Week of February 5, 2024
Michael Garcia
CEO, Houston Methodist Sugar Land
I want you all to know how excited I am to officially begin my new role as CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. It’s been an exciting journey from my previous role as COO at Houston Methodist Hospital, and as I transition into Sugar Land, I can’t help but feel a sense of calm and peace. I know this is where I am supposed to be – joining a dedicated group of employees who put family first. That sense of family is important to me. When I was 14, I was involved in a major car accident, leaving me in a coma with a fractured skull. I spent 30 days in a community hospital. 30 days is a long time for a teenager – there was only so much TV to watch. I had nothing to do but pay attention to my doctors and nurses. Not only did they provide me with exceptional care, but they really looked after my family and friends who visited. That compassionate care inspired my path to nursing. It felt like home. I’m a firm believer that patients should receive care from people who actually care – and I know all of you do.
My number one goal this first month involves you. I want to meet the incredible people who make HMSL shine. I’ll be rounding in various areas, during all shifts – but as you can imagine, it is going to take some time to explore our growing campus. That’s why I would like to invite you to join me for an informal meet and greet session. I’ll be in the Brazos Conference room during the dates and times below. Please stop by to introduce yourself.
- Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 7 - 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 10 | 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 13 | 7 - 8 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb 15 | 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
I will also be holding my first town hall meeting on Tuesday, February 13 from 2-3 p.m. I want to share more about myself, answer your questions and hear what you want me to know about HMSL.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital has a rich history and I’m excited to be a part of the future. I am fortunate my predecessor Chris Siebenaler is staying within the Houston Methodist system. As the new Executive Vice President of Network Hospitals, all of the CEOs outside the Texas Medical Center will report to him. He will focus on incorporating performance excellence in the delivery of quality of care, using HMSL as an example of success for this program. His commitment to this hospital is unmatched and I’m grateful I’ll be able to collaborate with him. I want to build on the hospital’s success – not recreate it. We have an amazing culture and I look forward to working with this team to grow with our community and to continue leading medicine in Fort Bend County.
If you see me around, please introduce yourself and say hello. I look forward to getting to know you.
Found anything fun? 5S Sort Journey
The 5S SORT journey is in full swing and we’re happy to see some departments already going through their materials, supplies and equipment. As you all continue to sort, we know there will be some hidden gems uncovered. If you or your team discover something wacky or unusual, enter it in the ‘Fun Finds’ competition! We’re looking for the:
- Oldest item found
- Oddest item found
- Most expensive item found
Baytown, Clear Lake and Sugar Land will have a winner in every category. Those winners will compete for our grand champion titles. Enter the competition through the 5S Fun Finds form or scan the QR code. Let’s see what you find!
Rehab Manager - Neuroscience & Spine Center
Dan Kershner, PT, has been promoted to Rehab Manager in the Neuroscience & Spine Center. Dan is one of the original physical therapists in the Spine Center. He joined the team in 2011 and was promoted to departmental lead in 2019. During his tenure, Dan implemented the Big & Loud Program at HMSL. He also participated in the development of the lymphedema and vestibular programs. Read more about Dan here. Congratulations Dan!
HMSL Welcomes New Gastroenterologist
Dr. Nisreen S. Husain is joining Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates, located in MOB 4, starting Monday, Feb. 12. As a gastroenterologist, her specialties include: colorectal cancer screenings, esophageal motility disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disorder and inflammatory bowel disease. You can read more about Dr. Husain here.
Save the Date: I CARE Recharge Begins Feb. 5
The annual I CARE Recharge begins today. This year's theme is I CARE Recharge: Creating a Safe Environment. Each team will have three weeks – until Feb. 26 – to use a tri-fold display board to illustrate one or more initiatives designed to create a safer environment for our patients, families or co-workers. Remember, it is not just about physical safety; initiatives that promote psychological safety, transparency and honesty are vital to our Houston Methodist culture. Your team may use photos, objects or text on the board to create a one-of-a-kind display that truly represents how your safety initiatives demonstrate our I CARE values. Stay tuned for more specific details and instructions on this year's I CARE Recharge from your manager and chaplains.
Watch Dr. Boom’s Town Hall
If you missed Dr. Marc Boom’s State of the System town hall on Monday, you can watch a recording here. At this virtual town hall, Dr. Boom shared some of last year’s successes and plans for this year. He also answered questions submitted in advance from employees. Thanks to those who already tuned in!
Patient Satisfaction Bonus
All eligible employees will receive a Patient Satisfaction Bonus on Tuesday, Feb. 6. View the payout amount here. When we achieve positive ratings for patient satisfaction, Houston Methodist rewards you financially. If you have specific questions about the PSB, you should discuss them with your manager.
HMSL Football Skills Challenge
Have you been stretching? The HMSL Football Skills Challenge is this Thursday, Feb. 8 by the turf field at the HMOSM building. Stop by between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for a tire throw and deep snap competitions. A limited amount of snacks will be available for participants. Click here for more information.
Bloom Project Mural Dedication
A dedication service for the Bloom Project Mural will be held in the walkway between Medical Office Building 4 and Garage A this Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at noon. Come see how your individual flowers have become a garden of hope and encouragement for our patients, guests and employees. See you there!
DNV Survey Window
Preparations for the HMSL 2024 DNV survey are in full effect. We are in our DNV survey window and surveyors could arrive at any time. Click here to read the quality newsletter featuring guidelines to avoid common nonconformances. This accreditation is important because it demonstrates our dedication to our patients’ safety and care.
2024 Junior Volunteer Summer Program
The HMSL Volunteer Services department is excited for the 2024 Junior Volunteer Summer Program for high school students (16-18 years of age). Applications will be available for pick up starting Monday, Feb. 12 at the HR front desk in the Sweetwater Pavilion during office hours. The deadline to submit the application and all required documents is Friday, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m
Recognize a Nurse: 'Salute to Nurses' 2024
Nominations for Houston Chronicle’s Salute to Nurses 2024 are now open. Take a moment to recognize them for their dedication to the nursing profession. Our city’s Top 200 nurses will be honored, so please spread the word about nominating our excellent Houston Methodist nurses. The deadline to nominate a nurse is noon on March 1. If you need help with writing or the nomination process, contact Magnet Program Director Whitney Adams. To nominate a nurse, click here.
Community Ambassador Program 2024
A cancer diagnosis is one of the scariest moments in a person’s life. At HMSL, we have a unique program designed to help members of our community get the information and answers they need, quickly and easily. The Community Ambassador Program is welcoming its 2024 class of employee ambassadors. A few of them share why they joined the program:
“I sought out the opportunity to become a Community Ambassador so that I could be more involved with HMSL. Also, my mother is a breast cancer survivor and I thought being a part of the program might help get her to become part of a support system.” Christina Wheeler, Infection Control
“I signed up to be an Ambassador for HMSL because I am deeply passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of those affected by cancer. I have been through breast cancer, and I know what the cancer journey consists of. I know on this journey you need a supportive and uplifting environment. By becoming an ambassador, I aim to be a source of strength and encouragement and hope for individuals facing these challenges.” Juanita Spiller, Radiology
To read more about the program and sign up, click here — or visit the tables in front of Main Starbucks on Thursday, Feb. 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to chat with an ambassador about the program. The deadline to sign up is March 15. Interested staff must attend an orientation on April 15.
Digital Library Feedback
February marks one year of the HMSL Digital Library being offered to staff via the Libby app. It is available to all staff at no cost. To ensure it is meeting the needs of staff, please fill out this short feedback survey. Users who fill out the survey will have a chance to win a Libby coffee mug. The survey will close Friday, Feb. 23. We’ll draw two winners on Tuesday, Feb. 27 – the Digital Library’s “birthday” at HMSL. Not connected to the library yet? Click here for helpful instructions on getting connected. Don’t forget, you can always suggest titles via the link at the bottom of the newsletter.
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, Feb. 5: I CARE Recharge begins
Tuesday, Feb. 6: Meet & Greet with CEO Michael Garcia. More information.
Tuesday, Feb. 6: Patient satisfaction bonus payout. More information.
Wednesday, Feb. 7: Meet & Greet with CEO Michael Garcia. More information.
Thursday, Feb. 8: HMSL Football Skills Challenge. More information.
Friday, Feb. 9: Bloom Project Mural Dedication
Saturday, Feb. 10: Meet & Greet with CEO Michael Garcia. More information.
Saturday, Feb. 10: Lunar New Year
Tuesday, Feb. 13: Meet & Greet with CEO Michael Garcia. More information.
Tuesday, Feb. 13: Town Hall Meeting with CEO Michael Garcia. More information.
Wednesday, Feb. 14: Ash Wednesday
Thursday, Feb. 15: Meet & Greet with CEO Michael Garcia. More information.
Thursday, Feb. 15: Community Ambassador Program informational table. More information.
Thursday, Feb. 15: Last day for Graduate Nurse Summer Cohort Registration. More information.
Tuesday, Feb. 20: Early Voting begins
Wednesday, Feb. 21: Hand hygiene bonus payout
Thursday, Feb. 22: Employee DIY Series: Serving Trays. More information.
Friday, Feb. 23: HMSL Digital Library Feedback survey closes. Click here for survey.
Friday, March 1: Deadline to nominate a nurse for Salute to Nurses awards. More information.
Tuesday, March 5: Texas Primary election
Friday, March 15: Deadline to sign up for Community Ambassador Program. More information.
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Friday, Feb. 9 - Saturday, Feb. 10: Stomp, Smart Financial Centre
Saturday, Feb. 10: Monster Jam, NRG Stadium
Tuesday, Feb. 6: @ Indiana Pacers
Friday, Feb. 9: @ Toronto Raptors
Saturday, Feb. 10: @ Atlanta Hawks
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."
- John Quincy Adams