Week of January 6, 2025
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
Over the past few months, some of you may have noticed me navigating the halls with a boot or crutches. Today, I’m thrilled to be back at work after hip replacement surgery – stronger and more grateful than ever.
From pre-op to post-surgery recovery, I experienced firsthand the dedication and compassion that define our hospital. Every nurse, tech, therapist and physician played a part in my healing and recovery. I wish I could name everyone involved, but there are too many names to list. But it’s worth noting, my surgery experience reinforced what I already knew: we have some of the best health care professionals anywhere.
Of course, recovery also allowed me time to binge more TV shows that I care to admit – but I’m thrilled to be back at HMSL, walking steadily (yes, I did all my PT work) and ready to jump back into our important work together as we start a brand new year.
Thank you to everyone who checked in on me. And thank you for your dedication to our patients and for making this a place where everyone – staff, family members and even the CEO – can feel supported and truly cared for.
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
Freezing Temperatures Are Here
Freezing temperatures are here and are expected to continue this week. The facilities team is already making preparations to keep the hospital warm and fully operational. Please exercise caution if your commute takes you along any bridges or elevated roadways. Allow for plenty of drive time to and from work. Monitor conditions by checking Houston TranStar, TxDOT and Space City Weather.
HMSL Welcomes First Baby of 2025
HMSL's Childbirth Center is excited to share the arrival of its first newborn of 2025! Richard Sun made his debut at 7:21 a.m., weighing in at 6 lbs, 13 oz. Parents Qian Sun and Nhung Nguyen are excited about their baby boy. Baby Richard is already famous: he's featured on both KPRC and ABC13 with the other Houston Methodist New Years babies. Congratulations to all!
Don’t Forget to Use Your DoorDash Credit
There’s still time to use your $100 Celebrating You DoorDash Credit, but the clock is ticking. The credit will expire January 15. It’s easy to use the credit and you don’t have to use the credit for a restaurant. There are stores on DoorDash such as Walgreens, Target, Aldi, PetSmart and 7-11. Click here to learn more.
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, January 20. This year’s celebration will feature systemwide virtual and in-person presentations, activities and more. The event at HMSL will be in the Brazos Chapel from 10-11 a.m. Refreshments will be served following the event. Click here for more information.
Lung Program Resources
Did you know Barbara Cox, MSN, RN, CBCN, is the HMSL Lung Program Clinical Resource Nurse? She is available to answer questions about lung nodules and/or lung cancer screening, and to assist you in this process. She can be reached at BCox@houstonmethodist.org. According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. It's important to note, catching lung cancer early saves lives.
I CARE Award Nominations Deadline Approaching
The annual deadline for nominating someone for an I CARE Award is Friday, January 31. The I CARE Awards recognize employees who consistently exemplify our values and regularly do more than is expected of them in their jobs. To nominate someone:
- Log in to MARS or The HUB.
- Click on the BRAVO tile.
- Enter the name of the co-worker you want to nominate and click Next.
- Select the I CARE Award recognition program.
You will be guided through a series of questions to help determine if the employee's actions are appropriate for our I CARE Award. Please complete the nomination with as much specific information as possible.
2025 Payroll Periods
The 2025 payroll periods have been posted. All paydays will be Thursday except for two due to holidays: June 18 is a Wednesday and December 31 is a Wednesday. There will be three paydays in January, July and December. View the payroll schedule here.
2025 Holiday Schedule
Houston Methodist will observe nine holidays in 2025. When Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a Thursday, the Friday after each of these holidays will be awarded as an additional holiday. Review the holiday schedule here. All eligible employees will also have a DEI Personal Day.
Newsletter 101
You can find helpful links at the top and bottom of this newsletter, including the Garden Café menu and mental health resources.
The DEI Corner, HR Hub, and IT Matters are published and emailed to you directly each week. Some recaps are included in this CEO newsletter.
Access the newsletter outside of your email by scanning the QR code on your badge buddy.
IMPORTANT DATES
Wednesday, January 15: Last day to use Celebrating You $100 DoorDash credit
Monday, January 20: 2025 MLK Day Celebration. More information.
Friday, January 31: I CARE Award nominations due
JUST FOR FUN DATES
AFC Wild Card Round -
Saturday, January 11: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Tuesday, January 7: @ Washington Wizards
Thursday, January 9: @ Memphis Grizzlies
Saturday, January 11: @ Atlanta Hawks
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Believe you can and you're halfway there."
- Theodore Roosevelt
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.