Honoring local health care professionals who make a...

APRIL 9, 2015

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

PRESENTED BY:

AsCorpusChristigrowsanddiversifies, thevitalhealthcareinfrastructure of our citymustdo the same.

At Christus Spohn HealthSystem, 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 firstSpohnHospitalopenedonNorthBeach. The Sisters of the Incar-nate Word were there to greetandcare for thefirstpatient.

Dr.ArthurE.Spohnwastheretoo. 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.

ChristusSpohnFamilyHealthCenters offer convenient pri-maryhealthcare,closetohome,with centers throughout SouthTexas. Our Cancer Centers inAlice,AransasPass,BeevilleandCorpusChristi—includingCa-lallen—alsooffertherightcare,righthere.

Since 1996, Christus SpohnHealth System has also operat-edwhat is nowChristus SpohnHospitalCorpusChristi-Memo-rial for theNuecesCountyHos-pital District, fulfilling not onlythe vision of Dr. Spohn and the

Sisters of the Incarnate Word,but the Hospital District’s 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 anonprofitfoundation to support the sys-tem’s 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. It’s 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 region’s 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 inCorpusChristi—as 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 doctorsbenefits patients

4-5 Physician’s Excellence inHealth Care Award

8 Dental Excellence in HealthCare Award

9-10 Administrative Excellence inHealth Care Award

11 Nurse’s Excellence in Health

Care Award

12-13 Community Outreach Award

14,16 Health Care ProfessionalAward

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 it’smore than that.

Health Care Heroes have apurpose: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 aprogramof 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 100nominations inourfirstHealthCareHeroesevent.Allof thesenominationswerereviewedbya panel of community judges,whoselected 18finalists (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 befeatured 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 3Thursday, April 9, 2015 » Caller-Times

By DaynaWorchelSpecial to the Caller-Times

velynNicolheardsomehealthnewsthatwouldhave frightenedmany, if not all.

She had a few months to live, doctors toldher.Avalve inherheartneededtobereplaced,and she was not a candidate for open heartsurgery because shewas too old.

Nicol, 93, said she livedwith thepossibilityof imminentdeath foracoupleofyears. Itwasher faithandher relationshipwithherdoctorsthat pushed her through the troubling time,she said.

“I’mastrongChristianandthatdidn’tupset

me. I’d had a good life,” said the positive andcheerfulNicolduringarecent interviewinherliving room.

Studies have shownabondwith a doctor isa strong benefit to a patient’s well-being anddispositionintryingcircumstances.Theappleadaymaykeep thedoctor away, butwhen thephysician is a staple indaily life, anopen,hon-est and sincere relationship with the patientproves helpful.

Nicol in 2014 learned of a new procedurebeing pioneered inCorpusChristi to help pa-tients likeher,calledtranscatheteraorticvalvereplacement or TAVR. Nicol’s cardiologists,Dr. Shamim Badruddin-Mawji and Dr. Sri-

kanthDamaraju told her about theprocedureand said she would be the perfect patient tohave it. In fact, Nicol would be the first in thecity to have it if she consented.

It tooksomepersuasionfromfamily, friendsandherminister, butNicoldid theprocedure,which involves inserting a catheter throughthe patient’s groin, opening the bad heartvalve, and replacing it with a valve made ofmesh with a steel lining while the patient issedated.Once thevalve is functioning, thepa-tient can go home within 24 to 48 hours, Dr.Badruddin said.

Evelyn Nichol, 93, withDr. Shamim Badruddin-Mawji, the cardiologistwho performed a newprocedure on her toreplace a valve in herheart. “I know if I hada real problem I couldcall Dr. Badruddin ...

she’s very encouragingand made me feel likeI was stronger than I

am,” Nicol said.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Strong bondwith doctorSServeS to benefit patientS

e

See BOND, 6


Physician’s ExcellenceinHealthCareAward

Honors a physician – such as family physician,pediatrician, OB/GYN, psychiatry, osteopathy,chiropractic, anesthesiology, oncology, cardiol-ogy, neurosurgery, etc. – whose performance isconsidered exemplary by patients and peers.

Dr. Rob SherronCORPUS CHRISTI FAMILY MEDICINE

I started to see Dr. Sherron when ourinsurance changed and I had to switchphysicians. Once I met him and his staffthe first time, I knew right then I wouldnever switch doctors again.Our insurance changed again two

years ago and I refused to leave hispractice. I have all my family, friendsand co-workers seeing him and they allsay 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 wasn’t for him I would be in a hor-rible place at this time. I didn’t wantto disappoint him in anyway so I did exactly what he told me to do(doctor’s orders). He will sit down with you and explain everythingto 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. Rufino H. GonzalezCHRISTUS SPOHN HEALTH SYSTEM

A majority of South Texans who have beenhospitalized for an injury would agree that Dr.Rufino H. Gonzalez is deserving of the high-est honor. But what is it about his characterthat has made him one of the most well knownsurgeons in thisarea?I’ve witnessed

Dr. Gonzalez inhis realm — theoperating room.His focus isalmost unsettlingwhile he standsfor hours overa table, drill inhand, determinedthat his patientwill stand on thistemporarily shat-tered leg. As Iwatch, he grinsat me for the firsttime in threehours 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 recognizingand thanking him for his service to their fam-ily. This results when you devote most of yourlife to operating. Even now in his first fewstrides to retirement, he can hardly stay awayfrom the hospital, not by his own will but theinvaluable nature of his expertise.A solid work ethic has certainly influenced

Dr. Gonzalez’s accomplishments. Aside fromhis many success stories in the medical fieldhe has made it to every basketball game andgraduation without being pulled away.

Nominated by: Amelia Gonzalez

Board Certified Internal Medicine

Open Saturdays 8am-3pmMonday-Friday 7am-6pm

Thank You Corpus Christifor your nomination as a Health Care Hero!

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Mario A. Martinez, M.D.

CAL4

9166

5


Physician’s ExcellenceinHealthCareAward

Honors a physician – such as family physician,pediatrician, OB/GYN, psychiatry, osteopathy,chiropractic, anesthesiology, oncology, cardiol-ogy, neurosurgery, etc. – whose performance isconsidered exemplary by patients and peers.

Dr. Marsha AllenHEALTH BY DESIGN AT VALERO REFINERY CORPUS CHRISTI

Dr.MarshaAllen is a board certified familyphysicianwho practicesmedicine atValeroCorpusChristi refineries as part ofHealth byDesign. AtValero, employeewellness, especial-ly safety, is theNo. 1 priority. Themore than 800Valero employees are extremely blessed to haveon-sitewellness/medical clinicwithDr. Allenas our physician.While she does focus on helpingValero

employees live healthier lifestyles, she treatschronicmedical problems,minor injuries andothermore acute problems. This ismy primaryreason in nominatingDr. Allen.There are countless examples of howDr.

Allen helpedValero employeeswhowere totallyunaware of an underlying seriousmedical issue.Shewas able to diagnose and help treat orworkalongside specialists in ensuring our employeeswere brought back to health and recovery!Her extensivemedical background from the

College ofWilliam andMary, theMedical Col-lege ofVirginia and internships and residentprograms are a valuable resource in helping todiagnose and treat employees. Her expertise,compassion and genuine care for her patients,ourValero employees,make her an idealHealthCareHero.Nominated by: LillianRiojas

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It’s 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... she’s very encouraging andmademefeel likeIwasstrongerthan I am,”Nicol said.

The doctor gaveNicol hopeand told her she could still livewell despite her age, Nicolsaid.

“She laughs a lot, and she’svery concerned and very intel-ligent. She accepts you thewayyou are with all of your prob-lems and peculiarities,” Nicolsaidwith a smile.

Dr. Badruddin returns thewarm feelings, saying shethinks of Nicol as if she werefamily.

The doctor said as Nicolrelaxed on the operating tablewaitingfor theproceduretobe-gin, she turned to Dr. Badrud-din and Dr. Damarju and saidsomething very inspiring andincredible.

“She said, ‘Even if there’s abad outcome, you’ll learn fromit,’” Dr. Badruddin said as hervoice grewemotional.

In 2014, the Empathy andRelational Science Program atMassachusetts General Hospi-talconductedananalysisofsev-eral studies,which investigatedmeasures designed to improvehealth professionals’ relation-shipswith patients.

The report concluded thatpositive interactions betweenthe health care professionalsand patients can have as muchbenefitas“takingadailyaspirinto prevent a heart attack.”

Breast cancer patient JulieGalbraith, 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

See RELATIONSHIP, 7


her remission.“I think the relationships

were key. They gave me theconfidencetoget 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 herto surgeons, radiologists, andpathologists. Theyworked as ateam inGalbraith’s care.

“Inmyexperience, theywereable to meet me where I was.Godputme in the rightplaceatthe right time,”Galbraith said.

Dr. Rasmussen said she andGalbraithhaveagood relation-shipandhaveknowneachotherfor some time. The doctor saidthe power of themind andmu-tual trust are the most impor-tant elements for the patient toheal successfully.

“Somuchofhealingdependson that relationship. You haveto feel thephysician is there foryou,”Dr. Rasmussen said.

She stressed the importanceof the doctor andpatientwork-ing as a teams and partners intreatment rather than the pa-ternalistic relationships of thepast.

Galbraith said she never feltrushedbyDr.Rasmussenorbyany of her other doctors.

“I had confidence in thewhole team,” she said.

RELATIONSHIPfrom 6

Rachel Denny clow/calleR-Times file

Ray Martinez (from left), territory manager for Edwards Life Science, and Crystal Moseley, clinical coordinator of cardiovascular servicesat Christus Spohn Hospital Shoreline, talk with Evelyn Nicol and Ed Shackelford during a reunion Feb. 27 of patients who underwent aheart valve procedure and their care team at Christus Spohn Hospital Shoreline. Nicol was the first patient and Shackelford the 20th toundergo the procedure.

“So much ofhealing depends onthat relationship.You have to feel thephysician is therefor you.”

Dr. Kathleen Rasmussen,obstetrician-gynecologist

CAL4

9171

6


Dental Excellence inHealthCareAward

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. MooreGENERAL DENTISTRYDr. 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, offersoptions 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 tovarious countries, providing equipment, supplies and dental work at noexpense.He is very thorough in promoting dental health and regular dental

check-ups. Dr. Moore always has a smile on his face; and enjoys hiswork.Nominated by: Ruth G. Aipperspach

Dr. Tilman RichardsGENERAL DENTISTRYDr. Richards is upbeat and friendly. He

tells you what needs to be done and howhe will do it. He makes you feel at ease(being I am a bit scared of dentists, it’snot easy). While he is working on yourteeth, he makes sure that you don’t feelany pain and is very informative at whathe is about to do. Dr Richards office staffis awesome as well.

Nominated by: Shirley Martin

Dr. Vincent Morin Jr.GENERAL DENTISTRYI want everyone to know that I have the

best dentist anyone could hope for. Dr.Morin’s office is so amazing and his staff isso incredible they actually make my dentalexperiences pleasant.Dr. Morin is very professional, thorough

and nice. He is very patient and answers allmy questions. I never have to spend hoursin the waiting room because he never over-books his patients. He makes sure he hasplenty of time for each patient and neverrushes anything.I have always heard stories about the pain

my friends suffer with their procedures, butwith Dr. Morin I have had several dentalissues but I never experienced any pain. Iwill continue to trust Dr. Morin with mydental health in a totally anxiety-free envi-ronment.I really love to smile and want to do so

without any worries, and Dr. Morin helpsmake it happen.

Nominated by: Connie V. Hinojosa

His passion for good dental care hascarried over into mission trips he has takento various countries, providing equipment,supplies and dental work at no expense.”

Ruth G. Aipperspach


Maribel OchoaNURSE MANAGER, CHRISTUS SPOHN MEMORIALMaribel has demonstrated the core values we hold high in our organization:

Dignity in demonstrating respect in her staff and patients. Assisting in helping theunderserved 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 ashelp 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 allshe 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 serveeach 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 ourteam and appreciate all she has done for our patients and associates.

Nominated by: Deborah DeAlejandro

AdministrativeExcellenceinHealthCareAward

Honors a health care staff member or managerwho provides outstanding customer service,assistance and extra-special care and whoseperformance and leadership are consideredexemplary by patients and peers

on your nomination as aHealth Care Hero!

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CAL491709

CAL4

6705

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AdministrativeExcellenceinHealthCareAward

Honors a health care staff member or managerwho provides outstanding customer service,assistance and extra-special care and whoseperformance and leadership are consideredexemplary by patients and peers


Jane DykesGUEST HOUSE COORDINATOR, CHRISTUS SPOHN SHORELINEJane is the Coordinator of The Kieschnick Guest House at Spohn Shore-

line. The Kieschnick House provides the family of hospital patients a placeto 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 operationsof the house. But it is not just the day to dayoperations that make her a hero.From the time you walk into the guest-

house, her mission begins. Jane takes suchcare to make each person feel at ease, asksabout our family members and asks “Whatcan I do to make things easier for you?”She sets your mind at ease and calms andsoothes you. Before you know it, you feel athome.When I say day to day operations, it

encompasses quite a lot. She always putspeople’s comfort first. I have seen her clean-ing rooms, feeding people, helping people

with laundry, visiting the patients in the hospital and praying with us. Allof this in addition to her day to day job duties.My husband has been hospitalized 18 times at Shoreline. Without Jane’s

help, I doubt I could function. She is my safety net, I can call her cellphoneand she is there to welcome me. One time I called her at 11 p.m. and, sureenough, 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 easierby Jane’s 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 Basketmade by Jane. It touched my heart dearly. At Christmas, Jane decoratedeach 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 rescueand toy drives for the community. She even involves her co-workers in herefforts to help the community. With health care changing every day it iscomforting to have someone like Jane that cares and puts people first.Heroes don’t always wear capes, sometimes they just wear a name tag

that says “I CARE, I AMHERE FOR YOU!”

Nominated by: Susan Harper

Debra TownzenADMISSIONS MANAGER,CHARLIE’S PLACE RECOVERY CENTERDebbie is a tireless advocate for the patients

we serve. Most of those entering our doors arevery sick and definitely not in the best of moods,

but she always hasa smile and kindword for them.She has trainedher staff to do thesame.Addiction treat-

ment is not a pret-ty part of healthcare, and most ofour patients havevery little supportwhen they entertreatment. Debbieprovides supportand love and giveshope for a betterfuture to each per-

son she speaks to.Debbie’s job is quite stressful. She is respon-

sible for keeping the facility full and schedulingall admissions, seven days per week. Her phonerings at all hours of the day and night with callsfrom those seeking help.In 15 years, I have never heard her speak rudely

to a patient or family member. She also managesour wait list, which can be six to eight weeks. Sheis able to keep patients on the wait list motivatedand to not give up on receiving help.Throughout her career, Debbie has worked in

a number of different departments throughoutthe agency, so when we are short-handed, she isalways there to offer support. Debbie gives self-lessly to patients and staff. Her positive attitude,exemplary work ethic, and willingness to be atrue servant leader demonstrate excellence andset the standard for other staff on a daily basis.

Nominated by: Amy Granberry


Nurse’sExcellenceinHealthCareAward

Honors an individual from the nursing field —such as RN, LPN, CNA whose performance isconsidered exemplary by patients and peers.

Kris HungateCARDIOVASCULAR CARE COORDINATOR, RN PCCN-CMC, CHRISTUS SPOHN HEALTH SYSTEMKristineHungate 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 SmithwickSCHOOL NURSE/LVN,CCISD/SOLOMON COLES HIGH SCHOOLMarySmithwick 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 firstjobwas atDoctorsHospitalwhere sheworked at differ-ent floors, and she receivedmuch experience fromhav-ingworked the different floorswith differentmedicalillnesses.Afterworking atDoctorsHospital for eight years she

went on towork at theNuecesHealthDepartment, where she administered immu-nizations to children attending school, and after five 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

Michelle WestonRN, CHRISTUS SPOHN CANCER CENTERMichelleWeston, registered nurse forChristus Spohn

CancerCenter, took excellent care ofmy twin sister, Jea-netteMarieGutierrez for four years and fivemonths. 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 certified

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 GabrielLucido, owners and operatorsof V Fit, a local fitness company,have made it their mission to helppeople. Clients over the years haveput their lives in the hands of Betan-court and Lucido to make changes;to live healthier lifestyles; and tostay alive. They focus on a holisticapproach to wellness beyond thegym.They personally invest in the lives

of their clients, and they work out-side normal business parametersto make sure that the people whocome to them for help can get help,regardless of their financial situa-tion.Two years ago, they took a leap

of faith and started a program withthe mission to help kids fight dia-betes. At no charge, they startedworking with the Boys & Girls Cluba few days a week to get them mov-ing. Their consistent efforts and

personal investment have grown toinclude over 125 kids, yoga classesand a running club. Their passion tohelp youngsters fight to stay healthystarted the Kids Get Fit Movement,a non-profit organization that tar-gets children who have been identi-fied by physicians as high-risk, pre-diabetes individuals and kids whocome from low income households.Their work, which started as a

volunteer effort to a local after-school program, has turned into agift to the Coastal Bend communitythat challenges everyone to makethe future for the kids of our cityhealthy and free of diabetes.Nominated by: Omar Lopez


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.

Mission of MercyMission of Mercy restores dignity and “Healing

Through Love” at mobile clinics, providing freehealth care and assistance with medications witha 40-foot medical RV.They provide health care to uninsured and

underinsured working families at five clinic sitesin Corpus Christi, Robstown, Flour Bluff andOrange Grove. In one year they record morethan 3,000 patient visits, operate 72 clinic days,

assist patients inacquiring pre-scription medica-tions, and raisedover $470,000for operatingexpenses.Other impor-

tant servicesprovided through a collaboration with ChristusSpohn included six flu shot clinics.Mission of Mercy accomplishes this through

professional and lay volunteers who donate theirtime and skills. Physician volunteers often signup to work at the same clinic each month, allow-ing for development of a strong doctor/patientrelationship. There are 116 lay and professionalvolunteers 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 anddata entry personnel.Mission of Mercy would not be able to pro-

vide no-cost medical care without collaborationfrom a wide range of community partners. Theseinclude 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 ofMercy is able to treat large numbers of patientsin a dignified and comprehensive manner with asmall paid staff.

Nominated by: Sherry Bowers

Kid Get Fit Movement / V Fit Training CenterFOUNDED BY VICTOR BETANCOURT AND GABRIEL LUCIDO

Victor Betancourt Gabriel Lucido

Carmen AriasRADIOLOGY ASSOCIATES

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 sobering—one in eightwomenwill get it in her lifetime—and 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.Carmen’s “S”mantra – she shocks, shares, andmakes you stop and think—andhopefully 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, Carmen’s 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-ferent—wooden, plastic, softmaterial—but 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 cancer’s 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

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Follow Us!

Choose Radiology Associates. It’s your choice.

We are proud of you for all you do for the health andwellness of thousands of Coastal Bend residents.

Carmen P. AriasDirector of Marketing

Health Care Hero!O N Y O U R N O M I N A T I O N A S A

ias

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HealthCareProfessionalAward

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

Frank MontoyaFIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC, CORPUS CHRISTI FIRE DEPARTMENTFrank 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 fire-fighter.Frank does not complain, he adapts and find solutions to whatever problem occurs

and is a patient’s 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 1973

and 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 and

coordinates resident’s 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 resident’s and family’s 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.


FormerFirstLadyLauraBush isdevot-ing a lot of her life after theWhiteHouseto improving health care for women inAmerica and around theworld.

She visited Corpus Christi last monthto share her work through the Laura W.Bush Institute for Women’s Health. Theformerfirst ladyalso jokedabout lifebackinTexas,where her husband,GeorgeW.,is adjusting to lifewithoutaWhiteHousestaff.

At a news conference before her lun-cheon, Laura Bush spoke about her focuson women’s health issues and her con-

nection with the Texas Tech UniversityHealth SciencesCenter.

“We’ve done these lunches forwomenin many of those cities so I’m especiallythrilled now to be inCorpus.,” Bush said.“More than 600 people (at) luncheon sothey can hear about the special needs ofwomenandwomen’shealthand thegreatwork that’sbeingdoneacrossourstatebythe Laura Bush Institute.”

Themulti-campuswomen’s health in-stitutehasapresenceinAmarillo,ElPaso,Lubbock, San Angelo and the PermianBasin.

The Corpus Christi luncheon, at theAmerican Bank Center, was organizedand championed by Gloria Hicks, amember of the Laura W. Bush Institutefor Women’s Health National AdvisoryBoardandapartner intheEdHicksfamilyof dealerships.

AngelaD.KnappEggers, interimexecu-tive director, said the institute is “fortu-nate tohave formerFirstLadyLauraBushasournamesake;endorsingfivecampusesof the Texas TechUniversity Health Sci-

Former First Lady LauraW. Bush leaves a news

briefing about theTexas Tech University

Health Sciences CenterLaura W. Bush Institute

for Women’s Health.She later deliveredan address to about600 Corpus Christiresidents during an

institute luncheon atthe American Bank

Center. She toldwomen to protect theirown health. “Women

are so busy, taking careof everyone else, mak-ing sure their husbands

and their childrenand their parents are

healthy that they mightneglect their ownhealth,” Bush said.

CALLER-TIMES FILE PHOTO

Laura Bush instituteBridges gaps in heaLth

Specificapproach

forwomensought

See Q&A, 18

Brian CornejoPHYSICAL THERAPIST, CHRISTUS SPOHN HEALTH SYSTEMAfter a stroke or brain injury, many patients are unable to express them-

selves. I am writing this nomination on behalf of those patients who havebeen blessed to work with Brian Cornejo, a doctor of Physical Therapy,during their recovery.With specific therapy comes specific outcomes. Physical Therapy

should be very specific, and Brian is inquisitive and carefully considerspatient’s individual differences and needs. Brian makes every effort tokeep 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 Certified wound care specialist.During every patient encounter he sets an example for all of those aroundhim to maintain a high level of professionalism. He provides critical neu-rological impairment specific mentorship of Physical Therapy studentsand new staff.The Coastal Bend is lucky to have such an awesome physical therapist.

Nominated by: Geneva Kaplan


HealthCareProfessionalAward

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

Patricia Ann GarciaMAMMOGRAPHER, BAY AREA BREAST CENTERI met Patricia many years ago as a fellow employee at a local hospital X-ray

department for many years. Later we married, so I’ve known her from anemployee view as well as husband.Patricia’s work ethic and compassion for her patients and fellow employee

is constant and endless and the patient always comes first. I rememberpatients telling me as they get their CT scan done what a wonderful tech sheis.There are so many stories to tell and not enough words available. When

she is asked for help, her first response is “yes” when most people will ask“With what?” Always eager to teach the new students coming through thedepartment. Pat will come home from work so happy because one of herpatients stopped by to say hello. Lucky for me that happens a lot so she’salways 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 friendsand the minister asked her if she liked the story, it’s about you. I go over to afriend’s house that was at the funeral and rather than saying hello I’m greet-ed with “Your wife is a saint.” God only knows? But what I do know is I am alucky 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 onewinner in each of the six categories of theCorpusChristiCaller-Times’ annualHealthCareHeroesprogram.However,onewinnerwill be revealed during the award banquetonTuesday.

The community panel of judges thisyear 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-nee’s packets, which included a letter fromtheir nominator.

“I was humbled as I read about how farabove 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, honorsthosewhohaveapurpose: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 thehealthcareprofessionandeverydaydealswithpatientsandunder-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.It’s 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 it’sbeenhumblingtoreadabouteach nominee.

“It remindsme that there is awhole teamthatworks together for quality health care,”Wilson said. “It’s not just the physician butalso the nurses, nurse assistants, radiolo-gists, etc., who serve in different capacitiesthathelpproduceapositiveoutcomeforeachpatient.

“There are lots ofwonderful health careproviders,” she said. “It’s a lot more thantraining that makes them a health carehero; it really has to dowithwhat’s in theirheart.”

Rodriguez was honored to be a paneljudge for the first time. She also said it washumbling to read about the nominees andhowtheymakeadifference inotherpeople’slives.

“I noticed that all of the nominees are notjustworking,but theyare reallydedicated inmaking other people’s 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 carefield.

“Whenyoupubliclyrecognizepeoplewhoareoutstandingintheirfields,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 ineach 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, I’ll 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


encesCenter.“Shesupports themissionof the institutewithher

name, guidance and presence at events when pos-sible,” Knapp Eggers said. “Our vision reflects herown advocacy; especially when it comes to servingthewomenof theWestTexas area.”

Here is a question and answer explaining moreabout Bush’swork:

“Differences matter” is a big partof the institute’s mission. explainwhat that means when it comesto women’s health care anDmeDicine as a whole?

If we think outside the currentmedical approachand consider women’s health as those health issuesspecifictowomensuchaspregnancyandmenopause,men’s health as those health issues specific to mensuch as prostate and testicular cancer, it becomesquicklyapparent that themajorityof all otherhealthissuesaresharedbybothmenandwomen,or inotherwords sex and gender health.

what is genDerbaseD meDicine?

Nationalclinicalguidelines forhypertension,dia-betes, heart failure, asthma andmanymore condi-tions arebasedonamajorityof researchperformedin men and then applied to women. Gender differ-ences are the key to bridging the gaps in women’shealth. Did You Know there are 2.4 million bonefractures in theU.S. each year due to osteoporosis?Of these, 80 percent arewomen and 20 percent aremen.Yetmen aremore likely to die after a hip frac-ture and are less likely to be screened and treatedfor osteoporosis. Did you also know that womenare less likely to be referred for cardiac proceduresand more likely to die from a cardiac event? Menare less likely to undergo treatment for urinary in-continence, which is the No. 2 reason for nursinghome placement.

what are the institute’s keystrategies for aDvancingwomen’s health?

We take the pivotal results from evidence-basedresearchandapply it to innovativeeducational com-ponents likeContinuingMedicalEducationmodules

and college curriculum that ultimately enable bothpracticing health care providers and medical stu-dents to know the difference, which is paramountto personalized health care. In addition, we use ourknowledge and networks to spread themessage na-tionwide through community outreach events.

what are some of the institute’searly successes?

Wehave funded84 researchprojects, stimulated44 scholarly works and three National Institutes ofHealth grantswithmore than $1.7million.We havealso hosted more than 75 community events withapproximately20,000attendeesandusedmore than1,500 volunteers acrossTexas.

how is the institute for women’shealth influencing the eDucationof future meDical professionals?

With our “Y” Does “X” Make a Difference cur-riculummodules—afirstof itskind thatwill launchinOctober inpartnershipwithMayoClinic inRoch-ester,Minnesota.

what programming effortsare unDerway to help youngerwomen?

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, aswell as aGirlsNightOut Program in five communi-ties for incoming freshmengirls on the college levelspeaking on self-esteem, date rape, alcohol preven-tion, nutrition and exercise. (Similar programmingis being consider forCorpusChristi)

what key research effortswere coorDinateD through theinstitute for women’s health?

Of the 84-plus research studies we have fundedwith seed grant awards, one of them on green teaand tai chi for women’s health has garnered mil-lions of dollars in NIH funding and been featuredin USAToday, NBCNews,Woman’sWorld, EatingWell, The Washington Post, Reuters, Atlantic, etc.There are more than 11 million websites who alsolisted thestudy in thepastyear.Ongoingresearch inAlzheimer’sdisease,alcoholaddiction,osteoporosis,ovarianandbreastcancercontinuetoprovidemonu-mentalevidence-basedresults.Wearealsocurrentlyprovidingseedfundingforastudyonthedifferences

betweenmen andwomen in lung cancer.

is the institute for women’shealth improving access tohealth care anD screening intexas?

Absolutely!OurCPRITgrant (CancerPreventionandResearchInstituteofTexas)programcalled“Ac-cess to Breast Cancer forWest Texas” or ABC4WThasscreenednearly 17,000womenanddiagnosed54breast cancers with $4.47 million in grant funding.Theseservicesaresaving livesall acrossWestTexas—manyof theminwomenwhowouldnothaveoth-erwisesoughtoutthescreeningorextendedservices.

what is laura bush’s institutemessage to women in texas?

Take care of yourself first, since the majorityof medical services are provided for women, whomake up 80 percent of medical appointments andservices. Taking care of your own health enablesyou to thencare for your family.Makea list of ques-tions and know how to engage your physician forpersonalized care just for you—don’t be afraid toask questions.”

For more information, visit www.laurabushinstitute.org.

Sources: Former First Lady Laura W. Bush and Angela D. Knapp Eggers, interim executivedirector of the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health.

Q&Afrom 15

GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES

Former First Lady Laura Bush is devoting a lot of her life to improvinghealth care for women, and she visited Corpus Christi last monthto share her work through the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’sHealth.

We have funded 84 research projects, stimulated 44scholarly works and three National Institutes of Health grantswith more than $1.7 million. We have also hosted more than 75community events with approximately 20,000 attendees andused more than 1,500 volunteers across Texas.”

ListofNomineesHealthCareHeroes 19Thursday, April 9, 2015 » Caller-Times

Administrative Excellencein Health Care Award■ Maribel Ochoa, nurse manager, ChristusSpohn Memorial■ Alison Gratzel, oncology manager, ChristusSpohn Cancer Center■ Jane Dykes, guesthouse coordinator, ChristusSpohn Shoreline■ Debra Townzen, admissions manager,Charlie’s Place Recovery Center■ Suzanne Roddel, assistant nurse manager,Christus Spohn Health System■ Cynthia Canchola, office manager, Dr.Francisco Acebo■ Dr. Srkanth Damaraju, cardiology, CoastalCardiology■ Chris Miller, primary care services, ChristusSpohn Hospital Memorial■ Angel Romero Jr., director, Advanced ClinicalInformatics

Physician’s Excellencein Health Care Award■ Dr. Allyson Larkin, Christus Spohn ShorelineWound Care Center■ Dr. Bill J. Albarado, physician■ Dr. Robb F Sherron, family health physician,Corpus Christi Family Medicine■ Dr. Jonathan Martin, Corpus Christi FamilyMedicine Center■ Dr. Julian Sanchez, cardiologist, CorpusChristi Heart Clinic & Vascular Institute■ Dr. Mark D. Rasmusson, internal medicinespecialist■ Dr. Danny Dubberly, family physician,Dubberly Medical Clinic■ Dr. Jude M Aririguzo, internal medicine■ Dr. Dan Martin, general surgeon, SurgicalAssociates■ Dr. Patricia A. Cantu, Oso Family Medicine■ Dr. Rufino H. Gonzalez, surgeon, ChristusSpohn Health System■ Dr. Mario A Martinez, internal medicine■ Dr. Raymond H. Graf Jr., cardiologist■ Dr. Eric Madarang, Hospital Group of SouthTexas■ Dr. Crystal Garza, Hospitalist Group Of SouthTexas■ Dr. George Benavides, primary carephysician, Thomas Spann Clinic■ Dr. William Burgin, Christus Spohn HospitalMemorial-Primary Care Services■ Dr. J. Richard Porter, Christus Spohn

Hospital-Primary Care Services■ Dr. Marsha Allen, family physician, Health ByDesign at Valero Corpus Christi Refineries■ Dr. Osbert Blow, trauma surgery, ChristusSpohn Hospital■ Dr. Kathleen Rasmussen, OB/GYN■ Dr. Charles W Breckenridge, orthopedicsurgeon, South Texas Bone & Joint■ Dr. Kathleen Soch, Christus Spohn Hospital■ Dr. Jason C. Bradford, Alice Obstetrics andGynecology Associates■ Dr. Bill Albarado, family physician■ Dr. Jerome Lee Sang, physician■ Dr. Lorraine S. Stehn, family practice

Dental Excellencein Health Care Award■ Dr. David W. Curtis, TMJ & Facial Pain Center,P.A.■ Dr. David Powell■ Dr. Tilman Richards■ Dr. Charles H. Moore■ Dr. Roxanne G. Robertson, StarOrthodontics■ Dr. Vincent G. Morin Jr.■ Dr. Roy Estringel■ Dr. Cynthia A Casillas

Nurse’s Excellencein Health Care Award■ Donna Brown, RN, Christus Spohn Shoreline■ Anissa Marlen Mitchell, RN, Bay Area NICU■ Dr. Mary Jane Hamilton, College of Nursingdean, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi■ Omar Velasquez, LVN, Fersinueus MedicalCare■ Sharon Y. Gray, RN, Corpus Christi MedicalCenter■ Erica Sanchez, RN, Christus Spohn Alice■ Connie Borgfeld, RN, Bay Area MedicalCenter■ Patricia Villegas, RN, Christus SpohnShoreline■ Bonnie Ross, nurse practitioner■ Mark Stephen Santos, RN, Christus SpohnShoreline■ Cynthia Malowitz, nurse practitioner/owner,Bay Area Quick Care■ Kris Hungate, RN/cardiovascular carecoordinator, Christus Spohn Health System■ Linda Rodriguez, RN, Christus Spohn HealthSystem

■ Mary C. Smithwick, LVN, Corpus ChristiIndependent School District-Solomon M. Coles■ Lisa Spencer, RN/respiratory therapist,Driscoll Children’s Hospital■ Michelle Weston, RN, Spohn Cancer Center■ Genus Mosely, Christus Spohn Health System■ Christina Morales, LVN, Saint Peters HomeHealth

Health CareProfessional Award■ Frank Montoya, firefighter/paramedic,Corpus Christi Fire Department■ Richard Alonzo,medical social worker,Nurses onWheels■ Ralph Hoffman, therapist, Christus SpohnHospital Shoreline■ Ramiro Gamboa, radiology technician/operating room, Christus Spohn HospitalShoreline■ ShawnMcGrew, respiratory therapist,Corpus Christi Medical Center■ Norma Garcia, The Palms Nursing &Rehabilitaion Center■ Richard Alonzo, social worker, Nurses onWheels■ Harris Ashley, activity therapy, BayviewBehavioral Hospital■ Brian Cornejo, physical therapist, ChristusSpohn Health System■ Dana Lechner, fire captain, Corpus Christi FireDepartment■ Enrique Cruz, orthopedic technologist,Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial■ Patricia Ann Garcia,mammographer, BayArea Breast Center■ Dyann Young, lab technician

Community Outreach Award■ Mission of Mercy■ Belinda Carrillo, supervisor, CommunityHealth■ Citgo Refining■ Victor Betancourt and Gabriel Lucido,founders, Kid Get Fit movement and 501(3) V FitTraining Center■ Terry Mills, National Association for theAdvancement of Colored People■ Mission FitPossible■ Coastal Cardiology Association■ Carmen Arias,marketing director, RadiologyAssociates

HealthCareHeroes20 Thursday, April 9, 2015 » Caller-TimesCA

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