METHODIST MAGAZINE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Christiani Bachmann
Director of Communications and Community Engagement
Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan Methodist Hospital | Atascosa
Kimberly Felan
Director of Communications and Community Engagement
Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant
Methodist Hospital | Texsan
Ashley Funkhouser
Division Director of Media Relations & Director of Communications and Community Engagement
Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Methodist Hospital | Northeast
Mayde Gomez
Director of Communications and Community Engagement
Methodist Children’s Hospital & Women’s Services Methodist Hospital | Landmark
Jen Page
Director of Communications and Community Engagement
Methodist Hospital | Westover Hills
Tammy Rohlf
Manager of Community Engagement
Methodist Hospital | Hill Country
Mary Kane Ziegler
Director of Communications and Community Engagement
Methodist Hospital
STAFF SHOUT-OUTS
"Month after month, Methodist Hospital’s Lead Patient Care Tech on 4 South, REBECA GRECO, has received recognition from one Methodist Hospital patient to the next. She has a heart of gold that is sweet, along with a kind disposition. She serves with genuine authenticity, connecting and giving solace. One patient stated “she just has it, and you can’t teach that.” Another exclaimed, “she’s’ an angel” but we KNOW that she’s OUR SWEET BEE!"
–Money Garcia Oliva, Nursing Director, Neuro & Cardiac Telemetry at Methodist Hospital
"Methodist Hospital oncology nurse, MARIO LOERA-RUIZ, received not one, not two, but three recognitions highlighting his commitment to providing thoughtful, compassionate care. A provider, a patient, and a colleague detailed how Mario went above and beyond to connect two young oncology patients going through similar challenges, providing them both with invaluable support. This compassionate gesture had a meaningful impact on the physician, the patients, and his team members. Please join us as we honor Mario, a testament to Nurse Forward’s CareFirst Culture and for upholding the very heart of our shared promise to provide the best patient care possible."
–Mary Hernandez, Director of Nursing at Methodist Hospital
"BROOKE ECKERT, Occupational Therapist Registered, has served the Hill Country community as an Occupational Therapist for the past 11 years. Brooke is genuinely compassionate and is always a fierce advocate for her patients. Her dedication to her team and her work truly make an impact on the people we serve!"
–Mindy Eckert, Director of Rehab at Methodist Hospital | Hill Country
“ANA RODRIGUEZ, Registered Nurse, a new emergency room nurse with less than a year of experience, embodies the essence of compassion and care. Drawn to the bustling Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan ED by a commitment to serve a diverse community, Ana’s dedication shines through as she tends to everyone. From caring for company CEOs to the homeless in the heart of downtown, her transition from orientation to the front lines has been nothing short of remarkable. Her exceptional efforts earned her two nominations for the prestigious Daisy Award. Ana’s unwavering empathy and dedication make her an inspiration to her colleagues and a beacon of hope for every patient she encounters.”
–Alexa Ferris, MBA, BSN, RN, Director of Emergency Department at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan
“DEBORAH MONTI began working on the medical surgical unit in January 1995, when it was located on the second floor. She is commonly known as Monti and works as an Ortho Registered Nurse. In 2019, she transitioned to working PRN as she was due to retire. Monti chose Methodist Hospital | Northeast because she enjoyed working with the people here. According to her, “You have to have fun when you are at work.” She is determined to continue caring for patients for as long as possible, stating, “I want to stay and care for patients as long as I can!” Monti embodies our I-CARE values of compassion and accountability, expressing, “I like taking care of the patients and I have to be accountable the minute I clock in!” We are grateful for Monti’s dedication to our patients, staff, and hospital.”
–Sarah El-Kadi, Manager of Orthopedics at Methodist Hospital | Northeast
“TAMI FAIR, Physical Therapist, started with our facility in 2004. She has been providing quality physical therapy to families in our community for over 20 years now. Patients in our community have grown to love Tami’s witty personality and compassion so much so that some of them come in asking for her by name. Tami has also taken leadership classes through Methodist Healthcare and is now the Rehab Supervisor in our department at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa. She has become “my right hand man” and is someone I can always count on to fill in when I am out; I know things will be taken care of and that is a huge relief to me as a Director. I congratulate Tami on her 20 years of service and thank her for her time and dedication to our hospital, patients and community!”
–Lacy Fisher, PT, Rehabilitation Director at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa
STAFF SHOUT-OUTS
“JENNIFER AGUDELO is extremely helpful and a pioneer in what the unit clerk/PCT multiskilled role should be. She helps order supplies for the unit and is the first to answer any call lights that the team can’t answer. She has a smile on her face for any request that is asked and takes pride in our unit. Jennifer uses accountability in her everyday workflow by ensuring we have our nutrition room stocked and does her best to ensure we have the best workflow- she does not have to be asked. She will help with vital signs and accuchecks to keep our patients safe if we have any unexpected staffing changes. Jennifer will push out any initiative we have going on and is an asset to our team!”
–Jennifer Craig, Director of Telemetry at Methodist Hospital | Northeast
“BETH PHARIS is our first Clinical Support Resource Nurse at Methodist Hospital | Texsan. She is a mentor and a resource for all nurses, especially new graduate nurses. She has been instrumental in fostering a culture where nurses can learn, grow, and feel supported. Beth works closely with the Chief Nursing Officer, nurse leaders and the clinical education team to ensure every nurse receives individually tailored support to thrive in their role.”
–Nadine Griffiths-Brooks, Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Hospital | Texsan
“I would like to give a shoutout to CASSANDRA MONREAL. She is a Personal Care Assistant (PCA) for the Pediatric Hematlogy Oncology (BMT) unit; however, she has devoted almost the entire summer to helping with the organization of the child life departmental needs. She has organized all the storage areas, playrooms, and even helped organize some events! She has an amazing and very positive attitude! She identifies any issues on the unit, even when she is not working there. She always ensures that we have office supplies and that the candy bowls are stocked! She is amazing!”
–Amy McIntyre, Admin Director Clinical Operations at Methodist Children’s Hospital
"BEN VALDEZ, Senior Tech Analyst, exhibits unwavering commitment to our mission of “serving humanity, to honor God.” Since joining us in early April, Ben has hit the ground running and quickly established himself as an essential and reliable team member. His passion for our cause is evident in every task he takes on, and his relentless pursuit of excellence is genuinely remarkable.
Ben has played a pivotal role in ensuring we remain on course for our November go-live date. His meticulous handling of pre-construction activities and inspection technology call-outs has been nothing short of exemplary. Ben’s ability to navigate complex challenges precisely has kept our hospital opening on track, and his efforts have significantly contributed to the overall progress we’ve made thus far.
Lastly, Ben, your dedication and hard work have not only advanced our goals but also enriched our team dynamic. Your contributions have made a significant impact, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you with us. Thank you for your continued efforts; we look forward to all the milestones we will reach together. Ben, we are truly grateful for your irrefutable commitment and exceptional performance. You are a tremendous asset to our mission and make a difference every day.”
–Dustin Padalecki, Associate IT Director at Methodist Hospital | Westover Hills
“LAURA CASH has been a nurse for 35 years, specializing in cardiac intensive care, and has served at Methodist Hospital | Northeast for 11 years. Known as “Cash” by her team, she is recognized for her compassion and integrity towards her patients, their families, and the nurses she has trained. Over the course of her career, Cash has trained over 3,000 nurses and continues to welcome and support new nurses and students every shift. Her approachable nature, willingness to answer questions, and dedication to teaching nursing practice and accountability have made her an invaluable asset. In addition, Cash has actively contributed to nursing practice by participating in our Nursing Peer Review Committee and has had a significant impact on unit metrics, with over 600 days without a CABG mortality. We are so grateful to have Cash!”
–Aubrey Rocabado, Director of Intensive Care Unit at Methodist Hospital | Northeast
"LUPE NORIEGA, a Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Technician, celebrated her 34th anniversary with our Environmental Services team at Methodist Hospital | Hill Country this past August. She is an exceptional Supervisor who embraces every challenge. Lupe's dedication to her team is evident in her passion and her consistent efforts to exceed expectations."
Raedene Sachtleben, CHEST, EVS Director at Methodist Hospital | Hill Country
STAFF SHOUT-OUTS
“COLTON SCHILHAB, Administrative Director of Nursing, demonstrates outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to our medical team! Colton has consistently gone above and beyond his role, excelling in his normal assigned responsibilities and dedicating substantial time and effort to mentor and educate others. His passion for leading is evident as he invests in the professional growth of his colleagues, sharing knowledge and expertise that elevate the entire team. Moreover, Colton has been a driving force behind many projects related to the new hospital opening, actively supporting and guiding efforts to ensure success.
His proactive involvement in planning and executing these projects has been crucial in creating a seamless and efficient transition for our new facility.
Colton’s contributions extend beyond his immediate responsibilities; he provides invaluable support, direction, and constructive feedback to each member of the team. His supervision has been instrumental in navigating challenges and achieving our collective goals.
Thank you, Colton, for your exceptional dedication, your role as a mentor, and your instrumental support in our new hospital’s success. Your efforts are deeply appreciated and make a significant impact on myself and our team’s achievements.”
–Sergio Hernandez, Operations Director of Radiology, Respiratory, and Therapy at Methodist Hospital | Westover Hills
“GEORGE AGUILAR, NOAH GARCIA, ASHLEY GONZALEZ are a team of three dynamite individuals who put in countless hours to keep our OR running safely, smoothly, and efficiently. They ensure the anesthesiologists have what they need when they need it. They work tirelessly to turn over busy ORs, assist nurses with room setup, and are always ready to tackle anything that comes their way. The Methodist Hospital | Landmark Surgical Team is extremely thankful for the support these amazing Anesthesia Techs provide every single day!”
–Sasha Stierwalt, Director Surgical Services at Methodist Hospital | Landmark
“ROBBIE GUERRA, Lead Patient Care Tech, has expressed multiple times how he feels that Converse is his home and the team here is his family. When I started four months ago, Robbie had left Converse and was working at an Urgent Care. The team here kept saying, “Oh we don’t know, that’s something Robbie took care of,” when asked about anything to do with Supply Chain and Food & Nutrition Services (FNS). The supply orders were a bit of a mess, and the FNS orders were something I had to work very closely on. Finally, someone on the team said, “Why don’t we just call Robbie.” Therefore, I reached out, and he responded with enthusiasm. Robbie said, “I have missed Converse and my family there so very much. I would love to come back.” Shortly after he picked up shifts, our supply orders were fixed, and the FNS orders were easier to manage with his help. Additionally, the morale of the entire team was restored. Robbie is an unsung hero out here at Methodist ER | Converse. We are so proud to have him.”
–Jessica Taylor, Manager at Methodist ER | Converse
“During Hospital Week and Nurses Week, RICHARD GUZMAN truly went above and beyond to ensure that these celebrations were nothing short of spectacular. He meticulously worked to decorate each series of events, from the appreciation luncheons to the thoughtful recognition ceremonies that highlighted the hard work and dedication of every staff member. He ensured that each of the themes was perfect and created an atmosphere of joy and gratitude, making each employee feel valued and appreciated. Richard did all of this outside of his normal role of staffing coordinator. We know that role, in itself, is challenging and ever-changing. Richard not only managed to uplift the spirits of the entire hospital but also reinforced the sense of community and teamwork that defines our healthcare family and Methodist Excellence.”
–Pam Guillory, Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant
LEADERSHIP ADVICE FROM WOMEN ON THE MOVE
Women are significantly underrepresented in leadership roles within the healthcare industry despite comprising a majority of the workforce, according to the National Institute of Health. In the U.S., women account for around 66% of the overall healthcare workforce, particularly dominating roles like nursing, clinical roles, and other caregiving positions. However, this majority presence sharply declines as one moves up the leadership ladder. For instance, women occupy only 30% of C-suite roles, and the number is even lower for CEO positions, where women make up about 15.3% of health system CEOs and 15.8% of health insurance company CEOs.
HCA Healthcare, recognized as one of the largest Fortune 100 companies globally and named 11th in Fortune’s Sector Leader in Healthcare, plays a crucial role in establishing industry benchmarks for diversity and inclusion. The organization’s commitment to fostering a diverse leadership culture and providing world-class patient care is evident in its extensive leadership programs and educational opportunities designed to support and promote team members throughout their careers.
Our unique partnership with Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM) has significantly impacted the health outcomes and reduced disparities in South Texas. As a faith-based, non-profit organization, MHM is dedicated to serving underserved communities by providing critical healthcare services, including primary care, dental care, and behavioral health support. MHM’s efforts have contributed to the overall wellbeing of its communities, addressing the needs of low-income and uninsured individuals.
The 50-50 co-ownership of Methodist Healthcare exemplifies a shared commitment to team members and patients. This collaboration enhances leadership development and underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in delivering high-quality patient care. Cultivating diverse leadership supports hospitals to serve their patients and communities better and provide compassionate, comprehensive care to those in need. The success of these initiatives is reflected in the improved health outcomes and reduced disparities across the populations they serve Initiatives and educational advancements are designed to empower emerging leaders within the organization with the tools, resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to ascend to leadership roles. This approach reflects a broader industry trend of fostering gender diversity and cultivating skills at all levels. Leadership programs emphasize mentorship and continuous learning, ensuring individuals are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of healthcare leadership.
Seated (left to right): Rachel Goldsmith, Esther Kwon. Standing (left to right): Megan C. Amalakuhan, Jerrica George.
These efforts are part of a concerted push to prioritize diversity and inclusion within the healthcare industry, recognizing that a more diverse leadership team leads to better decision-making, improved patient outcomes, and stronger organizational cultures. By investing in the growth and development of women leaders, Methodist Healthcare is helping to pave the way for a more equitable and effective healthcare system
Megan C. Amalakuhan, CEO, Methodist Hospital | Westover Hills
Q. In what ways have your views on leadership evolved throughout your career, and what key factors contributed to this evolution?
“As a leader, you must have an unwavering commitment to the continuous journey of selfimprovement, that includes self-awareness. It’s where it all starts.
1. Real strength is demonstrated through empathy and compassion.
2. A lack of vulnerability can kill growth and progress.
3. I think as you get more leadership experience, you inherently get exposed to more of what gets results and what doesn’t; what builds the healthiest cultures and makes the most impact.”
Methodist Healthcare has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion, with four women CEOs leading different hospitals under the system. These leaders have shared valuable insights from their journeys, offering words of wisdom for those aspiring to follow in their footsteps.
Jerrica George, CEO, Methodist Hospital | Northeast
Q. What experiences have helped shape you? What has most influenced your career?
“From an early age, I was immersed in the field of healthcare and as a result felt called to serve others. My father, a distinguished WWII Navy Veteran, was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer and passed away when I was just 16. Witnessing the profound impact healthcare professionals had on both patients and their families during his treatment deeply influenced me. I have since held various roles within the healthcare field, including Certified Nursing Assistant, medical records clerk, and Chief Operating Officer – each time striving to make a significant impact. One of my first major projects after graduating with my Masters in Healthcare Administration was developing a lung cancer screening program. The gravity of launching a service that could have potentially saved my father was not lost on me. This experience reinforces my commitment to making decisions that positively impact our patients, communities, and colleagues every day.”
Rachel Goldsmith, CEO, Methodist Children’s Hospital & Women’s Services
Q. What experiences have helped shape you?
“My career has been significantly shaped by the mentorship of experienced leaders and a proactive and positive leadership approach. Facing challenges with optimism and a collaborative mindset has fostered my growth and made a difference in patient care. Now, I have the opportunity to give back to other emerging leaders. Partnering and guiding those I mentor has been an incredible joy and a way to give back to those who invested in my development.”
Esther Kwon, CEO, Methodist Hospital | Texsan
Q. What is one piece of advice you would give to younger professionals?
“The most important story you tell is the one you tell yourself. If you want to impact what you’re becoming, you must start with what you believe. This means setting positive, realistic expectations for yourself, recognizing your strengths and areas for growth, and approaching challenges with a mindset of learning and improvement. Remember, the way you talk to yourself can either be a source of motivation and resilience or a barrier to your success. Cultivate a narrative that empowers you to strive for excellence, embrace opportunities, and overcome obstacles with confidence. Your internal story will guide you through the highs and lows of your career, so make it one that inspires and drives you toward your goals."
SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY
METHODIST HOSPITAL | LANDMARK BARIATRIC AND WEIGHT LOSS
CENTER PARTICIPATES IN
BACK TO SCHOOL COMMUNITY EVENT
The Methodist Hospital | Landmark Bariatric and Weight Loss Center participated in a heartwarming back-to-school event organized by Univision. The event, aimed at supporting local families as they prepared for the new school year, drew hundreds of attendees from across San Antonio.
In a show of generosity and commitment to the community’s well-being, Dr. Guillermo Medrano and his team distributed backpacks and essential school supplies to children and families in need. By providing these supplies, Methodist Hospital | Landmark Bariatric and Weight Loss Center helped ensure that local children had the tools needed for success in the classroom.
ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE BRINGS OUT TEAM SPIRIT
In honor of back to school time, Methodist Hospital’s Employee Action Group (EAG) hosted their annual campus-wide Back to School Supply Decorating Contest! Contributions to this effort provided invaluable support for the children in our community who are in need of these fundamental resources to be successful in school.
Benefiting Glenoaks Elementary School, teams from Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital decorated containers in creative themes and collected everything from crayons to earbuds as they competed for the coveted ice cream social. Thank you to everyone who donated to help provide students in our community the supplies they need for a quality education!
Clinical Operations teams at Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital got in the school spirit as they collected donations!
COMMIT 4 COMPASSION CHALLENGE
This year, Methodist Healthcare is participating in the Commit 4 Compassion campaign organized by the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center. The campaign encourages the San Antonio community to demonstrate compassion by committing to donate blood or host a blood drive up to four times throughout the year. Together, Methodist Healthcare has collected over 853 life-saving units so far in 2024. With more blood drives remaining, we have already surpassed our total donations from 2023 by more than 150 units.
Each quarter, the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center recognizes the two hospitals that collect the most life-saving units of blood in our
system-wide challenge based on the percentage of employees who donate. Shout-out to the quarterly winners so far this year: Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant, Methodist Hospital | Hill Country, Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak, and Methodist Hospital | Atascosa, who have supported the campaign by hosting blood drives for staff members to help save lives. We look forward to finding out who the winners will be for the fall of 2024! Each facility will host their final blood drive of the year during the last week of November.
SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY
$200,000 GIFT SUPPORTS
ST. MARY’S UNIVERSITY GREEHEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Together, Methodist Healthcare and HCA Healthcare gifted $200,000 to St. Mary’s University’s Greehey School of Business to support scholarships, fellowships, and training for faculty in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. The gift is part of HCA Healthcare’s larger commitment to give $10 million over three years to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and HispanicServing Institutions (HSIs).
St. Mary’s University, a Catholic and Marianist liberal arts university, is the oldest institution of higher education in San Antonio, Texas. It is also a nationally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, serving a diverse population of more than 3,000 students in a multicultural environment.
The gift will support at least four scholarships per year, over the next two years, for graduate students in the St. Mary’s Online MBA for Professionals program seeking leadership roles. Funds will also provide support for students who serve as a graduate or research assistant to faculty members in the Greehey School of Business. All of these scholars will also have access to internship opportunities
with Methodist Healthcare, as well as year-round leadership development and guest lecture opportunities. In addition to funding scholarships, a portion of the gift will be dedicated to improving the online teaching methods for faculty in the MBA program.
Methodist Healthcare has been creating meaningful partnerships for over 50 years, focused on building community health awareness and enriching the professional landscape across South Texas. Earlier this year, Methodist Healthcare forged an historic agreement with The University of Incarnate Word (UIW) to provide affordable educational and developmental resources for staff and their families.
GEARING UP FOR GREATNESS!
Methodist Hospital | Atascosa partnered with Atascosa’s County Child Care Board for the County Wide School Supply Drive! The collaboration aims to support local students as they gear up for a successful school year. We’re proud to contribute to our community and help ensure every child has the tools they need to thrive!
GET READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND WEAR YOUR PINK WITH PRIDE AT
THE 2024 MORE THAN PINK
WALK!
Methodist Hospital | Westover Hills is honored to partner with the Susan G. Komen Foundation in the fight against breast cancer by hosting San Antonio’s 2024 MORE THAN PINK Walk at our soon-to-open Methodist Healthcare hospital, which will debut in November 2024.
This past May, the Methodist Hospital | Westover Hills team unveiled this exciting event at a special media sneak peek. A heartfelt thank you goes out to San Antonio Spurs Point Guard Tre Jones, who not only helped us announce the walk but also shared his personal connection to the cause, lending his support to this vital fight.
Save-the-Date: We invite all our colleagues, families, and friends to join us on November 2, 2024, at Methodist Hospital | Westover Hills as we march together to raise awareness, show support, and fundraise for life-saving research and programs. During the walk, the team will also host “Tacos and Tours,” giving participants a first glimpse of our new hospital while enjoying some delicious local fare. Be part of this powerful movement! Register for the walk at komen.org/sanantoniowalk or scan the QR code to join your hospital walk team. Together, we can step closer to a world without breast cancer.
$250,000 GRANT ALLOWS LOCAL NON-PROFIT TO START TEEN MEDICAL ACADEMY
Through HCA Healthcare’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund, Students of Service (SOS) received a grant to start their Teen Medical Academy. The academy aims to help students explore various career options in the healthcare field. As part of their experience, students met with Methodist Healthcare Simulation Lab staff, learned about different hospital roles, and participated in hands-on activities.
Methodist Healthcare employees not only demonstrated medical procedures to the students but also encouraged them to practice these procedures using training tools such as mannequins, training arms, and 3D-printed bones. Additionally, the Methodist Healthcare EMS Relations department trained the students on Hands-Only CPR and brought the Trauma Response Facility Dogs to interact with the students.
GUEST COLUMNIST
CREATING MY PASSION THROUGH I CARE VALUES: INTEGRITY, COMPASSION, ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPECT, EXCELLENCE
Hello, my name is Maria Zeitz and I am a RN of 49 years and a psychotherapist who graduated from Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) 30 years ago. I have been married 35 years to James Zeitz, a former professor of Religious Studies at OLLU for 34 years.
We have two children, Erica Womack, BSN, and Christopher Zeitz, MS, Counseling Psychology.
In 1989, we moved to San Antonio because of my husband’s job at OLLU. As we looked for areas to live, I saw the Methodist Hospital building and I KNEW that this is where I wanted to work and to have medical services. This is the beginning of my journey with Methodist Healthcare.
On September 1, 2000, I started my LPC/LMFT internship with Dr. Leon Sims and the Center for Counseling and Wellness, part of the Pastoral Care Department for Methodist Healthcare.
For the next four years, I worked at the Methodist Pregnancy Testing Centers. I provided Outreach Services such as counseling and community resources along with meetings
with the managers of the Independent School Districts, and School Age Parenting Program.
It was during this time that my interest and passion about Postpartum Depression (PPD) increased and I was asked to present talks about Postpartum Depression to the nurses within Methodist Healthcare.
In 2004, I was introduced to the Director of the Women’s Center and Lactation Center, and with much support, a brochure for PPD was created and a support group, called Beyond Baby Blues.
In addition, I became the San Antonio Coordinator for Postpartum Support International and volunteered to call mothers reaching out for help (in the United States).
Later on, I became a certified Registered Nurse Childbirth Educator and then created Beyond Baby Blues the Class for expectant parents.
Many mothers attended the support group weekly and the class became part of the childbirth series.
I taught all the classes in the childbirth series, at Methodist Hospital, Methodist Hospital I Metropolitan, and Methodist Hospital I Stone Oak, and facilitated the support group for the next 16 years.
In March 2020, during COVID, I continued to teach the class, Beyond Baby Blues, by monitor and I reached out, by phone, to many moms who delivered at Methodist Hospital, Methodist Hospital I Metropolitan, and Methodist Hospital I Stone Oak.
In December 2021, due to a change in management at the Women’s Center/Lactation Center, I transferred to the Assessment and Referral Center, and provided psychiatric assessments for 18 months.
In October 2023, I transferred to the Outpatient Behavioral Health Services at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant, providing group psychotherapy and as of January 2024, my class, Beyond Baby Blues is in this department, occurring once a month for expectant parents.
So now it has been 24 years, I will continue to embrace the needs of others with unlimited compassion and respect.
THANK YOU! You are my “WHY”.
I am very appreciative and grateful for the Methodist Healthcare.
HEALTHY CREATIONS
SANTA FE TURKEY AND ZUCCHINI BOWL
Bridget Martinez is a Registered Dietitian with a certification in nutrition support from Methodist Hospital | Northeast. Over the past 12 years, she has been dedicated to teaching patients and staff about healthy eating habits. Bridget is passionate about ensuring patients receive the proper nutrients to heal and lead a healthy lifestyle. Being a mother of three young boys and juggling a full-time job outside the home, as well as assisting her husband with their soccer training studio, Bridget relies on quick and easy meals that her whole family will love. The Santa Fe Turkey and Zucchini Bowl is a perfect choice, as it is an easy one-pan meal that doesn’t create a mess in the kitchen. This delicious mid-week dish provides a good source of protein and fiber without being heavy on calories or carbs.
Equipment:
Large Skillet
Ingredients:
1 large or 2 medium zucchini(s), quartered and sliced ¾ inch
1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
½ cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon tomato paste
¾ cup canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
¾ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 large diced tomato
1 jalapeno (diced)
1 clove garlic (minced)
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
1 ¼ teaspoon cumin
1 ¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup water
Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Spray a large skillet with oil and place over high heat. Brown the turkey, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon cumin.
2. Cook breaking the meat up until the turkey is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
3. Push the meat to the side, add the onion and tomato paste, and cook 1 minute.
4. Add the black beans, corn, tomato, jalapeno, garlic, and cilantro and stir with ¼ cup water.
5. Add the zucchini, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and cumin.
6. Mix and cover, and cook on low for 4 to 5 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and crisp.
7. Serve with lime wedges and more cilantro, if desired.
Nutrition information:
Serving size: 1 ½ cups
Calories: 266
Carbohydrates: 22.5g
Protein: 28gm
Fat: 8.5gm
Sodium: 525mg
Fiber 6.5gm
CARING LIKE FAMILY
A MEMORABLE CONNECTION
It was May 31st, 1999 when Adrian attended a San Antonio Spurs basketball game with his mom in celebration of his 25th birthday. Little did he know, he was about to witness history unfold before his eyes. Sean Elliott, a transplant recipient himself and former basketball small forward, made the gamewinning basket in Game 2 of the 1999 Western Conference Finals.
Fast forward, Adrian Lozano, 50, married his beautiful wife, Brek, in October of 2010 and together had four children. Adrian balanced a great career with State Farm, his close-knit family, his passions for sports like squash, basketball, and weightlifting, and outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and floating the river.
Unfortunately, in February of 2023, Adrian’s life took a drastic turn. Initially feeling unwell, he brushed it off until his symptoms escalated; symptoms included exhaustion, deteriorating muscles, lack of sleep, loss of appetite, and a yellowing complexion. “He was not himself. I saw his personality changing,” shared Brek. Through all of this, Adrian continued working. Multiple visits to the Methodist ER | Boerne revealed the cause: acute alcohol hepatitis, a diagnosis that stunned Adrian, who had never faced health issues before. “I was in denial,” said Adrian.
As his condition worsened, Adrian faced the grim reality of needing a liver transplant. “My perception of someone needing a transplant is that someone is very sick and I didn’t see myself like that,” shared Adrian. The news hit hard, leaving him scared and grappling with the uncertainty of his future.
Adrian had no actual recollection of the transplant surgery. He suffered a fall that caused memory loss, which ultimately sped up the transplant process. Adrian’s liver transplant occurred on August 4, 2023.
The experience in the hospital was transformative for Adrian. He found solace in the care of the nursing staff and physicians, especially Dr. Nassir Thalji and Dr. Omer Junaidi, who guided him through the process with transparency and reassurance. Their dedication, along with Adrian’s determination, led to a successful recovery. “I had goals. I wanted to get back to working out,” said Adrian.
Now, with a new liver, Adrian approaches life with renewed vigor and appreciation. “I don’t waste any days. I wake up at 4 AM, have a cup of coffee, head to the gym, and just appreciate life,” expressed Adrian.
Adrian celebrated his 50th birthday on May 31st, and it brought back memories of a significant event from 25 years ago. His birthday became even more meaningful when he received an unforgettable gift: a meet and greet with Sean Elliott and a signed basketball.
Reflecting on his journey, Adrian is an advocate for organ donation, urging others to consider the impact of their generosity. His life serves as a testament to the power of transplantation, reminding us all of the gift of life and the importance of giving back.
As he looks towards the future, Adrian is filled with gratitude for the support of his loved ones and the opportunity to live life to the fullest.
HEALING ONE STEP AT A TIME: A PATIENT’S REHABILITATION TESTIMONIAL CARING LIKE FAMILY
On June 18th, 2024, a sunny afternoon took a drastic turn for the worse when Billy DeDear, 83, a retired superintendent engineer and full-time minister, experienced a life-altering accident in his backyard. He was preparing the yard for an impending storm when he tripped on the sidewalk and fell, hitting his face on a brick. In that moment of pain and disorientation, he prayed to God for strength.
Knowing the severity of his injury, he called for his wife, Judy DeDear, and instructed her not to touch him, as he was aware that things were bad. She dialed 911 for immediate assistance.
He was rushed to a hospital. Billy underwent surgery, placing rods to stabilize his spinal cord, on June 19th. The procedure was critical to his recovery, but it marked the beginning of a long road ahead.
His oldest son, who previously owned a home health agency, guided Billy through finding the right care. After reviewing various options, he learned that the rehabilitation department at Methodist Hospital | Texsan was highly recommended, coming out as the number one choice. “This hospital’s stellar reputation and the sense that ‘God was in the mix’ played a significant role in my choice,” said Billy.
Initially, Billy could not use any of his limbs, and his internal core muscles were severely affected. He started with very limited mobility, only managing to walk 7 feet with a walker. However, with the exceptional support of his therapists, he made significant progress, reaching the milestone of walking 60 feet!
“Your team has been extraordinary. Their positivity, professionalism, and personal engagement have been uplifting. They encouraged me every step of the way, celebrating my achievements and providing me with hope and motivation,” said Billy. “I wholeheartedly recommend this hospital to anyone in need of exceptional care. Their approach is unique and it has made all the difference in my recovery journey.”
Billy is committed to giving 100% effort towards his healing and has the support of his wife, Judy, whom he’s been married to for 64 years, as well as his family and congregation. With thousands of people praying for Billy and the exceptional care from the Methodist Hospital | Texsan team, he believes in the power of perseverance and faith.
“This experience has reinforced my belief that it wasn’t my time to go. I’m ready to face whatever comes next, knowing that I am surrounded by such dedicated and compassionate care,” says Billy.
FINDING HOPE IN HEALTHCARE
Claudette Dunnaway, a patient at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, harbored resentment towards healthcare and hospitals for most of her life. Her mistrust came from a traumatic experience where medical staff made her feel ashamed, and not important enough for someone to hear her cry for help. This led to prolonged suffering in never wanting to see a doctor or hospital ever again.
In November of 2023, Claudette found herself in a health predicament she could not ignore. She started to notice certain things in her body were not right and felt much slower. “The thought of seeing a doctor brought me such anxiety,” said Claudette. “I was scared to see another doctor who might laugh at me. I was dealing with a constant cough and trying all the home remedies I could to avoid the hospital, but it was hopeless.” Her husband soon convinced her to go to the ER, where her mind flooded with memories of past traumas.
Claudette was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a common lung disease that makes it hard to breathe and restricts airflow. She was placed in Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan’s Medical Intensive Care Unit and shortly after, in the rehab unit of the hospital. To her surprise, she felt an overwhelming calm sensation with the staff taking care of her.
“In all my years of coming to a hospital, I have never come across so many nice people and staff,” said Claudette. “I thought, my goodness, I have been coming to all the wrong places for my health. You all made me feel like I’m a queen. I am so appreciative because I’ve never seen care like this.”
Claudette felt a strong connection with the nursing team as it reminded her of her own family. “Many of the nurses are young and remind me of my granddaughter. They always knew exactly what I needed and what I was trying to communicate. Even when I was coughing a lot and not able to speak, they showed me that you do not have to talk to show or receive love.”
Along with the great care she received, she credits the staff’s generosity for the reason she’s here today.
“This year has been my absolute worst and my absolute best. It’s the best because of this incredible staff and how they helped save my life and my fears,” said Claudette. “If I didn’t experience it myself, I would have never believed it.”
CARING LIKE FAMILY FOR FAMILY
Kody Koger recalls one of the worst days of his life, doing the one thing he loves – riding his motorbike. Kody was out for a normal night practice with his friends, until an accident occurred and he found himself in the back of a truck on the way to the hospital.
“After finding everything out, we learned there was a lot of stuff broken,” said Kody. “We thought it was just going to be a shoulder issue, but it ended up being a whole bunch of things.”
Kody recalls his wife, Kristi Koger, Director of Methodist Hospital | Atascosa’s Emergency Department, immediately driving him to the hospital and calling her team for immediate assistance. He noted that she drove by two other local hospitals to ensure he was treated and seen at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa because of the great care she knew her team was capable of.
As leader of the hospital’s ER, Kristi knew she had a more important role in that moment – being a wife and mom to their young daughter, Kennedy.
“I was never involved as a nurse, I was a mother and wife that day,” Kristi shared. “I took our daughter from the truck and as I walked in, they already had him in CT, called a trauma alert, and knew that he needed to be transported as soon as possible. I wasn’t involved in his direct care as I was so scared and crying. My husband and daughter needed my support at that moment more than anything, and I knew this team could handle it.”
The couple mentioned they were alarmed by how badly he was injured. The hospital staff had to immediately sedate him and insert a chest tube as soon as they found out he had a collapsed lung. It was there they learned he also had a broken shoulder, foot, ribs, and a compressed sternum.
The staff at Methodist Hospital | Atascosa showed up and helped them in every way possible. As soon as the decision had been made to transport Kody, EMS showed up, but could not take him as he had a chest tube inserted. One of the nurses, whose shift ended hours ago, jumped in and rode in the ambulance with him so they didn’t have to wait on another transportation and get him there as soon as they could. She shared how grateful she was for the commitment and kindness the employees showed to her and her family.
“The care here, with me just being on the other side of it, it spoke volumes to me,” said Kristi. “We have no family here. My leadership team here was incredible and just making sure I was
ok and making sure I wasn’t worrying about anything else except my husband. The amount of texts and emails checking in on us was unbelievable. The nurse who was with him in the EMS truck still texts me to this day to see how he’s doing.”
Kody shared that he continues to recover and is thankful for a second chance at life. Kristi also acknowledged that she appreciated seeing how much her team did for her husband, similar to how they treat all patients.
As Kody stays in his recovery, he hopes he can still offer support to his motorbike team off road.
“Many people in this community know him (Kody) and reach out to him asking for mentorship and training a rider for a race,” said Kristi. On the day of the accident, Kody was training and the trainee was the one who was trying to help us and make sure he was ok the entire time, too. They keep asking him ‘When are you going to get back out there.’ They’re waiting for his return and so thankful he’s alive.”
CARING LIKE FAMILY
BEFORE & AFTER METHODIST HOSPITAL
| LANDMARK BARIATRIC AND WEIGHT LOSS CENTER:
Dustin
After struggling with his weight for years, Dustin decided to seek the support of weight loss surgery experts at Methodist Hospital | Landmark Bariartic and Weight Loss Center to transform his life.
With the guidance of his physician, he chose to undergo the duodenal switch operation, a procedure that modifies your stomach and your small intestine, combining a gastrectomy (removal of part of your stomach) with an intestinal bypass, which makes the path your food takes through your intestines shorter.
Seven months after the operation, Dustin has lost an incredible 150 pounds and is still losing weight. This transformation has not only brought a new level of confidence but has also allowed him to enjoy activities he had long given up on, such as visiting amusement parks and playing more actively with his kids.
“I can’t say enough good things and am forever grateful. I have my life back! No more hopelessness,” said Dustin.
Alan
In early 2023, Alan found himself at a crossroads. Weighing 380 pounds, he realized that his weight was taking a toll on his overall well-being. Every aspect of his life, from his physical health to his emotional state, was affected. It was then that Alan made a life-changing decision to undergo the gastric sleeve procedure, a choice that would set him on a transformative path.
Fast forward to today, and Alan is a new man. Having slimmed down to 250 pounds, he not only looks different but feels rejuvenated in every way. “I feel better mentally, physically, and emotionally,” Alan shares. The decision to go through with the gastric sleeve procedure, as he reflects, was the best choice he could have made for his health and his future.
Heather
Heather’s life was once a daily struggle. Undiagnosed health issues made it nearly impossible for her to lead the active lifestyle she had always envisioned. For a long time, the idea of undergoing gastric bypass surgery wasn’t even on her radar.
That decision marked the beginning of a profound transformation. Today, Heather is not just living; she’s thriving. Shortly after her surgery, she started a Couch-to-5k program, and now, she’s preparing for a triathlon—a feat she never thought possible. Her journey is a powerful testament to her determination and resilience.
“I felt completely comfortable with the procedure and the support I received every step of the way. Now, I’m living a life I never thought possible,” Heather reflects.
HEARTWARMING REUNION ONE YEAR LATER
A year ago, Doug Roberts underwent the life-changing experience of losing his left leg to necrotizing fasciitis, a severe bacterial infection of the soft tissue. He received more than two months of dedicated physical therapy at the Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Rehabilitation Center. Last month, a year after leaving, he returned to express his gratitude to the care team. During the visit, Doug, a local San Antonio Pastor, prayed an uplifting prayer for the team, acknowledging their invaluable support and blessing them as they continued to care for patients. In return, the care team presented a basketball autographed by each of them to honor his love for the sport and symbolize the unwavering love and care they share.
LOCAL RANCHER OVERCOMES CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Scott Herring, a 65-year-old, who spends his retirement ranching in Devine, Texas, traveling with his wife, and staying active with his four grandchildren, says he is living proof that cardiovascular disease can happen to anyone.
After learning a mutual friend received a triple bypass surgery due to poor results of a coronary artery calcium scoring test, Scott felt the urge to learn more about his health so he took a test. The results came back high, leading to a stress test that he ultimately failed. Although scared, Scott felt reassured that he was in good hands after meeting his care team at the Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Complex Coronary Intervention Center, which specializes in highly complex procedures associated with treating coronary artery disease.
Scott underwent a cardiac catheterization that revealed two blocked arteries: one at 90% and the other at 80%.
With no history of cardiac issues, good results on previous echocardiograms, and no symptoms, Scott was shocked. His coronary artery disease was complex, requiring plaque removal and the placing of stents to keep the blocked arteries open.
Post-surgery, Scott is doing well and is getting back to his hobbies and travels, all thanks to the expertise of his care team. “God had a hand in this. He sent Dr. Hinh Keith Nguyen here to help people,” shared Scott.
Rayni and Tommy Gray of Kerrville faced one of the most difficult situations parents can face—the loss of a child—and came through it with a stronger marriage and commitment to parenthood.
“The loss of our son Jackson made our marriage stronger,” said Rayni. “We were told that some couples don’t survive this type of loss, but our marriage is incredible.”
Rayni was pregnant during COVID and delivered on November 24, 2020 at 37 weeks. She had an emergency C-section after doctors found that the baby had a slow heartbeat. The umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck twice.
Rayni and Tommy lost Jackson three months later to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is diagnosed when there is a sudden death of an infant younger than one year of age with unknown cause. “The night before his passing, there was no sign,” she said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 3,400 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) in the United States annually. SUID is an umbrella category that includes all sudden, unexpected infant deaths, those from known causes such as injury or accident and those from unknown causes, such as SIDS, a type of SUID that occurs during sleep.
SIDS has no symptoms or warning signs. Researchers believe it is associated with problems in the ability of the baby to arouse from sleep.
Rayni was by herself at the hospital and called her husband, who was working in the oilfield. “There are no words for what we went through,” she said. “I always wanted to be a mom and having a child was the most special thing to happen to me in my entire life. He was a happy baby and we were blessed to have him.”
Her husband knew she needed him and he put everything aside to be with her and get her out of the house. She found a small support group of parents who had lost children. They listened and shared their stories.
After a year and a half, they tried again. “Though we had lost a baby, we knew there was hope,” she said. The result was a chemical pregnancy, which is a miscarriage that occurs before the fifth week of pregnancy.
To cope with these losses, Rayni relied on anxiety meds and became addicted for a short time. A trip to the coast was a turning point. “I saw what this was doing to my husband,” she said. Rayni vowed to never take the meds again.
While they dealt with this situation, the hospital notified them that Rayni was undergoing an ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy occurring outside of the uterus. If the pregnancy occurs in the fallopian tube and the tube breaks, it is
life-threatening for the mother. Rayni was at risk and had to have one of her tubes removed.
“I am so glad we had each other,” she said. “Everything we went through brought us closer.” This closeness was especially important when Rayni became pregnant with Christian. “We were fearful that something would go wrong,” said Rayni’s husband Tommy.
Though they were living in Kerrville, the Grays came to Methodist Hospital | Hill Country to have their child. The pregnancy was high risk, and mother and baby were closely monitored. On June 5, 2024, Christian was born. He was a perfectly healthy baby.
“The nurses at Methodist Hospital | Hill Country knew our story,” said Tommy. “They provided a lot of emotional support and made us feel very comfortable. They told us we could call the nurse’s station 24-7 or if we were worried about anything, we could just pull up to the hospital and a nurse would come out to us.”
“We have learned that we should love each other like there is no tomorrow,” said Tommy. “You can’t take life for granted. We wouldn’t be who we are today without having Jackson.”
Rayni’s sister is in a home-schooling group, and they brought a dogwood tree in remembrance of Jackson along with a plaque dedicating it to him. The Grays are moving to Midland and plan to take the tree with them.
METHODIST MOMENTS
25 YEARS STRONG: METHODIST HOSPITAL | SPECIALTY AND TRANSPLANT CELEBRATES FORMER SPURS PLAYER SEAN ELLIOTT’S
KIDNEY TRANSPLANT ANNIVERSARY
August 16th marked the 25th anniversary of Sean Elliott’s kidney transplant anniversary, and Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant hosted a celebration in his honor.
During the 1998-99 season, Sean played a key role in helping the Spurs win their first NBA championship while secretly battling kidney failure. Shortly after their championship victory, he had surgery and received a kidney from his older brother, Noel Elliott. According to recently released United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data, the Methodist Transplant Institute in San Antonio is recognized as the top program in the nation, leading in living kidney donor transplants.
“Our staff are honored that Sean chose Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant and trusted us for his care. Celebrating 25 years later with him is a testament to the exceptional work of our staff and physicians. Stories like Sean and Noel’s highlight the vital importance of advocating for living donation,” said Kevin Scoggin, CEO of Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant.
“I want to thank the staff that have been here for 25 years; you have done an amazing job and you continue to carry that throughout your careers,” said Sean Elliott.
Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of the City of San Antonio, has proclaimed August 16, 2024 to be “Sean Elliott’s 25th Kidney Transplant Anniversary Day”.
SEAN ELLIOTT
Sean shared his story about his mid-July scare with atrial fibrillation (AFib), the most common type of irregular heart rhythm (also called arrhythmia). Impacting an estimated 2.7 to 6.1 million people in the U.S. at any given time, Afib is the cause for more than 450,000 hospitalizations each year.
Thanks to his Apple Watch, Sean was alerted that he was suffering from Afib. Although he had no symptoms, this condition can lead to blood clots in the heart and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.
Methodist Hospital’s Physician in Chief, Dr. J. Fernando Triana, is Sean’s long-time cardiologist and recommended he have a procedure to treat the arrhythmia.
Sean was back on the golf course a few days later and is feeling great!
CHEERING FOR GOLD!
Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan’s tiniest new patients geared up to cheer on Team USA during the 2024 Paris Olympics!
With the 2024 Olympics now concluded, check out these medalists of our own from the 2024 Methodist Olympics! Congratulations to all participants at Methodist Hospital, Methodist Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital | Atascosa, Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan, and Methodist Hospital | Texsan.
Dr. Triana and Sean talked about his recent A-fib scare with the KSAT morning show, while Sean explained he was only worried about his golf game these days.
Methodist Hospital’s MSICU team shows off all the hardware they collected early in the games two bronze medals and one silver!
METHODIST MOMENTS
HEALTHCARE WITH HEART:
EMBRACING LOVE AND EQUALITY
In June 2024, Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan celebrated being named a “High Performer in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). The celebration was honored with a flag-raising ceremony that allowed staff members the opportunity to kick-off Pride Month! Additionally, the hospital staff held a remembrance ceremony in the Chapel for lives lost within the LGBTQ+
Community. The ceremony allowed staff members to reflect, pray, and hear a beautiful song in dedication to those lives lost.
As a system, Methodist Healthcare team members participated in the San Antonio Pride Parade to round out Pride Month. This shared our team’s commitment to providing equitable healthcare for all patients and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace for our colleagues.
In June, our Rowan Windham Cereal Drive and Champions for Change Breakfast exceeded expectations, collecting 283,601 servings of cereal—well beyond our 230,000-serving goal—for the San Antonio Food Bank. We also celebrated 10 inspiring kids from our community, ensuring children have breakfast during summer break. Special thanks to H-E-B and Oak Farms Dairy for donating 15,000 gallons of milk each!
The Champions for Change Breakfast honored South Texas students doing incredible community work. They were featured on KEN5 TV, received a $250 donation gift certificate, and were recognized by our the Methodist Children's Hospital CEO, Rachel Goldsmith. They also had the chance to meet Zach Collins from the San Antonio Spurs.
The cereal drive honors Rowan Windham, an extraordinary patient who asked for cereal donations to the San Antonio Food Bank instead of toys during his hospital treatments. Rowan’s spirit lives on through our Cereal Drive and Champions for Change.
ROWAN WINDHAM CEREAL DRIVE
METHODIST MOMENTS
CHRISTMAS IN JULY AT METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Methodist Children’s Hospital hosted a “Christmas in July” event, where Rachel Goldsmith, CEO, Negar Johnson, CNO, the Child Life Team, and the Gaming and Tech Specialists, along with other dedicated staff, distributed donated Christmas toys to our young patients. This initiative brought joy and comfort to the children, underscoring our team’s commitment to enhancing their well-being.
WORLD PREECLAMPSIA AWARENESS DAY
In honor of World Preeclampsia Awareness Day, the Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan team members spread awareness of preeclampsia and encouraged all mothers to learn the signs and symptoms, which include severe headache, vision changes, swelling of the hands and face, and especially difficulty breathing.
Interested in learning more about preeclampsia? Watch Dr. Evangeline Ramos-Gonzales with Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak discuss preeclampsia in detail on Great Day SA. Scan the QR code for the interview and expand your knowledge!
METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL TRANSPORT TEAM MOBILIZES TO SUPPORT GULF COAST HOSPITALS IN THE WAKE OF HURRICANE BERYL
In July, as Hurricane Beryl approached the Gulf Coast, Methodist Children’s Hospital swiftly transferred NICU babies from Corpus Christi Medical Center. Within 24 hours, the transport team relocated eight NICU babies and six high-risk pregnant women, ensuring their safety and continued care during the storm.
NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING MONTH
In August, the teams at Methodist Hospital | Metropolitan and Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak observed National Breastfeeding Month to promote the importance of breastfeeding and to educate families about the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding. Many new moms experience struggles early on with breastfeeding, but preparation is key. Scan the QR code to check out expert tips and resources for new and expectant moms from Theresa Bryan, Lactation Consultant at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak.
PROMOTIONS ACROSS THE SYSTEM
JERRICA GEORGE APPOINTED
AS CHIEF
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
OF METHODIST HOSPITAL | NORTHEAST
Jerrica George, FACHE, joined Methodist Hospital | Northeast as Chief Executive Officer and has over 14 years of experience within the healthcare industry.
Jerrica previously served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, an 834bed campus in Las Vegas, Nevada. In her role, she had executive oversight for operations, security, surgical and cardiovascular service lines, and the emergency department, one of the largest in the nation, totaling 178,000 visits annually. Under her leadership, the hospital opened its first free-standing emergency room and achieved record surgical volumes, nearly 1,700 operating room cases per month, with a room turnaround time of 31 minutes in a complex environment. Her extensive focus on service line growth and development resulted in the completion of $35 million in construction projects and approval for over $160 million for future capital projects.
Before joining Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in 2021, Jerrica served as COO of HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe, where she executed growth strategies for bariatrics that resulted in a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation
and Quality Improvement Program. She also developed the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Program and led inpatient rehab growth strategies resulting in a facility expansion.
Before HCA
Houston Healthcare Conroe, George served at Universal Health Services as COO for Summerlin Hospital and COO of Centennial Hills Hospital.
Jerrica earned her Master of Healthcare Administration and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a past member and mentor of the Executive Women’s Alliance.
CARSON SMITH APPOINTED AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF METHODIST HOSPITAL
Methodist Hospital welcomed Carson Smith as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) in early August. Carson previously served as COO for Methodist Hospital I Stone Oak, playing an integral role in the hospital’s significant expansion and the growth of key programs and services.
During his tenure at Methodist Hospital I Stone Oak, Carson contributed to the growth of the Cardiovascular program and successfully led more than $35 million in capital projects, resulting in the addition of new ORs and Cath Labs. He played an integral role in the expansion of the hospital’s ER and imaging infrastructure, and advanced the stroke program to thrombectomy-capable with the creation of a neuro-endovascular program.
Prior to joining Methodist Healthcare, Carson served as the Assistant Chief Operating Officer for Medical City Dallas, Medical City Children’s Hospital, Medical City Heart, and Medical City Spine Hospital. During this time, Carson played an instrumental role in the opening of the Medical City Heart and Spine Hospitals and helped advance key service lines such as Solid Organ Transplant, Pediatric Congenital Heart, NICU, and Oncology.
Carson holds a Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Trinity University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Arkansas. Additionally, he graduated from the HCA Healthcare Executive Development Program in 2021.
RACHEL GOLDSMITH APPOINTED
AS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Rachel Goldsmith, MPA, has been named Methodist Children’s Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer. With over 19 years of healthcare experience, Rachel previously served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for both Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital. She will also oversee the Women’s Service line, further expanding her leadership role within the healthcare organization.
Since joining Methodist Hospital in 2017, Rachel has been instrumental in driving significant growth and enhancing service lines, particularly in cardiovascular care. Her leadership at Methodist Hospital | Northeast led to over $40 million in capital projects and improvements in operational efficiency.
Rachel’s strategic vision was also crucial in launching several innovative programs, including the first advanced lung failure and transplant program at HCA, and a robust limb salvage program. Her efforts in neurosciences led to the recruitment of a top-tier team and the development of comprehensive care programs that have significantly enhanced our service quality.
Rachel holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Health Policy and Management from New York University. Born at Methodist Hospital, she has deep ties to the San Antonio community.
GLENN
DENNIS APPOINTED AS CHIEF NURSING OFFICER OF METHODIST HOSPITAL | STONE
Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak has appointed Glenn Dennis, MSN, RN, ACNSBC, as Chief Nursing Officer. He most recently served as Chief Nursing Officer at Methodist Hospital | Northeast and has over 25 years of experience within the healthcare industry.
Glenn joined Methodist Hospital | Northeast in 2019, initially serving as Assistant Chief Nursing Officer, with executive oversight of eight departments within Critical Care, Telemetry, Observation Service, and Nursing Administration. In 2021, he transitioned to Chief Nursing Officer, leading a robust nursing professional practice model, which earned the hospital its second American Nurses Credentialing Center Pathway to Excellence designation. Under his nursing leadership, the nursing teams prioritized employee growth and development, leading to the internal growth of many nursing leaders, with the majority starting as residents. Glenn fosters a culture of belonging, which helped the hospital’s nursing teams to increase engagement and decrease turnover year over year.
OAK
Prior to joining Methodist Healthcare, Glenn served as Chief Nursing Officer at CHRISTUS Shreveport Bossier Health System in Shreveport, Louisiana. During his time there, he provided executive oversight for nursing practice and operations for three facilities within the region. From 2011 to 2018, he served at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, where he was in roles ranging from Nursing Director of Emergency Services and Critical Care to Assistant Chief Nursing Officer. During his tenure, he led multiple growth projects, hospital designations, and re-designations. He was responsible for the creation of two freestanding Emergency Departments, resulting in over a $4 million revenue increase in the first 18 months, and provided executive oversight on the opening of a Sleep Medicine Center, that exceeded revenue projections by 140% within one year. He led two critical care departments to achieve the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Beacon Silver Award, as well as being an AACN 2015 Circle of Excellence winner, awarded to only 20 critical care nurses in the country annually.
Glenn earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas - Health Science Center at Houston. His professional vision is to serve, develop, support, and guide staff and leaders to transform how they serve patients.
GROWTH
METHODIST HOSPITAL & METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ADDED 47 BEDS TO THE CAMPUS
“Collectively, these expansions represent an investment in our future, an investment in our facilities, our community, and most importantly, our patients.”
– Ryan Simpson, Chief Executive Officer of the Methodist Hospital campus and Methodist Hospital I Landmark.
After tremendous collaboration, hard work and dedication, Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital proudly showcased their recent growth – a further example of their commitment to meeting the increasing health care needs of the San Antonio community.
These recent investments included expansions to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Mother-Baby units, as well as the opening of the new Adult Heart and Lung Transplant Intensive Care Unitamounting to an additional 47 beds on the campus.
Providing access to quality health care services to our rapidly-growing community was the catalyst for all of these projects - dedicated intensive care following specialized heart and lung transplants, critical care for pediatric patients and more beds to accommodate new moms as the number of babies delivered continues to increase, with over 6,000 born here last year!
Methodist Hospital physician leaders proudly cut the red ribbon, marking the official opening of the new Adult Heart and Lung Transplant ICU.
SUMMER EXPANSIONS HELP MEET GROWING COMMUNITY NEED
Summer expansions are elevating Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak’s ability to meet the growing needs of the community. The hospital has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of care to patients in South Central Texas with a series of expansions. In May, the cardiovascular service line increased its capacity within the electrophysiology (EP) lab. This new state-of-the-art expansion provides more space and shorter wait times for patients receiving advanced and complex cardiovascular care. The hospital also celebrated the arrival of its latest advancement in diagnostic imaging - a new wide-bore 1.5T MRI scanner. This advancement impacts cardiovascular, orthopedic, neurosurgical, and trauma services, and it marks the introduction of the first cardiac MRI to Methodist Healthcare and the northside of San Antonio.
With a focus on expanded access to care, the hospital opened a new results pending area within the emergency department. This space allows for an additional 16 patient spaces, each equipped with recliners and a personal TV. Each bay is separated by a frosted glass divider for improved privacy. The hospital also opened three new operating rooms equipped with the latest technology, increasing the hospital’s operating suite count to 16, and enabling skilled physicians and medical teams to perform complex procedures with greater precision and efficiency.
Meanwhile, at Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak Rehabilitation Center, a new cutting-edge virtual reality system has been introduced. This uses immersive virtual reality to transport patients to an imaginative world of activities that expand traditional therapy exercises and activities of daily living in a fun environment.
GROWTH
FIRST GME GRADUATES OPEN NEW PRIMARY CARE CLINIC ON METHODIST HOSPITAL CAMPUS
Under the supervision of Dr. John Paredes, the inaugural class of internal medicine residents have opened the new Primary Care Clinic in Methodist Plaza. This practice aims to serve the San Antonio community’s increasing need for access to primary health care services and is able to provide same-day, next-day, and walk-in appointments.
The Methodist Healthcare Graduate Medical Education Program stands as a symbol of our commitment to the communities of South Texas in service of our mission. This program is unique in that it offers residents world-class clinical training and the opportunity to apply that training in a growing, thriving community alongside our 50-50 co-owners, HCA Healthcare and Methodist Healthcare Ministries.
METHODIST HOSPITAL | LANDMARK LAUNCHES NUCLEAR CARDIOLOGY SERVICES
Methodist Hospital | Landmark celebrated the launch of its nuclear cardiology services with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a significant milestone in its cardiology service line. These new services will provide advanced diagnostic capabilities, essential for the comprehensive evaluation of heart function and blood flow. By offering state-of-the-art imaging techniques, the nuclear cardiology services will support both inpatient and outpatient care, ensuring precise and reliable cardiovascular assessments. This expansion reflects Methodist Hospital | Landmark's commitment to delivering the highest standard of heart care, whether in emergency situations or routine check-ups.
Welcome to the GME Program’s Internal Medicine graduates as they open a new Primary Care Practice in Methodist Plaza.
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Four Methodist Healthcare hospitals received the Silver Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. The award marks a significant milestone in the path to exceptional patient care and to creating a healthy work environment.
Methodist Healthcare units awarded the Silver Beacon Award for Excellence include:
• Methodist Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Methodist Hospital Cardiac Progressive Care Unit
• Methodist Hospital | Atascosa Medical Surgical Telemetry Unit
• Methodist Hospital | Texsan Intensive Care Unit
The Methodist Children’s Hospital NICU is the only Beacon Award-winning NICU in San Antonio and the second NICU Beacon Award winner in Texas.
The Methodist Hospital | Atascosa Medical Surgical Telemetry Unit is the only sixth Medical Surgical unit in the state of Texas to have won this award, and the only Medical Surgical Unit of all HCA Healthcare to win the Silver Beacon Award.
Methodist Hospital’s CPCU unveiled their new Silver Beacon Award for Excellence plaque, a recognition of their commitment to outstanding care delivery.
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT RECOGNIZES METHODIST HEALTHCARE HOSPITALS IN ITS BEST HOSPITALS RANKINGS FOR 2024-2025 AND NAMES METHODIST HOSPITAL #1 HOSPITAL IN SAN ANTONIO
U.S. News & World Report has recognized three Methodist Healthcare Hospitals in its "Best Hospital" rankings for 2024‑2025. Methodist Hospital was recognized as the #1 Hospital in San Antonio, and Methodist Hospital I Stone Oak and Methodist Hospital I Hill Country were recognized as "High Performing" in various procedures and conditions.
U.S. News ranked hospitals in 15 adult specialties as well as recognizing hospitals by state, metro, and regional areas for their work in 20 more widely performed procedures and conditions. Of the nearly 5,000 hospitals analyzed, only 160 hospitals ranked in at least one of the specialties.
The annual Procedures & Conditions ratings are designed to assist patients and their health care providers in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care, and patient experience.
As part of the Methodist Hospital awards process, data was collected from multiple Methodist Healthcare hospitals Methodist Hospital I Metropolitan, Methodist Hospital I Northeast, Methodist Hospital I Texsan, Methodist Hospital I Specialty and Transplant, and Methodist Children’s Hospital.
Methodist Hospital received high performing distinctions in:
• Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma
• Colon cancer surgery
• Prostate cancer surgery
• Heart attack
• Aortic valve surgery
• Heart failure
• Transcatheter aortic valve replacement
• Kidney failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Methodist Hospital | Stone Oak received high-performing distinctions in:
• Heart Failure
• Heart Attack
• Kidney Failure
• Stroke
Methodist Hospital | Hill Country received high-performing distinctions in:
• Knee Replacement
METHODIST HOSPITAL AND METHODIST HOSPITAL I STONE
OAK NAMED AMONG NATION’S 100 TOP HOSPITALS
Methodist Hospital and Methodist Hospital I Stone Oak were recognized as two of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals according to an independent quality analysis provided by PINC AI™, the technology and services brand of Premier, Inc., and reported by Fortune.
In addition to being recognized top hospital performers, these hospitals were two of only 26 facilities to receive the Everest Award in 2024 for setting national benchmarks for both the fastest rate of improvement and highest current-year performance on the 100 Top Hospitals® balanced scorecard. This award recognizes the boards, executives, and medical staff leaders who developed and executed the strategies that drove the highest rates of improvement, resulting in the highest performance in the U.S. at the end of five years.
METHODIST ER | ALAMO HEIGHTS SHINES BRIGHT WITH THE LANTERN AWARD
Methodist ER | Alamo Heights was honored with the prestigious 2024 Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award, recognizing its commitment to quality, safety, a healthy work environment, and innovation in nursing practice and emergency care.
Only 94 emergency departments across the United States met the award criteria for Lantern Award designation. Only 15 facilities were recognized in Texas and three in San Antonio. This achievement highlights the exceptional standards upheld by Methodist ER | Alamo Heights.
METHODIST HOSPITAL | LANDMARK BARIATRIC AND WEIGHT LOSS CENTER COMPLETED 50TH BARIATRIC SURGERY
The Methodist Hospital | Landmark Bariatrics and Weight Loss Center reached a new milestone with the completion of its 50th bariatric case since Methodist Hospital | Landmark opened its doors in 2023. This significant milestone qualifies the Methodist Hospital | Landmark Bariatrics and Weight Loss Center for the prestigious American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence designation. This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the community.
