METHODIST CELEBRATING LIVES OF PURPOSE
RY ERSA ANNIVITION! ED
VOL. 10 2023
MAGAZINE
The history of Methodist Healthcare dates back to the 1950s, when a group of civic leaders on the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Committee approached the Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church regarding the need for a new hospital in the area. From the generous land contributions from Five Oaks, a group of businessmen, and the funding efforts facilitated by Floyd Curl, Methodist Hospital, as it is known today, opened its doors in 1963, paving the path for the rich and impactful history of Methodist Healthcare. From humble beginnings, our staff and physicians have persevered through the decades of change and challenges, leading through our mission and values while providing hope and healing for the patients and families we serve. This year marks several pivotal milestones in our organization’s 185 combined years of service: Methodist Hospital is celebrating its 60th anniversary; Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan and Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant are both celebrating their 50th anniversary; and Methodist Children’s Hospital is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Through the past six decades, our hospitals have experienced exponential growth and has made significant investments to ensure our healthcare system continues to offer high quality and excellent care. As we celebrate these esteemed milestones, we look back to where we embarked on this journey to become synonymous with world-class care and one of the city’s most long-standing, recognizable brands.
1954
1958
Beginnings: The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce committee—including civic leaders Howel Jones and Dr. John Smith—approach the Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church about the need for a new hospital in the area.
A nuclear-age survival complex is incorporated into the plans for Methodist Hospital, making it the first hospital in the nation to have a nuclear shelter.
1955 Floyd Curl, the former district superintendent of the Conference of United Methodist Churches, is a key figure in facilitating the funding for the new hospital.
1956
1960
Acres in Oak Hills: A group of businessmen known as the Five Oaks donates 40 acres in Oak Hills for the development of the Southwest Texas Methodist Hospital. The Board of Trustees executes a contract with Phelps, Dewees & Simmons Architects to draw plans for the new hospital.
Breaking Ground: On May 25, a groundbreaking ceremony is held at the site of the future hospital, complete with a simulated nuclear explosion.
“Since opening in 1963, Methodist Hospital has continuously grown to meet the healthcare needs of patients and families in the San Antonio community and beyond,” said Ryan Simpson, CEO of the Methodist Hospital campus. “We are so proud to celebrate our 60th anniversary and to continue our long-standing mission of serving humanity to honor God. Through the compassion and skill of our staff, physicians, and volunteers, we have been honored to provide care to more patients than any other hospital in South Texas for more than six decades.”
1988 25th Anniversary Milestones: A time capsule is buried to commemorate the hospital’s 25th Anniversary. First Heart Transplant: The first heart transplant at Methodist Hospital is performed on January 19th.
1963 Opening Day: Southwest Texas Methodist Hospital opens to patients on September 26th.
Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, (MHM) formerly know as Metropolitan General Hosptial, opened its doors for service.
1972 Pediatric Unit Opening: The new pediatric unit opens on the 9th floor with a play area in the lobby and a bright orange and yellow color scheme that appeals to the children.
1982 Methodist Hospital expands the North Tower, adding an additional three floors devoted to patient care and education.
1993 Stem Cell Program – FACT Accreditation: C.F. LeMaistre, MD establishes a stem cell transplantation program at Methodist Hospital, the first in the nation accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy. Breast cancer patient, Terri Jones, becomes the first person to receive a stem cell transplant at the hospital. She goes on to found WINGS, a non-profit organization that helps cover medical expenses for low-income South Texans with breast cancer.
1995
1984 1973 Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant (MHST), known as Community Hospital operated by Humana at the time, opened its doors for service.
The kidney transplant program at MHST is established.
A Unique Partnership: In January, the Methodist Healthcare System is formed—a unique 50/50 partnership in which the hospital system is equally owned, governed, and managed by HCA, the largest and most skilled operator of hospitals in the U.S., and Methodist Healthcare Ministries, the largest private funding source for uninsured and under-insured in all of South Texas.
1985 First MRI: Methodist Hospital installs South Texas’ first MRI unit at its facility.
MHST becomes part of the Methodist Healthcare System.
1996
2016
MHM Ambulatory Care Center is developed.
MHM Celebrates Well-Being of the Community by Unveiling New Piece of Public Art for Tobin Hill Neighborhood and Downtown.
1998 The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) program is created at MHST.
MHM Women’s Pavilion, San Antonio downtown area’s only stand‑alone birthing center, is opened. MHM Cath Lab is expanded.
2008
Methodist Children’s Hospital (MCH) opens its doors to the San Antonio community and region.
The first freestanding 24/7 emergency center in South and Central Texas, the Methodist Boerne Emergency Center opens in January. It provides care to an average of 16,000 patients annually.
2012 First bariatric surgery at MHM takes place. MHM is first hospital in San Antonio to be granted accreditaion by NAPBC.
2014 2001
MHM Opens new Intensive Care Unit Tower
The first bariatric surgery was performed at MHST.
2015
Abdominal Transplant Program Expansion: Liver program is established at MHST.
MHM Opens of Quarry Emergency Center
2017 Expanding Care: Methodist Hospital completes the largest construction project in its history – a $200 million expansion. MCH becomes first Level 4 NICU in state.
2019 Pop star Justin Timberlake visits MCH pediatric patients after their “JT See Me” video goes viral.
2003 MHST undergoes an extensive remodeling of the facade.
2005 The Weight Loss Center at MHST is officially recognized as the Bariatrics Center of Excellence.
MCH NICU cares for and saves the ‘most premature’ baby at the time in the U.S. born at 21 weeks.
MHM earns National Award for Quality and is named a Top General Hospital by Leapfrog Group. This is the first time a San Antonio area hospital is named to the Top General Hospital list.
2021
2023
National Milestone: For the first time in history, MHST’s kidney transplant program performs over 200 living donor and over 200 deceased donor kidney transplants in a single year.
MHST remodels the exterior of the hospital.
MHM celebrates 500th Chronic Total Occlusion procedure, considered to be the most complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention procedure. MHM renames its Women’s Pavilion to the Suzell Waller Women’s Pavilion, in honor of the late Nurse Director.
MHM Renames Alamo Heights ER and Opens a CareNow® Urgent Care Center.
2022 MCH cares for first pediatric Car-T patient in San Antonio.
MHM opens freestanding emergency room in Brooks City Base. MHM is recognized as a Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality by Human Rights Campaign for a seventh consecutive year.
MHM opens new Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Center. MHM unveils art piece to commemorate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and all who faced its challenges head-on.
“It’s a privilege to see so many of our hospitals celebrate their decades-long relationships with San Antonio this year,” said Dan Miller, CEO and President of Methodist Healthcare. “I don’t think sixty years ago anyone could have imagined that opening the doors to Methodist Hospital was the first step towards creating one of the most impactful partnerships in the nation. The quality of care provided by our hospitals these many years is how Methodist Healthcare has been able to support our community, including providing $818 million in charity and indigent care last year alone.”
CONTENTS 4
Hospital Anniversaries
8
Staff Shout-Outs
12
Supporting Our Community
14
Guest Columnists
18
Healthy Recipes from Food and Nutrition
20
Caring Like Family
22
Methodist Moments
26
Promotions Across The System
29
Growth and Expansion
27
Awards and Achievements
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EDITOR Cheri Love-Moceri Associate Vice President of Communications
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christiani Bachman Communications Manager Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan Methodist Hospital | Atascosa Kimberly Felan Communications Manager Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant Methodist Hospital | Texsan Ashley Funkhouser Communications Manager Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Methodist Hospital | Northeast Melissa Geedman Director of Communications Methodist Hospital Mayde Gomez Director of Communications Methodist Children’s Hospital
STAFF SHOUT-OUTS RITA CASTILLO started in our facility as an LVN in 1978. She has seen many changes to the name and organization, but one thing that hasn’t changed is her commitment to the patients that come here. From being an LVN, RN, Director and now the Vice President of Patient Quality, Rita’s commitment to our success is unwavering. As a CNO, it is a dream to have someone like Rita with her experience and expertise in her position. She knows everything about quality and where to find things that put us at risk. She is my go-to person when I have questions or concerns about care. She is one of those team members that is a staple to the organization, holding us together. I am appreciative of Rita and all her hard work and am ecstatic to celebrate her 45 years with our facility! - Drew Seelman, CNO, Methodist Hospital | Atascosa
VANESSA SALDANA, RN, has been a great
addition to the EP Lab team. Vanessa is a proactive nurse with a hardworking attitude to provide the best care possible and stays 2-steps ahead. She has demonstrated her care and compassion for patients by making them feel comfortable with her upbeat and bubbly personality. Vanessa has stepped up as an advocate for her patients and her fellow coworker. - Richard Collins, EP Lab Manager, Methodist Hospital
Since DEAN SORENSON, RN, BSN joined the EP lab team in 2019, he has been a stable pillar of knowledge and professionalism. Dean’s integrity goes beyond the lab and his ability to teach at all levels shows his compassion and humbleness for all students and employees that visit our lab. The EP lab has found Dean to be someone that we can call upon and lean on for his knowledge and experience in patient care, especially in our procedural area. - Richard Collins, EP Lab Manager, Methodist Hospital
I could not be prouder of the work that our very own NICOLA STEWART, our Complex GI Nurse Navigator, has done. Nicola recently applied and received approval for the local AONN Oncology Navigation Chapter, demonstrating her exceptional skills and her commitment to advancing the field of oncology nursing. Her dedication to navigating the complexities of gastrointestinal oncology and providing personalized guidance to our patients is truly commendable. Nicola’s decision to apply for the AONN Oncology Navigation Chapter reflects our collective commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and staying at the forefront of advancements in oncology nursing. Her pursuit of excellence serves as an inspiration to us all, and we are fortunate to have her as part of our strong oncology nursing team. - Chadi Awad, CNO, Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan
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SHARON GOWEN BSN, RN, goes above and beyond for
her patients, helping to set up our team for success. A recent example involves a long-term patient, for whom she took the time to form a connection, build up confidence, and motivate involvement in their care. For the team, she ensures excellent communication through detailed notes about assessments, identifies what works best, and offers support and guidance. She has been recognized by multiple team members for her exceptional care and teamwork! - Rebecca Baca BSN, RN, CPN | Methodist Children’s Hospital
The MH/MCH NURSE ADMINISTRATORS are responsible for the operational needs of both the adult and pediatric campuses. Their role is dependent on building partnerships and continuous collaborations to ensure the safety of patients and staff alike. The NA team is constantly on alert to keep throughput moving, maintain staffing numbers to keep units safe, and also keep the ED doors open to better serve our community. They are part of every escalation piece on the campus to make sure our senior leaders can make informed decisions. The team maintains a specific skill set that is not easily replicated, from quality metrics to being a source of comfort, our NA team is a true extension of leadership and support. - Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital Senior Nurse Leaders
STAFF SHOUT-OUTS FRANKY SOBREVILLA, PCCU COORDINATOR is an integral leader and teammate for the Methodist Congenital Heart Institute. She is highly dedicated to the patients and to the nurses caring for the patients, as well as being supportive of the entire team. She consistently seeks to support and educate the team with compassion, using a servant leader’s approach. - Dr. Jordana Goldman | Methodist Children’s Hospital Franky serves as an integral leader and teammate for MCHI and the CICU. Franky demonstrates the mission and vision of the congenital heart heart program through her dedication to our patients, staff members and an overall support towards positive growth of the cardiac program. - Christy Riddle, RN, MSN/MBAHCM | Methodist Children’s Hospital
We would like to recognize BRENDA CHATMAN, FNS DIRECTOR, and her FNS team for all their hard work. Not only serving our patients, but our staff throughout the facility. - Janelle Lopez, Former Chief Operating Officer and Tonja Thigpen, Former Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Hospital | Texsan
GINA NIETO, CNC, a member of the Pediatric Surgical team, has had an exceptional impact on our pediatric behavioral health population. She has led our Behavioral Health Committee, created communication forms for our teams, and collaborated on the implementation of a program to help support patients during their time at the hospital. Additionally, Gina serves as a leader to her team, mentoring and coaching with grace, while also delivering empathetic and compassionate care to our patients. Rebecca Baca, BSN, RN, CPN | Methodist Children’s Hospital
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DEBORAH NICHOLS, RN, Director of the Surgical Unit/Interim Director of the Telemetry Unit, volunteered to take on the Telemetry Unit at a time when there was no leadership; this made her responsible for her Surgical Unit as well, but she stepped up to the plate. She deserves recognition for going above and beyond to help our facility and a team in need. - Paulette Woodward, Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant
I would like to commend MARIYA MAYSON, ER DIRECTOR, for her leadership in the ER. She has continued to create a great experience for our community and our staff. - Esther Kwon, Chief Executive Officer at Methodist Hospital | Texsan
I would like to recognize MICHELLE WEAVER. She is a CNC on the surgical unit and also functions as a Nurse Administrator. Michelle is a true leader in her unit and gives 100% to ensure that not only her patients have safe, quality care but also a good experience while they are here in the hospital. She is a go-to for many of the staff on night shift, even outside of the surgical unit. She thinks quickly on her feet, manages her team well and does a great job at resolving issues and concerns. She is also a past Daisy award winner that was recognized for her outstanding leadership and precepting skills. - Pam Guillory, Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant
PATRICIA LEWIS, RN, is the greatest resource for the Mother Baby/Nursery team, excelling in the relief charge nurse role and maintaining a continuous commitment to integrating process improvement projects. Her approach is solution-oriented, and she consistently aims for excellence with teamwork as her foundation. - Jennifer Ours, Nurse Manager, Mother/ Baby Unit/ Methodist Hospital
SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY TEAMS OF THE WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S RALLIE IN PREPARATION OF FUNDRAISING EFFORTS Methodist Healthcare and Methodist Healthcare Ministries are proud to be co-sponsoring the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Dan Miller, President and CEO of Methodist Healthcare and Jaime Wesolowski, President and CEO of Methodist Healthcare Ministries will be co-chairing the walk and have a goal to raise 1 million dollars for the walk! In June we held a kick-off breakfast to encourage our team captains and employees excited for participation and fundraising for the walk. Our Methodist Healthcare Ambassadors, Sean and Claudia Elliott attended to share their story of why Alzheimer’s means so much to their family and how they plan to get involved in the walk as team captains. If you would like to join Methodist Healthcare in the fight to find a cure to help end Alzheimer’s, scan the QR code to register today.
KIDS TEACHING KIDS PROGRAM Methodist Healthcare is excited to start its third year of the Kids Teaching Kids program! This is a free, healthy eating program where local high school culinary students create nutritious snack recipes that appeal to students in elementary school. Those younger students then participate in a 21-day healthy snack challenge to swap out sodas and chips for fruits and vegetables. The program has grown to also include a whole-child approach that also offers physical activity options as well as “mindful minutes” to share mental health tips throughout their snack challenge. There are over 30 elementary schools participating this year and we are excited to continue offering this program to our community.
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DID YOU KNOW? LOGGING VOLUNTEER HOURS Did you know that for every 10 hours you volunteer in the community HCA will send you a $200 Care Card that you can donate to a non-profit of your choice? You can earn up to $1,000 a year just by entering your volunteer hours at HCA. YourCause.com. If you are out there donating blood, delivering meals through Meals on Wheels, walking dogs at your favorite animal shelter, or serving as a board member, any time you spend helping your favorite 501c3 can count! Don’t forget to log your hours at HCA.YourCause.com.
LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK! Methodist Hospital | Atascosa recently participated at the Champions Barbecue Alliance event in Poteet, TX. At this event, the hospital worked with the city of Poteet to showcase the extreme heat temperature of a car during the Texas summer heat. Visitors were able to stop by to see the live exhibit of the real-time temperature inside the car and learn more about heat safety from hospital employees.
GUEST COLUMNIST SUSAN PHILBIN, PERIOPERATIVE ADMIN ANALYST, METHODIST HOSPITAL CELEBRATES 5 DECADES OF SERVICE patients back in cubicles, and all immediate post-op patients were treated up front in an open ward with curtains if needed. There were no cardiac monitors or high-tech equipment at that time. Several years later, Recovery Room (now called PACU) was separated from the ICU. I moved to Recovery a year or two after the split and in the early 80’s I moved into the OR, the only one at the time, as an Anesthesia Tech. When I first started in the OR, it only had 7 rooms. The CV and Children’s ORs would come later.
SUSAN PHILBIN
Perioperative, Admin Analyst Methodist Hospital
My career with Methodist Healthcare began fifty years ago. During the summer of 1972, I was on a break from college for a semester and was working in a nursing home as an aide. A co-worker of mine had mentioned that she was going to take a test the following day to see if she could get into the NBISD LVN program. I thought, “What do I have to lose” and went along with her to take the test; I too had been accepted into the program. And that’s how it all started. Once enrolled, I found the course of study challenging and interesting and intuitively knew I was on the right path. I graduated in June of 1973 and started working at Southwest Texas Methodist Hospital as a GVN on June 18, 1973. Healthcare looked awfully different back then. The first department I worked in was a large, open ward located on SL-2 in the Central Tower known as SICU/ Recovery. We treated head injuries and critical care
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In the summer of 1985, I moved to Methodist Plaza as an Anesthesia Tech in the Outpatient Surgery Center (OPSC). I believe it was about 1990 when I changed positions and became the Unit Manager in OPSC. In this position, I was responsible for ordering supplies, working with vendors, and supervising the admitting and housekeeping staff. In 1999, I moved to Surgery Scheduling as the Supervisor until 2014. During that time, I received my Bachelors degree in Business Administration and my title changed to Perioperative Admin Analyst. When I left Scheduling, I moved to the Main OR as an Analyst, which is where I am today. Not only have I seen healthcare transform through the decades, but I’ve also experienced the exponential growth of the South Texas Medical Center. When I first started, there was Methodist Hospital and Bexar County Hospital outside Loop 410. I remember a lot of open fields and deer all around. Methodist Hospital did not have North, West, Central, and South Towers; the hospital was just the central tower. I don’t remember the cafeteria being open on 3-11 shift, but I do remember a vending machine room on the 10th floor. There was an observation deck that you could
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take your lunch out on and see all the way to Boerne, or so it felt that way. The Medical Center was not consumed with towers and medical spaces stacked on one another. It was a siloed area at the time, and who knew that our campus would later grow to be one of the largest hospitals in Texas? Buildings quickly developed one by one. There was a time of constant construction. The North Tower was eventually added and the 5th floor housed HR and other offices. The wall with all the windows was a large room that could be divided into classrooms, and during Christmastime, the whole space was open for a huge celebration with food and music; I remember it being very special. When Methodist Plaza was built, you could go to the 10th floor and watch them put the tunnel in across Medical Drive. We have also seen staff come and go and executives change. The first CEO I can remember is Bruce Sorenson, a very friendly leader. There have been so many over the years but a few that stand out to me are Mike Duffy and John Hornbeak. I also have very fond memories of Dr. Bliss Spillar and Dr. Edna Spillar as well as Dr. Jim Wynn. They were the primary Anesthesiologists back when I started. They actually started the original anesthesia provider groups, each of them were very hands-on and would teach anyone anything. I had encouragement from so many levels
over different times in my career and I felt myself grow with so many of them. When I started, in so many ways we were in the dark ages. We basically had our stethoscopes, our eyes, our ears, and all our other senses. The first time a cardiac monitor was introduced to the department, we all had to take turns putting ourselves on the monitor to see the pattern. It was fascinating. Sounds dumb, huh? But that’s the way it was. It’s as if we all knew that once the technology door opened it was gangbusters with new ideas and techniques all the time. If you didn’t learn it, it was because you did not try. The opportunities were wonderful! The phones were on the desk with a rotary dial, and cell phones weren’t invented yet. I remember the first time Mr. Scoggins came to the department in OPSC with this weird, long box-looking thing. Turns out it was a WIRELESS phone. Who had ever heard of such a thing? It was around the 90’s when the hospital got computers. I remember thinking, “What is this box?” and “Where is my typewriter?” Today we can’t live without them and we each have several versions of a personal
computer. My young GVN self would never have been able to imagine how far we have come in every field. We now have robots and MRIs and we can see into the body noninvasively for just about everything. Fifty years of Methodist has been one of the greatest gifts of my life, having brought me memories, growth, experiences, and friendships that I’ll cherish forever. I have friendships that are over 45 years old as well as friendships that are new and everything in between. I remember the snow in 1985; I was on call and stuck in the OR the whole weekend. Dr. Tolar and a couple of others and I went out to the slope behind the hospital (where garage 2 is) and used large trash bags to slide down the slope in the snow. I recall sunsets from the 10th floor deck and remember the Fashion Show fundraiser in the Methodist Plaza where several doctors modeled new fashion. I remember the first NBA trophy was brought to the hospital so everyone could take pictures with it. When I first started, your hair had to be up off your collar and women had to wear dresses, even in the OR (there were scrub dresses). I remember when you had to wear your white uniform and white hose to work in case you got pulled to work a floor because there were no scrubs allowed on the floors. I remember old friends who are no longer with us and new friends who are just starting their careers. It is exciting to reminisce and to remember the humble beginnings of healthcare and where it’s brought us today. Our newest nurses and workforce are hungry to learn and ready to provide Methodist excellence care. I too hope they’ll grow with Methodist and see transformative care in the making. 16 | Methodist Magazine
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SANDRA GALLEGOS, ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF SURGICAL SERVICES, METHODIST HOSPITAL | METROPOLITAN CELEBRATES 41 YEARS OF SERVICE Everyone has a story and mine led to Metropolitan General Hospital in 1982, where my career in Perioperative Nursing began. I graduated from Incarnate Word Nursing School after working summers in the operating room at a local hospital. With the experience I gained, I knew the Operating Room would be my life for many years to come. I interviewed at Metropolitan, was hired, and never looked back. Now 41+ years later, I am blessed to continue to work in my field of choice and in a hospital that is truly my home away from home. I’ve seen many changes along the way and have been part of the transition as our hospital was managed by different companies including H.B. Zachary, Columbia, Humana, and HCA. Once we became the Methodist Healthcare System with the partnership of Methodist Ministries, I knew our community would be served well. My onboarding to Surgery was on-the-job training. I had great preceptors which led me to love the Orthopaedic service line. I worked in this service for almost 15 years, which I absolutely love to this day. During my early days, our Ortho surgeons stopped by the OR every Friday to pick up equipment to prepare for surgery in surrounding counties. They picked up and prepared equipment for the worst-case scenario as best they could, which included a Sears black and decker drill to repair fractured hips. All this was carried in the trunk of their cars to their destination. Our new technology is now serving our patients to achieve the best possible outcome utilizing robotics. At the time I started my career, the Women’s Pavilion had not been built yet and I was on-call not only for Surgery, but for Labor & Delivery C-Sections and IR pacemakers. It was one of the most exciting times of my career and I learned so much! Our new moms and their partners were treated to a steak dinner and a glass of wine catered on a cart draped with white linen tablecloths and flowers which made them feel so very special. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have great mentors and a team that believed in me to lead us to HCA Unit of Distinction in 2018, followed by an Honorable mention in 2019 with ongoing OR STRONG certification. I have had the privilege to be surrounded by an extraordinary team of leaders who have helped form my own leadership. This led to my current position as Administrative Director of Surgical Services. None of this would have been possible without my faith and the support of my family, especially my husband (Richard), of 35 years. As an Air Force veteran and teacher, he wanted to be by my side and come with me to work when I was called in for an emergency, and wait in the car so that I got home safe. This was the early days of our marriage and only lasted a few weeks when he understood that my chosen career would leave us with carts full of groceries, interrupted family events, and sleepless nights. That being said, I would not have it any other way! It made me the person I am today which led me to my WHY: I knew that I wanted to help ALL patients through their most difficult times after the passing of my Dad at the county hospital when I was 15 years old. Working at my beloved Metro has helped me achieve this and so much more.
SANDRA GALLEGOS,
Administrative Director of Surgical Services Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan
METHODIST HOSPITAL | ATASCOSA CELEBRATES NEW INNOVATIONS FOR STAFF & GUESTS TO ENJOY Kayla Martinez, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa, has much to be proud of this season. Martinez started her Methodist journey in October of 2015 and quickly became the kitchen supervisor. She then left to receive her Chef License with the intent of coming back home to Atascosa. With not a lot of traction being made in the evenings for dining, Martinez and her team came up with the idea of creating a 24/7 food kiosk that allows patients to purchase meal-prepped food. Her goal was to provide various types of healthy prepared meals, including Keto and Vegetarian options. On July 13, 2023, the hospital celebrated its sixth-year anniversary by unveiling a new Food Kiosk and Methodist Coffee Bar. The area now offers convenient fresh food options to purchase, free coffee, and free water for all staff and visitors to enjoy. Martinez shared she had a specific vision when developing these pre‑prepared meals for all guests. “I was always thinking of the people,” said Martinez. “In a hospital, you always want to think of the patient’s and staff’s health and what their dietary needs are. I also like to think of comfort and what they would want to see served in a hospital setting every day. There’s people here who I know have particular allergies or things they wish they could have nearby and that made me pursue meal ideas that weren’t always going to be the same, but still include the main source of antioxidants and proteins.” Martinez shares that this meal prepping has also become a fun, collaborative effort with her entire staff. “This isn’t just my meal ideas, it’s my entire team’s ideas too,” said Martinez. “There are certain ideas and recipes that people bring to the table to collaborate on together.” Martinez hopes to further reach the Atascosa community with these meal preps as there isn’t much of an option for it in the area. She’s been able to make meals like this for many years and is proud to see how far the idea has come for the community. “I want to always make sure we’re taking care of our staff and guests in a healthier aspect,” said Martinez. “We don’t get time back in life and taking care of yourself is so important.” “You have to get through your belly, to get to the heart. Our job is to take care of these patients that become like family to us. You’re somebody’s mom, aunt, whatever it might be – you’re family to us and that’s how we want to always treat our patients and staff here.”
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SAVORY KETO FRIENDLY STUFFED BEEF POBLANO PEPPERS INGREDIENTS: 12 poblano peppers 3 Ibs of ground beef ½ cup of diced kielbasa sausage 8 oz cream cheese ¼ cup of diced bell peppers ¼ cup of diced onions ¼ cup of taco seasoning 2 tsp of fresh chopped garlic 2 tsp fresh chopped parsley 1 tsp of salsa, your choice for garnishment, ½ cup of cheddar cheese ⅛ tsp of both Himalayan salt and pepper if needed
INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Cook ground beef on stovetop until internal temperature reaches 165F or above. Then drain excess oil. 2. Sautee diced bell peppers and onions til slightly bown, then toss in chopped fresh garlic to add more flavor. Once you smell the aroma off the garlic, take it off the heat and add to the ground beef, along with your choice of taco seasoning mixture. 3. Make sure your beef filling is completely cooled off. 4. Next, add 8oz of cream cheese to ground beef filling. At this time, taste your filling, add salt and pepper, if needed. Set aside. 5. Prepare, rinse and de-seed the poblano peppers by carving a T-shape form. Rinse and de-seed peppers. Leave an opening with the whole pepper stays as whole. 6. Add Beef filling into peppers, just until the pepper can close. You can also add cheddar cheese to the peppers at this time, if preferred. 7. Oven roast the peppers in a pre-heated oven at 400 F for 45‑55 minutes. Yield 12 servings, Prep Time: 25 minutes plus cooling time, Roasting Time: 45 mins - 55 mins
KAYLA MARTINEZ,
Director of Food and Nutrition Services Methodist Hospital | Atascosa
CARING LIKE FAMILY RETIRED ARMY VETERAN UNDERGOES OPEN‑HEART SURGERY “The staff here at Texsan really get to know their patients and exactly what they need,” says Michelle RodriguezCowans, 49. She has had three amazing stays at Methodist Hospital | Texsan. She loves the hospital and has continued to return after many medical diagnoses. Michelle, mother of four and retired Army veteran, had a stroke in September of 2021. While at home, she began to feel nauseous, the left side of her face was drooping, and she had a speech impediment. She was then brought to the ER at Methodist Hospital | Texsan. After many labs and tests, it was found that Michelle had a hole in her heart. She spent about 30 days in the hospital and received all the attention she needed including physical therapy and occupational therapy. Thanks to the staff and her son, Michelle celebrated her birthday with a cookie cake and Laguna Madre on September 30, 2021. She was blessed by the chaplain which brought tears to her eyes. She was extremely grateful. Unfortunately, Michelle made a return to the hospital in October of 2022 due to a colitis infection and stayed for about a week. Fast forward eight months later, Michelle began to experience chest pain, pressure in her chest, and difficulty breathing. Her son immediately took her to the ER again where she found out she was going to need open-heart surgery. Dr. Thomas Percival, her surgeon, sat down with her and spoke to her about the procedure. Michelle felt scared, but she prepared herself and was hopeful. Michelle had a coronary artery bypass surgery or open-heart surgery in June of 2023. “My relationship with those who took care of me is important,” said Michelle. After completing her therapy, Michelle is excited to get back to doing research for the U.S. Marshals.
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METHODIST HOSPITAL | METROPOLITAN CELEBRATES A FOUR-YEAR AWAITED ADOPTION “We had eleven minutes to pack a bag and get to the airport,” Alessandro said. “It’s the phone call you wait for and then when it happens, you really don’t know what to do.” Logan Slaughter, 34, and Todd Alessandro, 41, had long awaited a little miracle in their lives – a baby to call their own. With two prior matches being disrupted and knowing the devastations within their adoption process, both Slaughter and Alessandro weren’t sure when they’d be able to become parents. In December of 2022, the highly-anticipated moment came for the waiting couple, they were matched. The expecting mother lived in San Antonio, and was due with a baby on July 8, 2023. They were both thrilled and eagerly preparing for their visit from New York to Texas. On May 22, Slaughter and Alessandro were enjoying a day together in their hometown of Westchester County, NY when they received a call that would forever change their world – their birth mom was in labor and they needed to be on a plane right away to San Antonio. That same evening, Slaughter and Alessandro arrived in San Antonio, and made their way to the NICU at the Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan Women’s Pavilion to meet their newborn daughter, Chloè. “We couldn’t believe she was finally here, it was such an emotional day for us,” said Alessandro. Not realizing how quickly this moment would come, Alessandro and Slaughter mentioned how supportive the hospital staff was to help get them started in their new lives as parents to a baby in the NICU. “Everything we went through led us here, it’s not always easy and you’re going to be angry at times, you’re allowed to feel angry and sad, but it’s all worth it. I’m excited about the sleepless nights. When you get to this point, there’s no feeling like it.”
METHODIST MOMENTS
METHODIST HEALTHCARE HONORS AND CELEBRATES CANCER SURVIVORS June is recognized as Cancer Survivors Month, a time to honor and celebrate the nearly 18 million Americans who have bravely fought the battle of beating cancer. Survivorship is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Individuals are considered cancer survivors from the time of diagnosis. Whether someone is still undergoing treatment or has long since won their battle against cancer, we celebrate all cancer survivors. Throughout the month, hospitals across Methodist Healthcare showed their support for Cancer Survivors Month, from glowing its campus purple to dawning their best purple attire.
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JULY IS SARCOMA BONE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Two years ago, Danielle Seabern was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. She underwent a groundbreaking surgery at Methodist Children’s Hospital with the help of a 3D printer. Today, she is not just surviving, but thriving!
AMERICA’S TINIEST STARS SHINE BRIGHT AT METHODIST HOSPITAL | STONE OAK Babies at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak celebrated their first patriotic holiday in “Star Spangled Cutie” outfits. Showing off their Independence Day best, San Antonio’s newest members dawned red, white, and blue with American flag pinwheels. These tiny firecrackers were a spark of joy for staff, physicians, and their parents.
Danielle was chosen to be part of the “All-Star Team” at this year’s AAU Girls National Volleyball Championship in Orlando, Florida. A coveted spot where the players are selected based on their athletic abilities. This remarkable 16-year-old athlete’s health journey has been anything but easy. Initially, after seeking a second opinion at a Houston hospital her family was told that amputating her leg was the only course of action. They found hope after returning to San Antonio and placing Danielle’s care in the hands of Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Farbod Malek. Dr. Malek utilized a customized orthopedic implant created by a 3D printer that assisted in removing the tumor without the need for amputate. This groundbreaking surgery was the first of its kind, setting the stage for multiple successful operations using this innovative method. Methodist Children’s Hospital offers cutting-edge technology, giving hope to patients like Danielle. Her resilience and determination inspire us all. It’s no wonder she dreams of working in the medical field as a biomedical engineer one day!
CELEBRATING DADS AND THEIR NEW, LITTLE BLESSINGS Methodist Hospital, Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, and Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak were thrilled to celebrate dads and their newest little blessings on Father’s Day. “No words can explain the joy of being a father. It’s the best feeling in the world,” says Jesus Obregon Jr. whose baby boy Liam Rene Obregon celebrated his first Father’s Day this year. This special day is a time to recognize and appreciate the dedication and support that fathers provide, from the moment their little ones arrive into the world.
METHODIST MOMENTS
METHODIST HOSPITAL | HILL COUNTRY BABY DAY Since June of 2022, over 15 team members have welcomed little ones into this world at the Methodist Hill Country Cailloux Birthing Center!
MEET METHODIST HOSPITAL | SPECIALTY AND TRANSPLANT’S NEWEST TEAM MEMBER, BOW Bow is Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant’s very own therapy dog. Bow is a 2-year-old Golden Retriever. He is a very sweet boy, loves people, likes to take naps, and chew on sticks. Therapy dogs and their owners work as a team to improve the lives of other people. Typical therapy dog tasks are going to nursing homes or hospitals to cheer people up. Research shows that therapy dogs can have a positive effect on one’s mood, stress, and pain levels. Bow’s first day at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant was on July 18, 2023.
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METHODIST HOSPITAL | METROPOLITAN CELEBRATES PRIDE MONTH Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan celebrated Pride month with many special events. This past June, they were named a Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthy Equality by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for a seventh consecutive year. During the month’s celebration, the staff celebrated with riding a Methodist float during the San Antonio Pride parade, providing a remembrance of those passed within the LGBTQ+ community, and hosting HEI, Human Rights Campaign, LGBTQ+ Colleague Network, and SA Pride Center with a table in the hospital’s cafeteria for public education. In addition, staff participated in the Y’all Means All 5K Race and more!
PROMOTIONS ACROSS THE SYSTEM METHODIST HOSPITAL | METROPOLITAN WELCOMES NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan has appointed Allie Breckenridge as their new Chief Operating Officer. Allie most recently served as COO at HCA’s Sunrise Children’s Hospital in Las Vegas. During her tenure, she provided strategic oversight of the hospital’s operations and a variety of ancillary services. She was instrumental in leading Sunrise Children’s Hospital through the highest volume respiratory winter surge in the history of the hospital, expanding infrastructure of the congenital heart program, and drove improvements in safety and security of the facility. Prior to her role as COO, Allie served as Vice President of Operations & Business Development at Medical City Dallas Women’s Hospital & Medical City Children’s Hospital. Allie earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and Master of Health Care Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.
MEGAN AMALAKUHAN APPOINTED AS METHODIST HOSPITAL | WESTOVER HILLS’ NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Methodist Hospital | Westover Hills has appointed Megan Amalakuhan as their new Chief Executive Officer. Megan most recently served as COO at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan. Megan joined Methodist Healthcare in 2015, starting her journey at Methodist Hospital | Texsan in a dual role as Chief Financial Officer and Operations Lead. With over 17 years of experience in the healthcare field, Megan has successfully led several major initiatives within key service line growth. During her tenure, Megan led Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan’s year-over-year growth within the cardiovascular service line that partnered with associated physicians. She was able to identify, negotiate, and secure a new anesthesia provider group that allowed for 21% more available operating room time. She also helped develop and execute multiple capital deployment strategies in surgical services, allowing for a 10% growth in Q1 2023. Megan earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Finance and Master of Business Administration Management and Organizational Behavior from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 26 | Methodist Magazine
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METHODIST HOSPITAL HAS APPOINTED SHERRY CAMACHO AS CHIEF NURSING OFFICER. Sherry joins Methodist Hospital from HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake and Mainland where she served as the Chief Nursing Officer since 2017. As CNO, Sherry oversaw executive-level leadership and nursing operations on two hospital campuses inclusive of five Intensive Care Units; three Intermediate Care Units; ten plus Med/Surg/Tele Units; emergency, trauma, pediatric, and women’s services; NICU Level II & Level III units; and all procedural service areas. Sherry is a healthcare professional passionate about improving the lives of patients and healthcare workers while fostering a strong culture that values teamwork and collaboration. She has a track record of successfully implementing RN engagement programs that promote enhanced communication, advancement in practice, and support in overall RN engagement. Under her leadership, Clear Lake achieved its all-time highest nursing engagement scores and lowest nursing turnover. Her nursing career has also been dedicated to creating high-quality, reliable systems of care and developing the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals. Sherry adopted alternative nursing models to support the nursing agenda such as LVNs, admission and discharge nurses, and a Meal Break Nurse pilot. She also successfully mentored and developed seven associate chief nursing officers, resulting in four promotions to chief nursing officer within HCA. Sherry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Western Governors University.
METHODIST HOSPITAL | HILL COUNTRY APPOINTS EMILY MOCHAN AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Methodist Hospital | Hill Country has appointed Emily Mochan as Chief Operating Officer. Emily began her career as a cardiac critical care nurse 17 years ago. She joined the HCA family over 12 years ago and has held various clinical and leadership roles. Emily comes to us most recently from The Woman’s Hospital of Texas where she served as the Vice President of Operations. In her 2.5 years at Woman’s, Emily has given executive oversight to many of the ancillary departments and has contributed greatly to the success of the hospital. Several highlights include overseeing the 27% growth of the perinatal navigation service line, the transition of pathology and echocardiography from contracted services to employed and direction on multiple capital construction projects. Prior to her role at Woman’s, she served as the Cardiovascular Service Line Administrator responsible for setting the strategic direction of cardiovascular services at CJW Medical Center where she helped launch multiple new services including Advanced Heart Failure/LVAD, TAVR, and MitraClip programs. Emily earned a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master’s of Nursing Administration from Drexel University, and a Master’s of Business Administration from WGU.
PROMOTIONS ACROSS THE SYSTEM METHODIST HOSPITAL | SPECIALTY AND TRANSPLANT WELCOMES NEW CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant has appointed Janelle Lopez as their Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this capacity, she will be directly responsible for the improvements of the facility in assigned areas, including construction, renovation, and the purchasing of new equipment. Lopez has over 15 years of cumulative experience that has allowed her to gain extensive knowledge within the healthcare field. She has held various leadership roles within the Methodist Healthcare system including Chief Operating Officer at Methodist Hospital | Texsan, Associate Chief Operating Officer at Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital, and Manager and Director of Ancillary Services at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant. Prior to joining the Methodist Healthcare System in 2008, Lopez served our country in the United States Air Force as a Medical Technician. Under the leadership at Methodist Hospital | Texsan, Lopez successfully developed a business case and received funds for major capital projects over the last 12 months to include a fifth operating room, surgical robots, and a refresh of cardiac lab equipment. She also assisted in building and maintaining high functioning teams for multiple areas under span of control including the cardiac cath lab, perioperative services, respiratory therapy, facilities management, imaging, pharmacy, security, lab, food services, and environmental services. “I am excited to welcome such a talented and experienced leader like Lopez and know she will be a great asset to our team,” said Kevin Scoggin, Chief Executive Officer at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant. Lopez obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Texas Health Science Center, earned her MBA in Healthcare Administration from Our Lady of the Lake University and completed the HCA Executive Development Program in 2021. She assumed her role as COO August 21, 2023.
DR. DEVRY ANDERSON WELCOMED AS NEW CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER OF METHODIST HEALTHCARE Methodist Healthcare welcomed Dr. DeVry Anderson as Chief Medical Officer of the System in June. Dr. Anderson had served as chief medical officer of St. David’s South Austin Medical Center for the past three years, after previously serving as the hospital’s associate chief medical officer. Under Dr. Anderson’s leadership, St. David’s South Austin Medical Center was recently ranked among the top 5 in the state for critical care, surgical care, and orthopedic surgery by Healthgrades. The hospital was also named among Healthgrades 2023 America’s 250 Best Hospitals, placing it in top 5% of the 4,500 hospitals nationwide included in the assessment for clinical excellence. 28 | Methodist Magazine
He is a member of various professional societies, including The Society of United States Army Flight Surgeons, SIGMA PI PHI (Boule) International, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. He is also the President of the Austin Black Physicians Association. Dr. Anderson is a faith-driven servant leader who is also a licensed Baptist Minister. He has had a diverse career including success as a CMO, senior military officer, boardcertified physician, combat-proven flight surgeon, clinical professor, entrepreneur, and small business owner. He holds multiple degrees, including a B.S. in Chemistry/ Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and an M.D., Doctor of Medicine and Surgery from Thomas Jefferson Medical College. He graduated from the Executive Healthcare Leadership Program at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
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GROWTH METHODIST HOSPITAL | LANDMARK NOW OPEN!
REDEFINING HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE IN SAN ANTONIO!
Methodist Healthcare is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Methodist Hospital Landmark, a cutting-edge facility that is set to revolutionize surgical services and elevate patient-centered care in our vibrant community. This state-of-the-art hospital boasts 54 beds and is staffed by a team of highly skilled physicians, making it a beacon of excellence in surgical services. With a focus on advanced procedures like bariatrics, breast reconstruction, Gynecology Oncology, urology, colorectal, neuro spine, robotic surgery, orthopedics, and general surgery, Methodist Hospital Landmark is raising the bar for precision and expertise in healthcare. What makes this hospital truly special is its thoughtful design, aimed at creating an environment that fosters healing, comfort, and well-being for patients and healthcare staff alike. The modern aesthetics and open spaces promote recovery and rejuvenation, ensuring a topnotch healthcare experience. Methodist Hospital Landmark is a testament to Methodist Healthcare’s commitment to providing high-quality care to the community and region. It represents the organization’s unwavering dedication to patient-centered care, fueled by cutting-edge technology and compassionate professionals.
“This hospital will serve as a dedicated surgical facility within the Methodist Healthcare System, catering to patients requiring surgical intervention and necessitating a two to four-day hospitalization period. As our community steadily expands and Methodist Hospital remains the preferred choice for intricate medical treatment, ensuring streamlined and specialized care for elective surgical patients remains an utmost priority,” says Nick Petro, Chief Operating Officer of Methodist Hospital Landmark. Patients can expect an exceptional healthcare journey at Methodist Hospital Landmark. From the moment they step through the doors, they’ll be greeted with advanced equipment, top-notch surgical suites, and comprehensive support services to ensure they receive the highest level of care possible. Angela Saif, Chief Nursing Officer of Methodist Hospital Landmark, shares her excitement, saying, “This beautiful facility offers an inpatient and outpatient surgical experience that is truly world-class. Our patients can expect to receive Methodist expert care close to home in an environment that promotes healing and comfort in a more personal and individualized setting.”
GROWTH
METHODIST HOSPITAL | STONE OAK RESPONDS TO EXPLOSIVE GROWTH ON NORTH SIDE WITH NEW CATH LAB AND OPERATING ROOMS Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak staff, physicians, and hospital executives celebrated an expansion of services with a ground-turning ceremony in July. The event commemorated the beginning of construction of a new 8,400 square-foot space to include a Cath Lab and additional operating rooms.
In the second phase, 2,600 square-feet of shell space will be designed to accommodate three additional operating rooms, bringing the total number to 16. These additions will also position Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak for growth, enhancing capabilities to care for more patients close to home.
In the first phase, the space will include a Cath/EP Lab, a clean supply room, an OR storage room, and two Cath/EP storage rooms. This will bring the hospital’s total number of Cath Labs to three.
This expansion will enable Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak to increase scheduling capacity, grow volume of current surgeons, and support ongoing recruitment efforts in key specialty areas such as neurosciences, orthopedics, surgery, and cardiovascular services.
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AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
METHODIST HOSPITAL | ATASCOSA RECOGNIZED WITH AORN GO CLEAR AWARD Methodist Hospital | Atascosa was awarded the AORN Go Clear Award, a comprehensive surgical smoke-free recognition program for facilities. This ensures a smoke-free environment wherever surgical smoke is generated to protect the surgery team and patients. The program is a surgery staff driven initiative supported by anesthesia providers and surgeons. The Methodist Hospital | Atascosa team is proud to receive this award as they always strive to keep a safe work environment for their community and staff.
METHODIST HOSPITAL | HILL COUNTRY RECEIVES TOP 20 RURAL HOSPITAL AND FIVE STARS AWARDS Methodist Hospital | Hill Country was recently named one of the top 20 rural and community hospitals in the country and was highlighted in Becker’s Hospital Review as being named the best for Nursing Communication and Overall Hospital Rating. The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has announced the 20 highest-ranked prospective payment system hospitals in the country based on an evaluation by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The hospitals are identified using the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, the most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural PPS hospital performance. The determining factors for the top 20 rural and community hospitals are based on eight indices: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and finance. CMS updated its Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings for 2023, awarding 483 United States hospitals with a rating of five stars. CMS assigns star ratings to U.S. hospitals annually based on 46 hospital quality measures. These are divided
into five quality categories: safety of care, mortality, patient experience, readmission rates and timely and effective care. Also, Becker’s highlighted 364 top hospitals for nurse communication. Specifically noting MHHC top in the state and the country for explaining things clearly, listening carefully, and treating patients with courtesy and respect. “We are proud of our physicians, team, and volunteers who every day work to deliver the very best,” says Clint Kotal, CEO, “Our recognition as a top performing hospital means our community can count on us to deliver the care they need now and in the future and is further evidence of our continued commitment to delivering quality healthcare to those we serve.
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS THREE DECADES OF MIRACLES
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Methodist Hospital’s Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program, the longest-standing blood cancer program in South Texas. In honor of the milestone anniversary and to celebrate #CancerSurvivorsMonth, Methodist Hospital hosted Miracles at Methodist, a gala welcoming past and current patients, clinicians, and staff for a night of recognition and celebration of survivorship.
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The evening was not short of emotion! Throughout the ceremony, physicians acknowledged the transformative care over three decades and patients exchanged their personal cancer battles from discovery through recovery. Tenured nurses also shared their experiences, having seen the program evolve with enhanced cutting-edge therapies and access to leading clinical research. The program concluded with a former pediatric patient meeting her transplant donor for the first time on stage.
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AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
METHODIST HEALTHCARE RECOGNIZES NOMINEES AND WINNERS AT 12TH ANNUAL GRACEANN DURR HUMANITARIAN AWARD CEREMONY Graceann Durr epitomized the definition of a community servant. She began her public service as president of the Laura Steele Elementary School PTA, before becoming the president of the San Antonio Council of PTA. She didn’t stop there. She was elected to the Board of Trustees of SAISD in 1968, serving 12 years. During her tenure on the board, she served as secretary and then was elected president, becoming the first woman ever to lead a large school district board in a major city. During her lifetime, she was also a member of numerous organizations such as the Salvation Army, Daughters of the American Republic and, she was a Lifetime Blue Bird Auxiliary member, just to name a few. Graceann’s relationship to Methodist Healthcare started early in her life when her father, GS McCreless, along with four other businessmen (two of them her uncles), donated land for the purpose of building a hospital for the community. That was the beginning of Methodist Hospital and Graceann told great stories about the building of the hospital and the inception of the Medical Center.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!: Employee Category:
almira Arellano, Vice President of P Communications and Community Affairs for Methodist Healthcare
Volunteer Category: Sharon Case, Volunteer at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Physician Category: Dr. Stan Parker, Methodist Hospital | Atascosa
It was only natural for her to get involved in the governance of the hospital. In 1981, Graceann was elected to the Methodist Hospital Board, where she served as secretary in 1992-1993 and continued to serve on the Methodist Healthcare Ministries Community Board, where she was respected and loved by all. After her passing in 2008, the Graceann Durr Humanitarian Award was created to recognize individuals that celebrate our culture of giving and do an exemplary job to fulfill our mission of serving humanity to honor God. The recent awards ceremony highlighted the incredible work of our staff, volunteers, and physicians who selflessly give of their time and of their heart, representing the best of humanity. Just like Graceann, these nominees are an inspiration for us all to follow Methodism founder, John Wesley’s, advice: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” These awards are an important statement of our collective values and we are proud of all of the nominees that inspire us with their humility, selflessness, and spirit.