I’d like to wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season as we come to the conclusion of another calendar year—one that has been very eventful to say the least!
From the John Sealy Hospital fire in January to Hurricane Harvey in August, many employees faced challenges both personally and professionally, but like I always say: “When circumstances seem to be at their worst, the UTMB family is always at its best.” Thank you again for being nothing short of remarkable. I continue to be amazed by everything our people do to keep patients, visitors and colleagues safe, fulfilling our mission under extraordinary circumstances.
The past year also has given us many reasons to celebrate. We led a successful SECC campaign, launched the “UTMB Wonders” awareness campaign and Innovations in Mind fundraising initiative, broke ground on the new Health Education Center, once again achieved Magnet recognition for nursing excellence, and far exceeded our Best Care goal to be in the top 20 U.S. academic health centers—we now rank ninth among 107 participating organizations and have achieved five-star performance. In addition, our Health System received an “A” grade from the Leapfrog Group for accomplishments related to safety and quality. Your hard work and commitment have paved the way for continued success in 2018.
This issue of Impact features stories that exemplify who we are and where we’re going in the future, including:
- A Day in the Life of Vonday Millier, a patient registration team lead with UTMB’s Revenue Cycle Operations
- A profile of Bill Garwood, associate vice president of finance for community hospitals
- A Best Care in Action spotlight highlighting UTMB’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
- The 10th annual Preemie Reunion, a special event connecting NICU doctors and nurses with former patients
- An introduction to the Ability Resource Group, an employee resource group focused on increasing awareness and creating a culture of inclusion for those impacted by a disability
- A closer look at how interprofessional education is being implemented in patient care
- The School of Health Professions’ kick-off party to celebrate its 50th anniversary
- A research study that could help develop a new therapeutic approach for women recovering from hip fractures
- Tips for having a safe holiday season by UTMB Police Department Chief Thomas Engells
- Numerous accomplishments and kudos in the Working Wonders column and throughout the newsletter
Please take some time to enjoy this latest issue, reflect on our very successful 2017 and look ahead to a new year, when we will continue working together to work wonders. Thank you!
Dr. David L. Callender
UTMB President