Week of October 14, 2024
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
As we continue to grow and improve as a hospital, it is essential we hear directly from the people who are our foundation: you, our dedicated staff.
This year’s Employee Opinion Survey is now underway and I encourage each of you to spend less than fifteen minutes to take it. This is an opportunity to share your thoughts, feedback and ideas on how we can make our hospital an even better place to work. We’re listening: your voice matters and we want to hear it. We are committed to taking action based on your feedback.
The survey is completely confidential and will take just a few minutes to complete. I know there is always the concern about anonymity. I want to reassure you that your responses are confidential. In order to best support you, we need your complete honesty. The more responses we receive, the more clarity we receive.
For those of you who have already filled out the survey, thank you for sharing your valuable insights.
Also – our town hall meetings are quickly approaching. Have you registered yet? I expect to see many of you next week. Information is below in the newsletter.
Finally, I want to end this week’s message recognizing two of our outstanding physicians who recently went above and beyond to save the life of one of our tiniest patients. Earlier this month, there was a newborn emergency where the baby was born with an unexpected neck mass. Dr. Shaeequa Dasnadi had to perform an emergent complicated intubation and immediately requested ENT support. Dr. Bailey LeConte, an airway expert, RAN across campus from MOB 4, stopping on her way to grab specialized instruments, to join the team and assist in the baby’s care. Thanks to their swift actions and the dedicated efforts of our entire NICU team, the baby is now doing well and recovering in the Texas Medical Center. This is a powerful reminder of the skill and commitment our staff brings to each and every patient, regardless of size or age. Thank you all for your unwavering dedication.
Have a great week,
Michael Garcia
Chief Executive Officer
Houston Methodist Sugar Land
October Town Hall Meetings
Have you signed up for a town hall meeting yet? The HMSL Senior Leadership Team is inviting all employees to attend one session, starting Wednesday, October 23. Submit questions ahead of time by clicking here.
- Wednesday, October 23: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. | Brazos Conference Center
- Wednesday, October 23: 9 - 10 a.m. | Brazos Conference Center
- Thursday, October 24: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Brazos Conference Center
- Tuesday, October 31: 2 - 3 p.m. | Virtual
To sign up, click here and select "My Learning." In the "Find Learning" tab search for course number 1658167, select "assign to me" and then "register now." Click here for a helpful flyer. We look forward to seeing you!
Houston Texans Player Visit
Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchison stopped by HMSL last week, right before another Houston Texans big win! He took photos with more than 300 staff members. He was very excited to meet everybody and said several times he loved the good vibes! Thank you to everybody who came out. Houston Methodist is proud to be the official health care provider for the Houston Texans.
Employee Opinion Survey
The 2024 Employee Opinion Survey is underway. All employees are encouraged to participate. You will find the survey from Press Ganey in your email inbox, or by clicking here. Please complete it before the deadline on October 30. There are prizes. Systemwide you could win: $75 to use in an Amazon storefront, $1,000 cash and Bose SoundLink Max portable speaker
We'll also have local prizes at HMSL, including a Houston Astros Jose Altuve cup and jersey (while supplies last). In order to be entered into the HMSL giveaways, you need to print out the last page in the survey (the completion page), write your employee ID and name on it and then put it in the box in front of HR.
Thank you to everybody who participated in our EOS kickoff activities last week. We loved seeing so many of you have fun. More pictures are in the CEO Corner Facebook page!
Infection Prevention Week
Each of us at HMSL contributes to creating a safe environment of care for our patients and their families. This week is Infection Prevention Week. Celebrate by stopping by the Main Lobby for poster trivia from 7:30-11:30 a.m. Come win a prize! If you enter an email word search, you have the chance to win Houston Texans tickets. If you enter an email crossword puzzle, you have the chance to win a Stanley mug! On Thursday, October 17, there will be a Lunch and Learn with Dr. Tariq at noon in the Main 4E/W break room for clinical staff. Food will be served on a first come, first served basis. And on Friday, October 18, unit awards will be presented for exceptional infection prevention performance. Thanks for all you do each day to prevent infections and provide our patients with unparalleled, quality care at HMSL. Click here for more information.
Enter To Win Houston Texans Tickets
Houston Methodist is kicking off the holiday season by giving you a chance to win a pair of tickets to a Houston Texans home game! We’re offering 28 lucky employees and their guests the opportunity to catch the Texans in action on either November 24 or December 25. Fill out this form and tell us about your favorite holiday. For full contest rules, click here. Game options are: the Texans vs. the Tennessee Titans at noon on Sunday, November 24, or the Texans vs. the Baltimore Ravens at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 25. The deadline to enter is 11:59 a.m. on Thursday, October 17.
HMSL Culinary Contest
It is Global Diversity Month and you are invited to the first ever HMSL culinary contest. Bring a homemade dish and submit your recipe here. The winner will receive a prize and recognition in the Around the World Cookbook. The contest will be on Wednesday, October 16 in Brazos BC from 1-2 p.m. Click here for more information.
Comprehensive Neuro Seminar
Registration is now open for HMSL's free Comprehensive Neuroscience Seminar on 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.
Women's Health & Wellness Event Recap
HMSL hosted another successful ladies night! Thank you to Dr. Aliyya Childs with obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Gabriela Orgeron with cardiology, Dr. Gulnur Kul Ormanoglu with primary care, Dr. Sandra Templeton with breast surgery and Adrienne Chaddick, DPT, pelvic floor therapist, for participating in our annual Women's Health & Wellness Event. We had a packed house in Brazos. Our panel shared information on several topics including menopause, diet, obesity, dense breast tissue and pelvic floor exercises to do at home. A special shout out to maternal program manager Peyton Villarreal for hosting our event and for making everybody feel comfortable enough to ask questions. Thank you to all six ladies for not only educating our community, but for representing HMSL.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Half Marathon Recap
Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine was the title sponsor for the Sugar Land Half Marathon this past weekend, and it was a great race! Breast surgeon Dr. Michelle O'Shea welcomed all the runners before the sun came up, thanking them for moving their bodies and staying healthy. The HMSL Run Club was well-represented on the course. Thank you to all of the HMSL runners for supporting each other, our community and overall wellness!
Oncology Hurricane Drive
HMSL employees lead with their I CARE values every day and members of our Oncology Services are doing just that. They recently held a supply drive for Hurricane Helene victims on the East coast. From water to diapers to toiletries, they came together in a time of need to help others. Thank you for leading with compassion!
Register Now: 2024 CV Nursing Conference
This year's theme is Matters of the Heart: Leading the Way. The conference will be on Monday, October 21 from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Houston Methodist Research Institute Bookout Auditorium and MITIE Lab. Attendees will learn from various Houston Methodist cardiovascular clinicians on shared decision-making, cardiogenic shock, hemodynamics and more topics. Additionally, attendees will have a hands-on learning opportunity at the MITIE Lab featuring the "Tour Through the Heart," an interactive session guided by Houston Methodist cardiovascular surgeons to better understand cardiac anatomy. This conference will be open to cardiovascular RNs and APRNs. Houston Methodist will award 6.5 nursing professional development contact hours for this activity. Click here for more information.
Career Minded Webinar Event in October - Sign Up Today
Do you find yourself wondering if getting a certificate or formal degree (or an additional one) is the key to advancing your career at Houston Methodist? Whether you're looking for ways to excel in your current role, considering how to move into a role with greater responsibilities or even considering a career shift, our event will help inform your next steps. This unique, mobile-friendly, virtual open house experience will help attendees:
• Determine when more training or education is necessary for career growth
• Explore the variety of internal and external educational options and support to help them realize their career goals
Wednesday, October 23 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
2024 Heart Walk
On October 26, join your Houston Methodist Sugar Land colleagues, friends and family to promote longer, healthier lives by participating in the American Heart Association's 2024 Heart Walk. Click the link to select Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital and register to walk or to make a donation. Contact the HMSL Team Lead, Melodie Woodard for more information.
2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's
The 2024 Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is Saturday, October 26 at Brazos River Park. Alzheimer's Disease and dementia are growing problems. All funds raised further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association. Click here to register or donate.
Wound Care Clinic Open House
Mark your calendars: the HMSL Wound Care Clinic is hosting an open house on Thursday, November 7. It will be held in their office, MOB 3, Suite 150, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet the staff and learn about how their advanced treatments can benefit your patients. The first 500 guests will receive a free gift! Click here for a helpful flyer.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
HMSL Highlighted for Breast Cancer Awareness
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our hospitals across Houston are lighting up pink to show our unwavering support for those affected by breast cancer. Houston Methodist is featuring HMSL on their social media channels as we shine a light on the fight against breast cancer and stand together in raising awareness. Watch the stunning drone footage below.
'Say Yes to the Breast' Event
Over 130 people recently joined a panel from HMSL for the 'Say Yes to the Breast' event. The Suburban Houston-Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority hosted the 'Say Yes to the Breast: Crucial Conversations and Breast Care Resource Fair'. Featured panelists from HMSL included surgeon Dr. Michelle O'Shea, Oncology and Infusion Services Director Amy Sebastian-Deutschv and oncology social worker Scott Berdou. Thank you to everybody who helped support this educational event!
Seven Ways to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk
When it comes to preventing breast cancer, you need to know the common risk factors and how to reduce your risk. It’s not just about genetics. Learn more about how physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help in the Houston Methodist On Health blog.
Is Your Business Phone Number in MARS?
Earlier this year, Dr. Boom asked in his president’s letter what information employees would like to see on the new intranet. Many employees expressed that it’s difficult to find phone numbers to contact employees in other departments. On the new intranet, The Hub, business phone numbers will populate our employee directory. That means we need your help updating the phone numbers in MARS today.
You may not have a desk with a telephone, but you can still enter a department phone number where a caller can leave a message. View your contact information in MARS and please update it by Monday, November 4. The HR Hub will email employees who do not have a business phone listed in MARS reminding them to update or add a business phone number. MARS > Personal Details > Contact Details > Click the + sign under phone to add a phone number.
Register for PTU
Pathway to Unparalleled (PTU) sessions are now underway and continue through October. All employees are strongly encouraged to attend and to register as soon as possible. The sessions are 90-minutes. Click here to register for a session before October 25.
Flu Campaign
The flu vaccine campaign runs through November 7. All HM employees must comply with the annual influenza program by November 7. Schedule your flu shot through the Employee Health Portal in MARS or text HM Employee Health to 45991 and complete the consent form.
Employee Health Clinic - New Location
The Sugar Land Employee Health Clinic just relocated to a new space to better serve our staff’s health care needs. The clinic is now in MOB 1, Suite 320. They are open from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. and are closed daily for lunch from 12-1 p.m. Thank you for your continued dedication to our hospital and for taking care of your health. For questions, email Employee Health.
Join the Houston Methodist Team for the 2025 ACC Texas MS 150!
We’re thrilled to announce that the Houston Methodist cycling team is back for the 2025 Texas MS 150! As proud supporters of this incredible event for our 12th year, we invite you to join us in this important ride.
Together, we’ve raised over $1 million to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s mission: to find a cure for MS and empower those affected by it to live their best lives. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or considering cycling as part of a healthy lifestyle, we’d love for you to join Team Houston Methodist for the 2025 Texas MS 150, taking place on April 26-27. Participants must be Houston Methodist employees, employee dependents, or affiliated physicians.
Important Details:
- Fundraising Minimum: $400 to participate
- Route Distances: Choose your distance!
- Day 1: 100, 75, 55 or 50 miles
- Day 2: 81, 79 or 50 miles
Join the Houston Methodist Cycling Team:
- Employee Registration: Click Here
- Employee Dependents and Affiliated Physicians Registration: Click Here
By completing the 2025 Texas MS 150 two-day ride, you will receive 10,000 points toward completion of your 2025 DIY Health Track! If you have any questions about joining the Houston Methodist cycling team, please email John Nguyen. Let’s make a difference together!
October is a busy month for department celebrations and awareness months. This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Liver Cancer Awareness Month, Physical Therapy Awareness Month, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and Spina Bifida Awareness Month.
This week also marks: Sterile Process Professionals Week, Dialysis Technician Recognition Week, National Case Management Week, Perinatal Nurses Week, National Infection Prevention Week and National Health Education Week.
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, October 14 - Friday, October 18: 2024 I CARE in Action Week. More information.
Monday, October 14 - Friday, October 18: Infection Prevention Week. More information.
Wednesday, October 16: Boss' Day
Wednesday, October 16: HMSL Culinary Contest. More information.
Monday, October 21: Early voting begins
Monday, October 21: 2024 CV Nursing Conference. Register here.
Wednesday, October 23: Q4 Town Hall Meetings. More information.
Wednesday, October 23: Career Minded Webinar Series. More information.
Wednesday, October 23: Deadline to request medical or religious exception to flu vaccine
Wednesday, October 23: Neuroscience Grand Rounds
Thursday, October 24: Q4 Town Hall Meeting. More information.
Saturday, October 26: 2024 Houston Heart Walk. More information.
Saturday, October 26: Walk to End Alzheimer's. More information.
Wednesday, October 30: Deadline to sign up for HMSL Fashion Runway 2024. More information.
Wednesday, October 30: Employee Opinion Survey ends
Thursday, October 31: Q4 Town Hall Meeting. More information.
Thursday, November 1: Last day of early voting
Tuesday, November 5: Election Day
Thursday, November 7: Deadline to comply with flu vaccine policy
Thursday, November 7: Wound Care Open House. More information.
Thursday, November 7: Comprehensive Neuroscience Seminar. More information.
Wednesday, November 13: Patient satisfaction bonus payout
Thursday, November 14: Open Enrollment
Saturday, November 16: Diabetes Walk. More information.
Thursday, November 28: Thanksgiving
Friday, December 6: Open enrollment ends
Saturday, December 14: Last day to use 2024 DEI personal Day hours
JUST FOR FUN DATES
Sunday, October 20: @ Green Bay Packers
Tuesday, October 15: vs. New Orleans Pelicans (preseason)
Thursday, October 17: vs. San Antonio Spurs (preseason)
Saturday, October 19: Gold Over America Tour, Toyota Center
Saturday, October 19: Monster Jam, NRG Stadium
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier."
- Colin Powell
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.