look out for their best interests. On top of ensuring all acute patients are seen and taken care of, they also will help out nursing with complex patients as needed. They will also float over to the outpatient setting to help see patients there as necessary.

They are both great assets to our team.”

Lacy Fisher, Director of Rehabilitation Services a Methodist Hospital | Atascosa

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“I would like to recognize

MICHELLE MCKEE FROM WSU. We were having throughput issues down in PACU and WSU. When Auggie, Jorge, Negar, and myself met, it was suggested to pilot sending a WSU RN down to Same Day to take care of the WSU patients that could go home same day. Michelle has been trialing this for four weeks now. She has an amazing can-do attitude that has made this pilot a success. She spends 3 8-hr days in Same day and still spends one day up on WSU to keep up her skills here. She has enjoyed the flexibility and has received lots of positive feedback from the periop team. I am very proud of her.”

Amber Aguilera, Director of Women’s Specialty Unit

“Congratulations, CAITLIN SCARBOROUGH, for receiving Wound Care Nurse of the Year!”

“Caitlin is tireless in her efforts to mitigate hospital-acquired pressure injuries.

She goes out of her way to educate clinicians and to ensure that the most appropriate treatment plan is provided for each patient. She is a wonderful resource for our team and an exceptional advocate for our patients.”

Pam Guillory, CNO at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant

“This leader’s optimism spreads like wildfire.

TANYA SHERWOOD, ORTHOPEDICS MANAGER, is a hands-on leader with a unique talent for connecting with people, influencing change, and creating an atmosphere and culture that inspires individuals to go above and beyond.”

Tonja Thigpen, CNO at Methodist Hospital | Texsan

“Caitlin is an amazing team member. Her expertise shines in a specialized field that has gained trust from our nursing team and physicians. She has been instrumental in bringing on other wound care nurses and has served as a mentor while they become certified. Caitlin also co-leads the division wound ostomy integration team and has played an integral part in developing Wound Champ Camp, a bi-monthly meeting for wound care champions throughout the division. Most of all, Caitlin has a passion for the patients we serve and goes above and beyond to ensure the patient is healing and able to care for themselves at home.”

Drew Seelman, former ACNO at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant Caitlin served in the Army for five years and has been saving lives since 2011. She holds three national certifications including Wound, Ostomy, and Continents (CWOCN). Since working for Methodist Healthcare, Caitlin has grown a particular set of skills that has pushed the boundaries within her field.

“I would like to say we are the Swiss army knife of the hospital,” says Caitlin.

Wound Care works with just about every kind of patient and touches a little bit of every department within the hospital. “It truly is a unique specialty.”

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY

HONORING BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH In October, we “go pink!” Our staff loves to raise awareness about breast cancer and show support for those actively fighting, their families, and those who’ve lost their battle with breast cancer.

Our hospitals honored Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by participating in various activities, events, and more.

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NATIONAL CAR SEAT SAFETY WEEK In honor of National Car Seat Safety Week, the Methodist Healthcare System hosted Car Seat Safety Checks at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak, Wesley Health & Wellness Center, and Dixon Health & Wellness Center.

Parents, grandparents, and anyone who cares for children were able to get their car seat(s) professionally checked by a certified Child Safety Technician. In partnership with Methodist Healthcare Ministries, the Bluebird Auxiliary, and Safe Kids, we were able to provide free installations and car seat checks to over 50 families, and gave away 17 free car seats to families whose car seats did not meet the safety qualifications.

METHODIST HELPS CRUSH THE OPIOID CRISIS On October 29, our annual Crush the Crisis gathered over 1,361 pounds of unused or expired medications! This event is aimed at educating our community on the dangers of opioid misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of prescription medications. Drivethru locations were setup at Methodist ER | Legacy Trails, Methodist ER | Nacogdoches, and Methodist ER | Alamo Heights.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY

RIDING FOR A CAUSE When Joni Roquet was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), she was initially depressed and worried she would end up in a wheelchair.

A monitor tech at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa, Joni first began having symptoms such as back issues in 2017. Then, at the height of COVID-19, she knew something was seriously wrong when she struggled to get out of her chair without using her desk for assistance.

Pain radiated down her back, and she swayed when she tried to walk. Joni decided to get further medical help, which led to an MRI. The testing revealed that Joni wasn’t just suffering from a bad back; she had MS. Working with her doctor, she chose daily medication to eliminate back issues and pains. Though she was never really into exercise, she knew that exercise would help her stay mobile and keep her muscles moving, which helps with sleep. Many MS patients are always tired but can’t sleep to get rest.

Then one day, while at work, Joni saw an advertisement asking employees to participate in the Bike MS: Valero 8 | Methodist Magazine

Ride to the River, a two-day bike ride from San Antonio to New Braunfels. Joni thought this would be an excellent opportunity to be more active in combating her symptoms and raise awareness for MS herself, so she joined the MH vs.

MS team, a partnership between the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., and Methodist Healthcare.

She also hoped riding would provide the sleep she needed.

After she signed up to ride, she purchased a Rad Rover bike, an electric bike for people needing assistance. The bike still requires pedaling but has different levels of assistance.

Knowing she would have struggles participating at the level of everyone else. Joni began training for the event and would ride after work and on her days off, working up to 35 miles a day.

Riding her bike helped her sleep, made her feel better, and felt a sense of accomplishment that was mentally rewarding. “Participating in the ride was really humbling,” Joni said. “I was doing it for myself and also for other people with MS.” At the event, she met other people with MS who had been participating in the ride for years. This motivated her. “If they can do it, I can do it,” she said.

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The ride taught Joni a lot. “Listen to your body,” she advises.

“Don’t let people tell you it’s nothing until it can be proved.

Also, don’t let the diagnosis define you. It is very easy to be bummed out and worried as I was for the first few months.

Just keep going.”

Team MH vs MS, comprised of Joni and 54 members, including staff and board members from Methodist Healthcare and Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., raised more than $100,000 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In addition to setting a fund-

raising record, the team also won an award for Best Jersey promoting the mission.

“I am proud to work for a hospital that supports MS,” she said. “They matched my donations, and their support made me feel grateful to work for an employer who truly cares about people.”

Joni said she has already signed up to ride next year. “I’m encouraging the nurses and other staff I work with at the hospital to ride with me,” she said.

CYCLING TOWARDS SUCCESS Cycle Nation is a movement empowering people to be healthy while funding vital research to eradicate stroke and heart disease. We ride for those who can’t, those who have lost their lives, and for those who are still writing their comeback stories. The American Heart Association partnered with the Methodist Healthcare System to host a CEO Scrub Ride.

The scrub ride was a two-hour stationary bike ride for CEOs and their teams to compete to see who could raise the most funds for the American Heart Association.

American Heart Association tracked the monies and ranked our teams: •

Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan – $4,697.57

•

Methodist Hospital | Texsan – $4,468.71

•

Methodist Hospital | Northeast – $3,417.84

•

Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant – $3,213.71

•

Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak – $2,581.85

•

Methodist Hospital/Methodist Children’s Hospital – $2,301.38

•

Methodist Healthcare System Office – $1,469.17

Congratulations to ALL!

GUEST COLUMNIST NEWLY DEVELOPED SITTER KIT AT METHODIST HOSPITAL | STONE OAK ELEVATES THE PATIENT CARE EXPERIENCE

I have served in healthcare for almost 20 years now and have had the privilege of taking care of patients suffering from mental illness on countless occasions. They all had commonalities, they want to be seen, heard, and confirmed.

They enter our facility anxious, uncomfortable, scared, and sometimes embarrassed. As healthcare providers, we have to take someone who has courageously come forward out of an uncomfortable situation and into an even more uncomfortable situation for safety reasons. It takes a great deal of compassion and grace to do it well. Lack of consistency can intensify the discomfort for the patient, their family members, and our team members.

Consistency is achieved through education. For varying reasons, we are faced with educational challenges that sometimes prevent us from doing what we all hope to do 10 | Methodist Magazine

each day at work: provide excellent care and compassion to our patients and their families. As a leader of safety, it kept me up at night to think of all of the risk potentials due to a lack of process for effective management of this patient population. In response to these challenges, we teamed up and created a sitter tool kit comprised of all elements of our policies.

Our sitter kit requires a key stakeholder team inclusive of security, house officer, facilities, patient safety, case management, food and nutrition, sitters, and our leadership team. Our kit is designed to position security as an educator and validator of the process. Facility Security Supervisor, Demetreus Ramirez stated, “It helps to have an educated person in the room who can assist us in deflecting risk.

The increased communication across the board has had an

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immensely positive impact on my team. I always say I cannot help you if I am not aware there is a potential.”

Real-time education, completion of the required checklist, appropriate signage, paper scrubs, communication tools (iMobile/ mobile duress), and applicable policies are provided as part of the onset of the sitter process. A collective communication process to key stakeholders allows our patients to receive the appropriate meal tray and obtain screening for the next steps in their care via case management. Finally, a shift-to-shift handoff form is provided so each sitter has an opportunity to learn of any critical information and ask questions for safety. Courtney Burgoon, our beloved patient safety director shared, “From a Patient Safety perspective, implementation of the Sitter Kit process has allowed nursing teams to partner with security in a new way that enhances the safety of our patients and staff in an easy-touse kit.”

When we started this journey, we had a considerable number of fallouts with respect to implementing mitigation steps. Upon discovery, this caused us to have to go back to the patient and their family and ask for cooperation after their anxiety had settled. Sometimes this was the cause of behaviors that posed a risk to our environment. Our sitters were not always aware of why they were sitting on the patient. Essential communication tools were not provided for safety to the sitter. Jose Trevino, security shift supervisor says, “Our kit has enhanced the sitter’s awareness and allowed us to empower them to question risk, such as unsafe dietary trays, before they reach the patient.”

Our sitter kit has been successfully implemented for approximately a year and a quarter. Since implementation, we have seen a 51% increase in mitigation compliance and a 35% decrease in disturbances. The feedback from our

sitters has been very positive as they feel as though they are provided with the tools and equipment to do their job well.

Additionally, our sitters are more confident in how “plugged in” others are to keep them safe while they do their job.

Caitlyn Judge, security shift supervisor weighed in stating, “it allows us to keep track of where our sitters are and validate compliance with the policy shift to shift. We all know this information and can strategically schedule our patrols for safety.”

We serve in an ecosystem made up of very complex parts that require an interminable supply of critical processes.

We have learned that our problems are often not people problems but process problems. Our mission calls us to “Serve humanity to honor God by providing exceptional, cost-effective healthcare, accessible to all.” Our sitter kit process has opened up the opportunity for us to lock arms and fulfill our mission. I know I speak for the entire team when I say how passionate we all are about keeping our patients at the center of our care. We are all motivated to do all we can to compassionately support those we serve each day as well as each other in the process. It has been a relief for all of us to have found a way to achieve patient safety through this new process.

RONNI BISHOP,

Director of Facilities Management and Security Methodist Hospital Stone Oak.

METHODIST MOMENTS A FAB-BOO-LOUS HALLOWEEN FOR PREEMIES AT METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL Newborns and their families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Methodist Children’s Hospital participated in Halloween festivities this year. Tiny superheroes, bumblebees, princesses, and deliciously-sweet treats were looking fab‑BOO-lous just in time for their first Halloween.

Each of our tiniest patients wore a costume that was handmade by one of our wonderful NICU nurses and volunteers with Threads of Love. The costumes included everything from fuzzy animals, Super Mario Bros., and sweet treats such as cupcakes, doughnuts, and candy corn.

METHODIST HEALTHCARE INTRODUCED

THE SPURS NEWEST FANS Methodist Healthcare introduced the newest San Antonio Spurs fans born the first week of basketball season at Methodist Hospital, Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, and Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak. Spurs Sports & Entertainment kicked off the season by gifting a few little

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rookies their first set of Spurs gear. This year celebrates Methodist Healthcare’s 7th season as the official healthcare system partner of the San Antonio Spurs and San Antonio FC. This partnership helps educate the community on the importance of health and wellness.

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METHODIST HOSPITAL | ATASCOSA

ENCOURAGES GOOD NEIGHBORS Methodist Hospital | Atascosa and the Pleasanton Express partnered to encourage the community to celebrate Good Neighbor Day, encouraging residents of Atascosa County to be good neighbors now and always.

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter officially named September 28 National Good Neighbor Day, recognizing that human values and consideration for others were essential to our system of civilization. The hospital took it one step further, working with the Atascosa County Judge to proclaim September 26-October 3 National Good Neighbor Week in Atascosa County as a special time to care for neighbors to form or maintain friendships.

As part of the observance, Methodist Hospital | Atascosa provided free breakfast and lunch for first responders at their cafeteria. They challenged residents and businesses to pay it forward and do something kind. Several businesses and organizations participated, gifting kind messages, food, flowers, and more to their neighbors and friends. This movement continued for a few weeks after the official observance.

“We know that the community has been through many trials and tribulations over the past few years but taking care of one another and lifting each other up makes a big impact. National Good Neighbor Week encouraged us all to be kind to one another and maybe find a way to pay it forward!

One small act of kindness can make a big impact in someone’s life,” said Greg Seiler, Chief Executive Officer at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa.

CARING LIKE FAMILY

AVID RUNNER SHARES HER EXPERIENCE RECEIVING TWO MACI PROCEDURES Megan DeYoung is a mother of five and wife, who keeps her plate full as she is a travel planner, actor, and singer. A few years ago, she added running onto her plate and absolutely fell in love with the sport. She competed in several races throughout the year, such as the River City Half Marathon. Then, shortly after she hit the age of 43, her left knee started to give her some trouble and she shared that, “While moving my daughter into college, I helped to move the bed and all of sudden it felt like my knee exploded.”

The remainder of that bittersweet weekend in August of 2021, she was unable to move. That Monday, she visited Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. J. Cuyler Dear at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak and it was determined that a piece of cartilage had gotten loose and was floating around within her knee joint.

Three days later, she had surgery to remove the cartilage piece. After her initial surgery, she also became a candidate for the Matrix-induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) procedure.

The MACI procedure begins with a minimally invasive biopsy that procures a sample of cartilage cells (chondrocytes). The sample is then sent to a laboratory and allowed a period of time to grow. Then during a second minimally invasive procedure, the cartilage cell sample will be embedded on a special collagen membrane, and implanted into the knee.

Megan had her MACI procedure in October of 2021 and said, “The recovery is about six weeks without putting your foot on the floor and with a lot of physical therapy.” Around six months after the procedure and just as she was about to start running in the Alterg anti-gravity treadmill at physical therapy, her right knee pain started to creep in. Immediately contacting her physician and getting imaging done, it showed that she was experiencing the same cartilage issue as her left knee. Then by happenstance, her right knee qualified for the MACI procedure as well, which she had completed in June of 2022.

Although Megan is still a few months away from being able to run again, she is enjoying her new mobility, sharing that “Being able to walk up and down the stairs without a lot of pain is totally worth it.”

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RETIRED TEACHER AND VETERAN SHOWS FAST RECOVERY AFTER SUFFERING A STROKE Strokes can happen to anyone at any age. According to the American Heart Association, every 40 seconds someone in the U.S. has a stroke. World Stroke Day reminds us about the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms and knowing how to respond.

Like many patients, Rocky Burke did not realize he was having a stroke nor did he know the symptoms. “I was just living my normal life,” said the military veteran and retired teacher.

“Suddenly I woke up in an ambulance.” He had suffered memory loss and wound up on the side of the road when highway rangers found him and called his wife to pick him up.

Memory loss is a sign of stroke, but Rocky was unaware at the time.

As a result of the stroke, his right leg, right arm, and the left half of his face were paralyzed. He was taken to Methodist Hospital | Texsan where he is recovering and undergoing physical therapy.

Rocky said the team at this hospital has been “awesome and very helpful.” He has worked with speech, physical and occupational therapists. Nurses also educated the couple on exercise regimens for home therapy.

“I am super lucky,” he said. He now realizes the importance of diet, exercise and proper medical care, such as keeping up with his high blood pressure treatment. Rocky has shown great progress—he is up and walking with assistance.

Nursing staff are very impressed with the progress Rocky has made while being in the hospital. “I am very grateful for this hospital,” says Rocky. “I love these guys and girls, they are extremely attentive.”

Knowledge is power and we encourage everyone to learn the F.A.S.T. warning signs of stroke: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911. Other stroke symptoms include numbness of the face, arm or leg, confusion, vision impairment, trouble walking and severe headache.

Stroke is largely treatable. It’s a matter of getting the right treatment, right away.

CARING LIKE FAMILY

AIR FORCE VETERAN RECEIVES LIFE‑SAVING LIVER TRANSPLANT

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“Everyone’s journey is different, but we all have the same end-goal,” says Hector Villarreal, liver transplant recipient. It was a long and rocky road to liver transplantation for Hector Villarreal, but well worth it.

Not only did he cheat death several times, but he lived to see his daughter get married and meet his grandson. This year, he also organized a Veteran’s Day reunion for those who served with him in the Air Force in Germany.

Hector moved from Houston to San Antonio in 2008. Overwhelmed by different areas of his life, he began consuming an excess amount of alcohol.

A few years later, he underwent a procedure that gave him access to hydrocodone. He continued drinking alcohol while on this medication, and before he knew it, he was addicted. Hector’s health concerns began to worsen when he was diagnosed with cirrhosis, a chronic disease of the liver.

While on a trip to Green Bay in December 2016, he experienced encephalopathy, a reaction of the brain to his condition. Friends found him lost in the city and unable to manage the cold weather.

Hector was then transported to the emergency room and spent eight days in the ICU, where he experienced hallucinations and near death.

Hector needed to be alcohol-free in order to become eligible for a liver transplant. In January 2017, Hector began to feel extremely sick again, but this time he also suffered from pneumonia.

care was suggested.

At this point, his liver was worn out. The family began preparing for his passing.

Though he began working with a hepatologist, Hector went into septic shock in April. He did not think he would make it, but he did. In June, he was back in the hospital needing transfusion and palliative

On June 21, 2017, he was transferred to Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant in very poor condition. Fortunately, Hector received notice that he was set for transplant surgery on July 29.

Throughout his transplant journey, Hector experienced a lot of anxiety, stress and depression; luckily, he had the support of the liver transplant team and his wife, Darlene. “I was very well taken care of by all the staff at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant,” he said.

“They are very professional in what they do.”

“The first thing I do every morning is thank God and ask him to help me fight the pressure to drink alcohol,” Hector said. “I’m following all directions from my physician to recover properly, going to therapy, and keeping up with my medications.”

Post-surgery, Hector decided it was time for him to give back. In October 2018, he became part of the liver transplant support group at the hospital.

He also volunteers at the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance, talking to groups about his experience and signing up people for organ donation.

“I was very well taken care of by all the staff at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant,” he said. “They are very professional in what they do.”

CARING LIKE FAMILY

MALE BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR SPEAKS OUT As a deputy for Bexar County for 32 years and a Navy Veteran with over 20 years of service, Joe Villarreal says he had never been seriously ill before his diagnosis.

So, when he found a lump in his left armpit, he wasn’t too concerned. But in August 2021, he went to his doctor after the lump hadn’t gone away.

Joe’s doctor ordered a scan and biopsy for safety reasons and ultimately found three small cancerous tumors on the side of his left nipple. He started chemotherapy to treat the tumors, but with HER2‑positive estrogen cancer, the chemotherapy wasn’t working.

Surgery was recommended as the next step in his treatment, and a Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan breast cancer surgeon performed a mastectomy,

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removing the tumors and cancerous lymph nodes.

After surgery, he was treated with radiation. Now, he is in remission and taking oral medications.

“I had a great experience with my oncologist, Dr. Raul Portillo, and everyone at the clinic was nice and very supportive,” Joe said. Debbie Williams, a Bluebird Auxiliary volunteer who is 11 years cancer free, provided much-appreciated support, calling and checking on Joe regularly. “Debbie is good at what she does,” he added.

“I am doing well, taking my meds and feeling blessed that I wake up every day,” said Joe, 73. “I never gave breast cancer a thought.” His father and two brothers died of prostate cancer, and his mother died from cancer as well. “I always expected to get some kind of cancer, but I thought it would be prostate cancer, so I wasn’t being screened for breast cancer,” he said.

Joe feels that breast cancer in men is not talked about enough. “It needs to be brought more to light,” he said. “Statistics show that it’s rare, but it takes a back seat to breast cancer in women. For men, there’s not much education about it or the symptoms.

Hispanic men especially don’t want to admit they could have breast cancer; they are embarrassed.”

Joe said his wife and friends have been very supportive, and he is willing to talk with other men diagnosed with breast cancer. “You may not be happy to share your breast cancer diagnosis with others, but it doesn’t help when you don’t talk about it,” he said.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2022 about 530 men will die from breast cancer. Among the risk factors are aging, a family history of breast cancer, inherited gene mutations, alcohol, and obesity.

A DECADE OF EMPLOYEES BRINGING HOLIDAY CHEER TO UNDERSERVED FAMILIES For the tenth consecutive year, Methodist Healthcare and Methodist Healthcare Ministries donated nearly 120 decorated Christmas trees to underserved families in San Antonio.

As part of our annual holiday celebrations, several departments of Methodist Hospital, Methodist Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital | Texsan and Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan participated in a tree decorating contest. Following the competition, the trees, along with 64 wreaths decorated by departments at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak and Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant, were given to families in need served by Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

“Having an opportunity to spread some Christmas joy to families in need continues to bring incredible pride and joy to our team members who work tirelessly every day to help support resilient families across the communities we serve” said Jaime Wesolowski, President & CEO at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “This annual tradition between our organization and the Methodist Healthcare System hospitals that participate further supports our shared mission of ‘Serving Humanity to Honor God” and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share the Christmas spirit and holiday cheer with our community.”

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“Having an opportunity to spread some Christmas joy to families in need continues to bring incredible pride and joy to our team members who work tirelessly every day to help support resilient families across the communities we serve” This year, the San Antonio Spurs also partnered with Methodist Healthcare to help spread even more holiday cheer as players Doug McDermott and Isaiah Roby, the Spurs’ Coyote and the Spurs’ Hype Squad were on hand to greet families and help load up the Christmas trees.

The families that received Christmas trees were selected from Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ existing patients and clients who receive care through its Parenting Programs, Recreation & Enrichment services, Behavioral Health, and the Wesley Nurse program. This year, a Winter Wonderland was created inside the Wesley Health & Wellness Center for the families to enjoy while waiting to pick out their tree.

Along with their Christmas trees, families were also given a holiday wreath to complete the experience. Courtney Burgoon, Director of Patient Safety and Marnie Jones, Chest Pain Coordinator at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak (Cover) donated their time creating festive wreaths.

“Giving back to our community and doing so in a fun and creative outlet is the perfect way to spread holiday cheer,” shared Courtney. In total, the staff at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak decorated 24 wreaths to donate to families to bring joy to their holiday celebrations.

MOVES ACROSS METHODIST

METHODIST HOSPITAL ANNOUNCES NEW CEO Ryan Simpson will be joining the Methodist Healthcare family as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Methodist Hospital campus.

group, resulting in surgical growth of 50 percent and, he grew cardiac cath procedures by 53 percent over a threeyear period.

Ryan has worked for HCA’s Continental Division for the past twelve years, to include serving as Chief Operating Officer as part of Dan Miller’s leadership team prior to Dan’s move to San Antonio. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer at The Medical Center of Aurora (TMCA) and Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital.

While serving as CEO, he oversaw the planning and opening of Centennial Hospital, an $80 million inpatient campus expansion to Centennial Medical Plaza, and a 40-bed expansion to the Behavioral Health and Wellness Center for women’s inpatient behavioral health and expanded geriatric psychiatry, representing $10 million in capital investments.

During his tenure as CEO over the last four years, Ryan made noticeable strides in physician and employee satisfaction, improving physician engagement scores by 25 percentage points, placing TMCA in the 90th percentile as a place to practice medicine. He improved employee engagement scores to 76%, representing an eight-percentage point increase. He made great progress advancing quality indicators, reducing hospital-acquired conditions to place TMCA as one of the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals by IBM Watson.

Ryan holds a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Birmingham Southern College.

He also led unprecedented growth in several service lines, including the integration of Colorado Permanente Medical Group (Kaiser Permanente) into TMCA, seeing a 50 percent increase in same-store admissions. He was instrumental in the development of a market-wide heart surgery

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In addition to leading the administrative team for Methodist Hospital, Ryan will work with Court LeMaistre to oversee operations of Methodist Children’s Hospital. I am confident in Ryan’s abilities as a leader and know he will continue to build on the many successes that campus has experienced over the past few years.

Ryan’s commitment to excellence along with his robust leadership skills will benefit Methodist as he builds relationships with colleagues, providers, and community partners, to serve the greater San Antonio.

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METHODIST HOSPITAL | SPECIALTY AND TRANSPLANT WELCOMED NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Most recently, Joseph DeLeon served as the Assistant Chief Financial Officer for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital. He assumed his new role as Chief Financial Officer with Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant on September 7, 2022.

Joseph has an extensive background in accounting and finance. He has been with the Methodist Healthcare System since 2009. Joseph received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas at San Antonio, he obtained his Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University, and completed the HCA Executive Development Program in 2018. Since joining the Methodist Healthcare System, Joseph has built great relationships and delivered exceptional operational results. During his tenure at Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital, Joseph played a key role in obtaining approval for and launching the limb salvage program, which included a successful recruitment of three new surgeons and the construction of a new OP clinic.

“I feel extremely honored and humbled to serve as the CFO for MHST. Having once served as the controller here, I have always been amazed by the culture of the organization and the positive impact the hospital has on our community. What a privilege to rejoin this incredible team,” says Joseph.

METHODIST HOSPITAL | TEXSAN ANNOUNCES CHRISTOPHER WARD AS THEIR NEW CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER Methodist Hospital | Texsan welcomed Christopher C. Ward, MD, MBA, FACEP, CPE, OStJ as their Chief Medical Officer on September 1, 2022.

Most recently, Christopher served as the Vice Chair for the Department of Emergency Medicine at Steward Healthcare in Boston.

Christopher received his Bachelor of Science from Florida State University, obtained his Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and completed his Emergency Medicine Residency Program at Emory University. Recently, Christopher also completed the Trium Global Executive MBA program from NYU Stern, London School of Economics, and Paris HEC. “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Texsan. This facility has a tradition of excellence, and I look forward to building on their foundation of improving clinical outcomes, enhancing medical staff collaboration, and empowering our team to uphold the highest standards of care. I hope to help strengthen our passion for the patient experience and help our patients live happier, healthier lives,” says Christopher.

MOVES ACROSS METHODIST METHODIST HOSPITAL | STONE OAK APPOINTS NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Carson Smith was appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak. Carson served as the Assistant Chief Operating Officer at Medical City Dallas, Medical City Children’s Hospital, Medical City Heart Hospital, and Medical City Spine Hospital. During his tenure, he was a project lead for the opening of Medical City Heart and Medical City Spine Hospitals. He led the expansion of the Medical City Heart Tower and increased capacity of Congenital Heart and NICU at Medical City Children’s Hospital. In addition to his executive oversight of multiple departments, he assisted with capital projects and programmatic developments.

Prior to his role as ACOO, Carson served as Assistant Administrator for Medical City Dallas following his time as a Medical City Healthcare Administrative Resident. He received a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Trinity University, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Arkansas. Carson is also a graduate of the 2021 HCA Healthcare Executive Development Program.

METHODIST HOSPITAL | ATASCOSA INTRODUCED THEIR NEW CHIEF NURSING OFFICER The hospital welcomed Drew Seelman, DNP, RN, CEN, as their new Chief Nursing Officer on November 28. Methodist Hospital | Atascosa is proud to introduce Drew Seelman, DNP, RN, CEN, as their new Chief Nursing Officer.

Since March 2021, Seelman has served as Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant in San Antonio. Prior to that, he held leadership roles at both Methodist Hospital | Texsan and Methodist Ambulatory Surgical Services.

“I am thrilled and honored to be the next Chief Nursing Officer for Methodist Hospital | Atascosa,” shared Seelman. “As a nurse, I want to ensure that all our care is high-quality and patient-centered. As a leader, I am excited to work with such an outstanding team and assist in continuing the great work at this facility. I hope my efforts can enhance the services at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa, and I look forward to finding new ways to serve the community.

With nearly 20 years of experience spanning nursing leadership, emergency services, trauma, and orthopedics, Seelman holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Executive Nursing Leadership, a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Innovation, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Dedicated to the nursing profession, he is also a member of the American Organization of Nurse Leaders, the South-Central Texas Organization of Nurse Leaders, and the Emergency Nurses Association.

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METHODIST HOSPITAL APPOINTS NEW ASSOCIATE CHIEF NURSING OFFICER Methodist Hospital is proud to introduce Celeste Bryson, DNP, MSN, as the new Associate Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO). Bryson is a tenured senior nurse executive leader, bringing 27 years of critical care nursing experience, 20 years of critical care nurse practitioner experience, and over a decade of leadership experience.

Prior to her appointment as ACNO, Bryson served as the Vice President of Nursing at Methodist Hospital, overseeing the critical care and progressive care service lines. Bryson also has served in the U.S. Army for 21 years and continues to serve currently as an LTC in the 7454th Army Reserve Medical Battalion out of JBSA Ft. Sam Houston, TX. During her tenure, Bryson has played an integral role in stabilizing the leadership of the critical care service line while working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team of leaders and clinical experts to become a highly respected and acute service line. Under Bryson’s leadership, Methodist Hospital has been awarded national recognition for Critical Care Service Excellence in 2022 and the National ELSO Gold Center of Excellence award. She has presented her

ECMO expertise at the national nursing conference (NTI) for the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and has served as the Chair of the Leadership Advisory Council for Methodist Healthcare.

Bryson has a strong clinical presence, which has resulted in developing vital relationships with colleagues and employees and positive employee engagement. She is a forward thinker with an eye for clinical excellence and the future growth of service lines. Bryson holds a DNP from the University of Tennessee and is board certified as a Critical Care Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist.

In her role as Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Bryson will oversee critical care services, medical surgical progressive care units, medicine 1 and 3, as well as neuro telemetry. She says she is most excited about the opportunity to instill and represent the power of Methodist Healthcare’s mission and vision in and to staff, patients, and families.

Bryson officially started her role as Associate Chief Nursing Officer on October 23.

MOVES ACROSS METHODIST

ANGELA SAIF APPOINTED AS CHIEF NURSING OFFICER FOR METHODIST HOSPITAL | LANDMARK Angela (Angie) Saif has been appointed as Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for Methodist Hospital | Landmark, which will open in the summer of 2023. Angie has served as Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Methodist Hospital since early 2021. As ACNO, Angie oversaw over 23 departments and 900 full-time employees, including inpatient progressive care, telemetry, medical-surgical units as well as dialysis, apheresis, staffing, nursing administration, and rapid response.

During her time with Methodist Hospital, Angie made great improvements in enhancing employee engagement and strengthening operations. Through her leadership, in-patient experience maintained above the 72 percentile for five consecutive quarters. She was instrumental in restructuring vascular access team staffing and workflow to encourage decreased central line utilization while effectively decreasing the use of contract labor by 90 percent, which resulted in an annual projected savings of $650,000. Angie also helped implement alternate nursing care models utilizing LVNs in the inpatient setting to bridge the gap in the nursing workforce in the inpatient telemetry units.

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Angie has nearly twenty years of diverse hospital leadership experience and immense compassion for people, patients, and a dedication to the nursing profession. Angie has a track record of innovative problem-solving and the ability to conceptualize and implement new programs to meet organizational growth objectives.

Angie has a Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Healthcare System Administration from the University of Tennessee.

She is a Certified Healthcare Operations Professional (DNV-GL) as well as a Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN). Angie is also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives as well as the American Organization of Nurse Leaders.

As CNO over Methodist Hospital | Landmark, Angie will lead patient care for specialized surgical services including bariatrics, breast reconstruction, orthopedics, gynecology, urology, colorectal, and general surgery. She will begin her role as CNO for Methodist Hospital | Landmark effective December 12.

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Dear Methodist Healthcare family, It is my honor to share with you two very exciting and well-deserved promotions within the Methodist Healthcare family. President and CEO, Allen Harrison, has accepted an incredible opportunity to lead the North Texas Division as President of Medical City Healthcare. His mission-driven leadership style and proven growth strategies make him the ideal selection to serve the largest Division in HCA Healthcare, and we are grateful for the significant impact he has made at MHS over the last 5+ years. As Allen transitions to his new role, I am pleased to announce that Dan Miller, CEO of Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital, will assume the position of Methodist Healthcare’s new President and CEO. Having successfully led one of the largest hospitals in the state, we are incredibly fortunate to have a talented leader continue our critical mission of serving humanity to honor God. Allen first joined Methodist Healthcare in February 2017, as the CEO of the Methodist Hospital campus. In October 2018, he was promoted to President and CEO of Methodist Healthcare where he oversaw the significant expansion of healthcare services to serve our community by opening eight new FSERs, and launching plans to open two new hospitals in 2023 and 2024. Allen led our System through the COVID-19 pandemic the most challenging time our organization has ever faced - with steadfast composure and strength. His leadership inspired an entire workforce to care for more than 15,000 COVID-19 patients amidst global panic and uncertainty. Always decisive and visible, Allen never lost sight of our sacred mission and we, along with the San Antonio community, could never fully express our gratitude for his guidance and service.

After serving as CEO of The Medical Center of Aurora in Aurora, Colorado, Dan joined the Methodist Hospital campus as CEO in October 2018. There, Dan opened the first Aortic Center in San Antonio, launched one of the largest ECMO programs in the world, as well as one of the largest, most comprehensive robotics programs. Under Dan’s leadership, Methodist Hospital has been also recognized as the Best Regional Hospital by U.S. News and World Report for four consecutive years. With his focus on growing access to world-renowned medical services and his personal commitment to our mission, I am confident Dan will ensure Methodist Healthcare continues to provide South Texas with the highest quality of healthcare.

Please join me in thanking Allen for the indelible impact he has made on Methodist Healthcare, and in congratulating Dan on his new role. I look forward to all we will accomplish to live out our shared mission to support our South Texas communities, and I thank you for being a part of the Methodist Healthcare family.

God Bless,

Michael J. Lane, MD, FACR Board Chair, Methodist Healthcare Governing Board

GROWTH AND EXPANSION

NEWEST FREESTANDING EMERGENCY ROOM OPENED IN NEW BRAUNFELS Methodist Healthcare hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in August to celebrate the opening of our newest neighborhood freestanding emergency room (FSER), Methodist ER | New Braunfels. Located in the City of New Braunfels at 1850 TX-46, #109, the facility will provide exceptional care to adult and pediatric patients, 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Specially trained ER and trauma physicians, registered nurses and other medical staff are eager to deliver quality, compassionate care to families throughout New Braunfels and the surrounding communities.

“I am thrilled that we are extending Methodist-quality emergency services to our neighbors in the City of New Braunfels,” said Michael Beaver, CEO at Methodist Hospital | Northeast. “As our community grows, we are dedicated to providing access to the highest-quality of emergency healthcare close to home.”

Methodist ER | New Braunfels will feature continuous patient monitoring and testing, a Picture Archiving 28 | Methodist Magazine

Communications System (PACS) to digitally transmit electronic images, diagnostic equipment including a 64-slice CT scanner, a dedicated x-ray suite, ultrasound and telemetry equipment, as well as full-service laboratory and radiology capabilities. Methodist ER | New Braunfels is capable of treating serious, sometimes life-threatening emergency medical conditions including chest pain, respiratory distress, abdominal pain, broken bones or dislocated joints, serious infections, injuries, stroke symptoms, and more. Should patients require acute or specialized care, free transfer to Methodist Hospital | Northeast or another Methodist Healthcare facility will be provided.

As an extension of the emergency room at Methodist Hospital | Northeast, Methodist ER | New Braunfels serves as the hospital’s third FSER. Previously, Methodist ER | Nacogdoches and Methodist ER | Converse were opened to increase access to emergency services for the northeast Bexar, Guadalupe and Comal Counties.

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METHODIST HOSPITAL | ATASCOSA OPENS WEIGHT LOSS CLINIC

Methodist Hospital | Atascosa, in partnership with Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, now offers surgical weight loss options to Atascosa County residents. Their new weight loss center in Atascosa provides patients with a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach. Each patient who participates in the program experiences an individualized care plan designed just for them.

According to Lacy Fisher, Director of Rehabilitation and Multispecialty Clinic at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa, through this partnership, patients have access to surgery performed by board-certified surgeons at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan in San Antonio and the convenience of all pre and postoperative appointments and other services in Atascosa.

Jennifer Group, Bariatric Program Manager, Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan in San Antonio, said that the hospital focuses on upholding the highest standard of care with personalized treatment plans. She said she is proud that The Methodist Weight Loss Center is designated as an American Society for Metabolic Surgery Bariatric Surgery Centers of Excellence®. The center is recognized as a Bariatric Center of Excellence with OPTUM-UHC, Aetna, and Blue Distinction Center Facilities with BlueCross BlueShield.

It is also accredited by The Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, and the hospital is celebrating the 10th anniversary of their weight loss program this year.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

METHODIST HOSPITAL | SPECIALTY AND TRANSPLANT REACHES VASCULAR MILESTONE Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant has successfully completed its 100th Transcarotid Artery Revascularization procedure (TCAR), which demonstrates an excellent advancement in carotid artery stenosis treatment. Carotid artery stenosis is a narrowing of the large arteries on either side of the neck. These arteries carry blood to the head, face and brain. This usually results in the build-up of plaque within the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Overtime, stenosis or plaque burden can worsen and lead to stroke. The TCAR procedure reverses the direction of blood flow in the carotid and the patient’s risk of stroke and cranial nerve injury during the procedure is significantly lower.

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While conventional surgery is an alternative option, TCAR has several additional advantages. Dr. Boulos Toursarkissian, who has performed the majority of these procedures at the hospital, stated, “It is much less invasive, less painful, and saves time.” He also says the incision is much smaller which lessens recovery time. “Being the 100th, this milestone demonstrates the level of expertise and specialized skills of our vascular team at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant.”

Dr. Toursarkissian notes that not every patient is a candidate for this type of procedure. Patients must meet certain criteria and candidacy should be determined by their physician.

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METHODIST HEALTHCARE HOSPITALS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR QUALITY AND SAFETY Five Methodist Healthcare hospitals were awarded “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades for Fall 2022.

This national distinction recognizes achievements protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent nonprofit organization committed to driving quality, safety, and transparency in the U.S. health system. The Safety Grade assigns an ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, ‘D’, or ‘F’ grade to all general hospitals across the country and is updated every six months. It is based on a hospital’s performance in preventing medical errors, injuries, accidents, infections, and other harm to patients in their care.

Leapfrog Grades for Fall 2022 • Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant – 10 A’s in a row • Methodist Hospital | Atascosa – 9 A’s in a row • Methodist Hospital | Northeast • Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak • Methodist Hospital The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 22 evidence-based measures of patient safety to assign grades to more than 3,000 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public.

METHODIST HEALTHCARE FACILITIES ACHIEVE HEALTHGRADES 2023 CRITICAL CARE EXCELLENCE AWARD Methodist Healthcare hospitals were recognized by Healthgrades as 2023 Critical Care Excellence Award recipients. Healthgrades Specialty Excellence Awards recognize the top 10% of hospitals across the country in 17 specialty care areas. This achievement reflects their outstanding clinical outcomes for critical care and distinguishes them as two of the leading hospitals in the nation for critical care.

Healthgrades evaluated patient mortality and complication rates for 31 of the most common conditions and procedures at nearly 4,500 hospitals across the country to identify the top-performing hospitals for specialty care. This year’s analysis revealed significant variation in patient outcomes between hospitals with a 2023 Healthgrades Specialty Excellence Award and hospitals that did not receive the award.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

METHODIST HOSPITAL | STONE OAK REHABILITATION CENTER RECOGNIZED BY NEWSWEEK AS TOP 10 REHAB CENTER IN TEXAS For the second year in a row, Newsweek has named Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Rehabilitation Center to their 2022 America’s Best Physical Rehabilitation Centers in Texas list. Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Rehabilitation Center placed 8th on Newsweek’s prestigious list of the nation’s top 255 inpatient facilities, based on the results of an online survey from over 4,400 experts on physical rehabilitation.

“We are thrilled to once more be recognized as a top Rehabilitation Center in Texas,” shared Jeff Wilson, CEO of Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak. “Since opening our doors in 2020, the nursing and therapy teams have been instrumental in providing exceptional care to our patients and helping them recover as quickly and safely as possible from injury, surgery, or disabling medical conditions.”

Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Rehabilitation Center offers a comfortable environment for patients to receive the highest quality of inpatient rehabilitation services with a patient-centered approach. The facility 32 | Methodist Magazine

provides treatment for a variety of orthopedic and neurologic conditions including stroke, traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury, spinal surgery, spinal cord injury, hip replacement, amputations, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Neurologic diagnoses such as muscular dystrophy, polyneuropathy, and motor neuron disease are also treated at the facility.

This 42-bed freestanding state-of-the-art facility is specifically designed to help patients recover as quickly and safely as possible following a traumatic injury, surgery, or other disabling medical condition or injury.

Customizing the care for each patient allows for the safest and most effective approach to maximizing recovery while personalizing the care experience. The services at the facility include 24-hour rehabilitation nursing, rehabilitation physicians, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, medical nutritionist, psychology, case management, and internal medicine management.

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METHODIST HOSPITAL’S ECMO PROGRAM RECEIVES GOLD-LEVEL DISTINCTION FOR EXCELLENCE IN LIFE SUPPORT The ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) Program at Methodist Hospital received the Gold-Level Center of Excellence award from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO).

The award honors centers that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to evidence-based processes and quality measures, staff training and continuing education, patient satisfaction and ongoing clinical care.

A designated Center of Excellence has demonstrated extraordinary achievement in the following three categories: • Excellence in promoting the mission, activities, and vision of ELSO; • Excellence in patient care by using the highest quality measures, processes, and structures based upon evidence; and • Excellence in training, education, collaboration, and communication supporting ELSO guidelines that contributes to a healing environment for families, patients, and staff.

ECMO is one of the most advanced forms of life support for patients experiencing acute failure of the cardiac and respiratory systems. A pump circulates blood through a circuit of tubing supporting heart

function and through an “oxygenator” which functions as an artificial lung. It is used when a patient is so critically ill that no other support is adequate. ECMO is also utilized as a bridge to treatment for patients requiring a heart or lung transplant.

“It is an honor to receive this award by such a distinguished organization as ELSO, not only because of the prestige of the Gold Level designation but more importantly, because it serves as a recognition of the dedication of our staff to exceptional quality and patient care on a daily basis,” said Dr. Jeffrey DellaVolpe, Program Director , Methodist Hospital ECMO program Methodist Hospital received the Gold-Level Center of Excellence Award in 2019. This award is valid for threeyear intervals.

ELSO is an international not-for-profit consortium of healthcare centers and individuals dedicated to the development, evaluation and improvement of ECMO and other innovative therapies for support of failing organ systems. ELSO is a broad multidisciplinary collaboration of providers, nurses, perfusionists, respiratory therapists, technicians, researchers and industry experts. Global chapters of ELSO provide worldwide education and expertise in ECMO delivery.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

METHODIST HOSPITAL PERFORMS 2,000TH TAVR CARDIAC PROCEDURE The structural heart team at Methodist Hospital performed its 2,000th transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. Methodist Hospital, which has been performing the minimally invasive procedure since 2011, is among the top ten percent of programs in the United States to achieve this milestone.

TAVR has become the first-line therapy for patients with aortic stenosis, a condition that occurs when the valve, which controls blood flow between the heart and the rest of the body, thickens and calcifies. As the valve progressively narrows, the heart works harder to push the blood through an increasingly smaller opening causing pressure to build up in the heart and lungs. This causes the patient to experience shortness of breath. If left untreated, this condition can lead to heart failure.

An alternative to open-heart surgery, TAVR is a minimally invasive valve repair procedure that has shifted from being performed in an operating room to a catheterization lab, dramatically reducing procedural time, mortality risk, and recovery time.

TAVR is beneficial for patients deemed high-risk for conventional heart surgery or who are more likely

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to have higher mortality. Patients recover quicker and, on average, go home after one to two days in the hospital.

Dr. Jorge Alvarez, Interventional Cardiologist who performed the procedure says, “Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) started as a way for us to provide life-saving treatment for those patients that previously were not able to undergo traditional surgical aortic valve replacement. Many of these patients were simply excluded because of age. Now, with the evolution of this technology, TAVR is available not only for those unsuitable for open-surgical procedures but also for those who seek a less invasive choice without compromising durability or longevity.”

Achieving the 2,000th TAVR benchmark places Methodist Hospital in the top tier for this procedure in the United States.

“The correlation between our program’s volume and quality outcomes makes Methodist the stand-alone leader in South Texas and among the best in the country. The experience and quality of the program have allowed us to bring new cutting-edge technology and procedures to our patients whom we serve and treat like family,” Dr. Alvarez stated.

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U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT NAMES METHODIST HOSPITAL NO. 1 BEST REGIONAL HOSPITAL For the fourth consecutive year, Methodist Hospital was named Best Regional Hospital for 2022-23 by U.S. News and World Report. A best regional hospital ranking is determined by a hospital’s performance in the adult specialty rankings analysis.

Methodist Hospital ranked as a high performer in eleven procedures/conditions, three additional categories as compared to last year. The eleven procedures and conditions include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), colon cancer surgery, diabetes, heart attack, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, kidney failure, knee replacement, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, and uterine cancer surgery.

“This recognition not only reflects our team members’ and physicians’ commitment to safety, clinical outcomes, and patient experiences, but it also illustrates our efforts in ensuring our patients have access to the highest level of care,” commented Dan Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital. “Earning this recognition for the fourth year in a row is a testament to the dedication of our entire team. It is an honor to work alongside them as we fulfill our mission and prioritize patient-centered care.”

Scores are based largely on objective measures, such as survival rates, volume and quality of

nursing, patient safety, specialized staff, and hospital satisfaction. Data collected from other Methodist Healthcare System hospitals -including Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, Methodist Hospital | Northeast, Methodist Hospital | Texsan, and Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplantcontributed to Methodist Hospital’s designation.

“Despite the demands of a pandemic and aftermath, the resiliency of our providers and staff continues to drive us to maintain excellence. Our focus on patient safety, experience, and excellent quality outcomes are the pillars of our commitment to each patient we care for,” commented Dr. Diana Henderson, Chief Medical Officer of Methodist Hospital.

The annual Best Hospitals rankings and ratings, now in their 33rd year, are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive quality care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures. For the 2022-2023 rankings and ratings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. For the first time, U.S. News rated eligible hospitals in Ovarian Cancer Surgery, Prostate Cancer Surgery, and Uterine Cancer Surgery.