Houston Methodist Summer Scholars Program by Houston Methodist

SUMMER SCHOLARS PROGRAM Administered by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome and Program Overview

Leadership Message

Program Benefits

Summer Scholars Program Requirements

2023 Participating Departments

2023 Professional Development Sessions

2023 Scholars

About the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

About Houston Methodist

Welcome Welcome to the Houston Methodist Summer Scholars Program, administered by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. We are excited to offer this hands-on and immersive, 10-week paid experience designed to broaden participants’ perspective of career possibilities in the health care industry. During the program, participants will have the opportunity to explore health care leadership through the lens of talented professionals working in various departments across the Houston Methodist system. The program is intended to provide the tools and resources in preparation to serve the evolving needs of a fast-growing and diverse patient population.

Program Overview Participants work with their leaders to gain experience in health care operations and explore career opportunities in the field of health care. In addition to working in their assigned department, participants engage in professional development sessions designed to enhance their career readiness. The program is administered by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), working in partnership with departments across Houston Methodist to provide this experience. Individual experiences and projects will vary based on the department they are assigned. The program’s mission is to facilitate participants’ professional development through mentorship and learning across Houston Methodist and introduce them to the various fields that comprise the health care industry.

Leadership Message “Our employees represent all walks of life, and our diversity helps create a rich exchange of ideas and knowledge that leads to the new and bold innovations and treatments that are at the heart of leading medicine. But being diverse isn’t enough. We must be equitable and inclusive. This means fair treatment, access, opportunity and advancement for all. These goals can’t be met by one or two people. It’s going to take all of us moving in the same direction to get us there.” Marc Boom, MD President and CEO

“At Houston Methodist, we are committed to providing, promoting and ensuring an environment that celebrates our diverse backgrounds and thoughts. When we continuously strive to build and maintain a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, we will be better employees and team members, and our patients will receive the best care possible.” Arianne Dowdell Vice President, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

“Diversity, equity and inclusion is a vital component of who we are. Our mission to ‘treat everyone as a person of sacred worth and value’ can only be achieved through creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. We promote this culture by continually providing opportunities and resources to engage and encourage inclusion for traditionally underrepresented populations.” Nazia Imrose Program Manager, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Program Benefits Scholars are assigned leaders and learn directly from tenured health care leaders. The program allows participants to gain exposure to a variety of areas in health care services. Other benefits include:

The opportunity to meet and network with other students from across the country who are pursuing careers in health care.

One-on-one guidance from a health care leader throughout the program.

Ongoing personal and professional development.

Developing a professional network with leaders from across Houston Methodist.

“Participating in the Summer Scholars Program has been incredibly rewarding. It presented numerous opportunities for learning and personal growth.” – Heavyn Green, 2023 Summer Scholar

“I had the opportunity to network while gaining invaluable insights into fostering an inclusive environment and contributing to meaningful change within the organization.” – Joseph Armstrong, 2023 Summer Scholar 3

Summer Scholars Program Requirements The Summer Scholars Program is a need-based scholarship program designed for undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in health care. Our goal is to provide exposure to career opportunities in health care to underrepresented students.

REQUIREMENTS Currently enrolled rising junior or senior undergraduate student (at least 60 credit hours or more) at an accredited college or university.

3.0++ 3.0

Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 grading scale). Must be eligible for continued enrollment.

300-word statement of financial need that includes: • How this scholarship will have an impact on your financial situation. • Any supporting documents demonstrating financial need.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES 500-word letter of intent that includes: • A personal statement of interest explaining why you chose Houston Methodist. • Reason(s) for interest in specified health-related field. • What you expect to gain from your scholarship experience.

Résumé detailing the following: • Extracurricular activities in which you participate, or organizations you belong to (church groups, athletics, school, community). • Awards/honors you’ve received. • Work or volunteer experience.

Transcripts and recommendations • A copy of most recent unofficial academic transcript. • Two completed recommendation forms. One must be academic (i.e. teacher or adviser); the other from an employer, counselor, or mentor who is not a relative. • Letter of verification of current and future enrollment.

2024 Summer Program • Accepting applications starting Dec. 1, 2023 • Application deadline: Feb. 2, 2024 • Program dates: May 28 – Aug. 2 Scan the QR code to view a video and learn more about the Summer Scholars Program. Please visit houstonmethodist.org/dei or contact us at deisummerscholar@houstonmethodist.org for more information. Please note that email is not a secure means to communicate personal information, i.e. Social Security number, date of birth, financial information, etc.

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2023 Participating Departments The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Performance Excellence

The DEI team supports Houston Methodist’s commitment to providing, promoting and ensuring an environment that celebrates our diverse backgrounds, cultures, traditions and beliefs by offering DEI Learnings, Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), the Summer Scholars Program and the Health Equity Committee. The department supports the Greater Houston community through the DEI Grant Program, which funds community initiatives focused on addressing health care access inequities within racial, ethnic and social minorities. Scholars will work on a variety of projects, including developing communications strategies.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is a full-service, acute care hospital serving Fort Bend County and surrounding communities. Part of the Human Resources department, Performance Excellence plays an integral role in all aspects of the hospital and supports continuous improvement efforts by reviewing data that provides analytical support to departments and/or teams.

Houston Methodist ENT Specialists Houston Methodist ENT Specialists diagnose and treat conditions and disorders of the head and neck. Ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors and care teams offer expertise and decades of experience in providing relief from breathing, swallowing, sleeping and other sinus concerns. Scholars may participate in projects such as rounding with clinicians to gain understanding of the clinic flow and how treatments and surgical interventions are delivered to benefit patients.

Houston Methodist Academic Institute (HMAI) Human Resources Houston Methodist is an academic medical center that is affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College and the Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University. The research and education programs at Houston Methodist are coordinated by the Academic Institute. Scholars may contribute in many areas, including projects to upgrade the onboarding process and improving employee engagement.

The scholar may assist on numerous projects intended to improve understanding of strategic and operational initiatives, including reviewing data to provide analytical support to multiple departments and/or teams.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Administration Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a full-service, acute care hospital serving Northwest Houston and surrounding communities. The administration office houses the “C-suite” executives (CEO, CNO, COO, ACNO, project managers, executive secretaries, director of finance and physician office administrators). Scholars gain experience in the organizational aspects of hospital management and may work on projects such as assessing service line strategies and the decision making processes that impact the community the hospital serves.

Human Resources Client Services This department oversees several compliance responsibilities for Houston Methodist that fall primarily within the employee relations function at a policy and program level. Scholars receive hands-on exposure in the inner workings of a human resources department, including HR policies and procedures. Among the projects the scholar may be assigned are collecting and analyzing data from the employee survey portal to address specific questions emerging from the information.

Managed Care Administration This department is part of the Corporate Revenue Cycle Division and is responsible for negotiating reimbursement rates with insurance companies and international global groups on behalf of the Houston Methodist Hospital System and the Methodist Hospital Physician Organization (TMHPO). Scholars gain insight into the financial side of providing health care to patients and may participate in projects including a joint operating meeting with major insurance carriers to resolve claims and operational issues.

Spiritual Care & Values Integration, Houston Methodist Corporate This systemwide department works to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of all patients, family members, physicians, staff and volunteers at Houston Methodist. The scholar will gain insight into the inner workings of the department through projects such as creating or enhancing virtual spiritual care resources for patients and staff, planning aspects of the annual recommitment to the I CARE values and collaborating with other disciplines to develop new initiatives that enrich spiritual care.

Office of Curriculum and Educational Development

Spiritual Care & Values Integration, Houston Methodist West Hospital

This department offers research and statistical support for trainees and bridges the gap in educational development for educators in several departments through conducting educational workshops and developing educational materials and resources. The scholar can expect to contribute to several projects, including developing learning assessments, conducting course evaluations, creating educational scholarship and innovative educational materials.

Houston Methodist West Hospital is a full-service, acute care hospital serving the needs of Katy and surrounding areas. The scholar receives hands-on experience in helping the hospital’s Spiritual Care and Values Integration department fulfill its role as an integral part of the hospital’s interdisciplinary team through participation in activities such as shadowing and working with critical support departments, such as volunteer services, human resources and the childbirth center, to learn how each department contributes to the patient care experience.

Ryan Neal Cancer Center Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Corporate Supply Chain Management

The Center is one of Houston Methodist’s six Centers of Excellence and emphasizes medical care, research and academics. Its physicians, nurses and staff are dedicated to the mission of eradicating cancer and providing care and support to cancer patients and their families. The scholar may assist on a variety of projects, including developing materials supporting the Cancer Center’s DEI efforts.

This department is responsible for supporting hospital supply chain operations and hospital supply needs for our caregivers. It is comprised of Strategic Sourcing, Data Systems, Financial Operations, Pharmacy Contracting, and the Supply Chain Project Management Office. The scholar may assist in projects, such as using supply chain and enterprises resource planning systems to execute, measure and enhance business processes.

2023 Professional Development Sessions Participants are provided with ongoing coaching and development throughout the program. Professional development workshops include topics such as: Communicating With Impact Tips on improving verbal and written communication skills in the professional setting and effectively navigating workplace and lifestyle environments. Showing Up as Your Best Self An interactive conversation about how to foster a professional presence while remaining true to our authentic selves. Career Ownership Discussion on how to create a career path and seize opportunities that pave the way to success.

Networking 101 Insights on the best ways to build and use professional network to further career goals. Shine Bright in Print Information on resume writing, career building best practices and tips for job seeking. Through the Recruitment Lens A look at the key areas recruiters focus on when reviewing candidates’ resumes, conducting interviews, and providing tips on workplace etiquette.

2023 Summer Scholars Joseph Armstrong

Antonia Hunt

Huston-Tillotson University

Prairie View A&M University

Major: Kinesiology Assigned Department: Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Major: Psychology Assigned Department: Spiritual Care and Values Integration

Ayomide Ayodele

LeAndria Jackson

Major: Nursing Assigned Department: Houston Methodist Research Institute Human Resources

Major: Biology Assigned Department: Houston Methodist Corporate Supply Chain

Shelby Brooks

Jordan Nelson

Major: Biology Assigned Department: Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Operations

Major: Biology Pre-Med Assigned Department: Houston Methodist Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists

Rachael Brown

Kiona Newsome

Major: Nursing Assigned Department: Corporate Managed Care

Major: Psychology Assigned Department: Houston Methodist West Spiritual Care and Values Integration

Willie Burnett

Ezekiel Olaiye

Major: Nursing Assigned Department: Office of Curriculum and Educational Development

Major: Psychology Assigned Department: Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital Operations

Prairie View A&M University

Wiley College

Lamar University

Prairie View A&M University

Heavyn Green

Prairie View A&M University Major: Nursing Assigned Department: Ryan Neal Cancer Center

About the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Houston Methodist is committed to providing a culture of inclusive behavior that allows us to provide unparalleled, personalized care and service to a diverse population while ensuring dignity and respect for every patient, provider, colleague and our community. The Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) supports this commitment by providing education and resources, including managing systemwide communications focused on DEI topics, events, programs and initiatives. The office frequently serves in an advisory capacity in the development of new and revised system policies, and is a key source of guidance for staff seeking cultural clarity, understanding and appreciation. The DEI Learning Team creates resources for all employees to learn and develop skills to discuss and understand anti-racism, anti-bias and diversity, equity and inclusion at Houston Methodist. The DEI office charters employee resource groups (ERGs). These groups – created and led by employees – allow employees to come together around common interests, backgrounds or demographics. The goal of ERGs is to create a diverse and inclusive workplace.

What is DEI At Houston Methodist? Diversity refers to the individual differences that make each person unique. This includes, but may not be limited to, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, social class, physical ability, religious or ethical values system, nationality or political beliefs. Diverse organizations feature workforces representing a wide range of these characteristics. Equity recognizes that people do not all start from the same place and acknowledges the need to make adjustments to rectify imbalances in access caused by intentional and unintentional barriers. An equitable organization identifies and works to eliminate these barriers that may arise from bias, conscious and unconscious, and systemic structures.

Inclusion means embracing everyone’s differences, experiences and inherent worth and dignity and ensuring that their voices are heard. Inclusive organizations foster a culture that enables everyone to speak openly and honestly and bring their whole selves to work.

About Houston Methodist Houston Methodist comprises a leading academic medical center in the Texas Medical Center and six community hospitals serving the Greater Houston area. Each hospital is staffed by committed personnel who exemplify our I CARE values: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence. Ensuring patient safety and providing the highest quality health care and service to the communities we serve are our highest priorities. Houston Methodist Hospital, the system’s flagship, is consistently listed among U.S. News & World Report’s best hospitals, and we extend that same level of quality care across the system. Other available centers include Houston Methodist Emergency Care Centers; Houston Methodist Imaging Center; Houston Methodist Breast Care Center; and Houston Methodist Outpatient Center. Houston Methodist Mission Statement Our mission is to provide high-quality, cost-effective health care that delivers the best value to the people we serve in a spiritual environment of caring, in association with internationally recognized teaching and research. Houston Methodist Vision Statement People will see Houston Methodist as a globally recognized leader of pioneering medical expertise and innovative, personalized care.

Houston Methodist Hospital is a nationally ranked honor roll hospital.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Vision Statement Houston Methodist will be known for having a culture of inclusive behavior that allows us to provide unparalleled, personalized care and service to a diverse patient population through effective teamwork, while ensuring dignity and respect for all.

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