I’d like to begin this week’s message by highlighting an important leadership update. As I shared last week, Dr. Jeffrey Wood, has officially been named our new Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer. Dr. Wood has served as interim CMO/CQO since May, and we are excited to have him take on this role permanently.

Dr. Wood’s commitment to quality care and clinical excellence makes him an exceptional leader for our hospital. I have no doubt he’ll guide us in continuing to deliver outstanding care to our patients. Please join me once again in congratulating Dr. Wood.

I also want to take the time to say thank you for your participation in our Employee Opinion Survey. The final participation rate is still being calculated but we are currently sitting at 90%. That’s amazing, we exceeded our goal! I personally cannot wait until we receive your feedback so we can start making positive changes for you our staff, and our patients.

Finally, I wanted to say that I hope you and your families enjoyed Halloween last week. I was able to take my younger boys trick-or-treating. Who knew how much dinosaurs love candy!

As we look forward to the upcoming holiday season, I hope each of you finds time to enjoy your family and friends. Taking a break to recharge isn’t just important for your own well-being – it is also how we bring our best energy and compassion to our patients and each other. Thank you for all you do, and let’s continue to support one another as we move through the final months of the year.

Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land

New HMSL CMO/CQO

Jeffrey Wood, M.D., who has served as Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s interim Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer since May, is our new permanent CMO/CQO. In his new role, Dr. Wood will oversee our medical staff and quality programs, working closely with several departments to uphold our commitment to delivering the highest standards of care. Click here to read the leadership announcement. 

2024 HMSL Holiday Party

SAVE THE DATE! The annual HMSL Holiday Celebration is coming up on Saturday, December 14. This year the festivities will take place at Safari Texas Ranch. More information to come, so be sure to keep checking the newsletter!

America's Best-in-State Hospitals 2025

Newsweek just released America's Best-in-State Hospitals 2025, highlighting 700 leading hospitals at the state level. The rankings were compiled using quality metrics from CMS, results from HCAHPS patient experience surveys and other metrics. Houston Methodist Hospital was ranked No. 1. HMSL was ranked No. 18 and was also awarded a Patient Experience Award. Click here to read more and see the full list. 

Election Day is Tuesday

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. Click here for our Election Resource Guide. Political opinions and conversations can be contentious, so remember your I CARE values. All members of the Houston Methodist family are deserving of compassion and respect, regardless of their political views.

Flu Campaign

All Houston Methodist employees must comply with the annual flu vaccine campaign, which runs through Thursday, November 7. Find the answers to common questions by clicking here. Schedule your flu shot through the Employee Health Portal in MARS or text HM Employee Health to 45991 and complete the consent form.

Comprehensive Neuroscience Seminar

There is still time to register for HMSL's free Comprehensive Neuroscience Seminar this Thursday, November 7 at 6 p.m. in the Brazos Pavilion Conference Center. The seminar will focus on neurological disorders like stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and migraines. Neurologists Dr. Tony Zhang and Dr. Darine Kassar and Dr. Joseph A. Elias with Houston Methodist Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Associates will be our panel of experts. Click here for more information and to register.

HMSL Blood Drive

The next blood drive at HMSL will be this Friday, November 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Brazos Rooms BC. Eligible donors will receive a Houston Astros Jose Altuve jersey, while supplies last. You can also earn one hour credit toward your Paid Time Off (PTO awarded in four-hour increments within a calendar year). Register here.

National Lung Cancer Screening Day

Does anyone you know use tobacco or have a history of tobacco use? National Lung Cancer Screening Day is Saturday, November 9. HMSL is participating in the screening day and there is still time to schedule an appointment for a loved one. Click here to see eligibility requirements. If you have any questions, contact Oncology Nurse Navigator Joan Burnham.

HM Blog: Lung Cancer Screenings

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. But according to pulmonologist Dr. Priya Oolut, medical director of the lung nodule program, about 70-80% of people who should be getting lung cancer screenings aren't. Dr. Oolut was recently interviewed for the Houston Methodist On Health Blog. Click here to read her interview and find out why you shouldn't brush off lung cancer screenings. 

Rainbow Room Holiday Toy Drive

Thank you to everyone who adopted a holiday list from Fort Bend Rainbow Room. In total, 145 lists were requested — which surpassed our goal of 125! Your generosity towards this important organization, which cares for abused and neglected children in our county, is overwhelming. Those who requested lists will be contacted directly with information and instructions.

Talent Talk Tuesdays

If you want to get to the next level in your career, the Talent Talks program is for you. It is now open to ALL employees. Schedule your 30-minute session with an HR Talent Consultant. They can help with resume building, interview coaching, mock interviews and career guidance. Sessions are Tuesdays from 1-5 p.m. Click here to register.