Nurses, surgical technologists and physicians from the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery represented UTMB at the Marfan Foundation’s Walk for Victory in Houston on March 25. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue.

Two UTMB doctors, Jeffrey Aycock, DMD, an oral and maxillofacial surgery resident, and Dr. Andrew Grant, a professor of Internal Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, were onboard an Atlanta-to-Houston Southwest Airlines flight when a passenger fell ill. Aycock, Grant and nearly 20 other physicians happened to be on their way back from a conference and were able to help.

Ryan Scott, a research associate in UTMB’s Department of Anesthesiology, Translational Intensive Care Unit, received President Callender’s Way to Go Award for helping a pregnant woman who was having complications and needed medical attention quickly. While walking on the Galveston Campus, he observed the woman in distress and jumped into action, assessing the situation and ensuring that she made it to the Emergency Department—he even parked her car and returned the keys to the patient.

Medical assistants Sharon Johnson and Jose Gonzalez, and nurse Kelly Snider, received President Callender’s Way to Go Award for making sure Santa stopped at one family’s home this past Christmas.

More than 110 patients were safely relocated on Jan. 4 after a fire broke out in a non-patient care area of John Sealy Hospital in Galveston. While the fire was contained to a small area, the smoke was not—requiring full evacuation of both John Sealy Hospital and John Sealy Annex. Hundreds of UTMB employees from all areas of the institution immediately jumped into action, putting their emergency training to use to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, visitors and colleagues.

Neil Scofelia, a senior financial analyst with the budget and decision support team, received President David Callender’s Way to Go Award for his hard work and commitment to ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the data UTMB submits to Vizient.

UTMB Police Officer Hector Martinez designed a special challenge coin which was selected to commemorate The University of Texas System Police’s 50th anniversary (1967-2017). “The UT System Police are especially proud of the skilled artistry demonstrated by Officer Martinez, for these coins will be circulated across the United States during our anniversary year,” said UTMB Police Chief Tom Engells.

Erika Parker, practice manager of the Mainland Cardiology Clinic, and Suzanne Wilson, assistant director of Care Management, received President Callender’s Way to Go Awards for going above and beyond to help patients navigate their health care.

Annette Macias Hoag, associate vice president, Health System Operations and associate chief nursing officer, and Christine Wade, director of Patient Care Services and assistant chief nursing officer for Emergency Services, chaired the 20th annual American Heart Associations’ Black Tie and Boots Gala on Sept. 17 at Moody Gardens in Galveston.

The Texas Space Grant Consortium recently awarded scholarships for the upcoming academic year to two UTMB students. Armando Elizondo, a medical student, received a $1,500 STEM Columbia Crew Memorial Scholarship. Brooke Barnette, a biochemistry and molecular biology student, received a $5,000 fellowship grant. Part of the consortium’s mission is to promote high-quality, graduate-level space research.

Maureen Wilder, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, associate professor and Master’s Program director in the School of Nursing, was recently awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration entitled, “Adding Practice Partnerships for Learning to Advance Underserved Service Efficiency.”

Marcus Yanez, a pharmacy technician at UTMB’s Angleton Danbury Campus, was recently honored by Angleton High School students for being an exceptional teacher. As part of the Health Technology partnership with area high schools, students come to ADC to shadow various positions and learn about health care careers.

Nursing staff from UTMB’s Blocker Burn Unit coordinated a surprise baby shower for the wife of a patient who had been receiving care in the unit for three months.

Ann Varghese, director of Ambulatory Operations at the Angleton Danbury Campus, was recognized as one of the Brazosport Facts newspaper’s “Leaders Under 40.” Facts editor Yvonne Montz surprised Varghese with a plaque on April 18. Leaders were nominated by the community and were included in a special section of the newspaper on May 15.

ebecca Castro, LCSW, was named Social Worker of the Year by the Gulf Coast Branch of the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. The annual award honors a member who exemplifies the best of the profession’s values and achievements through specific accomplishments. Castro has been at UTMB for more than 20 years, spending 13 years in the Emergency Department before moving to the Community Health Program.

Becker’s Hospital Review has named Cheryl Sadro, CPA, executive vice president and chief business and finance officer at UTMB, one of its “130 Women Hospital and Health System Leaders to Know.” The annual list recognizes leaders for their management and leadership skills, as well as career accomplishments.

UTMB Officer Wesley Braunsdorf is UT System Police Featured Officer of the Month for February, Katrina Lambrecht is the new vice president and administrator for Angleton Danbury Campus, Steve Schuenke is named Photographer of the Year by the Bay Area Photo Club, and much more...

Amy Lussier was recently promoted to associate vice president, Health Systems Operations. Lussier’s responsibilities will include the League City Hospital and Perioperative and Endoscopy Services.

Carlos Escobar, associate vice president of Business Operations and Facilities, was recently elected to be an officer for the Southeast Texas Chapter of the American College of Health Care Executive’s Board of Directors.

Dr. Oscar “Skip” Brown, associate professor of Pediatrics and vice chair for Clinical Affairs, was recently elected to the District VII National Nominating Committee (comprising Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas) for the American Academy of Pediatrics.