HOUSTON
pg. 11
Legal Matters pg.3
Oncology Research
Healthy Heart pg.7
Framework
pg.8
Financial Forecast pg.12
Cybersecurity for Healthcare: Strategies to Mitigate Risks
By Richard F. Cahill, JD, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, The Doctors Company
Complexattacks using ransomware are among the most problematic cybersecurity concerns for healthcare practices and systems. Malicious software can prevent an affected organization from accessing its data unless monetary payments are made, which can interfere with the delivery of patient treatment.
In addition to immediate patient safety risks, a ransomware attack creates long-term enterprise risks. Patients’ protected information is attractive to cybercriminals for its substantial value on the black market, and therefore data breaches, also referred to as crypto-extortion, are a typical collateral consequence of ransomware attacks. Healthcare organizations across the country have experienced data breaches, whether through ransomware or through other threats.
Following a cryptoextortion incident, a covered entity’s inadvertent violations of federal and state privacy laws may result in a multitude of civil, criminal, and administrative dangers. The results can be financially devastating.
whenever the U.S. engages in overseas conflicts. In spring 2026, pro-Iranian hackers turned their attention to vendors connected to U.S. power, water, and healthcare. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
strike third-party vendors that support medical and dental practitioners. This threat demands careful deliberation and proactive, preemptive correction of vulnerabilities, because when data breaches begin through a third party, they can take longer to identify, cause more disruption, and cost more to contain than a direct attack.
Healthcare organizations can protect their patients, assets, and reputations by working with subject matter experts to mitigate potential cybersecurity risks.
Through a combination of advance planning and collaboration with trusted business partners, healthcare organizations can mitigate their cybersecurity risks, including risks amplified by overseas events, third-party vendor relationships, agency oversight, and technological advancements.
Geopolitical Risks
Some cybersecurity attacks are sponsored by foreign governments, and such threats increase in intensity
(CISA), and other agencies have repeatedly implored U.S. healthcare entities to amplify their cybersecurity.
Covered entities cannot predict international events, but they can predict that geopolitical shifts will at times increase their enterprise risks, and they can strengthen their cybersecurity postures accordingly.
Third-Party Risks
Cybercriminals may aggressively
Regulatory and Compliance
Risks
When patient records are violated in large online assaults, federal and state privacy laws create an added risk to clinicians, practices, and systems. Understanding these risks is the first step to mitigating them. They include:
• Complaints from government agencies: Data breaches often lead to complaints initiated by government oversight and licensing agencies, including the Office for Civil Rights, with possible investigations subsequently resulting in fines, sanctions, and related administrative penalties.
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences debuts Master’s Degree
with Dignity
Legal Matters
New OIG FAQ Warns FMV Alone Does Not Shield AKS Liability
By Michael P. Gennett, J.D. Ronke Fabayo, J.D. Polsinelli, PC
TheU.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently updated its General Questions Regarding Certain Fraud and Abuse Authorities FAQ page, reinforcing a point that OIG has articulated in
11th Circuit’s decision in Bingham v. HCA, Inc., 783 F. App’x 868 (11th Cir. 2019) (unpublished), which held that the relator in that case failed to establish AKS remuneration because he did not show that physician tenants received anything of value in excess of FMV.
In contrast, OIG’s FAQ emphasizes that the AKS does not contain exceptions or safe harbors that protect remuneration based solely on the FMV of the remuneration and that the legality of an arrangement continues to depend on the totality of the facts and circumstances, including the parties’ intent.
Key Takeaways from FAQ #17
• Ensuring remuneration is consistent with FMV is a “best
prior rulemaking, advisory opinions, compliance guidance and enforcement actions: compliance with fair market value (FMV) principles alone does not insulate an arrangement from scrutiny under the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). Although the position articulated by OIG is not new, the new FAQ guidance serves as an important reminder that reliance on remuneration that is FMV is not sufficient on its own to eliminate AKS risk.
OIG Reaffirms That FMV Alone Does Not Eliminate AKS Risk
The new FAQ #17 is meant to address what OIG describes as some health care industry stakeholders’ position that so long as remuneration is consistent with FMV, there is no unlawful remuneration under the AKS, and consequently, there can be no liability under the AKS. And there are at least a handful of court decisions that support this position, such as the
practice” and may reduce fraud and abuse risk.
• An arrangement nevertheless may violate the AKS even if the compensation is consistent with FMV.
• The AKS does not contain a standalone FMV exception.
• Safe harbors that contain FMV requirements require compliance with all safe harbor elements — not only the FMV component.
• AKS analysis remains dependent on the facts and circumstances of the arrangement, including intent.
Practical Compliance Considerations for Health Care Organizations
The FAQ suggests that OIG will continue to evaluate the intent and structure of arrangements for factors including the purpose and rationale for the arrangement, how
Oncology Research Personalized Approaches
in Women’s Cancer Care
By Rachel E. Kaczynski, DO, FACOS, FSSO, Texas Oncology
Breast Surgical Oncology
Navigating Care: With new technologies we are able to target cancer cells by their genes, making it possible to customize treatment for individual patients.
In the last few years, cancer care has become more personalized, with targeted treatments that can be tailored to your specific needs. With these new treatments, we are seeing better responses and longer survival. Oncologists and surgeons can use biomarkers — genes in tumor cells — to help patients choose precise treatments that are best for their needs, values, and goals. Personalized treatments also reduce the risk of overtreatment or
undertreatment, meaning fewer side effects and a higher chance of clearing the cancer.
In cancers that primarily affect women, these innovations have been life-changing. Even for women with advanced cancers, and high-risk patients who may be diagnosed with cancer in the future, this technology leads to better response rates and survival.
Tumor Genomics in Texas
Breast cancer, endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus), and ovarian cancer are some of the most common seen among women. Recently, endometrial cancer incidence surpassed ovarian cancer as the deadliest cancer for women. However, 85% of endometrial cancer can be treated if caught and diagnosed early. And tumor genomics, or the study of the genes that cause specific cancers, is one of the best ways to treat these cancers.
Built on tumor genomics, immunotherapy is a treatment that enables the body’s own immune system to eliminate cancer cells. Patients on
immunotherapy show strong responses, especially patients whose cancer has returned. Newer medications combine antibodies (which help the immune system recognize cancer cells) and drugs together to directly target cancer cells.
Genes also play a prominent role in leading-edge treatment for breast cancer. Texas Oncology is one of the highest enrollers to the FLEX Registry, a database that helps researchers link gene data with cancer treatment outcomes. This data helps to improve personalized treatment for early-stage breast cancer
patients. Our team is also working hard to improve the data available for minorities, including men with breast cancer (Gold, et al.).
Through genomics, we can better compare treatment options—like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, or radiation—alone or in combinations for any stage of cancer. By using genomics alongside surgery and new drug combinations, we can improve outcomes and survival rates for many
see Oncology. ...page 13
Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital Achieves Magnet Recognition with Distinction
Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital has earned Magnet Recognition with Distinction™, a designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) that recognizes the highest performing Magnet organizations around the world. While this is the first time the hospital has earned “with Distinction,” it is the second time Memorial Hermann Southeast has earned Magnet designation. The hospital was first recognized in 2021.
“Earning a second Magnet recognition, and this time with Distinction, is a testament to the dedication, clinical expertise, and compassionate care our nursing teams bring to Memorial Hermann Southeast and our affiliated campuses every single day,” said Noel J. Cárdenas, FACHE, senior vice president and CEO, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital and Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital.
The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes health care organizations for
quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovation in professional nursing practice. Magnet recognition is the highest possible organizational credential granted by the ANCC, the largest and most prominent nursing credentialing organization in the United States. Hospitals must excel in several areas, including nursing standards and practices, patient care, and innovations in nursing leadership and management to earn Magnet status. Introduced in 2022, Magnet Recognition with Distinction™ celebrates hospitals and health care organizations that exceed the scoring thresholds required to attain Magnet designation.
Before a hospital is selected for Magnet recognition, the ANCC completes a rigorous evaluation process that includes on-site visits, reviews of written documentation, staff and patient satisfaction surveys and interviews. Initial Magnet recognition is valid for four years and, during that time, hospitals and nursing staff are closely
monitored, evaluated, and surveyed to ensure they remain in compliance with the program’s high standards. At the end of the four-year period, hospitals must re-apply and again undergo the challenging evaluation process.
Studies have demonstrated that Magnet-recognized hospitals typically provide a higher quality of patient care, including lower mortality rates and better patient satisfaction. Magnet hospitals also experience lower turnover and lower rates of burnout among nursing staff. The recognition is also directly linked to a hospital’s ability to attract and retain qualified, highly educated nursing staff.
“To earn Magnet recognition once is a milestone; to earn it a second time with Distinction is evidence
of sustained excellence,” said Mary Carrillo, chief nursing officer, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital. “I am so proud of our team for their continued efforts and their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of nursing practice and collaborative care.”
Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, which includes Memorial Hermann Pearland Hospital and Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in League City, join Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital, Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and TIRR Memorial Hermann as Magnet Recognition with Distinction™ facilities.
New Houston Methodist Study Shows Growing Breast Cancer Risk for Younger Women, Improved Outcomes for Older Women
Age, Race and Tumor Subtype Together Unlock Hidden High-Risk Breast Cancer Patterns Among Asian and Hispanic Populations
By Nathaniel Godwin
Anational study analyzing U.S. breast cancer data spanning nearly 50 years has uncovered a major shift in outcomes and risk of developing the disease, highlighting urgent gaps in prevention and treatment for specific groups of women.
Analyzing Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) data from 1975 - 2022, researchers from Houston Methodist found that breast cancer deaths, once concentrated mostly among older women, are increasingly affecting younger women, signaling a major change in the nation’s breast cancer
risk landscape. While the data showed that survival improved substantially among older women over time, younger women did not experience the same improvement.
The research was led by Stephen Wong, Ph.D., the John S. Dunn Presidential Distinguished Chair in Biomedical Engineering at Houston Methodist and director of T. T. & W. F. Chao Center for BRAIN. The study appears in npj Breast Cancer, published by Nature.
“Rising mortality among younger women alongside improved survival in older women shows how breast cancer risk is shifting,” Wong said. “Importantly,
Advancing the practice of good medicine.
we found that Asian women under 50 experience poorer outcomes and face elevated risk of mortality than previously recorded.”
Young Black women with triple negative breast cancer remained the highest risk group. However, the study also found elevated mortality risks among Hispanic and Asian women under 50 in specific molecular subtypes, particularly those with triple negative breast cancer, a more aggressive type of the disease.
According to the American Cancer Society, aside from skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, accounting for about 1 in 3 of all new female cancers each year. Breast cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.
“Age, race and tumor type should not be treated as separate issues as they interact to drive these disparities,” said first author Lin Wang, research fellow in the Wong Laboratory at Houston Methodist. “When we look at them together, we uncover risks that would otherwise remain hidden.”
Wang said the findings support
NOW AND FOREVER.
more age-aware, subtype-specific and population-aware approaches to breast cancer research, screening and care. This realization prompted Srinivasan and Hook to think differently about how and where conversion occurs, in addition to what biological systems might govern vulnerability during this transition.
One region of particular interest is the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which plays roles in both cognition and reward. Evidence suggests that connectivity between the VTA and regions such as the medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala is altered during neurodegenerative progression. The
Study...page 13
However you practice in today’s ever-changing healthcare environment, we’ll be there for you with expert guidance, resources, and coverage. It’s not lip service. It’s in our DNA to continually evolve and support the practice of good medicine in every way. That’s malpractice insurance without the mal. Join us at thedoctors.com Scan here for a rapid premium indication, and discover the unrivaled rewards of The Doctors Company.
“Rising mortality among younger women alongside improved survival in older women shows how breast cancer risk is shifting.”
–Stephen Wong, Ph.D.
Healthy Heart
3 Ways To Take Health and Safety Into Your Hands This Summer
By Dion Bart
The American Heart Association
American Heart Association reminds communities during CPR & AED Awareness Week, the power to save a life is in your hands
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anytime, anywhere, and too often people hesitate to step in because they believe CPR can only be performed by medical professionals. During CPR and AED Awareness Week, the American Heart Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, is working to change that misconception and empower everyday people to act when it matters most.
According to the Association, more than two in three people in the U.S. believe only people with special training should perform CPR , a mistaken belief that contributes to the low survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest. If performed immediately, CPR can double or even
triple a person’s chance of survival , and hesitation can cost lives. During CPR & AED Awareness Week, June 1-7, the American Heart Association is reminding families and communities, you don’t need to wear scrubs or have a medical background to save a life. You just need the courage to act.
Heading into summer, the Association offers this checklist for families, workplaces and communities to take health and safety into your own hands:
1. Learn CPR and join the Nation of Lifesavers™. In Houston, families can watch a 60-second video to learn Hands-Only CPR for adults or this video to learn how to save an infant or child using CPR with breaths. For groups and individuals who want more comprehensive training, discover the right course with the Association’s CPR course catalog. Travelers can also get trained in Hands-Only CPR in about five minutes with a Hands-Only CPR
Kiosk, located in many airports and public spaces across the country. For more information on how to learn CPR, visit heart.org/nation.
2. Plan ahead. Summer is often a time for welcome disruptions. School is out, and it’s time for parties, camps and family trips. Check if your summer destination has a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP). A CERP establishes specific steps to reduce death from cardiac arrest in any setting — be it a school, community organization, workplace or sports facility.
not survive. Join the Nation of Lifesavers to help ensure everyone, everywhere has the best chance to survive cardiac arrest.
3. Join the Houston Heart Walk. Every walker who joins and every dollar donated means more people trained in lifesaving CPR, more lifesaving research funded and longer, healthier lives for everyone in the Houston area. Learn more and get involved in the Houston Heart Walk at houstonheartwalk. org.
More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year , and 90% of people will
The American Heart Association is committed to turning a nation of bystanders into lifesavers. The long-term goal: to ensure that in the face of a cardiac emergency, anyone, anywhere, is prepared and empowered to perform CPR and become a vital link in the chain of survival.
For additional ways to raise awareness during National CPR & AED Awareness Week, visit heart. org/nation. Nation of Lifesavers is nationally sponsored by Walgreens.
The Framework
Harris County Approves Eminent Domain for Ben Taub Expansion
A major step forward for trauma, emergency, and specialty care in Harris County.
Harris County Commissioners (in a unanimous vote) have approved the use of eminent domain for acquisition of approximately 8.9 acres of City owned land within Hermann Park, clearing the way for Harris Health to begin planning and construction of a major expansion of Ben Taub Hospital. The decision marks a significant milestone in addressing the region’s growing demand for trauma, emergency and specialty care, and the reality that Ben Taub Hospital is frequently operating beyond its capacity.
Ben Taub Hospital, one of only two adult Level I trauma centers in Harris County, has experienced sustained increases in patient volume and acuity. The approved land acquisition will allow Harris Health to expand critical services, modernize aging infrastructure, and build new capacity to meet the rapidly growing
needs of Harris County residents.
“This is a pivotal moment for the people of Harris County,” said Esmaeil Porsa, MD, president and chief executive officer, Harris Health. “Ben Taub Hospital is a lifeline for our community, and this expansion – once complete –ensures we can continue delivering high quality, lifesaving care for decades to come. We are grateful to the County Commissioners for recognizing the urgency of this need and for supporting a path forward that prioritizes the health and well-being of our residents.”
“Harris County succeeds when our institutions work together,” said Rodney Ellis, Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 1. “At a time when rising costs and federal cuts are making it harder than ever for Harris County residents to make ends meet, this plan expands access to lifesaving healthcare while honoring and protecting one of the most treasured green spaces in the county. I am grateful to Hermann Park Conservancy, Harris Health, the City of Houston, and all of the residents and
stakeholders who have stayed engaged throughout this process.”
“Also, we are mostly grateful to Harris County residents who once more showed their overwhelming support of Harris Health and our mission in supporting the Ben Taub expansion project,” added Porsa.
The 8.9 acres parcel sits adjacent to the existing hospital campus, enabling a seamless expansion of hospital services, improved patient flow, and enhanced operational efficiency. Early planning envisions expanded inpatient capacity, improved throughput and volume of trauma and emergency care,
and a state-of-the-art facility designed for potential future expansion or replacement.
“This action reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Harris County’s safety net healthcare system that so many families rely on,” said Andrea Caracostis, MD, chair, Harris Health Board of Trustees. “Our board has long recognized the need for expanded space and modernization of Ben Taub. Securing this land is an essential step toward building a facility
New Physician Training Program in Conroe Focuses on Pain Relief and Movement Health
By Brittany Foreman
Anewphysician training program focused on hands-on patient care, pain management, and movement health has received accreditation in Conroe.
The Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (ONMM) Plus One Advanced Training Program, a specialty program in musculoskeletal medicine, was developed by Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM) as part of the Sam Houston Regional Education Consortium (SHREC) to expand graduate medical education opportunities in Texas.
ONMM is a physician specialty focused on diagnosing and treating conditions involving the muscles, joints, nerves, and spine. Physicians in this field complete residency training
in specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, or physical medicine and rehabilitation, then complete an additional year of advanced training in hands-on techniques that can help reduce pain, improve movement, and support healing.
The one-year training experience will be based primarily at SHSU Physicians in Conroe. Participants will also train through rotations at Huntsville Memorial Hospital and HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe, as well as have the option for sports medicine experience supporting Sam Houston’s NCAA Division I athletic programs.
“This program reflects our continued commitment to building physician workforce pipelines that meet real healthcare needs,” said Dr. Thomas J. Mohr, dean of SHSU-COM and vice president for medical affairs at Sam
Houston State University. “It also strengthens our osteopathic identity by creating an advanced training opportunity rooted in whole-patient care, hands-on medicine, and service.”
Designed for physicians seeking advanced training after residency, participants will study hands-on treatment methods, patient care in clinic and hospital settings, research, and teaching.
As part of an unopposed training experience, participating physicians will work closely with faculty and gain strong clinical experience.
“Osteopathic medicine is centered on listening to patients and treating the whole patient, not just symptoms,” said Dennis Rau Jr., DO, program director of the SHREC ONMM Plus One Advanced Training Program. “This opportunity gives physicians the chance to develop advanced clinical skills that help patients move better, feel better, and live healthier lives.”
This addition continues SHREC’s work to grow residency and fellowship programs in areas with physician workforce needs. Current and developing programs in the consortium include family medicine, psychiatry, sports medicine, internal medicine, and general surgery.
Located just north of Houston, Conroe offers physicians in graduate medical education a growing healthcare community, family-friendly amenities, and access to one of the nation’s largest medical centers.
Training the next generation of physicians focused on pain relief, healing, and whole-patient care
NOW HIRING IN CLINICAL, ACADEMIC, AND LEADERSHIP ROLES
Aging with Dignity: Advancing Geriatric Care in Houston
to grow, so does the number of older adults requiring specialized medical care. Geriatrics — focused on the health and well-being of
has become an increasingly vital discipline in addressing the complex needs of aging patients. From chronic disease management to mobility and cognitive health, geriatric care is shaping how healthcare systems
of geriatric medicine is its holistic approach. Unlike traditional care models that often focus on single conditions, geriatric providers assess the full spectrum of a patient’s physical, mental, and social health. In Houston, where diverse populations bring varying health
components of effective geriatric care. In Houston, healthcare providers are increasingly integrating memory care programs and community resources to support these needs.
Mobility and fall prevention are also critical priorities. Falls remain one of the leading causes of injury among older adults. Preventive strategies—such as physical therapy, home safety evaluations, and balance training—can significantly reduce risk and improve independence. Many local healthcare systems are investing in multidisciplinary teams to address these concerns proactively.
Equally important is the emphasis on “aging in place.” Most seniors prefer to remain in their homes rather than transition to assisted living facilities. Advances in home health services, telemedicine, and remote monitoring technologies are making this more feasible. Houston’s healthcare landscape is
challenges and cultural perspectives, this comprehensive model is especially important.
Chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease are prevalent among seniors. However, equally significant are issues like polypharmacy—the use of multiple medications—which can increase the risk of adverse drug interactions. Geriatric specialists play a key role in carefully managing medication regimens to minimize risks while maximizing quality of life.
Cognitive health is another growing concern. Conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affect not only patients but also families and caregivers. Early detection, patient education, and caregiver support services are essential
embracing these innovations, helping seniors maintain autonomy while still receiving high-quality care.
Finally, the role of compassionate communication cannot be overstated. Geriatric patients often face complex decisions regarding treatment options, end-of-life care, and advanced directives. Providers who prioritize clear, empathetic communication help ensure that care aligns with patients’ values and goals.
As Houston continues to evolve as a major healthcare hub, the importance of geriatric medicine will only increase. By focusing on comprehensive, patient-centered care, the medical community can help older adults not only live longer—but live better.
LEARN MORE
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Debuts Master’s Degree with Flexible Curriculum, Career Development Opportunities
By Leslie Sanderson
The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) has launched a new Master of Science in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, a highly flexible, interdisciplinary graduate degree designed to support students at pivotal points in their academic and professional journeys.
The program offers advanced training across the core biomedical sciences, with options to complete either a research thesis or an applied experiential capstone. Students select the pathway that best aligns with their interests and long-term career goals.
“Our new Master of Science in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences reflects our commitment to innovative, student-centered graduate education,” said Melinda Sheffield-Moore, PhD, senior vice president and GSBS dean. “This program is designed to provide rigorous academic preparation while giving students the unique flexibility to design, explore, refine, and advance their career aspirations in the biomedical sciences.”
Students customize their degrees through focused concentrations that include biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology; experimental pathology; microbiology and immunology; neuroscience; and pharmacology and toxicology. Each student selects a primary concentration and further refines their expertise through a specialized subconcentration, enabling deeper engagement in an area aligned with their academic interests and professional objectives.
The curriculum prepares graduates for a wide range of career pathways, including biomedical research, biotechnology and industry roles, medical professions, and advanced graduate or professional study. Graduates develop advanced scientific knowledge, research literacy, and professional competencies valued across academia, health care, government, and other science-driven sectors.
The program is particularly well suited for individuals who seek to:
• Enhance competitiveness for Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or medical school admission by strengthening academic performance and
expanding research experience
• Explore graduate education before making a long-term commitment, through advanced coursework, faculty mentorship, and experiential learning
• Build additional skills for the biomedical workforce, gaining preparation for careers in biotechnology, research, academia, health care, and related fields By offering a structured yet flexible curriculum, the Master of Science
in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences provides a supportive environment for students assessing next steps or seeking to advance their professional trajectory. The program is designed to help students clarify their goals, deepen scientific expertise, and position themselves for success in the next stage of their careers.
Interested students are invited to learn more about the Master of Science in Biomedical and Clinical Sciences and apply for admission for Fall 2026.
that matches the scale and complexity of the care our clinicians provide every day and improving the overall health of our communities. Also, the expanded capacity of Ben Taub will play a critical role in training the next generation of urgently needed healthcare professionals.”
Harris Health will now begin detailed planning, design, and community engagement processes to shape the future expansion. A construction timeline and project scope will be refined as the planning progresses.
“Harris Health is committed to further engaging with the City of Houston, Hermann Park Conservancy, Houston Zoo and other stakeholders to
develop a hospital campus that aligns with the area’s park like feel,” adds Porsa. “In addition to that ongoing collaboration, we are committed to a level of flood mitigation and resiliency similar to that we have invested in the new John M. O’Quinn Hospital on the LBJ campus.”
The Ben Taub expansion is part of Harris Health’s broader strategic vision to modernize its facilities, expand access to care, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the county’s public health system. The expansion is made possible by the funding of a $2.5 billion bond passed by Harris County voters in 2023.
Dear Doctors and Staff,
Let us take the guesswork out of fracture referrals.
No more waiting for appointments!
We at the Orthopedic Care Center wish to offer your patients and staff easy scheduling of patients.
Our office has extended office hours on Fridays to accommodate patients with fractures.
On behalf of the Orthopedic Care Center
Lubor Jarolimek M.D.
ORTHOPEDIC CARE CENTER
Houston-West Oaks/ Energy Corridor
Located on Highway 6 South & near Westheimer Road
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Financial Forecast Supporting Community Through Giving and Advocacy
By Grace S. Yung, CFP Midtown Financial Group, LLC
Philanthropy is about more than simply writing a check. At its core, charitable giving reflects a person’s values, passions, and desire to make a meaningful impact on the people and causes that matter most to them. Whether supporting healthcare, education, faith-based organizations, the arts, animal welfare, veterans, medical research, or community outreach programs, thoughtful philanthropy can create a legacy that extends well beyond one’s lifetime.
Many people think charitable giving is reserved only for the ultrawealthy, but that is far from the case. Individuals and families at many income levels can incorporate philanthropy into their financial and estate planning in ways that may benefit both the organizations they support and their own long-term planning goals.
One of the simplest ways to give is through direct charitable contributions. Many nonprofit organizations rely heavily on annual donations to continue their work. Some individuals prefer to make one-time gifts, while others establish recurring monthly or annual contributions to provide organizations with a more stable source of funding.
For retirees, charitable giving can also become part of a tax-efficient retirement income strategy. Individuals age 70½ and older who own IRAs may be eligible to make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). A QCD allows an eligible IRA owner to transfer funds directly from an IRA to a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
When structured properly, a QCD may count toward an individual’s Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) while excluding the donated amount from taxable income. This can potentially help reduce adjusted gross income (AGI), which may impact the taxation of Social Security benefits, Medicare premium surcharges, and eligibility for certain deductions or credits.
For 2026, the maximum QCD amount is expected to be approximately $111,000 per individual, indexed annually for inflation, though
individuals should confirm the official IRS limits once finalized. Married couples with separate IRAs may each make eligible QCDs from their own accounts.
For charitably inclined retirees, QCDs can be an effective way to support organizations they care deeply about while potentially improving overall tax efficiency. Rather than taking a taxable IRA distribution and then donating cash separately, the funds move directly from the IRA custodian to the charity.
Beyond current giving, philanthropy can also play an important role in estate and legacy planning. Many charitable organizations may be named as beneficiaries of retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k)s, and other qualified plans. Because retirement accounts can carry income tax consequences to heirs, leaving a portion of these assets to charity may be more tax-efficient in certain situations.
Individuals may also choose to designate charitable organizations as beneficiaries of non-retirement investment accounts through Transfer on Death (TOD) registrations, payable-on-death bank accounts, trusts, annuities, or life insurance policies. Some people even establish donor-advised funds or charitable trusts as part of their broader philanthropic strategy.
Life insurance can be an especially useful tool for charitable giving. A policy owner may name a nonprofit organization as a full or partial beneficiary of an existing policy, potentially creating a larger future gift than may have been possible through current cash donations alone.
Trust planning can also provide flexibility for individuals who wish to support charitable causes while maintaining certain controls over how and when assets are distributed. Charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts are examples of more advanced planning strategies
Legal Matters
Continued from page 3
compensation is structured and whether the arrangement reflects legitimate operational objectives.
The FAQ also reiterates several important compliance considerations:
• Safe harbor protection requires strict compliance with all applicable safe harbor conditions. If an arrangement meets a safe harbor, of which FMV is an important element of many safe harbors, that arrangement is shielded from AKS
Oncology
Continued from page 4
cancer patients.
Screening and Referrals
Patients have the highest chance of clearing cancer when it is caught early. Unfortunately, the medical system has a history of ignoring or overlooking women’s health symptoms. This means cancers that primarily affect women are diagnosed less often than they should be.
Women should work with their primary care provider to advocate
Study
Continued from page 6
team believes these circuit-level changes may explain why some people develop dementia while others do not. Why cytisine became the probe
Cytisine, a drug that helps people stop smoking, has emerged as the project’s most unexpected element.
Studies have shown the risk for Parkinson’s disease is significantly reduced in people who smoke or consume tobacco—a pattern that perplexed the team.
“Of the thousands of chemicals in cigarette smoke, nicotine was the first candidate we wanted to look at,” Srinivasan explained.
That curiosity ultimately led the team to cytisine, a smoking-cessation drug that interacts with the same biological systems without the harmful
Financial
Continued from page12
sometimes used by high-net-worth individuals and families.
Importantly, philanthropy is not solely about tax benefits. While tax efficiency can certainly be a
liability.
• If no safe harbor applies, OIG will evaluate all the facts and circumstances to determine intent. In that situation, if there is clear evidence of intent, then the presence of FMV remuneration is irrelevant for determining AKS liability.
• If no safe harbor applies and no clear evidence of intent exists, but the government can demonstrate bad intent from the facts of the arrangement, then having FMV remuneration for that arrangement alone may not protect that
for their own symptoms to be taken seriously. Nearly 1.3 million lives could be saved worldwide if clinicians address the top risk factors with female patients like tobacco, alcohol, infections, and obesity. If you think you are at risk, ask for a screening.
For breast cancer, a mammogram every year beginning at age 40 is the gold standard. But if a first-degree relative (mother, sister, etc.) was diagnosed with breast cancer, then you should start screening ten years younger (e.g., 32 if mother diagnosed at 42). If the mammogram is unclear, an oncologist can use a standard screening tool to
effects of tobacco.
Several practical features make cytisine particularly useful for research. Its pharmacology is well understood, it can be taken orally, and it has been used safely for decades as a smoking-cessation therapy in parts of Europe. In the United States, it is currently being evaluated in Phase 2 clinical trials for the same purpose.
But in this project, cytisine is not primarily being pursued as a treatment. Instead, researchers are using it as a scientific probe—an experimental tool that allows them to test how nicotine-related signaling pathways might influence brain health.
By activating these pathways in a controlled way, the team hopes to better understand a key mystery in cognitive aging: Why some people with mild cognitive impairment progress to dementia while others remain stable for years.
consideration, most charitable giving is ultimately driven by personal values and a desire to create positive change. Many people find great fulfillment in supporting organizations that have impacted their families, communities, or personal experiences.
In addition to financial contributions, philanthropy can also
arrangement from AKS liability.
• FMV remuneration may still be a highly persuasive and important element for determining AKS liability. Notably, the OIG stated that “ensuring that remuneration in an arrangement is consistent with fair market value is a best practice and may reduce the risk of fraud and abuse under the federal anti-kickback statute.”
Conclusion: FMV Support Remains Important, Not Dispositive
While the OIG’s new FAQ #17 reinforces a longstanding but important principle FMV alone
better calculate you risk of developing cancer or if you need more screening, like an MRI.
We can also consider genetic testing with significant family history, such as direct family relatives with breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer or two family members on the same side with prostate cancer. For endometrial cancer, one of the key indicators is post-menopausal bleeding. Especially for non-Hispanic white women, endometrial cancer is more likely be in advanced stages when it is caught, making it harder to successful treat.
A collaborative, integrative approach
“This is not something that can be done by a single person,” Srinivasan noted. The integration of his expertise in disease progression and pharmacology and Hook’s background in behavior allows the same question to be examined from complementary angles, linking circuit-level biology with drug-based intervention.
That integration is also where the DARI seedling grant plays a critical role.
Rather than funding a single experiment, the initiative supports projects that connect ideas across stages, systems and disciplines. For Srinivasan and Hook, it provides the space to generate the data needed to frame larger questions about dementia risk and progression.
“To really challenge an idea like this, you need data,” Srinivasan said. “This kind of funding helps us generate the data needed to leverage the project forward.”
include volunteering time, serving on nonprofit boards, mentoring others, participating in fundraising events, or helping raise awareness for important causes. Giving back takes many forms, and every contribution matters.
Thoughtful charitable planning can help individuals align their financial lives with their personal values
does not determine whether an arrangement complies with the AKS, FMV remuneration in arrangements continues to be a relevant factor when assessing AKS liability.
As such, organizations should review arrangements subject to the AKS to ensure that compensation arrangements either fit a safe harbor or are structured, implemented and documented in a manner consistent with the AKS, given all of the applicable facts and circumstances (including the presence of FMV).
It takes a strong team of genetic counselors, advance practice providers, and research staff to provide personalized treatment options for your specific cancer. And many promising clinical trials are currently underway that could become the standard of care for even more specific treatment in the future. We look forward to a future where targeted therapy based on genomics is available for every patient and every type of disease.
Rethinking when intervention matters
The team is careful not to frame their work as a cure. Instead, the goal is to redefine when intervention might be most effective. By targeting the biological processes that govern conversion rather than late-stage pathology, the research aims to shift how dementia prevention is conceptualized.
At a societal level, even modest delays in conversion could have profound effects: preserving independence, reducing caregiver burden, and easing strain on health care systems. By focusing on the transition point where quality of life begins to plummet, the work aligns mechanistic neuroscience with real-world impact.
In doing so, the project reframes Alzheimer’s disease not as an abrupt diagnosis, but as a process with an identifiable and potentially actionable moment of change.
while potentially creating meaningful benefits for future generations and the organizations they support. As with all tax, legal, and estate planning strategies, individuals should consult with qualified tax, legal, and financial professionals regarding their specific circumstances before implementing any charitable giving plan.
Cybersecurity
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• Damage to reputation: An inadvertent disclosure may also create negative publicity on social media, which may damage the professional reputations of individual or institutional providers and thereby impair the clinicians’ ability to practice and even to earn a living.
• Loss of privileges: Harm to affected clinicians may include limitations to, or a complete loss of, admitting and surgical privileges at a medical facility or possibly exclusion from third-party payer networks, including CMS.
AI Risks—and Rewards
AI adds new weapons to the cybersecurity fight, with some experts espousing an advantage to defenders. Nevertheless, AI facilitates novel forms of cyberattack. It also expedites or enhances some familiar forms of cyberattack:
• Some cybercriminals find an entity’s vulnerabilities, then sell their access to other bad actors, who carry out the actual malicious strike. The time window for handing over these access points has shrunk from hours down to seconds.
• Technological advancements are also enabling malicious actors to produce more and more convincing phishing attempts: A large proportion of serious cyber threats to healthcare come through contact with employees.
Strategies to Mitigate Cybersecurity Risks
Healthcare organizations should work proactively with experts in the relevant domains to recognize and mitigate potential cybersecurity risks. Healthcare professionals can: Identify risky circumstances: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) recently reported that a “large Southeastern hospital” had conspicuous weaknesses in its cyber defenses. For example, multifactor authentication (MFA) was not enabled on an account management platform, and a mock phishing campaign was able to capture credentials that should have been secure. Cybersecurity experts can help healthcare practices identify open digital doors that will be obvious to cybercriminals and that need to be swiftly closed, such as by enabling
existing software capabilities.
Cybersecurity experts can also identify other digital risks that may result in economic damage or otherwise impede the operation of the practice. The goal is to avoid potential negative events, including those related to civil liability; contract violations; and administrative complaints to governmental oversight agencies, which can result in administrative investigations; along with highly detrimental and often defamatory social media postings, which can potentially injure the reputation and ongoing financial stability of the practice or institution.
Provide training across the enterprise: A recent survey of cybersecurity professionals identified AI-driven social engineering as one of their top concerns. Appropriately, a senior leader at the American Hospital Association has described “a patient safety-focused culture of cybersecurity” as an organization’s “most important defense.”
Design in-house patient safety precautions: Distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks can lock legitimate users out of a hospital’s computer systems, including its EHRs, presenting a swarm of simultaneous threats to patient safety. For this reason, in addition to developing and periodically auditing internal protocols implemented to help limit ongoing cybersecurity threats, healthcare organizations are urged to design and execute in-house patient safety precautions in conjunction with onsite risk managers and facility administrators. Defensive measures should be uniformly compatible with applicable community standards to best ensure continuity of care, as well as the delivery of optimum clinical outcomes.
Investigate insurance coverage: Corporate counsel, agents, brokers, and liability carriers can help organizations consider the nature, scope, and amount of business protection that may be advisable. Practitioners can coordinate with these insurance professionals to complete a risk evaluation to include assessments of exposure from numerous sources, such as medical malpractice claims, general premises liability, corporate errors and omissions, workers’ compensation, and cybersecurity. In addition, related coverages are designed to protect against complications
that may impair a clinician’s ability to continue practicing medicine or dentistry unimpeded by administrative restrictions or monetary sanctions. Developing a comprehensive risk assessment before a crisis occurs is critical to ensure continuity of professional services and operational integrity in the event of an unforeseen adverse event.
Coordinate with business partners: Healthcare providers, working closely with their insurance carriers, can coordinate with business partners to develop policies and procedures to evaluate and address risks. A proactive analysis can help the organization target its efforts to implement best practices while remaining consistent with prevailing community standards, which will evolve over time. Clinicians and their practice management teams should institute routine periodic audits of office policies to help ensure that practice protocols are being applied uniformly, are being updated at regular intervals to comply with evolving standards, and are properly and timely documented in administrative files. Such documentation ensures that the facility can prove with competent and convincing evidence that due diligence was exercised to protect patients and business associates in the event that a security breach results in civil or administrative proceedings that seek monetary damages or other institutional sanctions. Following such a strategy will decrease the likelihood of the enterprise suffering harm from either existing or yet unknown potential threats, while enhancing the quality of transactional efficiency.
Through vendor agreements and other cooperative arrangements, U.S. healthcare organizations and the businesses that support them are inextricably connected, and this chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Each healthcare system that mounts a vigorous and vigilant cybersecurity defense shields itself, its patients, and the U.S. healthcare system.
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