DCH News
Awards & Recognitions
Hollywood-themed celebration planned for Driscoll nurses
May 08, 2013
Event is in conjunction with National Nurses Week, May 6-12
CORPUS CHRISTI - National Nurses Week is May 6-12, and Driscoll Children's Hospital is marking the occasion with a celebration tomorrow for its more than 500 nurses.
"This is a way for us to recognize our nurses for all the work they do," said Driscoll's Jo Ann Gamez, RN, BSN, CCRN, chair of the celebration committee. "Nurses may not realize how much they're appreciated by patients, families, physicians and the community. They have come a long way from the Florence Nightingale days."
May 6 is also known as National Nurses Day, and May 12 is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
Driscoll's auditorium will be decorated in a Hollywood theme for the celebration, with music provided by a DJ and photo props for the nurses. They'll be treated to dinner and a special performance by students from John Paul II High School. Speakers will include Steve Woerner, Driscoll's president and chief executive officer, Patricia Carr, assistant vice president of Nursing Operations, and the parent of a former Driscoll patient.
What: National Nurses Week celebration
When: 5 p.m. Thursday, May 9
Where: Driscoll Children's Hospital auditorium, 3533 S. Alameda St.
CORPUS CHRISTI - National Nurses Week is May 6-12, and Driscoll Children's Hospital is marking the occasion with a celebration tomorrow for its more than 500 nurses.
"This is a way for us to recognize our nurses for all the work they do," said Driscoll's Jo Ann Gamez, RN, BSN, CCRN, chair of the celebration committee. "Nurses may not realize how much they're appreciated by patients, families, physicians and the community. They have come a long way from the Florence Nightingale days."
May 6 is also known as National Nurses Day, and May 12 is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
Driscoll's auditorium will be decorated in a Hollywood theme for the celebration, with music provided by a DJ and photo props for the nurses. They'll be treated to dinner and a special performance by students from John Paul II High School. Speakers will include Steve Woerner, Driscoll's president and chief executive officer, Patricia Carr, assistant vice president of Nursing Operations, and the parent of a former Driscoll patient.
What: National Nurses Week celebration
When: 5 p.m. Thursday, May 9
Where: Driscoll Children's Hospital auditorium, 3533 S. Alameda St.
Joyal promoted to NICU director at Driscoll
March 04, 2013
Joyal
In pursuit of excellence, Driscoll residents far outpace total pass rate for American Board of Pediatrics certification
December 20, 2012
CORPUS CHRISTI - Driscoll Children's Hospital is proud to announce that all of its graduating residents who took the latest American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) certification exam in general pediatrics passed on their first attempt, continuing a trend that surpasses the total annual pass rate. Certification through the exam, administered once a year in October, has one objective - to promote excellence in medical care for children and adolescents.
"ABP certification provides a standard of excellence by which the public can select pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists," according to the ABP. "Although certification is voluntary, nearly all qualified pediatricians seek this recognition."
The ABP certification pass rate for pediatric residents at Driscoll Children's Hospital for the past three years has been 98 percent, ranking them in the top 5 percent of the more than 200 pediatric residency programs in the country, said William Dirksen, MD, Driscoll chief of staff. In contrast, the total pass rate for candidates taking the ABP general pediatrics exam in 2009, 2010 and 2011 was 79.1 percent, 76.1 percent and 75.7 percent, respectively, according to the ABP.
The ABP certification exam is a one-day test given to physicians who have finished three years of pediatric residency training. Physicians must have a valid, unrestricted, permanent medical license to be eligible to sit for the test. Certification is valid for seven years after which physicians must recertify by taking the ABP's Program for Maintenance of Certification in Pediatrics recertification exam.
Here are some additional facts from the ABP:
The ABP has certified 77,328 diplomates in general pediatrics and 14,707 in pediatric subspecialties.
Among the pediatricians who take the ABP test, 66 percent go into general pediatric practice and 24 percent go into pediatric subspecialties.
An average of 3,007 pediatricians take the ABP exam every year. Of these, American medical graduates accounted for 82.5 percent and international medical graduates accounted for 17.5 percent. Gender-wise, 40 percent were males and 60 percent were females.
The total number of pediatric residents currently in training programs in the United States is 9,731.
The average age at the time of ABP certification for pediatricians is 32 years for American medical graduates and about 36 years for international medical graduates.
The success of Driscoll's residency program can be attributed largely to the hospital's governing board, administration, faculty and staff, all of whom are dedicated to fostering excellent pediatricians.
"I have been blessed to have the necessary support to create an environment where aspiring physicians can be trained to become the best pediatricians in the world," Dr. Dirksen said. "Driscoll faculty has been outstanding in their commitment to the teaching and mentoring of our residents."
"ABP certification provides a standard of excellence by which the public can select pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists," according to the ABP. "Although certification is voluntary, nearly all qualified pediatricians seek this recognition."
The ABP certification pass rate for pediatric residents at Driscoll Children's Hospital for the past three years has been 98 percent, ranking them in the top 5 percent of the more than 200 pediatric residency programs in the country, said William Dirksen, MD, Driscoll chief of staff. In contrast, the total pass rate for candidates taking the ABP general pediatrics exam in 2009, 2010 and 2011 was 79.1 percent, 76.1 percent and 75.7 percent, respectively, according to the ABP.
The ABP certification exam is a one-day test given to physicians who have finished three years of pediatric residency training. Physicians must have a valid, unrestricted, permanent medical license to be eligible to sit for the test. Certification is valid for seven years after which physicians must recertify by taking the ABP's Program for Maintenance of Certification in Pediatrics recertification exam.
Here are some additional facts from the ABP:
The ABP has certified 77,328 diplomates in general pediatrics and 14,707 in pediatric subspecialties.
Among the pediatricians who take the ABP test, 66 percent go into general pediatric practice and 24 percent go into pediatric subspecialties.
An average of 3,007 pediatricians take the ABP exam every year. Of these, American medical graduates accounted for 82.5 percent and international medical graduates accounted for 17.5 percent. Gender-wise, 40 percent were males and 60 percent were females.
The total number of pediatric residents currently in training programs in the United States is 9,731.
The average age at the time of ABP certification for pediatricians is 32 years for American medical graduates and about 36 years for international medical graduates.
The success of Driscoll's residency program can be attributed largely to the hospital's governing board, administration, faculty and staff, all of whom are dedicated to fostering excellent pediatricians.
"I have been blessed to have the necessary support to create an environment where aspiring physicians can be trained to become the best pediatricians in the world," Dr. Dirksen said. "Driscoll faculty has been outstanding in their commitment to the teaching and mentoring of our residents."
Driscoll's Cottage Shop voted no. 1 among consignment stores
December 14, 2012
The Cottage Shop staff includes (left to right) Dot Van Burkleo, Rosemary Fischer, Mary Jo Slaughter, Lin Orser, Yen Doan, Susan Quiroz (manager), Kathy Jenkin, Kelly Reynolds, Mathilde Schneider, Daniel Gunn and Sue Swanson.
"The staff was super excited, proud and surprised," said Lizette Saenz, director of Volunteer Services at Driscoll. "They had no idea this was going to happen. The Cottage Shop has come a long way from its beginnings as a small room in the basement of the hospital to a brand new building with more than 1,300 square feet."
The Cottage Shop offers gently used and new merchandise at bargain prices, including men's, women's and children's clothing, toys, household items and collectibles. The store's first priority is to provide clothes and necessities to patients and their families who are in need, and 100 percent of the proceeds from sales go back to the hospital.
The store's success is due simply to a hardworking group of volunteers and staff, Saenz said.
"They give to the Cottage Shop with all their heart. The shop looks amazing and is always neat and organized, thanks to the leadership of the manager, Susan Quiroz."
The Cottage Shop accepts donations of new and gently used items. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call (361) 694-5800.
Organ donors, their families honored at Driscoll ceremony
November 19, 2012
Dr. Karl Serrao, critical care intensivist, speaks to families of organ donors at a ceremony honoring them and their loved ones Nov. 10 at Driscoll Children's Hospital.
"It is essential to recognize these children who became organ donors and their families who allowed this gift to happen," said Karl Serrao, MD, critical care intensivist at Driscoll. "The donors have left a lasting and indelible legacy and we at Driscoll Children's Hospital want to celebrate with the families. These organ donors are heroes, as they are saving lives."
As of Nov. 14, 10 donors at Driscoll Children's Hospital have saved the lives of more than 40 other people, Dr. Serrao said.
This was Driscoll's second ceremony honoring organ donors and their families. In 2010, a ceremony was held to unveil the hospital's Organ Donor Wall, on which the names of the donors are inscribed on floating dandelion seeds. Dr. Serrao said he hopes to have an organ donor ceremony annually and raise awareness in the community about the importance of organ donation.
"We want to encourage everyone to be inspired by these children and their families to become a registered donor."
Those who wish to become organ donors can register at www.donatelifetexas.org, Dr. Serrao added.
Hopkins shares facial reconstruction knowledge at conference
October 17, 2012
Hopkins
Almond named president-elect of Transplantation Society
September 21, 2012
Almond
Research by Driscoll residents & physicians gains national, international recognition
June 22, 2012
CORPUS CHRISTI - An abstract written by Driscoll Children's Hospital resident Sanjeet Panda, MD and co-authored by Driscoll physicians Stephen Almond, MD, Mohammad Emran, MD, Haroon Patel, MD, Juan Prieto, MD and Leon Smith-Harrison, MD has been accepted for presentation at the 2012 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans Oct. 20-23 and the XVII Ibero-American Society for Pediatric Urology Meeting Sept. 4-8 in Cartagena, Colombia. Research for Dr. Panda's abstract, titled "Surgical Management for the Palpable Undescended Testicle: Scrotal or Inguinal Approach?," was conducted at Driscoll Children's Hospital.
Dr. Panda, Driscoll resident Grace Lucas, MD and Dr. Prieto also collaborated on two abstracts, "Scrotal Approach for Definitive Management of Cryptorchidism and Communicating Hydrocele in Children" and "Effects of Urethroplasty Suturing Technique in Primary Tubularized Incised Plate (TIP) Hypospadias Repair," both of which have been accepted for presentation at the 91st annual meeting of the South Central Section- American Urological Association Oct. 24-27 in Colorado Springs, Colo., as well as the XVII Ibero-American Society for Pediatric Urology Meeting in Cartagena.
In addition, Driscoll resident Karen Tuano, MD was named the first place winner in the 2012 Texas Pediatric Society Fellow and Resident Poster Contest for her poster in the Evidence Based Medicine/Quality of Improvement category, titled "Preliminary Study on Control of Asthma in Children 6-11 Years Old Who Visit the Emergency Department at Driscoll Children's Hospital." Residents Monika Bhagat, MD, Mavie Narcise, MD and Shuya Wu, MD were contributors to the project. Also, resident Devasena Iyer, MD received second place for her poster in the same category, titled "WAT-1 vs. SOS: Determination of Iatrogenic Withdrawal in the ICU, a Pilot Study." Driscoll physician Kevin Schooler, MD, PhD served as Dr. Iyer's advisor.
Dr. Panda, Driscoll resident Grace Lucas, MD and Dr. Prieto also collaborated on two abstracts, "Scrotal Approach for Definitive Management of Cryptorchidism and Communicating Hydrocele in Children" and "Effects of Urethroplasty Suturing Technique in Primary Tubularized Incised Plate (TIP) Hypospadias Repair," both of which have been accepted for presentation at the 91st annual meeting of the South Central Section- American Urological Association Oct. 24-27 in Colorado Springs, Colo., as well as the XVII Ibero-American Society for Pediatric Urology Meeting in Cartagena.
In addition, Driscoll resident Karen Tuano, MD was named the first place winner in the 2012 Texas Pediatric Society Fellow and Resident Poster Contest for her poster in the Evidence Based Medicine/Quality of Improvement category, titled "Preliminary Study on Control of Asthma in Children 6-11 Years Old Who Visit the Emergency Department at Driscoll Children's Hospital." Residents Monika Bhagat, MD, Mavie Narcise, MD and Shuya Wu, MD were contributors to the project. Also, resident Devasena Iyer, MD received second place for her poster in the same category, titled "WAT-1 vs. SOS: Determination of Iatrogenic Withdrawal in the ICU, a Pilot Study." Driscoll physician Kevin Schooler, MD, PhD served as Dr. Iyer's advisor.
Moreida earns orthopedic specialist certification
June 22, 2012
Moreida
Driscoll volunteer chosen from 1,500 for statewide award
June 13, 2012
Richard 'Dick' Hinman has brought smiles to children for 18 years
CORPUS CHRISTI - When it comes to receiving awards for exceptional service as a volunteer, Richard "Dick" Hinman thinks there's one person who doesn't deserve one: himself. Despite his belief, Hinman, a volunteer at Driscoll Children's Hospital, has been chosen from about 1,500 nominees as the first statewide recipient of the Home Instead Senior Care's Salute to Senior Service Award. The award will be presented to him at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in Driscoll's cardiology conference room.
"I'm flattered, but we have an awful lot of volunteers here who are more deserving than I am," said Hinman, 81, who has been a member of the Auxiliary to Driscoll Children's Hospital since 1994.
Hinman was first chosen as the winner of Home Instead's local award and just recently learned that he is the statewide winner. The organization's Salute to Senior Service Award program is designed to recognize retired senior volunteers who make a difference every day in their communities.
"These unsung heroes are making a bigger impact than ever as local budgets evaporate and community needs escalate," said Dr. M. Retta Martin of Home Instead Senior Care in Corpus Christi, who helped select Hinman for the award. "Dick's longevity as a volunteer made him stand out, as did the fact that he almost does it full time. We know that without volunteers, many organizations couldn't do what they do."
Hinman said with a laugh that he may cut back his volunteer hours to 25 or 30 hours a week. In total, he has given more than 29,000 hours of volunteer service at Driscoll - equaling more than 1,600 hours a year.
But the retired petrochemical worker and engineering specialist is having too much fun. He maintains an infectious smile at Driscoll Children's Hospital and is known for cheering up patients with stories, antics and magic tricks.
"I've been told I'm in my second childhood," Hinman said. "But I don't think I ever left my first childhood. I'm just a big kid."
While the services of all of Driscoll's volunteers are equally appreciated and valued, Hinman's rapport with children is something special, said Lizette Saenz, director of Volunteer Services.
"Dick is deserving of the Salute to Senior Service Award for so many reasons. He makes the hospital experience pleasant and sometimes even fun for the children he encounters. At the same time, he genuinely cares about the patients and respects them and their families."
With characteristic humility, Hinman said the smile of a child is the only reward he needs for his 18 years of service at Driscoll Children's Hospital.
"When a parent says to me, 'That's the first time my son or daughter has smiled in a long time,' that's a pretty big paycheck."
What: Home Instead Senior Care's Salute to Senior Service Award presentation for Richard "Dick" Hinman
When: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 14
Where: Driscoll Children's Hospital, cardiology conference room, 2nd floor, 3533 S. Alameda St.
CORPUS CHRISTI - When it comes to receiving awards for exceptional service as a volunteer, Richard "Dick" Hinman thinks there's one person who doesn't deserve one: himself. Despite his belief, Hinman, a volunteer at Driscoll Children's Hospital, has been chosen from about 1,500 nominees as the first statewide recipient of the Home Instead Senior Care's Salute to Senior Service Award. The award will be presented to him at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in Driscoll's cardiology conference room.
"I'm flattered, but we have an awful lot of volunteers here who are more deserving than I am," said Hinman, 81, who has been a member of the Auxiliary to Driscoll Children's Hospital since 1994.
Hinman was first chosen as the winner of Home Instead's local award and just recently learned that he is the statewide winner. The organization's Salute to Senior Service Award program is designed to recognize retired senior volunteers who make a difference every day in their communities.
"These unsung heroes are making a bigger impact than ever as local budgets evaporate and community needs escalate," said Dr. M. Retta Martin of Home Instead Senior Care in Corpus Christi, who helped select Hinman for the award. "Dick's longevity as a volunteer made him stand out, as did the fact that he almost does it full time. We know that without volunteers, many organizations couldn't do what they do."
Hinman said with a laugh that he may cut back his volunteer hours to 25 or 30 hours a week. In total, he has given more than 29,000 hours of volunteer service at Driscoll - equaling more than 1,600 hours a year.
But the retired petrochemical worker and engineering specialist is having too much fun. He maintains an infectious smile at Driscoll Children's Hospital and is known for cheering up patients with stories, antics and magic tricks.
"I've been told I'm in my second childhood," Hinman said. "But I don't think I ever left my first childhood. I'm just a big kid."
While the services of all of Driscoll's volunteers are equally appreciated and valued, Hinman's rapport with children is something special, said Lizette Saenz, director of Volunteer Services.
"Dick is deserving of the Salute to Senior Service Award for so many reasons. He makes the hospital experience pleasant and sometimes even fun for the children he encounters. At the same time, he genuinely cares about the patients and respects them and their families."
With characteristic humility, Hinman said the smile of a child is the only reward he needs for his 18 years of service at Driscoll Children's Hospital.
"When a parent says to me, 'That's the first time my son or daughter has smiled in a long time,' that's a pretty big paycheck."
What: Home Instead Senior Care's Salute to Senior Service Award presentation for Richard "Dick" Hinman
When: 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 14
Where: Driscoll Children's Hospital, cardiology conference room, 2nd floor, 3533 S. Alameda St.