Methodist Magazine Nurses' Week and Hospital Week

- SPECIAL EDITION -

NURSES’ WEEK AND HOSPITAL WEEK

METHODIST

VOL. 13 2024

MAGAZINE

Nurses Week May 6-12, 2024 You show up every day to drive nursing forward at Methodist Healthcare and beyond. Thank you for leading the way in delivering patient-centered care that makes a difference for everyone we serve.

Transforming care.

Touching lives.

Hospital Week | May 12-18, 2024 No matter the role you play, you make an impact on everyone we serve.

The work you do is part of our commitment to show up for our patients and provide the best care possible.

Thank you.

CONTENTS 6

Staff Shout-Outs

10

Supporting Our Community

11

Guest Columnists

13

Healthy Recipes from Food and Nutrition

14

Caring Like Family

16

Methodist Moments

25

Growth

26

Promotions Across The System

30

Awards and Achievements

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EDITOR Cheri Love-Moceri Associate Vice President of Communications CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christiani Bachmann Communications Manager Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan Methodist Hospital | Atascosa Kimberly Felan Director of Communications Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant Methodist Hospital | Texsan Ashley Funkhouser Director of Communications Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Methodist Hospital | Northeast Mayde Gomez Director of Communications Methodist Children’s Hospital & Women’s Services Methodist Hospital | Landmark Jen Page Director of Communications Methodist Hospital | Hill Country Mary Kane Ziegler Director of Communications Methodist Hospital

STAFF SHOUT-OUTS

“GABRIELA JIMENEZ is dedicated to delivering high-quality speech therapy care for our patients. Beyond her clinical responsibilities, she actively boosts team morale by engaging in unit events and offering support to colleagues in challenging times. Gabriela’s steadfast support for both SLP and fellow staff members has greatly enhanced the positive atmosphere within our team.”

—Abisola Santos, Director of Rehab Services at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan

“Shout out to WILLIAM GONZALEZ and RAMON AGUERO at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa! These floorcare superstars make up our waxing project team and have been working wonders on our floors to provide a safe and clean environment for our patients and staff. The projects they have recently completed include our ER and Lab. William and Ramon are never afraid to tackle a floor project no matter how challenging it may seem, and always leave the floors looking amazing. Thanks for all your hard work!”

—Steven Mroski, Environmental Services Director at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa

“DANNY RODRIGUEZ’S unwavering dedication to his work and steadfast adherence to Methodist’s I-CARE values guides the path for us all, creating an environment filled with trust, empathy, and excellence. His exceptional work ethic not only lifts our team but also embodies the true spirit of our organization.”

—Jackie Marroquin, Director of Facilities Management at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant

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“JAVIER “JAVI” GARZA is a cornerstone of the Texsan Organization! In his nearly 30 years career, Javier has been at the forefront of developing Cath Labs programs and is critical to teaching and growing the “next generation”. Tour any of the Cath Labs throughout San Antonio and chances are you will hear people say, “Javier was my preceptor”, “Javi trained me when I cross trained” “Best Tech I ever worked with”, etc. We, at Texsan are very proud and fortunate to have a Team Member that takes it upon himself to grow the students placed in his care. In recent years, his mentorship efforts have resulted in the direct hire of new graduates and fostering the growth of existing care professionals. Javier is a true gift to the Texsan team and leads with excellence in his profession and continuous commitment to his patients.”

—Thomas Petterson, Director of Cath Lab/EP at Methodist Hospital | Texsan

“BONNIE MAGEE, RN, n the Labor and Delivery unit has cared for patients for 37 years at Hill Country and has helped welcome little ones into this world since 1995 at the Callioux Birthing Center. She began her career as a nurse’s aide and quickly found her calling and passion for serving others, which is evident through her years of service and connection with her team.”

—Rene Griffin, Director of Labor and Delivery at Methodist Hospital | Hill Country

“I want to recognize GABRIEL “GABE” LEYVA, a lead EEG Tech with a passion for neuroscience that exemplifies our I-CARE values daily. He believes in challenging the status quo to move our mission forward. He recently led a complex project that integrated new technology into clinical operations. The equipment is a new point-of-care EEG device with artificial intelligence to identify seizures in patients rapidly. This project involved interdepartmental collaboration with critical care nursing units and lots of training. Gabe is known for his empathetic care with patients and is a compassionate and excellent trainer in the EEG, EKG, and Stress departments. His team chooses to follow him, not because of his title but because of his servant leadership attributes.”

—Austen Holton, Director of Diagnostic Imaging at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak

STAFF SHOUT-OUTS

“I would like to nominate KRISTINA SABO, RN on PICU for a staff shout out. Kristina overheard the Child Life team discussing the need for a new process for creating bereavement jewelry for our pediatric families, as our previous jeweler was transitioning away from the work. She volunteered her time and effort to assist our team and patients by crafting these items at no cost while we sought a long-term solution. In just two months, Kristina has supplied us with 73 pieces of jewelry, enabling us to support our families following the loss of a child. We are immensely grateful to have a Methodist Children’s Hospital teammate like Kristina, who helps us serve our families so compassionately.”

—Brielle Swerdlin, Child Life Manager at Methodist Children’s Hospital

“Shout out to JERRY GARCIA, volunteer at Methodist Hospital | Northeast, who rounds on our patients weekly. He provides them with reading materials and is a listening ear and shoulder to cry on. His experience as a former patient at the hospital gives him a compassionate and connected approach when visiting patients. Thank you, Jerry, for volunteering your time and sharing your lovely spirit with us all.”

—Noelle Torres, Manager of Volunteer of Services at Methodist Hospital | Northeast

“TRUITT POWELL, Biomedical Equipment Technician/Maintenance Technician has helped lead and implement safety protocols at Hill Country for the past six years. Truitt shared, “The team truly does care like family, and I trust them during every task. We all have each other’s back and are here to support one another.”

—Tim Roberts, Director of Facilities at Methodist Hospital | Hill Country

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“MELINDA KUHLMANN, RTT, Respiratory Therapy found her passion for helping others feel better through healthcare 24 years ago as a Respiratory Therapist and has spent the last ten years of her career at Hill Country. She expressed, “I love that I get to work as part of a team that makes a difference for our patients.”

—Danielle Morrison, Manager of Respiratory Services at Methodist Hospital | Hill Country

“ALYSSA PINON, RN, joined the Methodist Hospital Special Procedures Nursing Team 6 months ago and since that time, her peers have continuously recognized her for her willingness to go above and beyond to help them. She has also taken on other responsibilities, such as becoming a iSTAT super-user, and precepting new staff. She has been a great addition to our team.”

—Kimberly Dugan, RN Mgr Radiology Prep/Hold at Methodist Hospital

“DUANE KUOPUS, RN, OR Circulator, is the greatest team player, always a step ahead and goes out of his way to help everyone out. He’s knowledgeable, has a positive attitude, and he’s a beekeeper!”

—Sasha Stierwalt, Director of Surgical Services at Methodist Hospital Landmark

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY AN ‘OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD’ ACHIEVEMENT We celebrated the Solar Eclipse and an ‘out-of-thisworld’ achievement—over $100 million in grants have been awarded to colleagues needing financial assistance through the HCA Healthcare Hope Fund since 2005! As a thank you to our staff for their generosity, we gifted all employees solar eclipse glasses to celebrate and view this exciting phenomenon safely.

What is the Hope Fund? It is a colleague-run, colleague-supported 501(c)3 charity formalized in July 2005. The purpose of the Hope Fund is simple: to assist colleagues and their immediate families who are affected by financial hardship due to events like natural disasters, extended illness/injury, domestic violence, death of a loved one, and other difficult situations that impact their essential needs. In 2023 alone, more than $11.4 million in assistance was distributed to help more than 3,700 HCA Healthcare colleagues and families. All colleagues can contribute to the Hope Fund and apply for help, and 100% of the funds raised go directly to colleagues selected through this grant program.

We are over the moon with the support and kindness our colleagues show every day, such as contributing to this fund to help their peers in need.

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GUEST COLUMNIST A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CHILD LIFE AND INTEGRATIVE CARE MANAGER |METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL BRIELLE SWERDLIN, MHA, CCLS

Child Life and Integrative Care Manager Methodist Children’s Hospital

Growing up, you always get asked the age-old question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. For me, there was never a truly defined answer. It was more of a “I want to work with kids, but I don’t want to be a teacher.”

As I thought about that question more and worked with my high school guidance counselor, we settled on a career path that sounded like it would mix working with children and working in the medical field. I found a college that seemed like it would have a great program and would allow me to reach my career goals. Welp, half-way through my college career, I realized that the career path I was working towards was just not it for me. I was going through college as an average student and not enjoying what I was learning.

I knew I needed to make a change, so I figured I would look through my colleges website to see what my options could be. I was on the phone with my mom, us both in different locations, looking over my options when I found something that seemed really intriguing and like it could be the right fit. When the computer page loaded onto Psychology- Child

Life, my mom and I both knew this would be the correct path forward for me. Now, you might be wondering, “what is child life” and that is the exact thoughts my mom and I both had. But as we read more about the field, we knew this was supposed to be my path.

As defined by our governing body, The Association for Child Life Professionals (ACLP) a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) “play a critical role in supporting child health and wellness, leveraging expertise in helping children and their families cope with stressful experiences in a variety of settings. They provide preparation, education, distraction, play, and coping tools among many other benefits, to children and their families.” After seeing that information, I took a further dive into what this field could entail. I looked at the course list and saw classes on play and child development. I mean, any class where you learn to make Christmas tree ornaments out of breakfast cereal sounds pretty great to me! This field sounded like something that could really fit for me and allow me the opportunity to

GUEST COLUMNIST work with children. Making that change in my academic career showed me that this was the correct path for me.

The path to child life does not just stop with academics. A 600- hour clinical internship is also one of the steps needed to enter this field.

This internship opportunity allows us the hands-on portion of our education that sometimes classroom work cannot prepare you for. It shows us how to translate what we learned in our education to begin “prioritizing the coping and developmental needs of children and families, CCLS promote and protect emotional safety in times of duress.

This minimizes both the immediate and long-term effects of stress, anxiety and psychosocial trauma, ultimately empowering children, families, and their support systems.”

(ACLP 2024) This experience allows us the space to practice and hone our craft of working with children and their families during stressful situations while having the direct guidance and supervision of a CCLS. After our internships are complete, we sit for a certification exam that allows us to practice as Certified Child Life Specialists.

During my education and training, I learned that CCLS were valuable members to the hospital team. We provide preparation, procedural support, coping, distraction and normalization, new diagnosis education, emotional support, family and sibling support, grief and bereavement support, non-pharmacological pain management support, school support, as well as therapeutic and medical play. We use our education in child development and psychology to think outside the box and help kiddos understand the why behind the things we do at the hospital. Our role touches so many facets of a hospitalized child’s experience and we have become integral members of the healthcare team.

After my education and training were complete, I was able to secure some very different roles prior to joining the team at Methodist Children’s. First, I took a role as a 1-person program at a children’s hospital. This challenged me to think outside of the box and learn fast on my feet. I spent lots of time providing normalizing play with patients, planning fun activities and special visitors, and learning about the different departments of the hospital. After that, I transitioned to a role that truly shaped me into the CCLS I am today. I learned to push myself past my comfort zones, connect with others who come from very different backgrounds than I do, and how to work through complex situations quickly and 12 | Methodist Magazine

efficiently. My second job showed me the different sides to Child Life and that while people may think we have the coolest job and that we play all day; the reality can sometimes be very different and hard. In transitioning to my role at Methodist Children’s Hospital, I have learned and grown even more. I have begun to learn about leadership and how to transition my patient facing role to that of a team leader. I have begun to touch the tip of the iceberg, learning the ins and outs of how hospitals function on the administrative side. Most importantly, I have learned to embrace the other members of the psychosocial team who we are fortunate enough to have at MCH. Not every hospital that serves pediatric patients is fortunate to have Child Life team members. The landscape of the Child Life team here at MCH may have changed over the years, but I am grateful to be at an institution that values minimizing the medical trauma our pediatric patients face and allow us to work towards putting positions in place to support these vulnerable populations. At Methodist Children’s we are fortunate to have Child Life Specialists, Patient Gaming and Technology Specialists, Music Therapists, Child Life Assistants and Facility Dogs. We are also privileged to have an administration who believes in providing these supports; allowing us to continue to work on expanding our team by opening positions for more CCLS, Art Therapists, Activities Coordinators and even a Counselor.

As I think back to my journey to get into this field and the pre-conceived notion I had about what this career path would be for me. I think about all of the patients and families I have had the honor to work with. The little patients who made it through a hard procedure and then exclaimed loudly that they were so proud of themselves because they did it.

The patients who challenged my ability to think outside of the box to help them accomplish their goals. The IV catheter squirt gun fights I have been a part of which allowed scared patients the opportunity to touch and feel the scary hospital materials. The families I have walked along side as they have had unbelievable sufferings and began their bereavement journey. The art we have created, the stress and anxiety we have worked to lessen, and the joy we have brought in a place that does not always bring joy. Thank you for allowing our team to be partners with you in serving our community as members of the Methodist Children’s Hospital family.

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UNLOCKING THE POWER OF NUTRITION March recognized National Nutrition Month, a time to evaluate your health and daily nutrition habits. Taylor Brizzee, a Registered Dietitian with Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan’s Weight Loss Center, shared insights into healthy living and how to keep our bodies nourished.

What are some key nutritional goals individuals should strive for to maintain overall health and wellness, like incorporating more fruits/veggies into daily meals?

“Many patients trying to lose weight seem to struggle with incorporating fruits and vegetables into their diets. It’s a big part of how people grow up. I tell my patients to start with where they’re currently at and then add on,” she shared. Fresh fruit is something that is easily able to be added to almost any meal. If you’re on a tight budget, purchasing frozen fruit is a great option and allows you to store and freeze it, too.

However you make your meals, you can add veggies to your meals. There are numerous ways to incorporate a balanced meal into your everyday life.”

What are some common misconceptions about nutrition that you encounter and how do you debunk them?

“There are many misconceptions about nutrition, such as the idea that carbohydrates or fats are bad for you.

Carbohydrates aren’t bad, but some may be healthier than others,” she said. “It’s excessive calories that cause weight gain. In today’s society, people try to find the convenience of finding their meals. If carbs or fats are eaten in moderation and incorporated with exercise, it’s OK.” In the rise of weight loss medications, what role do lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, play in achieving sustainable weight loss?

“It’s important to maintain a balanced perspective,” she said. “Weight loss medication helps with reducing appetite.

You will start eating less and be in a calorie-deficit weight.

Medicine should be used as a tool to control your appetite and figure out what is making it difficult to lose weight. It can help teach you how to eat better, be sustainable long-term, and find a physical activity that you enjoy and can incorporate into your everyday life. Little efforts do add up over time.”

CARING LIKE FAMILY FINDING NEW LIFE:

AN AMPUTEE’S JOURNEY OF RESILIENCE For some, the news of getting a prosthetic leg might be the end of the world. For Ralph, this was a chance to live life again, pain-free, and help others in the same situation.

Ralph Martinez, a 45-year-old salesman, had been suffering from Charcot foot, a rare and disabling disorder that results in nerve damage to the foot, after a toe-removal procedure. Martinez soon discovered that there was an ulcer under his foot, infecting not just his foot, but also, his leg.

After a check-up, his podiatrist immediately sent him to the hospital. Before Martinez knew of the severity of the situation, he was going into sepsis, placed on an insulin drip, and admitted into the ICU. He was treated at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan with the discovery that he would need to have his leg amputated immediately. On September 25, 2023, Ralph’s leg was surgically removed.

“I had a premonition when all this started to begin and researched Charcot of what it means when it’s getting worse and how you live with it,” said Martinez. “My motherin-law was a double amputee and we took care of her at home. Seeing how she chose not to take advantage of the prosthetics and getting back on her feet, made me sad. I didn’t want that for me.”

While in recovery at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan’s rehab center, he was informed they also offered prosthetic training. He agreed to the training and received his prosthetic. On December 26, Ralph received the best, late Christmas present – being able to walk again. “People who saw me after that day told me that I looked so happy, that I had life back in me,” said Martinez.

Martinez credits the Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan rehab team for his supreme return to the world.

“At my training, not only did they help me learn how to walk again, but also helped me with my posture and core, said Martinez. “Once I could walk, I began training at home too, as I didn’t want to be in my chair anymore and not be active.”

Martinez states he had the ambition to get back to where he was before, but even stronger. “My family was concerned for me falling, but I’d consider myself a risk taker. I’m 14 | Methodist Magazine

thankful for the Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan team as they helped me with my confidence and do things I hadn’t been able to do before. With the prosthetic, I was able to achieve even more than I could do before I lost my leg.”

Martinez knows he was placed in this spot for a purpose to not only make him stronger and live pain-free, but also help others in a similar situation.

Currently, he’s working with the Methodist Hospital Rehab team to coordinate after work and help any others currently going through amputations/training in prosthetics.

“I had the opportunity to speak with other people who were in rehab and just had their legs amputated.” They were down and I told them, there’s no reason to be sad. We are the same age and even with my other health issues, I did it. If I can do it, you all can do it too!”

“I have a family and our only child graduates next year. I want him to see that anything is possible and things, even like this, won’t limit you. Anything is always possible if you put your mind and soul to it.”

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A BROTHER’S GIFT OF LIFE “After I learned about my brother’s condition, I became very concerned and worried. He had struggled with many health issues since he was two years old including type 1 diabetes and high blood pressure, which ultimately caused his kidneys to fail,” said Keith Masterson, kidney donor. Keith has always had a close relationship with his older brother, Lee Masterson. Both siblings are employed in their family business, which specializes in commercial shipping crates.

The conversation about being a donor arose naturally between the two siblings. “As soon as my brother [Lee Masterson] mentioned he was put on the transplant list, I didn’t hesitate for a second,” added Keith. “Let me know what the process is and I will be there.” Lee’s reaction was a mix of surprise and gratitude. Although many others tested to be his donor, fate had it that Keith was a match for his older brother.

Throughout the entire transplant journey, Keith said the nursing staff, transplant coordinators, and Dr. Luke Shen, his surgeon, were exceptional. Their patience in answering his questions and guiding him

through the process made the experience more manageable. The successful transplant occurred on March 7, 2024.

“Those initial days post-donation were admittedly challenging,” stated Keith. The pain was tough, but knowing he was part of something bigger kept him going. The medical team provided thorough information, including potential side effects and dietary adjustments, which helped Keith navigate the recovery period smoothly.

“Life after donating hasn’t changed much day-to-day, but seeing my brother bounce back, full of life again—that’s been the real reward,” commented Keith.

A piece of advice Keith has for those considering donation is to ensure they have a strong support system in place to take care of them postsurgery. Despite the challenges, the experience has been worth every moment for Keith.

RHYTHM RESTORED: A PATIENT’S EXPERIENCE WITH AFIB ABLATION Raul Hinojosa says that Afib, which stands for atrial fibrillation, was controlling his life. Afib is a type of arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat.

Raul had a heart attack in April of 2023. His Afib was mild prior to the heart attack, lasting only a few minutes, making it tolerable. After the attack, it escalated. The symptoms he experienced included irregular heartbeat, fatigue, shortness of breath and light-headedness—symptoms that would last for hours at a time.

Raul underwent treatment with various medications, but unfortunately, none of them proved effective in alleviating his symptoms He expressed feeling overwhelmed by his condition, which hindered his ability to work as a home health nurse. “I had to stop working and essentially my life was on hold,” he said. “Because I couldn’t anticipate when it would happen, I couldn’t make plans or commit to anything.”

As a professional in the medical field, Raul had some insight about the ablation procedure his physician, Dr. Joseph Wu, recommended. “The benefits definitely outweighed the

risk,” he said. “The results have been great, and it’s made a huge difference in my life.”

Following the procedure, Raul’s outlook has significantly improved.

He now feels empowered to make plans and commitments, allowing him to work part-time with the goal of returning to full-time employment in the future. “Now I can plan things and see them through,” he added.

Raul also commended the professionalism of the nurses and staff at Methodist Hospital | Texsan, noting their knowledge and communication skills, which helped alleviate his anxiety throughout his admission and discharge process.

METHODIST MOMENTS HEART MONTH ACROSS METHODIST HEALTHCARE

Team members across the Methodist Healthcare system wore their red to recognize the beginning of American Heart Month and raise awareness of the #1 killer of women - heart disease. Put a lot of love in your heart and the hearts of others. Know your risk, prioritize your health and wellness, and educate those around you!

Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan kicked off Heart Month by partnering with Centro SA, a local non-profit organization, to promote education about heart disease prevention, encourage healthy lifestyle choices such as exercise and nutritious eating, and offer resources for managing risk factors for people throughout our community. Both Methodist Hospital and Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan’s facilities shined bright red in honor of Heart Month.

Heart month was in full swing at Methodist Hospital as the team came together to celebrate the 51 heart transplants performed in 2023 - a recordbreaking achievement! With the addition of the lung transplant program earlier this year, Methodist Hospital will be opening a 23-bed, state-of-theart ICU dedicated to heart and lung transplant patients.

210 SPURS BABIES Methodist Healthcare and the San Antonio Spurs celebrated San Antonio’s honorary 210 day with the tiniest, new Spurs fans. These babies were born on February 10, 2024, at Methodist Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital | Hill Country, Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, and Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak ready to cheer on the team!

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UNIFYING AGAINST COLORECTAL CANCER March was Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and our hospitals showed their support. Methodist Hospital, Methodist Hospital | Landmark, and Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan beamed blue to promote the importance of early screenings.

SOME-BUNNIES HOPPED INTO METHODIST HEALTHCARE In a joyful celebration of the Easter season, Methodist Healthcare’s newest additions donned their tiny bunny outfits.

Each newborn was gently adorned with soft bunny ears, transforming them into the hospital’s very own Easter bunnies.

These cuddly newborns within the Mother-Baby and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit melted the hearts of their parents and staff members, making this Easter one to remember.

METHODIST MOMENTS

SHOW LOVE PROJECT As part of the enterprise-led reputation marketing campaign, “We Show Up”, HCA rolled out a new initiative that brings the campaign spirit to life with the “The Show Love Project.” This event is intended to show love and gratitude to all employees with a coffee truck at each of our Methodist Healthcare facilities throughout San Antonio. Methodist Healthcare employees were also welcomed to write notes of appreciation on the truck and received a free cup of coffee!

REFLECTION AND RESILIENCE - HONORING LIVES LOST AND CELEBRATING HOPE March 4 marks the inaugural “COVID-19 Heroes and Memorial Day” to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of Texans who played crucial roles during the COVID-19 pandemic and to memorialize the almost 95,000 people in Texas who lost their lives to COVID-19. In honor of this day, Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan held a special ceremony to pay tribute to the healthcare professionals, first responders, essential workers, and the community who worked tirelessly to fight against COVID-19. Hospital employees wrote personal memories and the names of their loved ones on white flags, which were placed outside the hospital as a visual symbol of honor and remembrance. It was a touching and inspiring moment that recognized the immense bravery and selflessness of those who worked to save lives during the pandemic.

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HONORING LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH FREE MEALS On January 9, 2024, Methodist Hospital | Atascosa celebrated National Law Enforcement Day. This day was founded in 2015 as a tribute to the men and women across America who made the sworn commitment to protect and serve our communities, sometimes at all costs.

This holiday allowed the employees of the hospital to thank all local Law Enforcement within the Jourdanton, Pleasanton, and Poteet communities for their service. To show their gratitude, the hospital’s cafeteria served a free breakfast and lunch for all local law enforcement.

THEN AND NOW: BABY HANNAH Baby Hannah was born full-term and there were no complications during the pregnancy. However, the day after the newborn went home, things took a turn.

She became lethargic and wasn’t feeding.

Her parents rushed her to Methodist Children’s ER where our team found she was running too cold and her blood sugar was low. Before we knew it, Hannah was showing us what a little warrior she is, facing challenges like episodes of apnea in the NICU, all while being supported with oxygen and warmth.

Baby Hannah wasn’t just fighting an ordinary battle. Our superhero team of doctors and physician assistants from the developmental pediatrics crew ordered genetic testing.

Hannah’s genetic testing found that she has a rare genetic syndrome called Koolen DeVries Syndrome (KdVS). This rare condition happens when there is a tiny missing piece in one of the body’s chromosomes, specifically chromosome 17.

Hannah went through g-tube surgery in the NICU and showed us what resilience looks like. With a little help from her friends in physical, occupational, and feeding therapy, she’s been smashing goals, gaining weight, and moving like a pro.

“Hannah would not be where she is today if it wasn’t for all of the staff at Methodist Children’s Hospital. My husband and I cannot express how thankful we are for everyone that attended to my daughter and supported our family in this journey, says Claire Bustamante.

Hannah’s story is a testament to the power of teamwork, the importance of specialized care, and, most importantly, the incredible strength of our littlest patients.

METHODIST MOMENTS WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN ST. BALDRICK’S HAIR SHAVING EVENT AT METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL It’s been a remarkable decade since Methodist Children’s Hospital first participated in the St. Baldrick’s Foundation hair-shaving event. Over these ten years, the staff members’ commitment has never wavered, culminating in a collective contribution of $134,893 towards cancer research.

Our young patients make this event so memorable by joining in as hairstylists. Their involvement has added a poignant layer to the event, symbolizing the resilience and hope at the heart of our cause. Our team members not only help raise funds, but also participate by having their hair shaved off.

The St. Baldrick’s event is more than a fundraiser; it’s a statement of solidarity and a beacon of hope for those affected by cancer. Our decade-long participation underscores a shared commitment to supporting cancer research and those impacted by this disease.

In March, we honored the incredible women who have shaped history and continue to inspire us every day. Janelle Lopez, Chief Operating Officer at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant, spearheaded an engaging event. She gathered women in leadership to discuss various aspects of women’s history, including achievements, challenges, and more. The event featured a fun guessing game where participants identified influential women throughout history followed by a collaborative puzzle activity. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate women and foster teamwork among our leaders.

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From mentorship programs to networking opportunities and panel discussions, we are committed to empowering and uplifting women in the workplace.

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FRESCA AT METHODIST HOSPITAL | METROPOLITAN’S ER ‌ ur furry and faithful team member, Fresca, rounded at O Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan to visit our employees and patients. For those who don’t know, Fresca is a beloved Methodist Healthcare Trauma Response Facility Dog that helps employees and first responders relax, allowing them to take a breath of joy and feel comfort.

COUNTRY SUPERSTAR JELLY ROLL MAKES TEDDY BEAR DONATION AT METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL In a touching act of generosity, country music superstar, Jelly Roll, announced his San Antonio stop of his eagerly awaited 2024 tour with a generous teddy bear donation to Methodist Children’s Hospital. The acclaimed artist extended his warmth with a special message on the bears aimed at brightening the lives of our young patients. The kids were ecstatic while their parents expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm for the San Antonio tour stop and were deeply moved by Jelly Roll’s gesture of kindness. Jelly Roll will take the stage at Frost Bank Center on September 11, 2024.

CRAZY SOCKS SPREAD AWARENESS FOR DOWN SYNDROME Did you know that 1 in every 800 babies is born with Down syndrome?

Each year, Global Awareness Day for Down Syndrome is recognized on March 21. This specific date signifies the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome that causes Down syndrome. Down syndrome can cause a range of intellectual and physical disabilities and associated medical issues. To spread awareness about this condition, Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak team members showed off their unique socks to represent the karyotype of Down syndrome chromosomes, which is similar to that of mismatched socks - when viewed under a microscope, they look like paired socks with stripes. Thank you, Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak, for celebrating inclusion and spreading awareness of this chromosomal condition!

METHODIST MOMENTS Methodist Hospital lights the night blue and green to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and honor those who have given this gift of life.

LIFELINE HEROES: CELEBRATING DONATE LIFE MONTH April marked Donate Life Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging the impact of organ donation. Opting to donate an organ signifies a monumental decision, altering the lives of both the donor and the recipient. Our hospital depends on the generosity of individuals to offer hope and save lives. In Texas alone, over 100,000 people are currently awaiting organ transplants, as reported by the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance. Unfortunately, seventeen individuals lose their lives daily due to the severe shortage of organs.

On Monday, April 4th, Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant hosted their annual flag-raising ceremony, symbolizing the commencement of Donate Life Month. This occasion serves as a reminder to celebrate the precious gift of life and raise awareness about the urgent need for organ donors within our community. According to recently released UNOS (United Network for Organ Sharing) data, the Methodist

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Transplant Institute in San Antonio is recognized as the top program in the nation, leading in living kidney donor transplants. The program completed 214 living donor kidney transplants and 171 deceased donor kidney transplants in 2023. The program was also recognized as the largest Hispanic kidney transplant program in the nation.

Let’s draw inspiration from the selflessness exhibited by donors and their families and pledge to contribute in any way we can to aid those in need. Together, we possess the power to enact positive change and save lives. To learn more about organ donation and register to become a donor, please scan the QR code.

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BREAKFAST & BUTTERFLIES: SHINING LIGHT ON SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April is a time when communities come together to shine a light on an important issue that affects many people. It’s a chance to acknowledge the reality of this issue and to stand in solidarity with survivors.

During SAAM, there’s an opportunity to talk openly about sexual assault and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. It’s a time for education and understanding. It’s also a time to work to break down the barriers that survivors often face in seeking help and support.

The Forensic Nursing Service department is staffed by specially trained nurses called Sexual Assault

Nurse Examiners or SANEs. SANEs at Methodist Hospital Specialty & Transplant provide specialized forensic care to patients 13 years old and older.

On April 2, 2024, the SANE department held an event, Breakfast & Butterflies, for staff to learn more about the resources the hospital provides and how to support survivors in our community.

Staff were invited to paint butterflies on ceiling tiles for exam rooms, wrote encouraging messages for survivors, and enjoyed breakfast and coffee. Why butterflies? The butterfly symbolizes hope and new beginnings. SANE hopes to provide survivors with a fresh start on their healing journeys.

METHODIST MOMENTS A DECADE AND A HALF OF INNOVATIVE AND EXCEPTIONAL CARE

On March 9, 2024, Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak celebrated its 15th year of providing exceptional and compassionate care to the community. When the hospital opened in 2009, it was an 87-bed facility labeled as “The Hospital of the Future” due to its advanced technology, sleek design, soaring windows of natural light, ease of wayfinding, and ability to expand with community demand. Over the past 15 years, Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak has grown to a 245-bed facility with a freestanding state-of-the-art 42bed acute care Rehabilitation Center offering a full range of services, including neurosciences, cardiovascular, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency care/trauma, oncology,

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orthopedics, rehabilitation, and robotic surgery. The facility is an accredited Level III Trauma Center and designated Level III Maternal and NICU. During this milestone anniversary, staff were gifted custom‑made t-shirts, gazed upon a display of photos over the years, and attended a Birthday Bash with their families, which included a bounce house, petting zoo, and a delicious BBQ meal. As a special token of appreciation, staff who dedicated 15 years of service to the hospital received oneof-a-kind challenge coins, a nod to the initial challenge coins given to staff when the hospital opened.

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GROWTH

UPSKILLING Methodist Healthcare and Alamo Community College District are working together on an innovative Upskilling Program that provides training and advancement opportunities for employees and that long-term will result in better care for patients.

“Often individuals enter the healthcare field, not really knowing what they want to do,” said Saenz. “Not everyone wants to go into nursing, and we have many entry level, or technical positions in radiology, surgery, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy and other areas.”

“The world of work in the healthcare industry has changed dramatically with fewer workers and skill gaps.

Through our Upskilling Program not only are we helping employees advance professionally, but we are also addressing skill needs,” said Jimena Saenz, MHA, Vice President, Workforce Strategy and Development, Methodist Healthcare.

Saenz said she is proud that while other healthcare institutions are filling employment gaps by hiring employees with little experience, Methodist Healthcare wants to solve the hiring puzzle by investing in employees.

The current focus is on working with St. Philip’s College on positions in Allied Health, also known as ancillary health in the hospital world. During the last year, St. Philip’s has hosted an information fair at each Methodist facility. Employees learned about the career pathways available to help them enhance their skills and earn promotions and certifications that can result in pay increases when they participate in selfpaced educational opportunities offered primarily by St. Philip’s.

For example, an employee who joins Methodist Healthcare as a radiology tech, can learn what classes he/she should take to advance to higher levels in pay and responsibility. A St. Phillips enrollment specialist explains the commitment involved in pursuing the pathway. St. Philips provides the classes, and Methodist Healthcare covers the tuition. Pathways can take several months to a couple of years to complete.

“Many of our employees at the technical level don’t have 4 year degrees and can’t afford to stop working to go back to school,” said Saenz. “For many, getting into healthcare is a way to get out of generational poverty. A job with us not only changes their lives, but can impact their family dynamics.”

“Our Upskilling Program shows employees that they are valued and have a future with us,” she said. “Employees recognize this commitment, resulting in greater employee satisfaction and retention.”

In developing the Upskilling Program, Saenz has worked with Priscilla Camacho, Chief Legislative and External Relations Officer for Alamo Community College District.

“Methodist Healthcare is a leader in developing employees,” said Camacho. “We are so fortunate to have two great CEOs, Dan Miller, President and CEO, Methodist Healthcare, and Dr. Mike Flores, Chancellor of the Alamo Community College District, who think creatively and are committed to filling labor gaps in a timely fashion without sacrificing quality.”

She says that through the Upskilling Program, Methodist Healthcare has provided a model for other employers faced with similar workforce challenges.

Employees interested in the Upskilling program should be on the lookout for the Upskilling Summer Series events at their facilities where the next career fairs will be available.

PROMOTIONS ACROSS THE SYSTEM JACALYN DEHARTE APPOINTED AS CHIEF NURSING OFFICER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF METHODIST HOSPITAL | ATASCOSA Methodist Hospital | Atascosa has appointed Jacalyn DeHarte as its new Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer. Before joining Methodist Healthcare, Jacalyn served as Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colorado where she developed a unique team model on Medical-Surgical units with recruitment and retention of LPNs into acute care.

She also led unit expansion for key service line areas, such as: Orthopedics, Surgical Cardiology, and Acute Rehab.

Additionally, she led the implementation of weekly wholehouse leadership patient experience rounds that improved engagement of leaders in patient experience agenda, and overall patient experience results. Jacalyn earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University and a Master of Business Administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

DR. ASHLEY HOLMSTROM APPOINTED AS CHIEF NURSING OFFICER OF METHODIST HOSPITAL | METROPOLITAN Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan has appointed Dr. Ashley Holmstrom as Chief Nursing Officer. Ashley most recently served as Chief Nursing Officer at Abrazo West and Abrazo Buckeye Emergency Center, a 224bed Level I regional trauma center in Goodyear, Arizona. Prior to her role there, Ashley served as the Chief Nursing Officer of Medical City Frisco in Frisco, Texas. From 2018 – 2020, she held the title of Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan.

During her time at Abrazo West and Abrazo Buckeye Emergency Center, Ashley significantly reduced nursing turnover by creating initiatives to target retention and improve communication with nursing staff.

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engagement in all aspects of decisionmaking and patient care. Ashley has a history of leading and driving positive change in organizations on various scales. She has mentored and precepted over 15 doctorate and masters-prepared leaders in nursing, and believes in developing and investing in people. Ashley is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Maricopa County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program.

Ashley earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Baylor University, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Walden University. She also holds board certifications with the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Nurse Executive and Professional Development Leader.

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JOE VASQUEZ APPOINTED AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF METHODIST HOSPITAL | WESTOVER HILLS Methodist Hospital | Westover Hills has appointed Joe Vasquez as its new Chief Financial Officer.

years. His initiatives included expansions in the OR and tower, as well as the introduction of new service lines such as in-patient rehab.

Joe most recently served as Chief Financial Officer at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa. During his tenure, Joe played a pivotal role in streamlining the hospital’s expenses to align with HCA metrics and standards, resulting in the reduction of inefficiencies. He played a crucial role in optimizing the financial metrics to position the hospital for continued success in the future.

Throughout the challenging times brought on by COVID-19, Joe effectively managed the facility, navigating from a minimal single-digit census to a peak volume, where the census reached a high of 51. He actively contributed to finalizing service agreements with new hospitalist and anesthesia groups, demonstrating exceptional leadership. Prior to his role at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa, Joe served as the Controller of Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak for nine

Joe Vasquez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Texas at San Antonio and completed the HCA Executive Development Program in 2018.

His dedication to development saw him stepping in as interim CFO for multiple MHS-managed hospitals for extended periods, showcasing his versatility and commitment to organizational success.

METHODIST HOSPITAL | HILL COUNTRY WELCOMED DR. ROGER GALINDO AS CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER Dr. Galindo brings over 28 years of medical experience to the Hill Country and enjoys spending time with the team, medical community and residents. Dr. Galindo joined Methodist Healthcare from the UTRGV School of Medicine where he has served as Assistant Professor at the Department of Surgery and Trauma Medical Director since September 2020, after 22 years of active military service.

Dr. Galindo is a distinguished professional with an impressive background in healthcare leadership and patient care. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology at St. Mary’s University in 1994 and received his Medical Degree (M.D.) from the University of Texas Houston in 1999. Dr. Galindo completed General Surgery Residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2007 and a Fellowship in Hepaticopancreato Biliary and Advanced Endoscopy at the University of Louisville in 2011.

Dr. Galindo assumed his role with Methodist Hospital | Hill Country in January.

PROMOTIONS ACROSS THE SYSTEM METHODIST HOSPITAL | TEXSAN APPOINTS DR. CHAMISA MACINDOE AS CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER Methodist Hospital | Texsan welcomed Dr. Chamisa MacIndoe as its Chief Medical Officer. Prior to joining Methodist Healthcare, Dr. MacIndoe served as Medical Director for the ICU and Neurocritical Care at UCHealth Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs and as Physician Advisor in Utilization Management for the UCHealth system.

Dr. Macindoe holds an extensive background in healthcare.

She worked clinically as a neurointensivist and has held multiple leadership roles. She also served as chair of hospital and system Quality and Clinical Governance groups, Peer Review, and Joint Operations.

Dr. MacIndoe completed medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience, residency training in Emergency Medicine at the State University of New York-Buffalo, and fellowship in Neurocritical Care at the University of Pennsylvania.

She is certified in Healthcare Quality Management and completed her Master of Health Care Delivery Science at Dartmouth which incorporates MBA/MHA course work with emphasis on optimization of care delivery models. Additionally, she has been honored with “Top Doctors’’ recognition and quality/safety and collaboration medical staff awards from her peers. She was recognized by the local Business Journal’s “Women of Influence” award.

Dr. MacIndoe assumed her new role with Methodist Hospital | Texsan in February.

METHODIST HOSPITAL | TEXSAN NAMES ELIZABETH GONZALES AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Methodist Hospital | Texsan has appointed Elizabeth Gonzales as its Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Methodist Healthcare, Gonzales served as the Vice President of Finance at DHR Health in Edinburg, Texas. During her time as VP of Finance, Gonzales worked closely with the executive team and managed financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Gonzales began her career in healthcare financial management with UHS-South Texas Health Systems in 2017. Throughout her career, she developed skills in financial planning and analysis, budgeting and forecasting, and in leadership. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Political Science from Texas A&M University.

Elizabeth assumed her role with Methodist Hospital | Texsan on December 4, 2023.

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ERIN MCGARY APPOINTED AS ASSISTANT CHIEF NURSING OFFICER OF METHODIST HOSPITAL | NORTHEAST Erin McGary, MBA, BSN, RN, CEN, LSSGB, has been appointed as Assistant Chief Nursing Officer for Methodist Hospital | Northeast.

Erin has over 19 years of experience within the healthcare industry and has been with Methodist Healthcare since 2009. Throughout her career, Erin has held various roles spanning from bedside nursing, emergency management, throughput, and clinical operations. She leads with a focus on process improvement, employee engagement, patient outcomes, and collaborative physician relations.

Most recently, Erin served as Director of Clinical Operations for Nursing at Methodist Hospital | Northeast. During her tenure, she successfully managed multiple throughput and care coordination initiatives that positively impacted and elevated patient care at Methodist Hospital | Northeast, as well as Methodist Healthcare. Under her leadership, the emergency department decreased lost bed-times by 70% and decreased emergency department hold hours per admission by 46%. Her collaborative and engaging approach to leadership helped to improve departmental employee engagement scores by 55% since 2021.

In 2022, Erin was honored as the Methodist Hospital | Northeast Clinical Excellence Transformational Leader of the Year and a recipient of the Methodist Healthcare People Pillar Award. She was nominated by the San Antonio Nursing Consortium as a Best 25 Nurse of South Central Texas four years in a row (2020-2023) within the Transformational Leader category.

Erin holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Business in Health Care Administration from Western Governors University.

MICHAEL BEAVER APPOINTED AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF METHODIST HOSPITAL | STONE OAK Michael Beaver, JD, FACHE, has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak. Michael has served as Chief Executive Officer of Methodist Hospital | Northeast since 2014, where he has led several significant expansions to support one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation. These initiatives include 60 inpatient beds, a 9,000-square-foot emergency department expansion, a hybrid operating room, an electrophysiology lab, a new medical office building with an outpatient surgery center, a parking garage expansion, and three free-standing emergency departments. Under his leadership, the hospital achieved the “Pathways to Excellence” distinction in recognition of the incredible engagement of nursing staff and is only one of two hospitals in San Antonio to receive this honor. Michael has long championed a positive employee culture focused on patient experience, evidenced by the community voting Methodist Hospital | Northeast as a San Antonio ExpressNews “Best Hospital in San Antonio” for an impressive four consecutive years.

Michael has over 24 years of leadership experience within the healthcare industry.

His career with Methodist Healthcare began in 2006, when he served as Chief Operating Officer of Methodist Hospital, Methodist Children’s Hospital, and Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant. In 2012, he served as President of St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City before returning to Methodist Healthcare in 2014. Before joining Methodist, he served as the Chief Operating Officer at Meadowcrest Hospital in New Orleans and has background in healthcare law and strategic consulting.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS DR. JANE MCCURLEY: A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP AND LOVE

by Cheri Love-Moceri There is an old saying, “Nothing in nature lives for itself. Rivers don’t drink their own water. Trees don’t eat their own fruit.

Living for each other is the rule of nature.”

After spending time with our Division Chief Nurse Executive, it was obvious that living for others is the rule of Dr. Jane McCurley, too.

“I came out of the womb wanting to be a nurse.

Nursing is my life,” said Jane, which is undeniably true as she recently celebrated her 45th year in nursing April 1.

From the beginning of her career, Jane recalls always being asked to pursue leadership roles; however, she had no interest. “I never wanted to leave the bedside.” In fact, when working in the ER at Baylor Medical Center, her CNO asked Jane if she would consider being her new ACNO. “I said, ‘No. No.’ I said, ‘I am a nurse.’”

Now the DCNE of one of the largest health care systems in Texas, I asked Jane what changed her mind.

Without hesitation, she knew the exact moment her calling rerouted with an unexpected path. She recalled one Saturday night in 2000 when she was at the bedside of a gentleman who had just suffered a stroke, accompanied by his grieving wife and two daughters.

“He was aphasic and I remember just holding his hand as so many tears ran down his face.”

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As the memory filled the room, emotions got stuck in her throat and her eyes welled up with tears as she recounted that day with me. Though 24 years had passed, the encounter felt as recent as the morning we spoke.

As she explained to the man what was happening and how she was going to help him, he kept looking up at Jane. Noticing the humanistic connection, his wife told Jane, “He knows that you truly care.”

“It was in that moment that I realized, I can touch one patient at a time or I can touch many,” commented Jane.

“That Monday morning, I went into my CNO’s office at Baylor and said “I want to be your next ACNO.” Since then, Jane has earned numerous promotions as a nursing leader from Texas to Tennessee, and has used those positions to advance the profession she loves and champion the patients she lives for. She has held roles outside of her employment to further support nursing such as President of the Texas Organization of Nursing Leadership (TONL) and has joined over a dozen boards, councils, and committees including AONL Nursing Leaders in Advocacy, The Texas Hospital Association Education Committee, and was inducted as Fellow of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. She has been recognized by countless organizations for her

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wide-ranging contributions, having been named South Texas Image Maker by TNA District 8 and receiving the TONE Excellence in Leadership Award, just to name a few. But of all the awards, the most meaningful came just this past April when Jane received the TONL Elizabeth Sjoberg Lifetime Achievement Award.

Long-time healthcare advocate, Elizabeth Sjoberg, JD, RN, was the first recipient of the TONL Lifetime Achievement Award; however, after her passing in 2023, the award was renamed in her honor for her profound impact on the nursing profession.

A fitting tribute, Jane was the first recipient of this prestigious renamed award.

Once again, Jane wore her heart on her sleeve when expressing her gratitude for being associated with a pioneer of nursing she so deeply admired. “Elizabeth was such an advocate for our profession and created a remarkable, important legacy. To receive an award in her name is the highlight of my career,” Jane tearfully shared. “The legacy I hope to leave is that I grew young nurses to be true leaders in our profession through my mentorship and because I believed in them as individuals and empowered them to be successful.”

That legacy seems to have already been realized as she has spent much of the last several years developing revolutionary development programs for nurses at every stage of their careers. From externs to interns to residents, young nurses can begin their careers with Methodist Healthcare and go on to be developed for key leadership roles in newly established programs such as the Young Nurse Leader Program and the Nurse Executive Program. It is here where Jane has personally guided candidates through her mentorship and extensive jobshadowing for a look behind the curtains of nurse leadership.

But becoming a great nurse leader is not just about development programs, exposure, or even clinical excellence.

Jane shared that a big part of being a true leader starts with being more involved in the improvement of the profession’s landscape. “We have a great responsibility to all nurses. I still have such a passion for patients, but now my job is to be an advocate for the nurse so they can be the advocate for the patient.”

And boy has she advocated, all the way up to Capitol Hill.

Last year, Jane traveled to Washington D.C. to address workplace violence with healthcare legislators and to support Title 7, the major funding for nursing to include faculty, programming, and schools. This June, she will return with the same impassioned agenda, escorting other nurse leaders to inspire their activism. She’s also met with U.S. Congressmen, Joaquin Castro, to discuss how to open the pipeline for international nurses so they may join our workforce. Presently, there are over 500 nurses awaiting the opportunity to join Methodist Healthcare, but are unable to obtain work visas.

Though in the field for over 45 years, Jane still has many aspirations before retirement, but when she does, she plans to go back to where it all began…in the ER as a Blue Bird Volunteer. “I’m a nurse. That’s what I love.

The patients.”

I originally reached out to Jane to write about how she received such a significant award and wanted to highlight her decades of accolades and accomplishments-which I suppose has been done, but that list is not what makes her so special. Yes, her mentorship and development of future nurse leaders is invaluable and her ongoing commitment to the advocacy of nurse-related legislation is game-changing, but it’s the heart- her heart- behind those actions that deserves our recognition. A leader who keeps their most earnest emotions accessible and their love for others just a breath away, is a leader who shows up for their people with a true willingness to connect. That is what creates a legacy. That is what inspires others to build upon that legacy. I suppose that regardless of your position in Methodist Healthcare, we can all aspire to approach our roles with an authentic heart to share with our peers, our staff, and our patients, in the hopes that like Jane, we, too, can find our joy by living for others.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS C.A.P.E. AWARD WINNERJORGE HERNANDEZ Jorge Hernandez, an Environmental Services (EVS) Technician at Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital, was named one of the ten national winners of the 2023 C.A.P.E. (Cintas Cleaning to Advance the Patient Experience) Awards by Cintas. These awards recognize individuals for their commitment to enhancing the patient experience through exceptional cleanliness and sanitation in healthcare settings.

Despite facing personal challenges, including the loss of his father and a daily four-hour round-trip walk to work, Jorge’s dedication never wavered.

He consistently demonstrated remarkable work ethic, attention to detail, and a positive attitude, significantly contributing to his team’s morale and efficiency.

Over 500 EVS technicians were nominated for the C.A.P.E. Awards across the country, highlighting the crucial role of these professionals in maintaining safe, healthy environments for patients, staff, and visitors. The awards, based on peer nominations, celebrate quality of service and dedication.

In addition to his recognition, Jorge received a $2,500 cash prize and a $2,500 donation to the charity of choice. His name was also displayed on the NASDAQ tower in New York City!

A congratulatory ceremony was held for Jorge at Methodist Hospital in January not only to highlight his hard work and resilience, but also underscore the essential contributions of our EVS team members.

METHODIST HEALTHCARE HOSPITALS NAMED TO NATION’S 50 TOP CARDIOVASCULAR HOSPITAL LIST Methodist Hospital and Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak were identified as two of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals™ according to an independent quality analysis based on a balanced scorecard provided by PINC AI™, the technology and services brand of Premier, Inc., and reported by Fortune. Data collected from other Methodist Healthcare System hospitals -including Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, Methodist Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital | Northeast, Methodist Hospital | Texsan, and Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant- contributed to Methodist Hospital’s designation.

To create the list, an objective, quantitative analysis of publicly available data was conducted to identify the top cardiovascular hospitals in the United States. The primary purpose of the PINC AI™ 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals™ program is to inspire hospital and health system leaders to pursue higher performance and deliver added value to patients and communities. Organizations do not apply to participate in the study, and award winners do not pay to market their honor. Compared to peer hospitals, those in the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals™ operated at lower cost and had better outcomes, recording significantly higher inpatient survival rates, fewer patients with complications, lower readmission rates, and up to nearly $10,000 less in total costs per patient case.

Congratulations to the hospital teams for their dedication and innovation in achieving this remarkable achievement in cardiovascular excellence!

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METHODIST HOSPITAL | STONE OAK NAMED TOP 5 PERCENT IN THE NATION FOR PATIENT SAFETY BY HEALTHGRADES For the second year in a row, Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak is a recipient of the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award, naming them among the top 5 percent in the nation for patient safety!

The Healthgrades Specialty Excellence Awards recognize hospitals with superior performance in specific specialty lines and specialty focus areas. Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak has implemented several initiatives that helped in reaching this remarkable patient safety achievement, one of the most impactful being multidisciplinary partnerships. The partnerships consist of daily discussions across departments to address every error, infection, or complication that occurs. These collaborative discussions reveal opportunities to improve processes and further reduce harm to patients while increasing the overall patient experience. An example of success in the hospital’s multidisciplinary partnerships is an 80% reduction in Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections and a 57% reduction in Central Line Blood Stream Infections from 2021 to 2023.

Congratulations to Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak for raising the standard of patient safety across South Central Texas and the nation!

METHODIST HEALTHCARE HOSPITALS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED AMONG AMERICA’S 250 BEST HOSPITALS BY HEALTHGRADES Several Methodist Healthcare hospitals were recognized on the 2024 Healthgrades America’s 250 Best Hospitals list for superior performance in providing care for conditions and procedures across multiple specialty lines and areas.

For the third consecutive year, Methodist Hospital was named one of America’s 250 Best Hospitals for 2024, according to new research released by Healthgrades, the leading marketplace connecting doctors and patients.

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. Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak was also named to the list for the second year in a row. These achievements put Methodist Healthcare hospitals in the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance across the most common conditions and procedures.

Methodist Hospital was ranked number one in Cardiology in the state of Texas, earning the following prestigious awards demonstrating top-quality excellence in cardiac care: • One of Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Care™ • Recipient of the Healthgrades Cardiac Care Excellence Award™ • Named Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Overall Cardiac Services • Named Among the Top 5% in the Nation for Cardiology Services • Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Heart Attack • Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Heart Failure Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak was also recognized for excellence in cardiac care, being named a Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Heart Attack and Treatment of Heart Failure.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS METHODIST HOSPITAL | HILL COUNTRY RECEIVES THE HEALTHGRADES OUTSTANDING PATIENT EXPERIENCE AWARD For the fourteenth consecutive year and the second consecutive year awarded for being in the top 10 %, Methodist Hospital | Hill Country is a top performer according to new research by Healthgrades.

“I am proud of our commitment to deliver on our vision to be world-class. When our team cares for a patient, we know this is someone’s family member, friend, neighbor, or loved

one. Our patients’ care, safety, health, and experience have been and will always be our focus because patients with better care experiences often have better health outcomes.

As we strive for continuous improvement, each department across the hospital, from patient experience, clinical, quality, EVS, and food service, all approach service with the patient in mind,” shared Clint Kotal, MHHC CEO. “We are thankful to each patient who has allowed us the opportunity to care for them.”

EVS LEADERS ACHIEVE PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL CERTIFICATION, ELEVATING HEALTHCARE STANDARDS

Teresa Hicks, LBSW, was awarded the Lisa Nisbet Leadership Award by the 2024 MHS Social Work Council “in recognition of her dedication to the profession of Social Work through her outstanding service and excellence at Methodist Health System.”

She received an overwhelming number of nominations from her co-workers, and the MHS Social Work Council voted based on the nominations and stories of her work from her peers. Teresa has worked for Hill Country since May 2018.

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In March, 11 Environmental Services (EVS) Leaders achieved national certification as Health Care Environmental Services Technicians (CHEST) through the American Hospital Association (AHA). The CHEST program, designed for frontline environmental services workers in healthcare, combines quality education with evidence-based training.

Participants undergo 24 hours of classroom instruction across seven domains: Cleaning and Disinfection, Waste Handling, Floor Care, Linen Handling, Infection Prevention, Safety, and Communication, culminating in a proctored written exam. The 11 leaders who completed our latest workshop included EVS team members from Methodist Hospital, Methodist Hospital Specialty & Transplant, Methodist Hospital Metropolitan, Methodist Hospital Stone Oak, and Methodist Hospital Hill Country.

CLEAN SWEEP: METHODIST HOSPITAL | ATASCOSA TAKES TOP HONORS FOR CLEANLINESS Methodist Hospital | Atascosa’s Environmental Services (EVS) team earned the prestigious ranking of #1 in all of HCA for hospital cleanliness!

This achievement not only reflects the exceptional dedication of the hospital staff, but also shows their unwavering commitment to patient safety.

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METHODIST HOSPITAL | NORTHEAST AWARDED “BEST HOSPITAL” IN SAN ANTONIO FOUR YEARS IN A ROW For the fourth consecutive year, the community has voted Methodist Hospital | Northeast as the “Best Hospital” in San Antonio through the San Antonio Express-News 2024 YourSA Readers’ Choice Awards!

The award affirms the hospital’s reputation as a leader in healthcare excellence and is significant as it speaks on behalf of the community. Each day,

the exceptional staff and physicians at Methodist Hospital | Northeast serve the community with high-quality, expert care, making this recognition from the community profoundly impactful. Receiving this achievement four years in a row makes the hospital the best, not just in title, but in the hearts of the patients and community they dedicatedly serve.

METHODIST HEALTHCARE AND UNIVERSITY OF INCARNATE WORD ENTER HISTORIC AGREEMENT Methodist Healthcare entered into a historic agreement with the University of the Incarnate Word School of Professional Studies (UIWSPS) to improve the lives of thousands of our employees and their families.

This collaboration is poised to transform the professional landscape for our 13,500 employees in San Antonio and unlock pathways for employees and their families to pursue, advance, or refine work skills through an array of degree programs offered through UIWSPS. Together, we have partnered to provide customized training programs for specific needs within Methodist Healthcare.

“It is a privilege to partner with the University of the Incarnate Word to bring affordable higher education to our staff and their families,” said Dan Miller, CEO and president of Methodist Healthcare. “Connecting our workforce with opportunities to grow their knowledge at a pace that suits their lifestyle and goals is just one way to show our gratitude for being a part of the Methodist Healthcare family.”

The University of the Incarnate Word is an institution steeped in the tradition of healing. UIW’s story began when three Catholic Sisters from France answered a call

to help care for the victims of yellow fever and cholera in the mid-1800’s. Now, UIW counts multiple schools and programs on its campuses in the U.S. and Mexico. In San Antonio alone, UIW encompasses five health professions schools and has become a leader in educating the healthcare heroes of tomorrow in the areas of Nursing, Osteopathic Medicine, Physical and Rehabilitative Therapy, Optometry and Pharmacy. The University also added a Doctor of Occupational Therapy program in 2023.

This partnership represents a significant expansion of Methodist Healthcare and UIW’s commitment to collaborative excellence. By joining forces, we are opening doors for personal and professional growth and building a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Unmatched dedication.

Lifesaving care.

EMS Week | May 19-25, 2024

On the 50th anniversary of EMS Week, we thank you for being everyday heroes for our patients, communities and colleagues.