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Get to Know Our Staff: Hayden Hood, Human Resources

Get to Know Our Staff: Hayden Hood, Human Resources

by | Feb 26, 2025 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite?
I am a talent acquisition assistant. I manage recruitment marketing for our Human Resources department and assist during the recruiting process.

What is the most fulfilling part of your job?
The most fulfilling part of my job is seeing new employees around the hospital, remembering that I played a role in their hiring process.

What makes Scottish Rite a special place to you?
My grandfather was a Scottish Rite Mason, when Scottish Rite required patients to have Mason referrals. He is someone who I look up to and strive to be more like.

What made you choose a career in health care?
I knew I wanted my career to impact those in need, and I thought health care would help me accomplish this goal.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
Recruiting requires multiple candidates to come to Scottish Rite for interviews every day, so I get the unique privilege of meeting new people constantly. We often hear stories from candidates that they chose to apply to Scottish Rite, because they are a former patient or were involved with Scottish Rite in some way.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I love to watch sports, and I am a big Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Cowboys fan.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I wouldn’t call it a hidden talent, but I played baseball in college.

Where are you from and what brought you to D-FW?
I was born and raised in D-FW, and I don’t have any plans of leaving.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I’ve always wanted to go to Japan. I’m intrigued by the vast differences in culture there.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I would eat hibachi. It has always been my favorite, since I was a little kid.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
The Star Wars series.

What was the first concert you attended?
Willie Nelson.

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
Thunderbird Pies is a newer restaurant, but it has quickly become my favorite pizza spot.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
Owen Wilson.

What is some advice you would give your younger self OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Protecting Young Athletes’ Hearts For a Stronger Game

Protecting Young Athletes’ Hearts For a Stronger Game

by | Feb 26, 2025 | Sports Medicine

As a nation, we celebrate our loved ones and cardiac health in February. Sports medicine physicians and athletic trainers are especially passionate about the heart health of young athletes. Shane M. Miller M.D., FAAP, sports medicine physician and the Section Director of Medical Sports Medicine at Scottish Rite for Children, shares key insights to keep young athletes in top shape.

“A well-rounded view of an athlete’s heart health and safety includes parents, administrators and coaches being aware of the signs and symptoms of cardiac emergencies,” says Dr. Miller. “Being prepared with a clear plan can significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic events.”

To protect a young athlete’s heart health, Dr. Miller shares key steps for families to create a plan.

REPORT signs, symptoms and any history of cardiac problems in young athletes at each preparticipation evaluation and when new problems develop. Some examples are chest pain, shortness of breath and passing out.

ASK your family members about a history of cardiac problems or sudden death in the family. Knowing your family’s medical history is a critical step to prevent sudden cardiac death in healthy young athletes.

PREPARE by learning the emergency plan for schools and sports venues. Know where to find the closest AED (automatic external defibrillator) and be sure it is accessible to all event participants, every time. We encourage anyone to seek CPR training and certification to be more knowledgeable and better prepared.

Dr. Miller advises parents to take athletes to their pediatrician for preparticipation evaluations. Although some schools and organizations do not require a release, seasonal checkups and discussions with the doctor can help to prevent many problems and address injuries before they become more serious. One in 300 youth has an undetected heart condition, and up to 72% percent of youth sudden cardiac arrest victims had at least one warning sign that was not recognized, according to Parent Heart Watch.

“Athletic trainers and youth sport coaches are the first line of defense in a crisis,” Dr. Miller says. “Readiness can save lives when seconds matter, and advocating for young athletes’ health ensures they have the support and protection they need to thrive on and off the field.

Having an emergency action plan can help parents, coaches and athletes respond to injuries in a timely manner. An emergency action plan is a comprehensive detailed written plan that prepares for medical, environmental and security emergencies. It is developed and coordinated with local EMS, venue officials, medical personnel and organization administrators. 

Learn more about the importance of an emergency action plan.

Aurora’s Energy Shines Bright with Her Limb Difference

Aurora’s Energy Shines Bright with Her Limb Difference

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Limb Lengthening, Prosthetics & Orthotics

Aurora, age 2, is bursting with energy and enjoys playing with dolls and having tea parties with her family. She was born with fibular hemimelia, a rare condition that caused her fibula, or calf bone, to be missing in her right leg.

Aurora and her family came to Scottish Rite for Children to determine whether they should keep or amputate Aurora’s foot. After discussions with pediatric orthopedic surgeon Corey S. Gill, M.D., M.A., they decided amputation was the best option, which prepared Aurora for a prosthesis. Since receiving her custom-made prosthesis, Aurora is unstoppable and is enjoying the ability to walk, run and play with her siblings.

Watch Aurora’s full care journey down below!

Does My Young Athlete Get Enough Calcium?

Does My Young Athlete Get Enough Calcium?

by | Feb 21, 2025 | Sports Medicine

For young athletes, calcium is an important micronutrient essential for bone health, injury prevention and optimal performance. The benefits of physical activity far outweigh any risks, but it’s important to know that high volume or intensity in sports can place added stress on a growing athlete’s bones. Maintaining proper nutrition can help prevent bone stress injuries and promote strong bone development.

Sports medicine physician Jane S. Chung, M.D., understands that a child’s pre-teen and teenage years are a critical time period for building a strong foundation for their bones. “I see many young athletes, especially girls, who have a history of overuse-related bone stress injuries,” Dr. Chung says. “These injuries include stress fractures, often related to underfueling. A way to avoid this is by making sure young athletes receive the recommended amount of daily calcium.”

Read the following from Dr. Chung about incorporating calcium into a regular diet, as well as advice on when to consider supplements.

Daily Calcium Guide for Strong Bones

There are many ways for young athletes to meet their daily calcium needs, with food being the best source. If necessary, taking supplements can help them reach this goal. Adding a vitamin D supplement or consuming vitamin D-rich foods and beverages helps the body’s ability to absorb calcium.

Some medical conditions may require a different approach, but below is a guide for incorporating calcium in the diet of a child between the ages of 9 and 18 years old.

Calcium in Food

Aim to eat or drink 4 to 5 servings of calcium-containing foods a day, which could include:

  • Milk
  • Yogurt
  • Cheese
  • Calcium and vitamin D, such as fortified orange juice
  • Almond milk
  • Cottage cheese
  • Calcium fortified cereals, granola bars and tofu
  • Vegetables, such as bok choy, kale, arugula, watercress, collard greens, broccoli and kidney beans
  • Nuts, particularly almonds, sesame and chia seeds

Calcium in Supplement Form

Supplements can be found in tablet, chewable, gummy forms, among others. It is important to find the one that works best for your young athlete.  To meet your daily calcium intake, young athletes can take 1300 mg of calcium from a daily supplement. It is best to have no more than 500 to 600 mg at a time for optimal absorption.

Calcium with Food and Supplement

Aim for half food and half supplement

  • Around 500 to 600 mg calcium with supplement
  • Around 800 mg calcium with food. Here are some examples:
  • One 5-ounce yogurt at breakfast (250 mg calcium)
  • Two slices of cheese on a sandwich (300 mg calcium)
  • ¼ cup almonds (about 23 almonds) in a snack (75 mg calcium)
  • Two cups fresh kale in a salad (180 mg)

These are general recommendations. If you have concerns about calcium intake for your young athletes, please speak with your physician, a sports medicine physician or a registered dietitian.

Call 469-515-7100 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chung or another sports medicine physician.

Get to Know Our Staff: Jerilynn Putnam, Chaplaincy Services

Get to Know Our Staff: Jerilynn Putnam, Chaplaincy Services

by | Feb 19, 2025 | Spotlight

What led you to Scottish Rite?
My passion for humanity, education and ministry led me to Scottish Rite for Children. When I was a resident, I was able to share my pediatric chaplaincy experience with Scottish Rite patients, families and staff. I’m excited and humbled that my residency brought me back to Scottish Rite as the first ever full-time staff chaplain.

Tell us a little bit more about your role.
In my role, I aim to be a calm, hospitable presence for Scottish Rite. I’m here to offer care and support to everyone who enters our doors. I focus on providing direct care to patients receiving day surgery or in the Inpatient Unit. I attend weekly clinical huddles, collaborate with non-clinical services and provide religious resources. Throughout the year, I also offer liturgical reflections, godly play, spiritual play and religious services in Scottish Rite’s chapel for patients, families and staff.

What do you want staff to know about chaplains?
Professional chaplains have extensive educational and clinical training in world religions, theology, spirituality, inclusion and diversity, ethics and family systems. They are here to provide emotional and spiritual support to everyone in the hospital.

When a situation requires for it, they also provide pastoral care, ethical consultation, religious or non-religious support, hospitality, grief or bereavement support, conflict mediation, patient advocacy and customer service, among others.

What made you choose a career in health care?
My personal experience with grief, along with my own medical emergencies and surgeries, led me to a career in health care. As a hospital chaplain, my compassion, love for others and selfless service encourages me to genuinely work with others through the difficult and joyous transitions of life, illness, recovery, grief or death.

What is something unique you get to do in your position?
I have the unique opportunity to learn people’s stories. By utilizing creative tools in my role, I invite others to discover meaning and purpose during their hospitalization and/or daily work.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to spend time outdoors and read books. I also love to bake and cook for my family.

Do you have any hidden talents?
Car dancing!

Where are you from and what brought you to DFW?
I am a homegrown Dallas girl!

If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go to New Zealand to soak in as many mountain hikes and water adventures as possible before relaxing at a few wineries.

If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Because of my love of rice and vegetables, I would eat sushi and stir fry for the rest of my life.

What movie do you think everyone should watch at least once?
“Life Is Beautiful.”

What was the first concert you attended?
I went to B-52’s concert.

Favorite DFW hidden gem?
My favorite DFW gem is not hidden, but it’s the view of the Dallas skyline from any perspective.

If you were to have a movie based on your life, which actress/actor would you choose to play your character?
Drew Barrymore.

What is some advice you would give your younger self OR what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Make the best of each day and celebrate often!