A Message from the President: Improving communication during adverse events

Last week’s first-ever escape of an inmate from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Hospital Galveston has prompted questions about timely communication of adverse events to UTMB employees and the surrounding community. Read this Message from the President to learn more about this incident, how UTMB administration plans to address questions raised, and how you can provide input.

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Galveston County Commissioners approve tax increase

Galveston County Commissioners on Wednesday, Sept. 2 approved a 6 cent tax rate increase meant to provide hospital care for the county’s uninsured.  The vote was the first step toward the state releasing $150 million for UTMB.   Read the article in the Galveston County Daily News.

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“Clinic Connection” e-newsletter available online

The physicians and staff of UTMB’s community clinics produce an electronic newsletter for their patients, Clinic Connection. This e-guide to good health is delivered via email several times a year. This second issue addresses allergies, swine flu preparations, pool safety, and much more. You can view or print the newsletter online. To subscribe for email delivery, send a request with “subscribe” in the subject line to clinics@utmbhealthcare.org.

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Get ready for the flu season

The regular flu season is upon us and this year the H1N1 virus, also called the swine flu, adds another layer of complexity. So remember to take precautions, especially if you’re a health care worker. Watch a video in the UTMB Newsroom on how to properly protect yourself.  Remember that a seasonal flu shot, while very important, will not protect you from the H1NI virus for which a vaccine is still under development. Click here for everyday preventive actions as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Click here for the latest news about the H1N1 virus. Or go to the UTMB Healthcare page about H1N1.

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Update on campus renovations

UTMB’s facilities group continues to work hard to renovate our campus. To see a video of Mike Shriner, vice president of facilities, explaining recent accomplishments and the planned renovations at UTMB, go to the UTMB Newsroom or YouTube. Stay tuned for regular updates.

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UTMB to test H1N1 virus vaccine in children

UTMB has been selected by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, to conduct pediatric vaccine trials for the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. The pediatric trials are especially important for several reasons, said Dr. Christine Turley, vice chairwoman for pediatric clinical services and a scientist with the Sealy Center for Vaccine Development at UTMB. Turley, the principal investigator for the UTMB vaccine project, explained that the virus potentially could affect younger people particularly hard. Click here to read more or read the news release in The Newsroom.

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Congratulations to SHP graduates

Ninety-five students will receive degrees from the School of Health Professions in a 2 p.m. ceremony, Friday, Aug. 14, at the Moody Gardens Convention Center. In addition to baccalaureate and master’s degrees, this is the first time doctoral degrees in physical therapy will be awarded. A total of 44 students will receive bachelor’s degrees in clinical laboratory sciences and respiratory care; 30 will earn master’s degrees in physical therapy, physician assistant studies and occupational therapy; 21 will earn doctoral degrees in physical therapy. “These graduates represent an outstanding group of students,” said Elizabeth Protas, vice president and dean of the UTMB School of Health Professions. “They had an extraordinarily difficult year that presented unique challenges, and I am so proud of all they have accomplished.”

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Preparations for H1N1

Preparations are under way at UTMB for a possible pandemic of novel H1N1 influenza A (swine flu) this fall. The goal is to protect our patients, health care workers and other staff. Click here for more information

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Cruisin’ for a cure

The UTMB Cancer Center is spearheading this year's UTMB team for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday, Oct. 3 in downtown Houston. The annual event has raised more than $1 billion to support breast cancer research and treatment programs around the country. Any UTMB employee, family member, friend or volunteer is welcome to join the “Cruisin' for a Cure” team. This year’s goal is to have one united team of at least 125 members who will raise about $15,000 in donations. To learn more about the event, make a contribution or join the team, visit UTMB United: One Cause – One Team.

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Stark Diabetes Center receives $6 million from lawmakers

The 81st Texas Legislative session approved $6 million for UTMB’s Stark Diabetes Center to expand its community-based model for preventing and treating diabetes. Through the efforts of Dr. Kirk Smith, the Stark Diabetes Center will partner with the Texas Diabetes Council to initiate regional community-based prevention and control programs in Cameron, Webb, Nueces and Galveston counties. Click here to read more.

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Emergency Room reopening news coverage

UTMB’s Emergency Room reopened Saturday, Aug. 1 and numerous media outlets covered the event. Go to the UTMB Newsroom for a summary and links to read and see the news coverage.  To see a short video about a practice session in the ER that took place Thursday, July 27, go to the UTMB Newsroom or YouTube.

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UTMB recognized for quality of care

UTMB has won the Quality Improvement Achievement Award, presented by the TMF Health Quality Institute. The award recognizes hospitals for improving care related to heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care. To earn an award, hospitals had to demonstrate significant improvement on 24 quality measures. “This award illustrates UTMB’s commitment to delivering quality care to every patient,” said Dr. Steven Q. Quach. “We are truly honored by the recognition of the hard work performed by all the members of our health care team.” Read more in the UTMB Newsroom.

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Purchasing recognized for excellence

The Purchasing Division of UTMB’s Department of Logistics will receive the 2009 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award from the National Purchasing Institute Inc. This award recognizes organizational excellence in procurement, based on innovation, e-procurement, professionalism, productivity and leadership. UTMB is one of only 21 higher education organizations in the nation to receive this distinction and one of only two Texas state agencies so recognized. “Congratulations to Jeff Bonnardel, chief purchasing agent, his managers and the entire purchasing team,” said Rick McFee, associate vice president of operations and support services. “They truly do operate a top-of-class operation.”

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Sollenberger named to head UTMB Health System

Dr. David L. Callender has named Donna K. Sollenberger to be executive vice president and chief executive officer for the UTMB Health System. Sollenberger, who is chief executive officer of the Baylor Clinic and Hospital and executive vice president of Baylor College of Medicine, will assume her new duties at UTMB Sept. 14. Read the news release in the UTMB Newsroom.

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UTMB burn researcher Suman honored by White House

Oscar Suman, an associate professor at UTMB, has won special recognition from President Obama for his work in helping children recover from burns. Suman, who leads a team of researchers that has developed practical applications for children who were treated at Shriners Hospitals for Children Galveston, is one of 100 researchers selected to receive the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the United States on professionals in the early stages of their careers.  Suman and the other recipients will receive their awards in the fall at a White House ceremony. Read the news release in the UTMB Newsroom.

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UTMB receives $21.5 million grant

The NIH has chosen UTMB to receive a five-year, $21.5 million Clinical Translational Science Award to fund a new initiative aimed at accelerating the transformation of basic science discoveries into clinically useful knowledge and treatments. "This is really exciting, " said Dr. Allan Brasier, director of UTMB's new Institute of Translational Sciences and principal investigator for the CTSA. "It's so important to get new translational research and new investigational teams up and running, and the CTSA will fund processes and core facilities that will be crucial to stimulating that development." More on the major grant, which Provost Garland Anderson called a "triumph for the entire UTMB family," is in the UTMB Newsroom.

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Looking for information on UTMB clinics and care providers?

UTMB is serving patients through an extensive network of new and existing clinics on the Mainland and in Galveston. For more information about clinics, to find a doctor or to make an appointment, visit www.utmbhealthcare.org. Or, call the UTMB Access Center at (409) 772-2222 or toll-free at (800) 917-8906. We look forward to serving you.
 

Download a flyer with information about UTMB clinics

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