Dell Seton Medical Center First in Texas to Implant Novel Neuroimmune Modulation Device for Rheumatoid Arthritis
pg. 10
HOUSTON
Baylor Wraps Up Another Successful Match Day! Fourth-Year Medical Students Learn of Residency Placements
By Dana Benson
Baylor College of Medicine students gathered with their families, peers and mentors for Match Day, the culmination of the National Residency Matching Program that pairs fourthyear medical students with residency programs across the country. This marked the final Baylor Match Day under the leadership of President, CEO and Executive Dean Dr. Paul Klotman, who will retire in June.
Match Day is held on the same date and time across the county. At Baylor, the festive, colorful and photo-op laden event was held at the outdoor courtyard with students tearing open the envelopes containing their match letter at precisely 11 a.m.
Baylor continued its strong tradition of its students matching into primary care fields, where physicians are most critically needed, with many students staying in Texas and at Baylor.
• 72 students, or about 40 percent of the students matching, are beginning their residencies in the primary care fields of family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, medicine/pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology or emergency medicine.
• 53 students matched with residency programs at Baylor College of Medicine.
• 90 matched with residency programs in Texas.
Leading up to the envelope reveal, students and guests heard a brief program of remarks, including remarks from Klotman, who issued his annual reminder to students that the day is called ‘Match Day’ for a reason.
“It’s not called ‘Selection Day,’ it’s called Match Day. That is a very important distinction, because what
it means is that there is a place that wants you, perhaps more than you may even want to go there, “It doesn’t make any difference where you ranked them. All that makes a difference is that they want you, and that is the right place for you to go.” “President, CEO and Executive Dean Dr. Paul Klotman”
He added that it’s ok for Baylor graduates “to have a fair amount of swag. You will be the best trained people anywhere.”
Class of 2026 President Aaron Pathak, who matched in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, also addressed his classmates, reflecting on their four years of medical school together and on what lies ahead.
“As we spread across the country, I can’t wait until those chance sightings of my former classmates become me telling future trainees, ‘Yes, that’s my friend who wrote the guidelines, my friend who advocated for change, my friend who invented that device and my friend who treated every patient with the humanism I would trust for my own family,’” Pathak said.
“Remember that anywhere we go, there will be people who will see what
it meant to train in the world’s largest and one of the most diverse medical centers with our amazing faculty,” he said. “People who will be impressed by all of your hard work, people who will look to you as their future mentors and, most of all, people who will be coming to you for help as their doctor. No matter where we go, our job remains the same – to serve our communities, to be stewards of health and to follow that oath we made together three years ago.”
The program also included remarks from Interim School of Medicine Senior Dean Dr. Gordon Schutze and Dr. Lee Poythress, associate dean of student affairs who served as Match Day emcee.
“I’d like to thank all the faculty from Baylor College of Medicine for helping in your education, and all of the people at the affiliate hospitals where you worked, who participated in your training,” Schutze said. “We’re excited to see the accomplishments of the class of 2026. The name on this envelope, for me, changed my life and my career in a positive way. And I hope it does that for you as well.”
Emotional Reunion: St Lukes
Baylor College of Medicine Class of 2026
Legal Matters
Medicare Coverage for Digital Mental Health Therapies
AsBy Neal D. Shah, J.D. Polsinelli, PC
humans, In the 2025 and 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (“MPFS”) rules, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) finalized policies that significantly increase opportunities to collect payment for technology-enabled behavioral health care. For the first time, Medicare will pay for certain digital mental health therapies (“DMHT”) that allow patients to self-manage behavioral health conditions as part of an overall treatment plan. As a result of its combined 2025 and 2026 policies, Medicare now covers tools used to manage insomnia, substance abuse disorder, anxiety, depression, and (as of 2026) attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (“ADHD”), and
self-management of behavioral health conditions, but are only available upon prescription by a qualified professional.
Medicare will pay for DMHT as a professional service reflecting clinicians’ time supporting patients’ use of an approved device using HCPCS codes G0552 (supply and initial education of the DMHT device), G0553 (initial 20 minutes of monthly treatment management services related to the DMHT device, requiring at least one interactive communication with the patient per calendar month), and G0554 (each additional 20 minutes of monthly management time). In order to be covered, the device must be billed on an “incident to” basis, such that the billing practitioner must incur a cost for the device as a supply, the device must be furnished to a beneficiary in association with the billing practitioner’s ongoing delivery of behavioral health care treatment under a plan of care, and the device must be used in a manner consistent with its FDA classification. While CMS initially required that the item must be
leaves the door open for increased behavioral health technology coverage in the future.
billed by the diagnosing practitioner, it loosened this rule in 2026 so that any practitioner responsible for the plan of care may bill for the relevant codes.
Medicare coverage for DMHT has important longer-term implications. The program’s addition of these billable services underscores CMS’s ongoing effort to expand coverage for services that go beyond traditional medical intervention, such as Chronic Care Management, Advanced Primary Care Management, and Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model services. These care management and coordination services go beyond traditional face-to-face clinical services to cover services delivered by a care
The devices, most of which are app-based therapies qualifying as software as a medical device (“SaMD”), are covered as part of a professional service under a behavioral health plan of care. CMS will only pay for devices for which the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has granted pre-market approval, authorized on a De Novo basis, or cleared through a premarket submission under Section 510(k) of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act, and classified as a computerized behavioral health therapy (“CBT”) devices for psychiatric disorders) or a digital therapy device for ADHD. In general, these tools facilitate a patient’s see Legal Matters. ...page 14
Renowned Cancer Physician and Researcher Dr. Daniela Matei to Lead Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center
Dr. Daniela Matei, a nationally recognized cancer clinician and translational scientist, will become the next director of the Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center following a national search. She begins in April.
A renowned expert in ovarian cancer treatment and research, Matei currently serves as chief of the Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and is the leader of the Translational Research in Malignancies Program at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Matei has made significant contributions to ovarian cancer biology and therapeutics, earning numerous accolades for her work. An experienced clinical trialist, she has led multiple hypothesis-driven trials in women
with gynecologic cancers and has published more than 170 papers, with over 15,000 citations. For the past two decades, she has served on committees of the National Cancer Institute, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Ovarian Cancer NCI Taskforce, the Gynecologic Oncology Group (now NRG Oncology) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
“We could not be more excited to welcome Dr. Matei to lead the Neal Cancer Center,” said Marc L. Boom, M.D., president and CEO of Houston Methodist. “Her expertise will play a key role in advancing translational and precision cancer research at Houston Methodist, and her leadership will have far-reaching benefits for cancer patients, researchers and trainees in our city, across Texas and internationally.”
Matei succeeds interim director Dr. Nestor Esnaola, who assumed the
role in January 2025 following Dr. Jenny Chang’s selection as president and CEO of the Houston Methodist Academic Institute.
“Dr. Matei is an exceptional clinical scientist in ovarian cancer resistance mechanisms, with expertise in translating basic discoveries into clinical trials. Her arrival reflects the strength of our academic and research mission and our commitment to discoveries that move swiftly into practice,” Chang said. “Her vision and perspective will enhance the momentum of our research enterprise and support our shared goal of turning scientific innovation into real-world impact for patients.”
and junior faculty. Her recruitment is supported by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas through a Recruitment of Established Investigator (REI) award for $4 million.
Matei’s primary research goal is to bridge laboratory science to the clinic and to advance the discovery of new and innovative concepts from bench to bedside. She is also deeply committed to mentoring and training students, fellows, residents
She received her medical degree from the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, and completed subsequent medical training at SUNY Stony Brook and a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of California, Los Angeles
Dr. Daniela Matei
Oncology Research Considering
Cancer a Chronic Condition
By Dr. Susan Escudier, M.D., FACP, Texas Oncology
Advancements in oncology have led to a shift in how several types of cancers are treated, allowing many patients to live longer. It is now common for patients and providers to think of cancer as another chronic condition as better treatments continue to improve long-term disease control and survival with fewer side effects.
Better Treatments
Targeted therapies are a large factor in improved cancer care, as they are specific to a certain tumor characteristic such as a gene mutation or protein that drives cancer growth within the patient. Similarly, immunotherapies activate your body to recognize and fight the cancer. As new
drugs are approved, patients now have alternatives if a therapy is not working or is poorly tolerated. Patients can also choose to enroll in a clinical trial and help improve treatment options for future patients.
In addition to new treatments leading to longer survival, certain cancers are generally considered chronic. Myeloma, low grade lymphomas, and chronic leukemias are all commonly referred to as chronic conditions. Some metastatic solid tumors such as lung, colon, renal, melanoma, prostate, and breast can also be controlled for years with current treatments.
Considerate Planning
Along with cancer treatment comes numerous appointments, fatigue, and scheduling challenges. Patients should be mindful about adjusting their lifestyles to better manage cancer as a chronic condition. They can enjoy important life events like travel and celebrations with strategic planning around treatment timing and having realistic plans for what they can and
Advancing the practice of good medicine.
can’t do, as well as a plan for what to do if they get sick. It’s important for chronic cancer patients to realize that survival and survivorship is a long-term process. Patients will be on and off treatment for the rest of their life, but by enhancing and maintaining good health with diet, exercise, and taking care of any other health issues, they will be better equipped to fight cancer. While it’s important to be as active as possible, it is imperative to listen to your body and rest when needed.
Open Communication
As always, communication with your care team to share your goals, values, and needs is critical. A big concern that patients often vocalize is how they can maintain the balance between treating the cancer and living life. Side effects are common with cancer treatment and often get more troublesome as multiple years
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BCM Collaborates with Baylor Scott & White Health and Temple ISD to Create STEM+M Program
By Taylor Barnes
The Center for Educational Outreach at Baylor College of Medicine has announced its collaboration with Baylor Scott & White Health and the Temple Independent School District (TISD) to implement a STEM+M (science, technology, engineering, math and medicine) health professions pathway program for high school students. This pathway program, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, will provide students with experiential health science learning opportunities.
The STEM+M curriculum for the pathway program will provide TISD educators with educational guidance, resources and professional development opportunities. Baylor Scott & White Health will provide mentoring from
healthcare professionals and hands-on training experiences including an annual open house at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Temple.
“This pathway is a win for the region. It will strengthen career opportunities for students and expand the local healthcare workforce,” said Dr. Nancy Moreno, chair of the Huffington Department of Education, Innovation and Technology and director of the Center of Educational Outreach at Baylor.
“Training the medical professionals of the future is at the heart of our mission at Baylor Scott & White, and we are energized by the opportunity to collaborate with Baylor College of Medicine and Temple ISD on this important effort,” said Greg Haralson, president, Baylor Scott & White –Central Texas Region.
Freshman and sophomore students will participate in extracurricular health and biomedical science activities to learn about the diverse careers in healthcare. Junior and senior students will have opportunities to participate in shadowing, laboratory tours and more at BSWH locations throughout the city.
“This collaboration with Temple ISD creates a meaningful opportunity that can shape students’ futures,” said Dr. Jesus Vallejo, regional dean of the Baylor College of Medicine Temple Campus. “The pathway will help
students identify their strengths, build confidence and take practical steps toward careers in healthcare.”
“This localized pipeline will train generations of students and supply high-quality healthcare providers in the future. Parents and students are going to be excited about this localized option for healthcare preparedness,” said Dr. Bobby Ott, superintendent of schools at Temple ISD.
The BCM STEM+M pathway
see STEM+M...page 14
Healthy Heart
Latest Stats Show Stress and Lack of Physical Activity Are Rising, Putting Heart Health at Risk
By Dion Bart, American Heart Association
The American Heart Association Invites Houston to Find Movement That Fits Real Life on National Walking Day, Wednesday, April 1
As people across the nation navigate higher levels of stress and spend more of their day sitting, finding time to move can feel challenging. Less than half of adults and fewer than one in five children in the U.S. get the recommended amount of physical activity needed for heart
want to move more and feel better, but they’re juggling a lot. National Walking Day is about meeting people where they are and supporting small steps that can make a real difference.”
National recommendations, supported by the American Heart Association, call for children to get at least an hour of physical activity each day—the latest statistics show that less than 19 percent of children in the U.S. achieve that. And less than half of adults get the recommended 150 minutes or more of weekly physical activity.
health, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart & Stroke Statistical Update. That’s why the Association invites communities nationwide to gather on Wednesday, April 1 for National Walking Day.
“The statistics tell an important story, but they don’t tell the whole story,” said Kellie Armstrong, senior executive director at the American Heart Association.“ Many people
Scalpels down. Sold signs up!
They may not be trained to operate, but when it comes to navigating the real estate market, these two are absolute specialists. From diagnosis to closing, they’ll guide you with precision, skill, and just the right dose of humor. Skip the waiting room, let’s get you moving.
Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to stay active. Research shows it not only lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease but also supports mental well-being:
• A study recently published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found engaging in at least 75 minutes
The Framework
HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress to Open New North Patient Tower, Expanding Care for Cypress
By Houston Medical Times
HCAHouston Healthcare North Cypress is set to open its new North Patient Tower, a $100 million expansion designed to increase inpatient capacity, expand rehabilitation services and enhance the patient experience for families across Cypress and northwest Harris County. The new tower strengthens access to hospital-based care close to home as the community continues to grow.
The North Patient Tower adds 54 new inpatient beds and new clinical space that supports safer, more efficient
care.
Key additions include:
• A 23-bed Acute Rehabilitation Unit to support patients recovering from surgery, injury or serious illness with specialized therapy and care focused on regaining independence.
• A 31-bed Medical Surgical Unit to expand capacity for patients who need inpatient medical and surgical care.
• An Expanded Central Sterile Processing Department space that supports surgical services and future growth
“The opening of the North Patient Tower marks an important milestone in our commitment to improving more lives in more ways”, says Jim Brown, CEO of HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress. “As our community grows, we are expanding
see The Framework ...page 13
Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital Announces 100-Million-Dollar Expansion One Year After Opening
Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital is proud to announce a 104-million-dollar expansion just one year after opening its doors. The expansion will add critical capacity to meet the health care needs of the rapidly growing Cypress community. The expansion includes:
• 64 new medical-surgical beds
• 16 intensive care beds
• Six operating rooms
• One endoscopy suite
• In-patient dialysis suite
“Opening the hospital a year ago was an important step, and the vision for this hospital has always been to continue to grow to meet the needs of the surrounding community,” Trent Fulin, Chief Executive Officer of Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital and Senior Vice President of Houston Methodist said. “This expansion reflects our long term commitment to Cypress. We want to keep raising the bar for health
care by improving access and putting patients at the center of everything we do, all while offering unparalleled care close to home.”
Houston Methodist’s continued investment underscores its mission to serve as a trusted health care partner for the community, ensuring residents have access to advanced medical services without leaving the area.
The health care system also said the expansion will require additional staff across clinical and support roles, creating 145 new jobs as services and capacity grow in Northwest Houston
SHSU-COM’s Largest Class Celebrates Match Day Success
By Brittany Foreman
On Match Day, the room is anything but quiet. Music fills the space. Faculty and staff line the room, cheering. Families lean in, phones ready for photos and videos. And then, for just a moment, the entire room seems to hold its breath as the student doctors collectively open envelopes that will give answers to their futures, years of work leading to a single point in time.
Just as quickly, anticipation gives way to celebration.
On Friday, March 20, the Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) Class of 2026 stepped into that moment together, achieving a residency placement rate exceeding 99% for the largest graduating class in the college’s history.
As envelopes opened across the ballroom, cheers, tears and embraces followed. Each match represents more
than a destination; it marks the beginning of the next chapter in a journey shaped by long hours, clinical training and an unwavering commitment to patient care.
“I’m most excited to go back to my hometown and serve as a pediatrician,” said Brianna Castro, a fourth-year student doctor who matched in pediatrics at UT Health San Antonio. “That community helped shape who I
am, and it means a lot to return and give back.”
This year’s results reflect both the strength of the program and the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape. Nearly 66% of graduates will remain in Texas for residency training, continuing to build the physician workforce in communities across the state.
see Match Day...page 13
www.dewberry.com
Student doctors at the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Sam Houston State University learned where they would be going for their residencies.
66% of student doctors will stay in Texas for their residencies
Dell Seton Medical Center First in Texas to Implant Novel Neuroimmune Modulation Device for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ascension Seton expands Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialty in Central Texas
By Houston Medical Times
AscensionSeton today announced it is the first in Texas and the third hospital in the United States to successfully implant a new neuroimmune modulation device approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) at Dell Seton Medical Center at The University of Texas in Austin. This procedure marks a significant advancement in treatment options for autoimmune diseases, offering a drug-free alternative for adults who are not adequately managed by or cannot tolerate, existing advanced RA therapies.
The minimally invasive procedure involves implanting a small device, comparable in size to a large multivitamin capsule, directly onto the left vagus nerve through a single small incision in the neck. Once activated, it delivers precise electrical doses for one-minute daily to engage and regulate the body’s natural inflammatory reflex. This targeted stimulation activates the body’s natural anti-inflammatory pathways to help reduce inflammation and restore immunologic balance in people with RA. Once placed, the device provides up to 10 years of automated daily therapy.
“This technology represents a shift in how we approach autoimmune care,” said Daniel Peterson, MD FACS, Neurosurgeon at Ascension Medical Group Seton Neurosurgery. “Instead of relying solely on medication, we are utilizing the nervous system to naturally dial down inflammation at its source. This allows us to treat the root cause of the joint pain directly, giving patients an opportunity to reclaim their quality of life without the daily burden of medication.”
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling primarily in the hands, wrists, and feet, and often resulting in permanent joint damage. Affecting approximately 1.5 million Americans, RA predominantly impacts women, who form about 75%
of patients, with symptoms typically beginning between the ages of 30 and 50, according to the American College of Rheumatology.
“Ascension Seton is committed to bringing the most advanced, research-driven care to the community, and being the first in Texas to provide this therapy reinforces our mission,” said John Thresher, Chief Strategy Officer for Ascension Texas. “This advancement showcases Ascension Seton’s focus on expanding access with innovative technology that addresses the unmet needs of the patients we serve.”
This milestone also highlights the continued expansion of Ascension Seton’s comprehensive neurosurgery program. By adding highly specialized local experts like Dr. Peterson to the team, the health system is actively bridging the gap between advanced neurological care and cutting-edge innovations. This growth ensures that patients across Central Texas have access to the most innovative, minimally invasive treatments available.
This announcement follows another recent milestone for the health system, as Ascension Seton has recently performed Austin’s first adult next-generation robotic spine procedure at Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin. These successive advancements demonstrate Ascension’s ongoing commitment to bringing the latest surgical innovations
By Staff
Emotional Reunion: St. Luke’s Health Nurse & Heart Attack Survivor
The Montgomery County American Heart Association Heart Ball, a night dedicated to celebrating life-saving efforts, culminated in an extraordinary and deeply moving surprise reunion.
Ben Aguilar, a patient from St. Luke’s Health - The Woodlands Hospital, was being honored as the featured survivor at the event. Little did he know that his nurse, Lupe Diaz, was going to be honored as well for her heroic actions in the emergency department – actions that had directly saved his life.
Ben had already captivated the audience with his harrowing account. In May 2023, while in the parking lot of St. Luke’s Health - The Woodlands Hospital, he was struck by an active myocardial infarction – a massive heart attack. He had parked his car at the emergency department and
was making his way inside, but soon realized he couldn’t make it. Somehow, Lupe was there. It was in that critical, life-altering moment that Lupe’s rapid assessment and decisive intervention proved lifesaving.
Then, in a poignant and utterly unexpected twist that brought many attendees to tears, Lupe herself made a surprise appearance. Ben, completely unaware she would be there, was stunned as she walked onto the stage. Their emotional reunion, live before the captivated audience, powerfully underscored the profound impact of compassionate and expert care.
“This was an incredibly powerful and emotional moment that truly captured the heart behind what we do,” said Jim Parisi, Hospital President at St. Luke’s Health - The Woodlands Hospital and Chair of the Heart Ball.
“Lupe’s swift action saved Ben’s life, and witnessing their reunion was a testament to the real-life impact our
nurses
Throughout his recovery, Ben has consistently credited Lupe as his beacon of hope during that terrifying medical emergency. He vividly recalled her reassuring words, a lifeline in his darkest hour: “You made it, you’re here, you’re going to be okay – we’ve got you.”
But Lupe’s remarkable heroism is only one facet of her impressive career. She serves as one of the Texas market emergency department nurses, lending her expertise to all 19 facilities across the market. Her academic achievements are equally impressive.
She holds a master’s degree in nursing, an MBA and is currently pursuing her PhD. Beyond her critical clinical practice, she is also a dedicated nursing professor, actively shaping and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“Lupe consistently embodies excellence in clinical care, leadership, and education,” stated Daphne Ceron, BSN, RN, CCRN, CPAN and CommonSpirit Texas Market Manager of Nursing Operations. “Being recognized at this type of event is an extraordinary achievement and a powerful reflection of the level of excellence, clinical expertise, compassion in action, and the unwavering dedication of our nurses.”
Financial Forecast
Are You on Track for Retirement? Three Simple Ways to Reality-Check Your Plan
MBy Grace S. Yung, CFP
Midtown Financial Group, LLC
any people feel reasonably confident about their retirement plans. They’re saving, they have accounts, and they check their balances from time to time. But feeling confident and being on track are not always the same thing - especially for pre-retirees and business owners, where income, taxes, and lifestyle costs can be more complex.
Markets change. Inflation changes. Tax rules change. And business income or career paths rarely follow a perfectly straight line. That’s why it’s useful to step back and pressure-test your plan
To get a clearer picture, consider all potential income sources together: Social Security, pensions (if any), investment portfolios, business or rental income, and even part-time work. Then compare that total to what you realistically expect to spend.
A simple reality check is to ask: If I retired in the next few years, what would my monthly income look likeand would that comfortably cover my lifestyle? If you’ve never translated your savings into income, you’re missing one of the most important pieces of the puzzle.
2.
Pressure - Test Your Plan Against Real - World Risks
Most plans look good when markets are calm and assumptions are optimistic. The real question is how your plan holds up when things don’t go perfectly.
Start with longevity. Many people
with a few simple reality checks.
Here are three practical ways to see whether your retirement plan is truly on track - or just looks that way on the surface.
1. Stop Focusing Only on Account Balances - Start Thinking in Income
One of the most common planning mistakes is measuring progress by how much you’ve saved instead of what that savings can provide. A portfolio balance is just a number. What really matters is how much reliable income your plan can support once your paycheck or business income stops.
A $1.5 million portfolio, for example, might support something like $55,000 to $70,000 a year of inflation-adjusted income, depending on assumptions and strategy. That could be plenty for one household and far short for another.
underestimate how long retirement can last. For couples retiring in their early to mid-60s, it’s common for at least one spouse to live into their late 80s or 90s. That can mean 25 to 30 years - or more - of needing income that keeps up with inflation.
Next is market risk, especially in the early years of retirement. The order of investment returns matters. A major market decline early on, combined with withdrawals, can put much more stress on a portfolio than the same decline later. Ask yourself whether your plan has enough flexibility, cash reserves, or income buffers to avoid selling investments at the worst possible time. Finally, don’t overlook inflation and taxes. Even modest inflation
The Framework
Continued from page 8
with it, increasing access to high-quality, compassionate care close to home. The addition of the tower enhances our capacity, supports our physicians and care teams, and advances the exceptional patient experience our community expects and deserves. This investment reflects our long-term commitment to clinical excellence, innovation and meeting the healthcare needs of our Cypress community. “
Match Day
Continued from page 9
Further strengthening the local physician workforce, four SHSU-COM student doctors matched into programs within the Sam Houston Regional Education Consortium, including two in the Family Medicine Residency Program in Huntsville and two in the Psychiatry Residency Program in Conroe.
More than half of the class, a little over 51%, matched into primary care specialties, including family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics. This continued commitment to primary care aligns with the college’s mission to improve access to care, particularly in rural and underserved regions, areas where primary care doctors are needed most.
At the same time, the Class of 2026 demonstrated a broad range
Financial
Continued from page12
can erode purchasing power over a long retirement, and taxes can take a larger bite than many people expect - particularly for higher-income households and business owners. A useful question is whether your plan is built around after-tax spending, not just pre-tax account balances.
3. Be Honest About Your Lifestyleand Your Flexibility
Many retirement gaps come from unrealistic assumptions about spending. While some work-related expenses disappear, others often rise, including
The opening follows the 2024
community groundbreaking, marking the transition from milestone to meaningful impact for patients. Since 2018, HCA Houston Healthcare has reinvested more than $200 million in the Cypress community, including this latest expansion.
The hospital will mark the opening with a ribbon cutting and community open house on March 16th.
of interests across the medical field. Emergency medicine was the most represented specialty, with 26% of the soon-to-be doctors entering the field.
Others matched into specialties including psychiatry, anesthesiology and pathology, along with several surgical fields. Among them is a match into neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery, two of the most competitive specialties in medicine and notable milestones for both the students and the program.
“We’re also seeing strong interest in emergency medicine this year, which speaks to the type of physicians our students are becoming,” said Thomas J. Mohr, DO, dean of SHSU-COM. “They’re ready to meet patients in critical moments and provide care when it is needed most. At the same time, achievements like matching into
neurosurgery reflect the depth of talent within this class and the strength of our academic foundation.”
The Class of 2026 has also played a key role in SHSU-COM’s continued momentum and national recognition. The cohort achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the COMLEX-USA Level 1 examination, placing the college at the top of the nation for the second consecutive year, while also engaging in research, leadership and service throughout their medical education.
“These outcomes reflect what makes this class so special,” Mohr said. “They have approached their education with focus, resilience and a strong sense of purpose. We are proud to see them step into a wide range of specialties, knowing they are prepared to contribute from day one.”
As they begin residency
programs across Texas and the nation, the class will carry forward a shared commitment to patient-centered care and to serving communities with the greatest need.
Match Day marks a transition, but for SHSU-COM, it also reflects a program moving forward with purpose, one that is steadily strengthening the physician workforce and expanding access to care where it matters most.
travel, healthcare, home projects, or supporting family members.
Compare three numbers: what you spend today, what you think you’ll spend in retirement, and what your plan supports. If those numbers don’t line up, something needs to change - either the plan, the timing, or the expectations.
Just as important is flexibility. Strong plans usually have adaptable options: working a bit longer, phasing into retirement, adjusting spending in down markets, choosing when to claim Social Security, or deciding when to sell
a business or property. The more levers you can realistically pull, the more flexible your plan tends to be.
The Bottom Line
Being “on track” for retirement isn’t about hitting a single magic number. It’s about having a plan that can support your lifestyle, hold up under real-world risks, and adapt as life changes. A certified financial planner professional can help translate balances into income and stress-test your strategy - but even these three simple checks can bring much-needed clarity about where
you really stand.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes.
Legal Matters
Continued from page 3
team, which may include both licensed medical practitioners and support personnel.
A growing industry of technology-enabled vendors has emerged to provide infrastructure to help practices furnish and bill for these services, including personnel, information technology, and administrative capabilities around documentation and billing. Practices bill for the services (usually on an incident to basis), then pay a fair market value fee to the service provider. Given the enormous influence of Medicare coverage decisions, the program’s payment of DMHT is likely to similarly facilitate new relationships between
Oncology
Continued from page 5
and treatments go by. The best way to approach these considerations is to have honest discussions with their family and healthcare team about what to expect and how to handle it.
technology vendors and behavioral health providers.
CMS further expressed interest in additional reimbursement for technologically enhanced patient care. In the MPFS, CMS solicited comments on coverage for devices providing CBT, biofeedback devices, or treating things like gastrointestinal conditions, sleep disturbance for psychiatric conditions, and fibromyalgia symptoms. CMS also considered comments advocating coverage of digital tools that were not FDA approved, cleared, or authorized for purposes of lifestyle management as part of a mental health treatment plan of care. Finally, CMS considered covering the administration of an eye-tracking test to evaluate the presence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While CMS did not finalize these proposals, the agency said it would
continue to consider opportunities to expand coverage.
Medicare’s coverage of DMHT is likely to encourage other payors to consider similar coverage. Behavioral health providers should be aware of this additional opportunity to support patient care and earn additional reimbursement. It also creates new revenue opportunities for developers and vendors of behavioral health technology, which may stimulate the development of additional DMHT products. Finally, this coverage decision may point the way to further coverage for technologically-enabled, patient-centered care.
Above all, many people can still thrive regardless of their chronic conditions, whether cancer-related or not. Cancer is no longer the fatal illness it once was, and even side effects that were once taken as a given can now be managed with different options. Survival rates continue to climb with every new advancement in the field,
STEM+M
Continued from page 6
program with Temple ISD is one of several implemented across the state. These programs are in Midland ISD, select campuses in Corpus Christi ISD, Stafford Municipal School District and
Healthy Heart
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per week of moderate-intensity exercise, including brisk walking, lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease by 17%.
• Research recently published in the journal JAMA Network
Open found adults who walked at least 5,000 steps a day had fewer symptoms of depression than those who did not.
“When life feels busy or stressful, movement can be one of the most supportive tools we have,” said Armstrong.“ Walking helps reduce
Houston ISD at the Baylor College of Medicine Academy at James D. Ryan Middle School, Baylor College of Medicine Biotech Academy at Rusk Middle School and the Michael
and patients now have more hope than ever.
E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions.
This initiative has statewide implications, including for providers and patients in Houston.”
stress, improve mood and support heart health, and it does not have to look the same for everyone. A short walk, a few minutes of stretching or moving when you can all count.”
To participate in National Walking Day, consider these ideas:
• Invite friends, family or colleagues to join you for a walk, in person or virtually.
• Take a phone call on the move or add a few minutes of movement between meetings.
• April showers? No problem. Walk
indoors at a mall or other covered space.
• Bring your pet, a stroller or just yourself. Any movement counts.
For information about getting active and staying healthy, visit the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative at heart.org/ movemore.
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