Week of February 3, 2025
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
Believe it or not, this Wednesday marks my one-year anniversary as your CEO here at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. It has been an incredible journey of learning, growth and collaboration with each of you. Together, we have achieved so much in the past year, and I know that will only continue.
We have continued to focus on our patient care initiatives while at the same time, focusing on what is happening behind the scenes. I have always said what sets Sugar Land apart is the staff. On my very first day, I shared that my number one goal was to meet the incredible people who make HMSL shine. Over the past year, I have listened and learned from you – gaining insight into how we can improve our systems not only to be more efficient but also to continue providing unparalleled care to our community. I am especially proud of how you have come together during challenging times, from Hurricane Beryl to our recent winter snowstorm. Time and again, I see the same inspiring theme: your unwavering support for one another.
Throughout the year, I have seen our staff recognized in many ways, and I want to highlight a recent achievement. Just last week we learned the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) awarded the HMSL Medical ICU Department with the prestigious gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence - a three-year designation. This milestone is a true testament to the entire unit who focuses on providing exceptional patient care at the bedside. Congratulations to everyone involved!
Looking ahead, I am excited about the opportunities that await us. Your hard work and dedication make me grateful to be part of such a team. Thank you for your continued support and for making my first year so rewarding. Here’s to many more milestones and successes together. Let’s continue leading medicine in Fort Bend County.
Have a great week,
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
Janet Leatherwood’s Retirement Celebration
CNO Janet Leatherwood officially retired at the end of January, after 24 years on our campus. HMSL wishes her the best! Check out CEO Corner on Facebook for more photos of her celebration.
Watch Dr. Boom's State of the System
Dr. Marc Boom, president and CEO of Houston Methodist, delivered his 2025 State of the System on Monday, January 27. In this virtual town hall, he discussed some highlights of 2024 and plans for 2025. Dr. Boom also answered employees’ questions related to PTO, immigration, DEI and facilities. You can watch the recording here.
MLK Service Drive
After a deadline extension, today is the last day for our book and school supply drive. The drive is in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s passion for service. Bins are at five locations around campus: MOB4, Brazos Conference Rooms, Near Sweetwater Registration Desk, Main building, 2nd Floor across from surgery check-in and Ortho Building Main Entrance. Click here for a list of acceptable donations.
I CARE Recharge Begins
I CARE Recharge begins today, February 3, and runs through the end of the month. This year’s theme is I CARE Values Lead to Quality Care. Each team will have three weeks to use a trifold display board to illustrate one or more of our I CARE values and show how demonstrating that value improves quality. Think of a project or initiative you have recently completed that has improved the quality of care for either patients or your co-workers. Stay tuned for specific details and instructions on this year’s I CARE Recharge from your manager and chaplains. We encourage you to be creative while discussing this with your teams, and we look forward to seeing your thoughtful projects!
Patient Satisfaction Bonus
All eligible employees will receive a Patient Satisfaction Bonus on Tuesday, February 4. 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.
DNV Survey Window
Preparations for the HMSL 2025 DNV survey are in full effect. We are in our DNV survey window and surveyors could arrive at any time. This accreditation is important because it demonstrates our dedication to our patients’ safety and care.
HMSL Football Skills Day
Start warming up now! The HMSL Football Skills Day is back this year ahead of the Big Game! Stop by the turf field at the HMOSM building Friday, February 7 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and compete in a tire throw and deep snap competition. We’ll award a trophy to a first, second and third place winner and announce them in the newsletter on Monday. Snacks and giveaways will be available on a first-come first-serve basis. We look forward to seeing you there! Click here for more information.
National Wear Red Day - February 7
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women. Together, we can continue to save more lives and raise awareness. On Friday, February 7, plan to wear red to show your support of heart health. Visit goredforwomen.org for more information.
2025 Summer Volunteer Program
The HMSL Volunteer Services department is excited to welcome the 2025 Summer Program for high school students ages 16 to 18. Applicants can apply online by clicking here. Applications for the program at HMSL will open Monday, February 10 and available through Friday, February 21. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Volunteer Services Office at 281-274-7127.
New Physicians Join HMSL
If you are admitted to Houston Methodist for surgery or medical treatment, your day-to-day care will be managed by a team of hospitalists, who are experts in providing specialized, coordinated care for hospitalized patients. HMSL is welcoming two new hospitalists to our campus. Dr. Farah Burhani joined the team in December and Dr. Sarwat Fatima started last week. Click here to read more about what our hospitalists do.
Dr. Farah Burhani
Dr. Sarwat Fatima
HMSL Campus Moves
As our hospital campus continues to grow, some practices are relocating, including two recently.
- Houston Methodist Urology Associates will now see patients in MOB 3, Suite 400.
- IV Therapy will now see patients in MOB 2, Suite 131.
If you encounter a patient who is lost and don't know where to direct them, 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.
Uptick in Respiratory Illnesses: Please Stay Home if You're Sick
We continue to see an uptick in respiratory illnesses among our patients and employees. If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms and do not feel well, please do not come to work. We must all do our part to protect our patients and each other from the spread of disease. If you are at work when you develop respiratory symptoms, please notify your manager, leave the workplace and seek medical care from your primary care provider. For more information on our return-to-work guidelines, visit The HUB.
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday, February 4: Patient satisfaction bonus payout
Friday, February 7: National Wear Red Day
Friday, February 7: HMSL Football Skills Day. More information.
Friday, February 14: HMSL blood drive
Tuesday, February 18: Hand hygiene bonus payout
Monday, February 24 - Friday, February 28: I CARE Recharge. More information.
Wednesday, February 26: Neuroscience Grand Rounds - Domestic Violence and Trauma Informed Care
Friday, February 28: Deadline for nominations for Salute to Nurses. More information.
Friday, March 7: Deadline for nominations for 2025 Nurses Week Awards. More information.
Sunday, March 9: Daylight saving time begins
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Monday, February 3: @ New York Knicks
Tuesday, February 4: @ Brooklyn Nets
Thursday, February 6: @ Minnesota Timberwolves
Saturday, February 8: @ Dallas Mavericks
Saturday, February 8 - Sunday, February 9: Brick Fest LEGO Fan Experience, NRG Center
Saturday, February 8: Los Tigres del Norte, Smart Financial Centre
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Don't be intimidated by what you don't know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else."
- Sara Blakely
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.