The Division of Pediatric Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch took home the gold in the 2024 Hermes Creative Awards for its video elucidating the intricacies of gastrostomy tubes for patients, accessible at their convenience.

Gastrostomy tubes, also known as G-tubes, are medical devices inserted through the abdominal wall directly into the stomach to provide nutrition, fluids, and medications to patients who cannot eat or drink normally.

Nurse Practitioner Jourdan Pea and John Carstens, editor III in the Department of Surgery, collaborated with Victor Luciano, senior network support specialist in Pathology; Dr. Jacqueline Meyer, nursing program manager in the Nursing Education, Advancement and Resources Department; and Dr. Maria Carmen Mora from Pediatrics Surgery to craft both English and Spanish versions.

"The initiative has been warmly received by patients, significantly streamlining information dissemination," Carstens said. "Our effort was recognized with the Hermes Award in the Informational category, a distinction adjudicated by esteemed peers."

According to the Hermes website, "Hermes Creative Awards honors the messengers and creators of the information revolution. Armed with their imaginations and computers, Hermes winners bring their ideas to life through traditional and digital platforms. Each year, competition judges evaluate the creative industry’s best publications, branding collateral, websites, videos, and advertising, marketing, and communication programs."