Week of June 17, 2024
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
Since I started working here at Houston Methodist Sugar Land hospital, one of the questions I’m often asked is what makes our hospital so great? Why should families choose us for their care? My answer is simple – you. Senior leaders and I recognize the immense value each of you brings to our organization. That’s why I’m excited to announce that applications are now open for a new scholarship program. We are dedicated to supporting your growth and career development, which is why we are offering both nursing and non-nursing scholarships. We want you to have the opportunity to pursue further education and training.
These scholarships are designed to help our staff enhance their skills and knowledge, ensuring we continue to provide the highest quality of care to our patients. We encourage each of you to take advantage of this opportunity to grow.
The eligibility requirements are the same:
- Be employed with HMSL for at least 6 months
- Be accepted into an accredited program related to your desired profession
- Have a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Be in good standing with your department/unit
The deadline to apply for both scholarships is July 19. Part-time students can receive up to $6,000 and full-time students up to $12,000 in scholarship funds for the school year.
Click here for the nursing application.
Click here for the non-nursing application.
Thank you for your continuous commitment to excellence.
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
HMSL Campus Moves
As our hospital campus continues to grow, several practices are relocating. If you encounter a patient who is lost, please direct them to an information desk for a campus map. You can also view our campus map here. We'll continue to share practice moves in this weekly newsletter.
MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING 2
- Houston Methodist Endocrinology Associates is moving to MOB 2 today, June 17 - Suite 461
MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING 4
- Houston Methodist Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Associates - MOB 4, Suite 225 (Dr. Elias will continue to also see patients at HMOSM)
- Houston Methodist ENT Specialists - MOB 4, Suite 400.
- Houston Methodist Primary Care Group - MOB 4, Suite 600
- Houston Methodist Oncology Partners - MOB 4, Suite 325
- Houston Methodist Rheumatology Associates - MOB 4, Suite 300
- Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates - MOB 4, Suite 110
Black Ties for Culture: Juneteenth Celebration
In Celebration of Juneteenth, the Black Ties for Culture ERG will present “The Houston Methodist Juneteenth Celebration — A Musical Journey through History” from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, with a special live performance by singer and songwriter Caretta Bell. Watch in person in the John F. Bookout Auditorium at HMH. You can also join a livestream watch party here at HMSL in Brazos BC. There will be door prizes!
HMSL Blood Drive
It's time to roll up your sleeve and save a life. The next blood drive at HMSL will be Friday, June 21 in Brazos BC from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Eligible donors will receive a Houston Astros 'Relentless' t-shirt (while supplies last). Click here to schedule an appointment.
Plant and Gardening Swap - HealthyDirections+ Points Available
Calling all gardeners, beginners or experienced: there is a plant and gardening swap happening this weekend. Lucille Kalu, one of HMSL's employee wellness ambassadors, is hosting the event at Lost Creek Park on Saturday, June 22 from 9:30-11 a.m. At this plant and gardening swap you'll be able to share gardening tips and tricks, exchange supplies and plants with fellow co-workers and learn about the health benefits of gardening. Receive 1,000 HealthyDirections+ points for attending this event. Click here for more information, including what to bring.
Drive Your Career Forward with Career Week
Shift your career into high gear with Career Week 2024 (June 24-28). This year's theme is Building Your Career Momentum. Attendees can look forward to driving their career forward with sessions devoted to building your professional reputation, building your support network for growth and building readiness for your next role. In daily online sessions, hear colleagues share their path to internal career growth, get advice from system experts, and learn about the tools and resources available to help steer your continued development. Each entity will also offer career pitstop programming for local employees. Explore how you can get your career momentum rolling by visiting our Career Week 2024 site or texting CareerWeek2024 to 45991.
10,000 for the Troops: Thanking Our Service Men and Women
Houston Methodist Sugar Land is participating in an initiative headed by 100.3 The Bull and Grammy's Cookie Convoy to honor our troops. The goal is to collect 10,000 thank-you cards by June 25 for our brave service men and women around the globe and provide these notes to our troops along with a cookie on July 4. HMSL is hoping to collect 500 cards! If you would like to pick up a card to write an encouraging note, please contact Mother/Baby Nurse Manager Amber Ross or stop by the third floor of the Childbirth Center in Sweetwater Pavilion.
Employees Helping Employees
The Employees Helping Employees program — a resource funded by employees for employees — helps co-workers who may encounter unexpected hardships. It offers a lifeline during a crisis, providing financial assistance to those facing challenges beyond their control.
If you want to help a co-worker in need, you can contribute through payroll deduction by following these steps: MARS > Payroll and Compensation > Voluntary Deductions > Add Voluntary Deduction. You can also make a gift by filling out this form. Your support, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated. Gifts of $5 per paycheck make a difference in your co-workers’ lives.
HMSL on the Field
The Sugar Land Space Cowboys hosted Prostate Cancer Awareness night Friday, June 14 at Constellation Field. HMSL COO Eliud Faz threw out the ceremonial first pitch and participated in a radio interview about prostate cancer awareness. Sugar Land mayor Joe Zimmerman was also in attendance. Houston Methodist is proud to be the official health care provider of the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.
Lung Cancer Awareness
This year, HMSL is focusing on lung nodule screening services and early detection initiatives. Lung cancer is the top cause of cancer death in the US. By catching lung cancer cases earlier, we can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung caner (NSCLC).
- SCLC is more aggressive. It has a 10-15% occurrence. It often starts in airways and then spreads. The cell appearance is small in size.
- NSCLC is less aggressive. It has a 80-85% occurrence. This type of cancer forms in lung tissues. The cell appearance is larger in size.
Complete Your Self-Evaluation by July 5
It’s time to complete your self-evaluation as part of the annual Focal Point Review process. This is your opportunity to make sure your leader is aware of the accomplishments and contributions you have made in the past year. The deadline is Friday, July 5. Please review these tips on how to complete the evaluation. View the FPR schedule to be aware of the entire FPR timeline.
Be Prepared for Emergencies: Update Your Personal Details in MARS
It’s officially hurricane season. In the event of an emergency, Houston Methodist may need to send text and email messages to communicate quickly with you. To ensure you receive these messages, please verify and update your contact information in MARS. It’s crucial that your cell phone number is labeled “mobile” so you can receive emergency texts.
To update your contact information, go to the MARS portal. Log in with your user ID and password, find the Personal Details section and select Contact Details. Under Phone, select the + icon to add a phone number. You can also click on an existing phone number to change or delete it.
Health Care Risk Management Week is June 17-21. This week is the time to show your appreciation for health care risk professionals in your organization and your community. They ensure that patients receive safe and trusted health care. Click here to read about others raising awareness or celebrating this month.
IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday, June 19: Black Ties for Culture Juneteenth celebration. Join livestream here.
Friday, June 21: HMSL Blood Drive. More information.
Saturday, June 22: Plant and Gardening Swap. More information.
Monday, June 24: Career Week begins. More information.
Saturday, June 29: Houston Pride Parade sponsored by Houston Methodist
Sunday, June 30: Agreement submission deadline for employees who telecommute
Monday, July 1: New PTO accrual limit begins
Thursday, July 4: Independence Day holiday
Friday, July 5: Deadline for staff to complete self-evaluations
Friday, July 19: Deadline to apply for 2024 HMSL Nursing Scholarship. More information.
Friday, July 19: Deadline to apply for 2024 HMSL Non-Nursing Scholarship. More information.
Tuesday, August 6: Patient satisfaction bonus payout
Friday, August 23: Deadline to complete bariatric sensitivity module in LMS
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Tuesday, June 18 - Thursday, June 20: @ Chicago White Sox
Friday, June 21 - Sunday, June 23: vs. Baltimore Orioles
Tuesday, June 18 - Sunday, June 23: @ El Paso Chihuahuas
Saturday, June 22: Copa America Mexico vs. Jamaica 2024, NRG Stadium
Sunday, June 23: Belanova, Smart Financial Centre
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.”
- Joseph Campbell
Join The HMSL-CEO Corner Facebook Page
If you are an HMSL employee, you can join the employee-only Facebook page. Join us as we celebrate promotions, graduations, hospital events and more! Click here to join the fun.