health care heroes 2015

APRIL 9, 2015

Honoring local health care professionals who make a difference in the Coastal Bend

PRESENTED BY:

AsCorpusChristigrowsanddiversies, thevitalhealthcareinfrastructure of our citymustdo the same.At Christus Spohn Health

System, we have a long his-tory of anticipating the healthcare needs of our communityand providing the services tomeet those needs. On July 26,1905, the doors of the very rstSpohnHospitalopenedonNorthBeach. The Sisters of the Incar-nate Word were there to greetandcare for therstpatient.Dr.ArthurE.Spohnwasthere

too. It was he who had the vi-siontobuildahospitalwherehecouldcareforthe7,000residentsof Corpus Christi. From thosesmall beginnings, todaywe op-erate Christus SpohnHospitalsinAlice,Beeville,CorpusChristi

and Kingsville, and servemorefamiliesintheCoastalBendthananyotherhealth careprovider.ChristusSpohnFamilyHealth

Centers offer convenient pri-maryhealthcare,closetohome,with centers throughout SouthTexas. Our Cancer Centers inAlice,AransasPass,BeevilleandCorpusChristiincludingCa-lallenalsooffertherightcare,righthere.Since 1996, Christus Spohn

Health System has also operat-edwhat is nowChristus SpohnHospitalCorpusChristi-Memo-rial for theNuecesCountyHos-pital District, fullling not onlythe vision of Dr. Spohn and the

Sisters of the Incarnate Word,but the Hospital Districts mis-sion of providing health carefor all.In the Christus Spohn facili-

ties of today, Coastal Bend resi-dentsandvisitorscandependontheonlyLevelIITraumaCentersouth of San Antonio; a nation-ally recognized stroke center;an accredited chest pain center,a top-rated residency programtraining the doctors of tomor-row; a regional cancer centernetwork, dedicatedcommunitysupport groups; and anonprotfoundation to support the sys-tems growth; all staffed by ex-traordinary physicians, nurses,clinicians and associates, thou-sands of people who call SouthTexashome.This year, Christus Spohn

Health System has embarkedon an exciting new journey totransformthehealthcareof theCoastal Bend for generationsto come. Its called Our PATHForward, a $325 million proj-ect which will rise to meet thegrowing needs of our expand-ing community. PATH standsfor People and Actions Trans-forming Health care. Our un-precedented investment fromChristus Health will create anultramodern hospital tower, anewTraumaCenteratChristusSpohnHospitalCorpusChristi-Shoreline;and, thenewDr.Hec-tor P. Garcia Memorial FamilyHealthCenter toprovideawidespectrum of care for CorpusChristi families, while honor-ing one of the regions greatestleadersandabelovedphysician.

We at Christus Spohn areproud of our history of servingCoastal Bend residents, and areexcited about the growth andopportunities to come. Chris-tus Spohnwill continue to pro-videcompassionatecare for theneedsofourcommunity,stayonthecuttingedgeofmedicaltech-nology,fosteradedicatedanddi-verseworkforceandplanforthefuture growth of South Texas.Wewill continue transformingourselvesaswetransformhealthcare inCorpusChristias theCoastal Bend grows, ChristusSpohn Health System will beready and willing to serve thecommunity. Thank you for al-lowingus tobeyourhealthcareproviderofchoice,andforbeingapartofourcontinuingcommit-ment to serveourcommunity.

Christus SpohnHealthSystem, regionhavedeveloped together

HealthCareHeroes2 Thursday, April 9, 2015 Caller-Times

Contents

3 Strong bond with doctorsbenets patients

4-5 Physicians Excellence inHealth Care Award

8 Dental Excellence in HealthCare Award

9-10 Administrative Excellence inHealth Care Award

11 Nurses Excellence in HealthCare Award

12-13 Community Outreach Award14,16 Health Care Professional

Award

17 Choosing winners a tough taskfor panel of judges

19 Complete list of nominees

We are fortunate to havethousandsof excellent health-care professionals taking careof ushere in theCoastal Bend.They are our unsung heroes.Most of themwill tell you thecare, compassionate and ex-pertise they provide are justpart of the job. We know itsmore than that.Health Care Heroes have a

purpose:Tohelp,heal,comfortand save lives. They put oth-ers before themselves. Theysee problems and solve them.They are individuals and or-ganizations who truly makea difference in the health andwell-being of our community.Health Care Heroes is a

programof theCorpusChristiCaller-Times that recognizesexcellence in care and serviceand educates the communityaboutbestpracticestoenhancethe value and quality care inthe Coastal Bend area. This

is our third annual celebra-tion for recognizing their out-standing work and contribu-tions. We would like to thankour sponsors for joining us torecognize the great work andservice of our health care in-dustry.There were more than 100

nominations inourrstHealthCareHeroesevent.Allof thesenominationswerereviewedbya panel of community judges,whoselected 18nalists (threein each of our six categories).An overall winner in each ofthe six categories will be an-

nounced at awards ceremonyluncheon onTuesday, April 14at theSolomonP.OrtizCenter.Our overallwinnerswill be

featured in a full page adver-tisement in the Sunday, April19, editionof theCaller-Times.Please joinus in thankingALLof our health care profession-als.

Honoring theheroes among us

STEVEARNOLD

V.P./MARKETING

Health CareHeroes have apurpose: To help,heal, comfort andsave lives. Theyput others beforethemselves. Theysee problems andsolve them.

HealthCareHeroes

3

Thursday, April 9, 2015 Caller-Times

By DaynaWorchel

Special to the Caller-Times

velynNicolheardsomehealthnewsthatwould

have frightenedmany, if not all.

She had a few months to live, doctors told

her.Avalve inherheartneededtobereplaced,

and she was not a candidate for open heart

surgery because shewas too old.

Nicol, 93, said she livedwith thepossibility

of imminentdeath foracoupleofyears. Itwas

her faithandher relationshipwithherdoctors

that pushed her through the troubling time,

she said.

ImastrongChristianandthatdidntupset

me. Id had a good life, said the positive and

cheerfulNicolduringarecent interviewinher

living room.

Studies have shownabondwith a doctor is

a strong benefit to a patients well-being and

dispositionintryingcircumstances.Theapple

adaymaykeep thedoctor away, butwhen the

physician is a staple indaily life, anopen,hon-

est and sincere relationship with the patient

proves helpful.

Nicol in 2014 learned of a new procedure

being pioneered inCorpusChristi to help pa-

tients likeher,calledtranscatheteraorticvalve

replacement or TAVR. Nicols cardiologists,

Dr. Shamim Badruddin-Mawji and Dr. Sri-

kanthDamaraju told her about theprocedure

and said she would be the perfect patient to

have it. In fact, Nicol would be the first in the

city to have it if she consented.

It tooksomepersuasionfromfamily, friends

andherminister, butNicoldid theprocedure,

which involves inserting a catheter through

the patients groin, opening the bad heart

valve, and replacing it with a valve made of

mesh with a steel lining while the patient is

sedated.Once thevalve is functioning, thepa-

tient can go home within 24 to 48 hours, Dr.

Badruddin said.

Evelyn Nichol, 93, with

Dr. Shamim Badruddin-

Mawji, the cardiologist

who performed a new

procedure on her to

replace a valve in her

heart. I know if I had

a real problem I could

call Dr. Badruddin ...

shes very encouraging

and made me feel like

I was stronger than I

am, Nicol said.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Strong bondwith doctorS

ServeS to benefit patientS

e

See BOND, 6

HealthCareHeroes

4


Physicians Excellence

inHealthCareAward

Honors a physician such as family physician,

pediatrician, OB/GYN, psychiatry, osteopathy,

chiropractic, anesthesiology, oncology, cardiol-

ogy, neurosurgery, etc. whose performance is

considered exemplary by patients and peers.

Dr. Rob Sherron

CORPUS CHRISTI FAMILY MEDICINE

I started to see Dr. Sherron when our

insurance changed and I had to switch

physicians. Once I met him and his staff

the rst time, I knew right then I would

never switch doctors again.

Our insurance changed again two

years ago and I refused to leave his

practice. I have all my family, friends

and co-workers seeing him and they all

say the same thing. He is such a hum-

ble, loving, straight to the point doctor.

There was a point in my life that if

it wasnt for him I would be in a hor-

rible place at this time. I didnt want

to disappoint him in anyway so I did exactly what he told me to do

(doctors orders). He will sit down with you and explain everything

to you like if you were a part of his family. If I could do more for Dr.

Sherron and his staff I would any day!

Nominated by: Nancy Meru

Dr. Runo H. Gonzalez

CHRISTUS SPOHN HEALTH SYSTEM

A majority of South Texans who have been

hospitalized for an injury would agree that Dr.

Runo H. Gonzalez is deserving of the high-

est honor. But what is it about his character

that has made him one of the most well known

surgeons in this

area?

Ive witnessed

Dr. Gonzalez in

his realm the

operating room.

His focus is

almost unsettling

while he stands

for hours over

a table, drill in

hand, determined

that his patient

will stand on this

temporarily shat-

tered leg. As I

watch, he grins

at me for the rst

time in three

hours saying that we are halfway done and per-

haps I should go get some coffee.

Dr. Gonzalez has rarely made it through a

dinner out that does not involve a past patient,

client, colleague or golf partner recognizing

and thanking him for his service to their fam-

ily. This results when you devote most of your

life to operating. Even now in his rst few

strides to retirement, he can hardly stay away

from the hospital, not by his own will but the

invaluable nature of his expertise.

A solid work ethic has certainly inuenced

Dr. Gonzalezs accomplishments. Aside from

his many success stories in the medical eld

he has made it to every basketball game and

graduation without being pulled away.

Nominated by: Amelia Gonzalez

Board Certified Internal Medicine

Open Saturdays 8am-3pm

Monday-Friday 7am-6pm

Thank You Corpus Christi

for your nomination as a Health Care Hero!

yyyyyyy yyyyy pppp

361-906-2121

www.marioamartinezmd.com

Welcoming New Patients. Call for an appointment today!

4914 Greenwood Dr.

Corpus Christi

115 Northshore Blvd.

Portland

3829 Saratoga Blvd.

Corpus Christi

4621 S.Staples St.

(Across from King High School)

Mario A. Martinez, M.D.

CAL491665

HealthCareHeroes

5



inHealthCareAward

Honors a physician such as family physician,

pediatrician, OB/GYN, psychiatry, osteopathy,

chiropractic, anesthesiology, oncology, cardiol-

ogy, neurosurgery, etc. whose performance is

considered exemplary by patients and peers.

Dr. Marsha Allen

HEALTH BY DESIGN AT VALERO REFINERY CORPUS CHRISTI

Dr.MarshaAllen is a board certied family

physicianwho practicesmedicine atValero

CorpusChristi reneries as part ofHealth by

Design. AtValero, employeewellness, especial-

ly safety, is theNo. 1 priority. Themore than 800

Valero employees are extremely blessed to have

on-sitewellness/medical clinicwithDr. Allen

as our physician.

While she does focus on helpingValero

employees live healthier lifestyles, she treats

chronicmedical problems,minor injuries and

othermore acute problems. This ismy primary

reason in nominatingDr. Allen.

There are countless examples of howDr.

Allen helpedValero employeeswhowere totally

unaware of an underlying seriousmedical issue.

Shewas able to diagnose and help treat orwork

alongside specialists in ensuring our employees

were brought back to health and recovery!

Her extensivemedical background from the

College ofWilliam andMary, theMedical Col-

lege ofVirginia and internships and resident

programs are a valuable resource in helping to

diagnose and treat employees. Her expertise,

compassion and genuine care for her patients,

ourValero employees,make her an idealHealth

CareHero.

Nominated by: LillianRiojas

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CAL491696


Its been almost a year sincetheprocedure and she says sheis happy she did it. She goes tochurchandenjoyshertimewithfriendsandfamily.Nicolcreditsthe relationship with her doc-tors as a big factor to her heal-ing.I know if I had a real prob-

lem I could call Dr. Badruddin... shes very encouraging andmademefeel likeIwasstrongerthan I am,Nicol said.The doctor gaveNicol hope

and told her she could still livewell despite her age, Nicolsaid.She laughs a lot, and shes

very concerned and very intel-ligent. She accepts you thewayyou are with all of your prob-lems and peculiarities, Nicolsaidwith a smile.Dr. Badruddin returns the

warm feelings, saying shethinks of Nicol as if she werefamily.The doctor said as Nicol

relaxed on the operating tablewaitingfor theproceduretobe-gin, she turned to Dr. Badrud-din and Dr. Damarju and saidsomething very inspiring andincredible.She said, Even if theres a

bad outcome, youll learn fromit, Dr. Badruddin said as hervoice grewemotional.In 2014, the Empathy and

Relational Science Program atMassachusetts General Hospi-talconductedananalysisofsev-eral studies,which investigatedmeasures designed to improvehealth professionals relation-shipswith patients.The report concluded that

positive interactions betweenthe health care professionalsand patients can have as muchbenefitastakingadailyaspirinto prevent a heart attack.Breast cancer patient Julie

Galbraith, 56, also knows first-handhowvital it is to have thatpositive and friendly relation-ship. In fact, sheworkedwith ateam of doctors from the timehercancerwasdiscovereduntil

BONDfrom 3

Above: Erasmo De La Rosa (left) acceptsa recognition from Kris Hungate, cardio-vascular care coordinator at ChristusSpohn Hospital Shoreline, during a reunionFeb. 27 of patients who underwent a heartvalve procedure and their care team atChristus Spohn Hospital Shoreline.

Rachel Denny clow/calleR-Times file

Left: Dr. Travis Thompson (from left), JulieGalbraith and Dr. Emile Salloum. Galbraithwent in for a routine mammogram as apart of her annual exam with Dr. KathleenRasmussen and breast cancer wasdiscovered. Galbraith worked with a teamof doctors from the time her cancer wasdiscovered until her remission.

conTRiBUTeD PhoTo

SeeRELATIONSHIP, 7

HealthCareHeroes

7


her remission.

I think the relationships

were key. They gave me the

confidencetoget throughtreat-

ment,Galbraith said.

After a routine mammo-

gram showed a problem area,

Galbraith said itwasher obste-

trician-gynecologist Dr. Kath-

leen Rasmussen who sent her

to surgeons, radiologists, and

pathologists. Theyworked as a

team inGalbraiths care.

Inmyexperience, theywere

able to meet me where I was.

Godputme in the rightplaceat

the right time,Galbraith said.

Dr. Rasmussen said she and

Galbraithhaveagood relation-

shipandhaveknowneachother

for some time. The doctor said

the power of themind andmu-

tual trust are the most impor-

tant elements for the patient to

heal successfully.

Somuchofhealingdepends

on that relationship. You have

to feel thephysician is there for

you,Dr. Rasmussen said.

She stressed the importance

of the doctor andpatientwork-

ing as a teams and partners in

treatment rather than the pa-

ternalistic relationships of the

past.

Galbraith said she never felt

rushedbyDr.Rasmussenorby

any of her other doctors.

I had confidence in the

whole team, she said.

RELATIONSHIP

from 6

Rachel Denny clow/calleR-Times file

Ray Martinez (from left), territory manager for Edwards Life Science, and Crystal Moseley, clinical coordinator of cardiovascular services

at Christus Spohn Hospital Shoreline, talk with Evelyn Nicol and Ed Shackelford during a reunion Feb. 27 of patients who underwent a

heart valve procedure and their care team at Christus Spohn Hospital Shoreline. Nicol was the first patient and Shackelford the 20th to

undergo the procedure.

So much of

healing depends on

that relationship.

You have to feel the

physician is there

for you.

Dr. Kathleen Rasmussen,

obstetrician-gynecologist

CAL491716

HealthCareHeroes

8


Dental Excellence in

HealthCareAward

Honors a dentist such as General Dentistry,

Cosmetic Dentistry, Orthodontics, Endodontics,

Periodontics, etc. whose performance is con-

sidered exemplary by patients and peers.

Dr. Charles H. Moore

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Dr. Charles Moore has a very compassionate heart and takes the

time to get acquainted with his patients when they come in for sched-

uled dental work. He is caring, explains procedures very clearly, offers

options and devotes a lot of time to creating relationships.

He has a good rapport with children and sets them at ease. His passion

for good dental care has carried over into mission trips he has taken to

various countries, providing equipment, supplies and dental work at no

expense.

He is very thorough in promoting dental health and regular dental

check-ups. Dr. Moore always has a smile on his face; and enjoys his

work.

Nominated by: Ruth G. Aipperspach

Dr. Tilman Richards

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Dr. Richards is upbeat and friendly. He

tells you what needs to be done and how

he will do it. He makes you feel at ease

(being I am a bit scared of dentists, its

not easy). While he is working on your

teeth, he makes sure that you dont feel

any pain and is very informative at what

he is about to do. Dr Richards office staff

is awesome as well.

Nominated by: Shirley Martin

Dr. Vincent Morin Jr.

GENERAL DENTISTRY

I want everyone to know that I have the

best dentist anyone could hope for. Dr.

Morins office is so amazing and his staff is

so incredible they actually make my dental

experiences pleasant.

Dr. Morin is very professional, thorough

and nice. He is very patient and answers all

my questions. I never have to spend hours

in the waiting room because he never over-

books his patients. He makes sure he has

plenty of time for each patient and never

rushes anything.

I have always heard stories about the pain

my friends suffer with their procedures, but

with Dr. Morin I have had several dental

issues but I never experienced any pain. I

will continue to trust Dr. Morin with my

dental health in a totally anxiety-free envi-

ronment.

I really love to smile and want to do so

without any worries, and Dr. Morin helps

make it happen.

Nominated by: Connie V. Hinojosa

His passion for good dental care has

carried over into mission trips he has taken

to various countries, providing equipment,

supplies and dental work at no expense.

Ruth G. Aipperspach

HealthCareHeroes

9


Maribel Ochoa

NURSE MANAGER, CHRISTUS SPOHN MEMORIAL

Maribel has demonstrated the core values we hold high in our organization:

Dignity in demonstrating respect in her staff and patients. Assisting in helping the

underserved and any special concerns.

Her patient satisfaction in the unit has been the highest in the hospital. Integrity

in that her staff trusts that she will be behind them when they are in need, such as

help with staffing, and any concerns that they or the patients may need.

(She has) excellence in expecting best practices from her staff and demonstrating

the standards that need to be completed. (She uses) compassion every day with all

she does for her staff and the community in which we serve. (She exhibits) stew-

ardship in making sure the staff and patients have what is needed to better serve

each role.

Maribel has demonstrated over the months high standards in patient care, safety,

quality outcomes, and has grown as a leader. We are very proud to have her on our

team and appreciate all she has done for our patients and associates.

Nominated by: Deborah DeAlejandro

AdministrativeExcellence

inHealthCareAward

Honors a health care staff member or manager

who provides outstanding customer service,

assistance and extra-special care and whose

performance and leadership are considered

exemplary by patients and peers

on your nomination as a

Health Care Hero!

CAL491709

(361) 854-0811

601 Texan Trail, 3rd Floor

Corpus Christi, Texas 78411

SouthTexasBoneAndJoint.com

Congratulations

Charles W. Breckenridge M.D.

Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, Shoulder & Knee Surgery

CAL491709

CAL467057

What began as a small Texas energy business 34 years ago is now the worlds largest

independent rener, an international manufacturer and marketer of transportation fuels,

other petrochemical products and power. As an industry leader in America and abroad,

Valero is proud to employ 10,500 hard-working individuals with incredible dedication.

At Valero, career development and training are not just initiatives.

They are part of how we do business every day.

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AdministrativeExcellence

inHealthCareAward

Honors a health care staff member or manager

who provides outstanding customer service,

assistance and extra-special care and whose

performance and leadership are considered

exemplary by patients and peers

HealthCareHeroes

10


Jane Dykes

GUEST HOUSE COORDINATOR, CHRISTUS SPOHN SHORELINE

Jane is the Coordinator of The Kieschnick Guest House at Spohn Shore-

line. The Kieschnick House provides the family of hospital patients a place

to stay while their loved ones are in the hospital. The job of the guesthouse

is to provide a home away from home.

Jane has the job of seeing to this guest-

house. But, it is not a job to her, it is a mis-

sion. Jane does all the day to day operations

of the house. But it is not just the day to day

operations that make her a hero.

From the time you walk into the guest-

house, her mission begins. Jane takes such

care to make each person feel at ease, asks

about our family members and asks What

can I do to make things easier for you?

She sets your mind at ease and calms and

soothes you. Before you know it, you feel at

home.

When I say day to day operations, it

encompasses quite a lot. She always puts

peoples comfort rst. I have seen her clean-

ing rooms, feeding people, helping people

with laundry, visiting the patients in the hospital and praying with us. All

of this in addition to her day to day job duties.

My husband has been hospitalized 18 times at Shoreline. Without Janes

help, I doubt I could function. She is my safety net, I can call her cellphone

and she is there to welcome me. One time I called her at 11 p.m. and, sure

enough, she came to greet me and give me a room.

My husband was hospitalized for Easter and Christmas last year. It is

tough when you have to spend holidays at the hospital. It was made easier

by Janes efforts. I came to the house after a long day at the hospital on Eas-

ter Sunday. I went to my room and on the bed was a beautiful Easter Basket

made by Jane. It touched my heart dearly. At Christmas, Jane decorated

each of our room doors.

While Jane works tirelessly for our comfort she also serves the com-

munity in many ways. Her efforts with the homeless shelter, pet rescue

and toy drives for the community. She even involves her co-workers in her

efforts to help the community. With health care changing every day it is

comforting to have someone like Jane that cares and puts people rst.

Heroes dont always wear capes, sometimes they just wear a name tag

that says I CARE, I AMHERE FOR YOU!

Nominated by: Susan Harper

Debra Townzen

ADMISSIONS MANAGER,

CHARLIES PLACE RECOVERY CENTER

Debbie is a tireless advocate for the patients

we serve. Most of those entering our doors are

very sick and denitely not in the best of moods,

but she always has

a smile and kind

word for them.

She has trained

her staff to do the

same.

Addiction treat-

ment is not a pret-

ty part of health

care, and most of

our patients have

very little support

when they enter

treatment. Debbie

provides support

and love and gives

hope for a better

future to each per-

son she speaks to.

Debbies job is quite stressful. She is respon-

sible for keeping the facility full and scheduling

all admissions, seven days per week. Her phone

rings at all hours of the day and night with calls

from those seeking help.

In 15 years, I have never heard her speak rudely

to a patient or family member. She also manages

our wait list, which can be six to eight weeks. She

is able to keep patients on the wait list motivated

and to not give up on receiving help.

Throughout her career, Debbie has worked in

a number of different departments throughout

the agency, so when we are short-handed, she is

always there to offer support. Debbie gives self-

lessly to patients and staff. Her positive attitude,

exemplary work ethic, and willingness to be a

true servant leader demonstrate excellence and

set the standard for other staff on a daily basis.

Nominated by: Amy Granberry

HealthCareHeroes 11Thursday, April 9, 2015 Caller-Times

NursesExcellenceinHealthCareAward

Honors an individual from the nursing eld such as RN, LPN, CNAwhose performance isconsidered exemplary by patients and peers.

KrisHungateCARDIOVASCULARCARECOORDINATOR,RNPCCN-CMC, CHRISTUSSPOHNHEALTHSYSTEMKristineHungate has been a registered

nurse for over three decadeswith themajor-ity of those yearscaring for thepatientswithcardiac / cardio-vascular disease.Her nursing

background runsfrombedsidenurse, to chargenurse to patientand nursing edu-cator. She is nowtheChest PainCenter andCar-diovascular Carecoordinator forChristus SpohnHealth Systemwith numerousresponsibilities.Her greatest joy is the opportunity to edu-

cate the public on heart disease, preventionand intervention. On a daily basis, Kristineworks to educate staff at Christus Spohn, butfrequently she is a guest lecturer. Her pre-sentation, When theHeart Attacks, teachespeople to understand the fundamentals andthe beauty of their heart, all it does, whathappenswhen distress signs and symptomsappear and,most importantly, what they needto do.I have attended her classes and observed

howher passionate speeches encourage indi-viduals to be aware of heart attackwarningsigns and distress signals. Each person seemsto grasp the information and feel empoweredwith the knowledge that they could save a co-worker, neighbor or love-one. Kris saves lives she is truly a healing hero.

Nominatedby: LindaRiderArnold

Mary SmithwickSCHOOLNURSE/LVN,CCISD/SOLOMONCOLESHIGHSCHOOLMarySmithwick is a highlyproductivenurse at this

timeat SolomonM.ColesH.S. andTeenMother School.She is verydiligent in comprehensive care formore than400 students, including teen agemothers and their babies.We atColes know themajor impact her nursingwork

makes. She is and has been in nursing for 30 years. Sheattended the LVNprogramatDelMarCollege. Her rstjobwas atDoctorsHospitalwhere sheworked at differ-ent oors, and she receivedmuch experience fromhav-ingworked the different oorswith differentmedicalillnesses.Afterworking atDoctorsHospital for eight years she

went on towork at theNuecesHealthDepartment, where she administered immu-nizations to children attending school, and after ve yearswas hired towork at RayHigh School. Sheworked at Ray for 10 years and transferred toColes.Mary plans tostay at Coles until she retires and says she loves it here at Coles. She feels very blessedto beworkingwith such awonderful caring staff that she considers as family.Nominatedby:Dr.GloriaScott

MichelleWestonRN, CHRISTUSSPOHNCANCERCENTERMichelleWeston, registered nurse forChristus Spohn

CancerCenter, took excellent care ofmy twin sister, Jea-netteMarieGutierrez for four years and vemonths. OnJan. 20my sister turned for theworse after radiation andchemo treatment.Michelle called the paramedics to rush Jeanette to the

Christus SpohnEmergencyRoom. Jeanettewas admit-ted toChristus SpohnHospital. On Jan. 27 Jeanettewasto be released but she experienced difficulty breathingand very high heart rate.MichelleWeston just happenedto be visiting Jeanettewhen shewent in distress. Jea-nettewas transferred to the critical unit for a couple ofdays and thenwent home tomyparents for hospice care.My twin sister passed awayFeb. 3.Before Jeanettewas diagnosedwith her terminal illness, her careerwas as a certied

medical assistant and graduatedwith honors. Sheworked at Texas A&M and caredfor her patients. Jeanette knew the special kind of care Michelle demonstratedto her cancer patients. Michelle has compassion, care and love for her patients.All comes from her heart. Jeanette loved Michelle. I strongly nominate MichelleWeston. God Bless ALL our Health Care Heroes.

Nominatedby: JanetMarieSaenz

Victor Betancourt and Gabriel

Lucido, owners and operators

of V Fit, a local tness company,

have made it their mission to help

people. Clients over the years have

put their lives in the hands of Betan-

court and Lucido to make changes;

to live healthier lifestyles; and to

stay alive. They focus on a holistic

approach to wellness beyond the

gym.

They personally invest in the lives

of their clients, and they work out-

side normal business parameters

to make sure that the people who

come to them for help can get help,

regardless of their nancial situa-

tion.

Two years ago, they took a leap

of faith and started a program with

the mission to help kids ght dia-

betes. At no charge, they started

working with the Boys & Girls Club

a few days a week to get them mov-

ing. Their consistent efforts and

personal investment have grown to

include over 125 kids, yoga classes

and a running club. Their passion to

help youngsters ght to stay healthy

started the Kids Get Fit Movement,

a non-prot organization that tar-

gets children who have been identi-

ed by physicians as high-risk, pre-

diabetes individuals and kids who

come from low income households.

Their work, which started as a

volunteer effort to a local after-

school program, has turned into a

gift to the Coastal Bend community

that challenges everyone to make

the future for the kids of our city

healthy and free of diabetes.

Nominated by: Omar Lopez

HealthCareHeroes

12


Community

OutreachAward

Honors a company or organization that reached

out of its normal sphere of operation to focus

attention on a health care issue or help solve a

community problem.

Mission of Mercy

Mission of Mercy restores dignity and Healing

Through Love at mobile clinics, providing free

health care and assistance with medications with

a 40-foot medical RV.

They provide health care to uninsured and

underinsured working families at ve clinic sites

in Corpus Christi, Robstown, Flour Bluff and

Orange Grove. In one year they record more

than 3,000 patient visits, operate 72 clinic days,

assist patients in

acquiring pre-

scription medica-

tions, and raised

over $470,000

for operating

expenses.

Other impor-

tant services

provided through a collaboration with Christus

Spohn included six u shot clinics.

Mission of Mercy accomplishes this through

professional and lay volunteers who donate their

time and skills. Physician volunteers often sign

up to work at the same clinic each month, allow-

ing for development of a strong doctor/patient

relationship. There are 116 lay and professional

volunteers who donate time and services to Mis-

sion of Mercy patients including doctors, physi-

cian assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses.

Other volunteers include interpreters, registra-

tion workers, hospitality workers, drivers and

data entry personnel.

Mission of Mercy would not be able to pro-

vide no-cost medical care without collaboration

from a wide range of community partners. These

include an array of medical specialists, hospi-

tal and private laboratories and pharmaceuti-

cal companies. Thanks to our volunteer-based,

physician-centered model of service, Mission of

Mercy is able to treat large numbers of patients

in a dignied and comprehensive manner with a

small paid staff.

Nominated by: Sherry Bowers

Kid Get Fit Movement / V Fit Training Center

FOUNDED BY VICTOR BETANCOURT AND GABRIEL LUCIDO

Victor Betancourt Gabriel Lucido

CarmenAriasRADIOLOGYASSOCIATES

Carmen Arias

CommunityOutreachAward

Honors a company or organization that reachedout of its normal sphere of operation to focusattention on a health care issue or help solve acommunity problem.


CarmenArias knows the breast cancer statistics are soberingone in eightwomenwill get it in her lifetimeand the onlyway to beat it is to educate the public about earlydetection.Day in and day out, theRadiologyAssociatesMarketingDirector has been on amis-

sion to impart the importance of annualmammograms to bothwomen and themenwholove them.Carmens Smantra she shocks, shares, andmakes you stop and thinkandhopefully schedule amammogram.Time after time, Carmen has comeupwith in-your-face, eye-catching initiatives to get

her point across, remembered and recalled. Fueled by a deep dedication to a healthierCoastal Bend, Carmens creativity is boundlesswhile her non-traditional vehicles areimpactful reaching tens of thousands every year.Operation Empty PinkChair had 200 empty chairs strategically placed in unexpected

places such as businesses, neighborhoods, intersections and rural locales. All were dif-ferentwooden, plastic, softmaterialbut all were comfortable, familiar places that amom, grandmother, aunt, sister or friend used to sit inwhile they lived their diverse livesbefore breast cancer took them.Pink Ladies ladies covered head to toe in spandex, seven in pink, one

inwhite to uniquely illustrate breast cancers statistics. The group hitlocal events and high traffic localeswith their off-beat approachmakingthe numbers very real. The anonymous spandex faces put everywoman inthe statistic resonating It could easily be you.

Nominated by: Deborah Perry

Alameda Oaks is a post-acute facility offering a speciallevel of care tailored to individual goals and needs.

Thank you to all the Health Care Heroes atAlameda Oaks Nursing Center!

We are a team of healthcare professionals,including rehabilitationspecialists, offeringskilled nursing services to our patients andtheir families to ensure their goals for recoveryare achieved.

361.882.2711

CAL4

8732

7

FollowUs!

Choose RadiologyAssociates. Its your choice.

Weareproudofyouforall youdo for the healthandwellness of thousandsof CoastalBendresidents.

CarmenP.AriasDirector ofMarketing

HealthCareHero!ON YOUR NOM INAT ION AS A

ias

CAL487349


HealthCareProfessionalAward

Honors a health care provider other than doctors and nurses suchas home health provider, pharmacist, rst responders, EMTs, socialworker, hospital department staff, physicians assistant, dental as-sistant, radiologist, lab technician and physical therapist whoseperformance is considered exemplary by patients and peers.

FrankMontoyaFIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC, CORPUSCHRISTI FIREDEPARTMENTFrank is a 20-plus-year paramedic with the Corpus Christi Fire Department.After 20 years of providing emergency medical services to the citizens of Corpus

Christi, he continues to exhibit professionalism at the highest level and is looked upto by many of the younger paramedics he mentors.He has been at one of the busiest EMS stations in the country for over 14 years and

never complains. He provides exceptional care to those with both emergent and non-emergent issues.Frank always smiles and communicates compassion to and for his patients. He is

more deserving of this award than anyone I have seen in my 26 years as a CCFD re-ghter.Frank does not complain, he adapts and nd solutions to whatever problem occurs

and is a patients No. 1 advocate regardless of what the issue is or the time of daycalled, he is always there to help.Frank Montoya is the best of the best of what the Corpus Christi Fire Department

has to offer.

Nominated by: Randy Paige

Norma Garcia, LVN, of The Palms Nursing andRehabilitation, L.P., in Corpus Christi, Texas, has beennominated Healthcare Hero for 2015 by a member of thecommunity. She and all the nominees will be honored ata luncheon with other members of the health care community.

Norma began her nursing career at Spohn Hospital in 1973and from there worked for physicians in the community untilcoming to The Palms in 1992. She has served as charge nurse,and is currently the MDS Coordinator.

As MDS Coordinator, she assesses residents andcoordinates residents care to assure they receive the highestquality of care and the maximum benefits available to themfrom our facility and staff as well as resources available in thecommunity. She works closely with their families to meetthe residents and familys needs. Norma enjoys the beach,being outdoors, traveling, and most of all spending time withher family. The Palms is honored to have Norma Garcia as partof our team.

CAL491674

CongratulationsNorma Garcia, LVN

The Palms Nursing and Rehabilitation, L.P.5607 Everhart Rd. Corpus Christi, TX 78411 (361) 854-4601

CAL486939

Crocker Moving & Storage Co. Family Owned for 4 Generations361-884-3511 www.crockermoving.comTxDMV No. 005588650C US DOT No. 136518

Would like to congratulateand all the

Coastal BendHealth CareHeroes!

Find ahome now!Point, click and choose...from local real estate.

HealthCareHeroes

15


FormerFirstLadyLauraBush isdevot-

ing a lot of her life after theWhiteHouse

to improving health care for women in

America and around theworld.

She visited Corpus Christi last month

to share her work through the Laura W.

Bush Institute for Womens Health. The

formerfirst ladyalso jokedabout lifeback

inTexas,where her husband,GeorgeW.,

is adjusting to lifewithoutaWhiteHouse

staff.

At a news conference before her lun-

cheon, Laura Bush spoke about her focus

on womens health issues and her con-

nection with the Texas Tech University

Health SciencesCenter.

Weve done these lunches forwomen

in many of those cities so Im especially

thrilled now to be inCorpus., Bush said.

More than 600 people (at) luncheon so

they can hear about the special needs of

womenandwomenshealthand thegreat

work thatsbeingdoneacrossourstateby

the Laura Bush Institute.

Themulti-campuswomens health in-

stitutehasapresenceinAmarillo,ElPaso,

Lubbock, San Angelo and the Permian

Basin.

The Corpus Christi luncheon, at the

American Bank Center, was organized

and championed by Gloria Hicks, a

member of the Laura W. Bush Institute

for Womens Health National Advisory

Boardandapartner intheEdHicksfamily

of dealerships.

AngelaD.KnappEggers, interimexecu-

tive director, said the institute is fortu-

nate tohave formerFirstLadyLauraBush

asournamesake;endorsingfivecampuses

of the Texas TechUniversity Health Sci-

Former First Lady Laura

W. Bush leaves a news

briefing about the

Texas Tech University

Health Sciences Center

Laura W. Bush Institute

for Womens Health.

She later delivered

an address to about

600 Corpus Christi

residents during an

institute luncheon at

the American Bank

Center. She told

women to protect their

own health. Women

are so busy, taking care

of everyone else, mak-

ing sure their husbands

and their children

and their parents are

healthy that they might

neglect their own

health, Bush said.

CALLER-TIMES FILE PHOTO

Laura Bush institute

Bridges gaps in heaLth

Specific

approach

for

women

sought

See Q&A, 18

Brian Cornejo

PHYSICAL THERAPIST, CHRISTUS SPOHN HEALTH SYSTEM

After a stroke or brain injury, many patients are unable to express them-

selves. I am writing this nomination on behalf of those patients who have

been blessed to work with Brian Cornejo, a doctor of Physical Therapy,

during their recovery.

With specic therapy comes specic outcomes. Physical Therapy

should be very specic, and Brian is inquisitive and carefully considers

patients individual differences and needs. Brian makes every effort to

keep his professional skills and knowledge current.

In addition to taking time to learn the latest techniques for treating

stroke and brain injury, Brian is also a Certied wound care specialist.

During every patient encounter he sets an example for all of those around

him to maintain a high level of professionalism. He provides critical neu-

rological impairment specic mentorship of Physical Therapy students

and new staff.

The Coastal Bend is lucky to have such an awesome physical therapist.

Nominated by: Geneva Kaplan

HealthCareHeroes

16


HealthCare

ProfessionalAward

Honors a health care provider other than doctors and nurses such

as home health provider, pharmacist, rst responders, EMTs, social

worker, hospital department staff, physicians assistant, dental as-

sistant, radiologist, lab technician and physical therapist whose

performance is considered exemplary by patients and peers.

Patricia Ann Garcia

MAMMOGRAPHER, BAY AREA BREAST CENTER

I met Patricia many years ago as a fellow employee at a local hospital X-ray

department for many years. Later we married, so Ive known her from an

employee view as well as husband.

Patricias work ethic and compassion for her patients and fellow employee

is constant and endless and the patient always comes rst. I remember

patients telling me as they get their CT scan done what a wonderful tech she

is.

There are so many stories to tell and not enough words available. When

she is asked for help, her rst response is yes when most people will ask

With what? Always eager to teach the new students coming through the

department. Pat will come home from work so happy because one of her

patients stopped by to say hello. Lucky for me that happens a lot so shes

always in a good mood.

A friend passed away and at the funeral the minister tells this story of

compassion and helping hands. After the funeral Patricia is talking to friends

and the minister asked her if she liked the story, its about you. I go over to a

friends house that was at the funeral and rather than saying hello Im greet-

ed with Your wife is a saint. God only knows? But what I do know is I am a

lucky man, and so is anyone fortunate get her as their tech.

Nominated: Ronnie L. Garcia


By Anissa HernandezSpecial to the Caller-Times

If theycould, thejudgeswouldunanimous-ly award all Health Care Hero nominees anaward.It was a tough choice just picking one

winner in each of the six categories of theCorpusChristiCaller-Times annualHealthCareHeroesprogram.However,onewinnerwill be revealed during the award banquetonTuesday.The community panel of judges this

year includedNancyWesson-Dodd, pres-ident/CEO YWCA; Tony Elizondo, vicepresident of SatelliteOperationsBigBroth-ers Big Sisters of South Texas; BaldemarGarcia, Jr., H-E-B pharmacy trainer GulfCoast/border; Teresa Rodriguez, presi-dent and CEO Corpus Christi HispanicChamber of Commerce; and CatrinaWil-son, president andCEOUnitedWay of theCoastal Bend.The judgeswereasked to readeachnomi-

nees packets, which included a letter fromtheir nominator.I was humbled as I read about how far

above and beyond these health care provid-ers go to provide the best care and servicespossible, saidWesson-Dodd.The program is hosted by the Caller-

Times, presented by the Christus SpohnHealthSystemandsponsoredbyH-E-B,TLCCompleteCare andValero.I am proud of all the applicants, Elizon-

do said. They are all well deserving for thetraits they possess, including knowledge,compassion, empathy, listener and commu-nicator.The program, in its third year, honors

thosewhohaveapurpose:Tohelp,heal,com-fort and save lives. They put others beforethemselves; see problems and solve them.Theyare individuals andorganizationswhotrulymakeadifferenceinthehealthandwell-being of our community.Garciaworks in thehealthcareprofession

andeverydaydealswithpatientsandunder-stands his skill sets are very critical to their

health andwell being.There are many health care heroes out

theremaking huge impacts on people, com-munities and theworld,Garcia said. Tobea health care professional is about uncondi-tional giving, serving, caring andeducating.Its also about the ability to be lifted in spiritby giving of oneself without wanting some-thing in return.Wilson has been on the judging panel be-

foreandsaid itsbeenhumblingtoreadabouteach nominee.It remindsme that there is awhole team

thatworks together for quality health care,Wilson said. Its not just the physician butalso the nurses, nurse assistants, radiolo-gists, etc., who serve in different capacitiesthathelpproduceapositiveoutcomeforeachpatient.There are lots ofwonderful health care

providers, she said. Its a lot more thantraining that makes them a health carehero; it really has to dowithwhats in theirheart.Rodriguez was honored to be a panel

judge for the rst time. She also said it washumbling to read about the nominees andhowtheymakeadifference inotherpeopleslives.I noticed that all of the nominees are not

justworking,but theyare reallydedicated inmaking other peoples lives better, Rodri-guez said. And one can see howmuch theyarebelovedfromtheirpatients, families, andcolleagues.Rodriguez said it is very important to rec-

ognize those who work in the health careeld.Whenyoupubliclyrecognizepeoplewho

areoutstandingintheirelds,wearenotonlythanking them forwhat theydobut, in turn,they will inspire others to follow their ex-amples, Rodriguez said.It was really hard to choose only one in

each category because you are leaving theother two behind, she said. I can say thatall of the nominees deserve the award and,no matter who wins, Ill give them all a biground of applause.

Choosingwinnerstough task for panel

Panelof judges

NANCY WESSON-DODDPresident/CEO YWCA

TONY ELIZONDOVice president of Satellite Operations,Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas

BALDEMAR GARCIA JR.H-E-B pharmacy trainer,Gulf Coast/border

TERESA RODRIGUEZPresident and CEO, Corpus ChristiHispanic Chamber of Commerce

CATRINA WILSONPresident and CEO,United Way of the Coastal Bend

HealthCareHeroes

18


encesCenter.

Shesupports themissionof the institutewithher

name, guidance and presence at events when pos-

sible, Knapp Eggers said. Our vision reflects her

own advocacy; especially when it comes to serving

thewomenof theWestTexas area.

Here is a question and answer explaining more

about Bushswork:

Differences matter is a big part

of the institutes mission. explain

what that means when it comes

to womens health care anD

meDicine as a whole?

If we think outside the currentmedical approach

and consider womens health as those health issues

specifictowomensuchaspregnancyandmenopause,

mens health as those health issues specific to men

such as prostate and testicular cancer, it becomes

quicklyapparent that themajorityof all otherhealth

issuesaresharedbybothmenandwomen,or inother

words sex and gender health.

what is genDer

baseD meDicine?

Nationalclinicalguidelines forhypertension,dia-

betes, heart failure, asthma andmanymore condi-

tions arebasedonamajorityof researchperformed

in men and then applied to women. Gender differ-

ences are the key to bridging the gaps in womens

health. Did You Know there are 2.4 million bone

fractures in theU.S. each year due to osteoporosis?

Of these, 80 percent arewomen and 20 percent are

men.Yetmen aremore likely to die after a hip frac-

ture and are less likely to be screened and treated

for osteoporosis. Did you also know that women

are less likely to be referred for cardiac procedures

and more likely to die from a cardiac event? Men

are less likely to undergo treatment for urinary in-

continence, which is the No. 2 reason for nursing

home placement.

what are the institutes key

strategies for aDvancing

womens health?

We take the pivotal results from evidence-based

researchandapply it to innovativeeducational com-

ponents likeContinuingMedicalEducationmodules

and college curriculum that ultimately enable both

practicing health care providers and medical stu-

dents to know the difference, which is paramount

to personalized health care. In addition, we use our

knowledge and networks to spread themessage na-

tionwide through community outreach events.

what are some of the institutes

early successes?

Wehave funded84 researchprojects, stimulated

44 scholarly works and three National Institutes of

Health grantswithmore than $1.7million.We have

also hosted more than 75 community events with

approximately20,000attendeesandusedmore than

1,500 volunteers acrossTexas.

how is the institute for womens

health influencing the eDucation

of future meDical professionals?

With our Y Does X Make a Difference cur-

riculummodulesafirstof itskind thatwill launch

inOctober inpartnershipwithMayoClinic inRoch-

ester,Minnesota.

what programming efforts

are unDerway to help younger

women?

We present our GiRL Power (Girls in Real Life)

programs in eight communities acrossWest Texas,

providing key guides on bullying, Internet Safety,

self-esteemandself-improvement foryounggirls, as

well as aGirlsNightOut Program in five communi-

ties for incoming freshmengirls on the college level

speaking on self-esteem, date rape, alcohol preven-

tion, nutrition and exercise. (Similar programming

is being consider forCorpusChristi)

what key research efforts

were coorDinateD through the

institute for womens health?

Of the 84-plus research studies we have funded

with seed grant awards, one of them on green tea

and tai chi for womens health has garnered mil-

lions of dollars in NIH funding and been featured

in USAToday, NBCNews,WomansWorld, Eating

Well, The Washington Post, Reuters, Atlantic, etc.

There are more than 11 million websites who also

listed thestudy in thepastyear.Ongoingresearch in

Alzheimersdisease,alcoholaddiction,osteoporosis,

ovarianandbreastcancercontinuetoprovidemonu-

mentalevidence-basedresults.Wearealsocurrently

providingseedfundingforastudyonthedifferences

betweenmen andwomen in lung cancer.

is the institute for womens

health improving access to

health care anD screening in

texas?

Absolutely!OurCPRITgrant (CancerPrevention

andResearchInstituteofTexas)programcalledAc-

cess to Breast Cancer forWest Texas or ABC4WT

hasscreenednearly 17,000womenanddiagnosed54

breast cancers with $4.47 million in grant funding.

Theseservicesaresaving livesall acrossWestTexas

manyof theminwomenwhowouldnothaveoth-

erwisesoughtoutthescreeningorextendedservices.

what is laura bushs institute

message to women in texas?

Take care of yourself first, since the majority

of medical services are provided for women, who

make up 80 percent of medical appointments and

services. Taking care of your own health enables

you to thencare for your family.Makea list of ques-

tions and know how to engage your physician for

personalized care just for youdont be afraid to

ask questions.

For more information, visit www.laurabushinstitute.org.

Sources: Former First Lady Laura W. Bush and Angela D. Knapp Eggers, interim executive

director of the Laura W. Bush Institute for Womens Health.

Q&A

from 15

GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES

Former First Lady Laura Bush is devoting a lot of her life to improving

health care for women, and she visited Corpus Christi last month

to share her work through the Laura W. Bush Institute for Womens

Health.

We have funded 84 research projects, stimulated 44

scholarly works and three National Institutes of Health grants

with more than $1.7 million. We have also hosted more than 75

community events with approximately 20,000 attendees and

used more than 1,500 volunteers across Texas.

ListofNominees

HealthCareHeroes

19


Administrative Excellence

in Health Care Award

Maribel Ochoa, nurse manager, Christus

Spohn Memorial

Alison Gratzel, oncology manager, Christus

Spohn Cancer Center

Jane Dykes, guesthouse coordinator, Christus

Spohn Shoreline

Debra Townzen, admissions manager,

Charlies Place Recovery Center

Suzanne Roddel, assistant nurse manager,

Christus Spohn Health System

Cynthia Canchola, ofce manager, Dr.

Francisco Acebo

Dr. Srkanth Damaraju, cardiology, Coastal

Cardiology

Chris Miller, primary care services, Christus

Spohn Hospital Memorial

Angel Romero Jr., director, Advanced Clinical

Informatics



Dr. Allyson Larkin, Christus Spohn Shoreline

Wound Care Center

Dr. Bill J. Albarado, physician

Dr. Robb F Sherron, family health physician,

Corpus Christi Family Medicine

Dr. Jonathan Martin, Corpus Christi Family

Medicine Center

Dr. Julian Sanchez, cardiologist, Corpus

Christi Heart Clinic & Vascular Institute

Dr. Mark D. Rasmusson, internal medicine

specialist

Dr. Danny Dubberly, family physician,

Dubberly Medical Clinic

Dr. Jude M Aririguzo, internal medicine

Dr. Dan Martin, general surgeon, Surgical

Associates

Dr. Patricia A. Cantu, Oso Family Medicine

Dr. Runo H. Gonzalez, surgeon, Christus

Spohn Health System

Dr. Mario A Martinez, internal medicine

Dr. Raymond H. Graf Jr., cardiologist

Dr. Eric Madarang, Hospital Group of South

Texas

Dr. Crystal Garza, Hospitalist Group Of South

Texas

Dr. George Benavides, primary care

physician, Thomas Spann Clinic

Dr. William Burgin, Christus Spohn Hospital

Memorial-Primary Care Services

Dr. J. Richard Porter, Christus Spohn

Hospital-Primary Care Services

Dr. Marsha Allen, family physician, Health By

Design at Valero Corpus Christi Reneries

Dr. Osbert Blow, trauma surgery, Christus

Spohn Hospital

Dr. Kathleen Rasmussen, OB/GYN

Dr. Charles W Breckenridge, orthopedic

surgeon, South Texas Bone & Joint

Dr. Kathleen Soch, Christus Spohn Hospital

Dr. Jason C. Bradford, Alice Obstetrics and

Gynecology Associates

Dr. Bill Albarado, family physician

Dr. Jerome Lee Sang, physician

Dr. Lorraine S. Stehn, family practice

Dental Excellence


Dr. David W. Curtis, TMJ & Facial Pain Center,

P.A.

Dr. David Powell

Dr. Tilman Richards

Dr. Charles H. Moore

Dr. Roxanne G. Robertson, Star

Orthodontics

Dr. Vincent G. Morin Jr.

Dr. Roy Estringel

Dr. Cynthia A Casillas

Nurses Excellence


Donna Brown, RN, Christus Spohn Shoreline

Anissa Marlen Mitchell, RN, Bay Area NICU

Dr. Mary Jane Hamilton, College of Nursing

dean, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Omar Velasquez, LVN, Fersinueus Medical

Care

Sharon Y. Gray, RN, Corpus Christi Medical

Center

Erica Sanchez, RN, Christus Spohn Alice

Connie Borgfeld, RN, Bay Area Medical

Center

Patricia Villegas, RN, Christus Spohn

Shoreline

Bonnie Ross, nurse practitioner

Mark Stephen Santos, RN, Christus Spohn

Shoreline

Cynthia Malowitz, nurse practitioner/owner,

Bay Area Quick Care

Kris Hungate, RN/cardiovascular care

coordinator, Christus Spohn Health System

Linda Rodriguez, RN, Christus Spohn Health

System

Mary C. Smithwick, LVN, Corpus Christi

Independent School District-Solomon M. Coles

Lisa Spencer, RN/respiratory therapist,

Driscoll Childrens Hospital

Michelle Weston, RN, Spohn Cancer Center

Genus Mosely, Christus Spohn Health System

Christina Morales, LVN, Saint Peters Home

Health

Health Care

Professional Award

Frank Montoya, reghter/paramedic,

Corpus Christi Fire Department

Richard Alonzo,medical social worker,

Nurses onWheels

Ralph Hoffman, therapist, Christus Spohn

Hospital Shoreline

Ramiro Gamboa, radiology technician/

operating room, Christus Spohn Hospital

Shoreline

ShawnMcGrew, respiratory therapist,

Corpus Christi Medical Center

Norma Garcia, The Palms Nursing &

Rehabilitaion Center

Richard Alonzo, social worker, Nurses on

Wheels

Harris Ashley, activity therapy, Bayview

Behavioral Hospital

Brian Cornejo, physical therapist, Christus

Spohn Health System

Dana Lechner, re captain, Corpus Christi Fire

Department

Enrique Cruz, orthopedic technologist,

Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial

Patricia Ann Garcia,mammographer, Bay

Area Breast Center

Dyann Young, lab technician

Community Outreach Award

Mission of Mercy

Belinda Carrillo, supervisor, Community

Health

Citgo Rening

Victor Betancourt and Gabriel Lucido,

founders, Kid Get Fit movement and 501(3) V Fit

Training Center

Terry Mills, National Association for the

Advancement of Colored People

Mission FitPossible

Coastal Cardiology Association

Carmen Arias,marketing director, Radiology

Associates

HealthCareHeroes

20


CAL438359

health care heroes 2015

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