Candelaria 'Candy' Galan, senior executive assistant in the Health System until June 10, when she becomes senior executive assistant, Office of the President.
When did you start working at UTMB and in what capacity?
A very long time ago! I started as a case aide in September 1992. Katherine Golden-Beck, director of ambulatory operations, hired me, and I’m sure she was hesitant to do so. But fortunately for me I was the only candidate who spoke Spanish. She was stuck with me for about 10 years.
What attracted you to UTMB in the first place?
It was the big thing back then and continues to be the big thing. UTMB has been good to me. Every single boss and position I’ve had all have treated me well.
Why have you stayed at UTMB for 32 years?
I cannot believe I’ve been here for 32 years. I’ve seen many changes in leadership positions, and overall things have been good. The six (John Sealy, Jennie Sealy, TDCJ, Angleton Danbury, Clear Lake and League City) hospitals, over 90 clinics, the Health Education Center and many more places were either built or had changes made to them. It truly has been something amazing to be a part of.
What has being a part of the UTMB family for so long meant to you personally?
Being part of UTMB for this many years has meant a lot. I’ve met some of the greatest people along the way. We laughed. We cried. We have been there for each other. I’m happy to see the advances in medicine that my fellow health care providers have made and saved lives. It’s meant a lot to see each other grow.
What would you say to someone starting out in a career at UTMB?
The one thing I always tell everyone is to be nice! Set yourself up to get the work done and don’t be shy. Bring out skills or tasks we might not be using.
If you could send any message to Health System leadership, what would it be?
Work smarter not harder! Have fun with your teams while getting the work completed—they will appreciate you.
Any special stories or experiences about your time at UTMB you would like to share?
Back on Monday, Feb. 5, I was ready to go on a five-day cruise with my oldest daughter and her family. Yes, I fussed about it because I did not want to go.
I went to Kohl’s on that Monday at 9 a.m. to pick up one last order; however, I never made it back in time. My youngest daughter knew something had happened to me and she was calling my job, stalking my friends on Facebook, etc. Long story short, I was sitting in my car until about 3 p.m. at Kohl’s when the police and EMS found me. I could speak very little, and it was hard to walk.
I could hear Merry Philip, associate chief nursing officer at UTMB Health Clear Lake, asking on the phone with the hospital where I was originally taken to “please bring Candy Galan to UTMB Health Clear Lake.”
I was diagnosed as having a stroke, friends. But hey, with friends at UTMB Health Clear Lake, how could I go wrong?