News

An exciting time for healthcare in East Texas

As more than 50 resident physicians started their training throughout East Texas this month, Dr. Christian Ferrer, a board-certified family medicine physician practicing in Quitman, offers a unique perspective on the experience these residents are embarking on as part of the growing residency program partnership between The University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas.

It wasn’t so long ago that Ferrer arrived in East Texas himself as one of the Health Science Center’s Family Medicine: Rural Medicine residents at UT Health Pittsburg. Remaining close...

Nursing leaders at UT Health Tyler are pictured with nurse externs.

UT Health East Texas is hiring nursing students as externs while they complete their required clinical hours in a new program that benefits not only the nursing students but the hospital as well.

“Our entire vision and intent was to create an environment where students felt like they were accepted, they were treated as part of the team and they got an experience that they would not have otherwise gotten,” said Lecia Bowman, MSN, RNC, chief nursing officer for UT Health Tyler and UT Health North Campus Tyler. “The feedback from those who have graduated was exactly what we wanted to...

For as long as she can remember, Marigold “Gold” Suarez, knew she wanted a career in healthcare.

“I’ve always been fascinated with the healthcare industry,” said Suarez, director of therapy services at UT Health Tyler. “As far back as I could remember, even as a kid, I role-played being a doctor and considered pursuing medical school.”

However, during her undergraduate studies in college she had the opportunity to visit a rehabilitation center, where she was introduced to physical therapy. She was moved by the close interaction between therapist and patient and by the joy...

Janice Blancad, RN, brings a servant’s heart to her job as an intermediate care nurse at UT Health Tyler. Blancad said her biggest achievement is making a difference in someone’s life. She does that by being present for her patients — actively listening to them and frequently checking to make sure they have what they need. Blancad said it’s also important to walk into a patient’s room with a smile and to show that you care about them.

“I want to be the light for my patients, their families, my coworkers and for everyone I work with because you just never know what someone is going...

When Jamie Morrison learned she would have to deliver her baby early because she was experiencing pregnancy complications, she wasn’t worried because of her background as a NICU nurse herself.

“I was overconfident. I’ve seen these babies, I thought, ‘Oh, he’ll be fine,’” she reflects eight years later. “When you’re in that moment and it actually happens … I will admit I did not get it until it happened to me.”

Morrison said it really hit her when her 4-pound, 11-ounce-newborn was placed in a transport isolette minutes after delivery and wheeled away from her to the NICU....

From Left: Lecia Bowman, chief nursing officer; Robin Davis, clinical/operational manager for pediatrics; Janet Kats; Vicki Briggs, CEO; and Greg Kats display some of the handmade creations that were donated to the hospital Wednesday.

When Greg and Janet Kats moved to Tyler to retire a year ago, the couple turned to hobbies to stay busy, Greg using his 3D printer to create different objects and Janet crocheting blankets and stuffed animals.

Greg, retired from a career in IT, makes miniature trains, dinosaurs and fidget toys with his 3D printer and Janet, retired from an accounting career, likes to craft with her hands.

“It keeps us busy and gives us a purpose of doing something,” Janet said. “These are things we like to do and keeps us busy, and it also helps the kids.”

With their newfound free...

Two UT Health Athens nurses received DAISY Awards for their extraordinary on-the-job care.

Stephanie Beddingfield, RN, “exhibited total patient focus, integrity, leadership, stewardship, teamwork,” according to her nomination form, written by the patient’s wife, who noted that when he was discharged, Beddingfield even pulled their truck into the loading area in the pouring rain.

“She was so kind, sweet and caring — we’ve had many experiences the last two years and your staff has been the most caring and knowledgeable! Thank you so much, Stephanie was great...

As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re spotlighting our caregivers, the diversity they bring and the difference they make at UT Health East Texas.

Velvette Davis prides herself on being a role model for others, just as those in her life have been for her.

In fact, it was Davis’ cousin, six years her senior, who inspired Davis’ healthcare career in pharmacy. Even though that cousin didn’t finish pharmacy school because her career took a different path, Davis is proof of the impact of such role models. And she hopes she’s paving that path for the next generation...

It could be said that Dario Gaona has known what he wants since birth.

Dario decided to surprise his parents, Leobardo Gaona Jr. and Fatima De La Hoya, by arriving six weeks before his scheduled due date. And now, at not even two weeks old, he definitely makes his desires known, especially at mealtime.

“He’s been very vocal, especially when it comes to his feedings. I love it,” said Sylvia Navarro, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit RN.

Dario became the first patient in the UT Health Tyler NICU when he arrived at 1:41 a.m. Feb. 4, several weeks before his March 16 due...

As we celebrate Black History Month, we’re spotlighting our caregivers, the diversity they bring and the difference they make at UT Health East Texas.

Shonda Marsh comes from a family where healthcare runs deep. Her mother, uncle, sister, cousins and relatives as far back as they can trace the family tree have had a hand in healthcare professions. But her biggest influence by far is her maternal grandmother, who she credits to inspiring not only her interest in healthcare, but also her drive for advancing diversity and inclusion.

“She grew up in the segregated South...

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News

An exciting time for healthcare in East Texas

UT Health East Texas’ Nurse Extern Program Aims to Grow Top Talent

Employee Spotlight: Gold Suarez, Director of Therapy Services, UT Health Tyler

Employee Spotlight: Janice Blancad, RN

UT Health Tyler NICU nurse draws on personal experience

Couple donates creations to help children at UT Health Tyler

Athens Nurses Receive DAISY Award

Employee Spotlight: Velvette Davis, Director of Pharmacy, UT Health Tyler

UT Health Tyler NICU celebrates first patient

Employee Spotlight: Shonda Marsh, Cardiopulmonary Manager, UT Health East Texas Long-Term Acute Care