What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children? I am an administrative resident. My role is to learn about health care administration through projects and working with leaders to complete my master’s degree.
What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work? I work on projects, attend meetings and participate in rotations.
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here or what led you to Scottish Rite? How long have you worked here? My first job was working as a lifeguard. I attended Trinity University, which led me to complete my residency at Scottish Rite.
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite? I enjoy the mission the most! It is such an incredible mission that everyone works toward, which is really special and something you don’t find everywhere.
Tell us something about your job that others might not already know? I am working toward my master’s degree, which will be completed after I finish my residency!
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been? Copenhagen.
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? As a graduate of the University of Alabama, it would have to be Alabama football – roll tide!
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to? 1980
What’s one fun fact about yourself? Fun fact: I love running on the Katy Trail!
Scottish Rite for Children offers a Medical Student Research Fellowship (MSRF) for medical students interested in gaining experience in clinical research. MSRF fellows work with a lead faculty mentor throughout the year and several project supervisors who are pediatric orthopedic faculty at Scottish Rite. They work as a crucial part of the research teams in various centers for excellence at Scottish Rite and are responsible for a variety of research projects. What inspired you to apply for the MSRF position? What inspired me to apply for the MSRF position was my passion for pediatric orthopedic research. Since meeting Dr. Norm Ramirez, a former pediatric orthopaedic fellow at Scottish Rite, I’ve always been interested in how orthopedic research plays a role in advancing orthopedic knowledge and making a difference in children’s lives.
Have you always been interested in medicine and/or research? Yes, I am a recent medical doctor graduate from Puerto Rico aspiring to improve pediatric patient care while following my dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. What is it like working at Scottish Rite for Children? Working at Scottish Rite for Children has been incredible. The institution’s diverse leadership and commitment to staff and employees make you feel like you belong. Their commitment to the well-being of children is truly inspiring. Scottish Rite for Children’s supportive environment has provided me with invaluable learning opportunities that I will hone to become an ethical and competent orthopedic surgeon.
Can you share a few sentences about someone at Scottish Rite who has been a mentor to you and how they have impacted your experience? What project are you working on with that mentor? One of my mentors at Scottish Rite has been Jaysson T. Brooks, M.D., a renowned pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Brooks has had a profound impact on my experience by guiding me through my orthopedic residency application and several research projects related to pediatric spine deformity. One of the projects we are working on together is looking at the effect that a T1 Upper Instrumented Vertebrae has on Proximal Junctional Kyphosis Risk in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients. How do you think this experience will impact your career path? This opportunity helps me explore the academic aspects of orthopedics, dive into pediatric orthopedic research and collaborate with renowned experts in the field. This experience reinforced my commitment to becoming an orthopedic surgeon, providing me with the understanding and discipline to excel at my job. What progress have you made toward your career goal since beginning the program? Since beginning the program, I have contributed to several research projects and developed a better understanding of the complexities in pediatric orthopedics. I’ve also had the privilege of presenting my work at a resident symposium and published research papers in orthopedic journals. What is your favorite project that you are currently working on or have worked on at Scottish Rite? My favorite project at Scottish Rite has been investigating compliance rates and patients reported outcomes for each type of brace prescribed to treat spinal deformity. It is a challenging and meaningful project that could impact patient care and quality of life. Having the opportunity to work alongside a supportive and knowledgeable team has made me discover a passion for the pursuit of knowledge and the process of curiosity, making me feel fulfilled at work by enjoying the process and making a difference in the lives of children.
What advice do you have for future MSRF participants? For future MSRF participants, I would advise them to work hard, be proactive and make the most of the resources available at Scottish Rite for Children. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, don’t be discouraged by setbacks or slow progress and stay committed to your goal. Never forget to sharpen the saw. As you step into this journey, continue renewing and improving yourself. Take care of yourself along the way, and take simple steps to sustain your personal growth.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you? One thing most people don’t know about me is that I’m a fantasy basketball enthusiast and analyst. I’ve always been interested in the strategic components of the game, and this passion always takes me to study the secret world of statistics and strategies when the NBA season begins. I spend nights looking over player statistics, studying trends and predicting breakout performances. I’ve even won a few friendly leagues. The best part is that my love for fantasy basketball has improved my real-life understanding of the game. Fantasy basketball has taught me the art of decision-making, risk assessment, player roles and team strategies. So, if you ever see me with my laptop during the NBA season, don’t assume I’m just catching up on work. I might be fine-tuning my fantasy basketball lineup.
Anything else you would like to add? In closing, I’m grateful for the chance to be a part of the MSRF program at Scottish Rite for Children, and I look forward to continuing my journey of becoming an orthopedic surgeon with the knowledge and experiences gained throughout my time here.
We’re recruiting Medical Student Research Fellows for 2023! If you are a third-year medical student looking to take a gap year before applying to residency, take advantage of this unique opportunity! Only three positions are available for 2024.
On the stage shining bright with lights, Divya, of Frisco, bent over into a backbend. Viewing the world from upside down and backward, she reached over to her vintage Little Tikes xylophone piano and plinked “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” The crowd went wild!
A recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and former Scottish Rite for Children patient, Divya shared her talent in the We Are More Talent Show, a fundraiser that she created seven years ago to support patient care at Scottish Rite. “I wanted to give back,” she says, “and I realized there were probably a lot of other kids who wanted to give back but didn’t know how.” From rock bands, dancers and acrobatic yogis to an amputee playing the ukulele, an artist without hands painting and a child quickly solving a Rubik’s® Cube — a wide variety of talents have been showcased.
“When I started the show, my motivation was to raise money, but I realized it was more than just a fundraiser,” Divya says. “It had an impact on the patients.” The one-of-a-kind show encourages patients and families to bond and build community. There is no competition and no expectations. “You do whatever you want, have fun doing it, and everyone claps for you,” Divya says. “It creates a space for kids to be themselves, to feel included and supported.”
When Divya was 7, she was referred to Scottish Rite for joint hypermobility. “My ligaments were like rubber bands,” Divya says. “Instead of stretching and then recoiling back, they just kept stretching and stretching, so my kneecaps started dislocating.” Growing up, Divya had to sit out at recess and skip playing sports. She had multiple surgeries, but in high school, her family connected with pediatric orthopedic surgeon and medical director of clinical research Henry B. Ellis, M.D. He performed reconstruction surgeries on her knees that she says changed her life. “I never thought that I could do the things that I can do now, but after my last surgeries, I was miraculously fine,” she says.
Divya’s journey inspired We Are More. “I wanted to show that kids who go to Scottish Rite can still do cool things, that we are more than our disabilities.” The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Greater Dallas has recognized Divya with the 2023 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy award. “We are so extremely proud of Divya,” says Stephanie Brigger, vice president of Development. “She has touched the hearts of so many people and contributed so much to Scottish Rite.”
Now, Divya is applying to medical school to become a doctor. She feels that her experience at Scottish Rite will position her to do more advocacy in the field. “Scottish Rite gives families hope,” Divya says, “not only because their kids receive the utmost care, but also because they don’t have to worry about whether they can afford it. There’s no other place like it!”
What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children? I am a registered nurse on the Inpatient Unit. What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work? As a R.N., I am kind of a jack-of-all-trades. I do all the tasks needed to provide care for my patients and their families while trying to provide the best experience possible. What was your first job? What path did you take to get here or what led you to Scottish Rite? How long have you worked here? My first job was as a vet assistant – I learned fast that while I liked dogs, this was not for me. When I started out in college, I volunteered at a local hospital. I found nursing interesting and thought, ‘Yep, this is where I’m meant to be.’ Since that time, I’ve worked as a tech for 10 years, then became an L.V.N., then R.N., (with both an associate degree in nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing). I basically just keep upgrading. A fellow R.N. buddy worked at Scottish Rite and loved it. They said it was a different environment than other places to work. She was right — the work environment is just a different vibe — hard to describe, but if you know you know. I had always considered working in pediatrics and have been here for the last 2½ years. What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite? I love my fellow tight-knit band of coworkers. We are like family! We know how to lift each other up and are always willing to help out or answer any questions. Every day I learn something new. Tell us something about your job that others might not already know? I am a nurse, and a lot of people have an image of what that entails because what they see on TV, but the reality is not really like that. As a nurse, you are the advocate/cheerleader/friend/rule maker (the list goes on and on), but we truly are there for every up and down in our patient’s and family’s lives. It is awesome to see a kiddo who has been on the unit for a while go home, because you know you helped them get to that place of recovery. Our kiddos are very strong and some add a little sassiness to the mix. I love it! Where is the most interesting place you’ve been? Well, I have not done a lot of traveling outside of the U.S., but I would love to travel to Ireland and Spain. My dad is of Irish decent, and it would be nice to visit the beautiful country sides. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Easy — tostadas or enchiladas! Well, anything TexMex. Yum! If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to? I would go back to the ‘80s era. It was my childhood and an awesome time. What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? A book, comfy clothes and some tea bags (I love unsweet tea – if you know me, you know this is true!) What’s one fun fact about yourself? I have a crazy sense of humor mixed with a little sarcasm. Even in the worst of times, we need to laugh.
What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children? I am the clinical research coordinator for the Center for Excellence in Hand. What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work? I maintain the many hand studies we have going on at Scottish Rite, some of which have been open for almost 20 years. Getting patients involved with our studies is always exciting, so consenting these patients and parents is always on the agenda. What was your first job? What path did you take to get here or what led you to Scottish Rite? How long have you worked here? My first job was in retail at Banana Republic Factory Store. It was a job I landed at a career fair that took place at my high school when I was 16. Since then, I’ve also been a server and medical scribe. I was introduced to clinical research following my post-graduate studies. What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite? The atmosphere of Scottish Rite is friendly and fun! The nicest people in Texas are right here. Tell us something about your job that others might not already know? Even though I work in the Hand department, clinical research also gives me the opportunity to work with other divisions, such as Hip and Psychology. I love working with different teams and adapting to their clinical research needs. Where is the most interesting place you’ve been? My parents are immigrants from Laos, a small country in southeast Asia. Visiting is always fun because it’s so rich in culture, good food and friendly people. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? My favorite dish in the world is a Lao dish called “pun nam cheun,” which is a kind of do-it-yourself lettuce wrap using egg rolls, vegetables and herbs. It’s fresh, perfect for a hot day and guilt free. If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to? I was a big dinosaur nerd growing up, so I think it would be cool to go back in time to witness them (before disaster hits, of course). What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? Definitely chapstick, SPF and a LifeStraw. What’s one fun fact about yourself? I started a nonprofit organization called Texas Flourish Project, which is dedicated to spreading smiles through the gift of repurposed flower arrangements. We’ve received tons of flower donations that were left over from weddings and other special events, including ones taking place here at Scottish Rite! Instead of tossing them in the trash, they’re repurposed into smaller bedside arrangements and donated to women’s shelters, hospice facilities, assisted living facilities and other similar establishments. We are always accepting flower and glassware donations!
What is your role at Scottish Rite for Children? I am a facility dog in the Day Surgery Center at the Frisco campus.
Tell us about yourself. My name is Falco, and I am a black retriever. I’m named after SuperSmashBrosTM characters from Nintendo®. I have 10 siblings, and I am the biggest! My dad’s name is Mario, and he is a chocolate labradoodle. My mom’s name is Ruby, and she is a golden retriever. Growing up, I played with my brother Link and my sister Zelda.
What’s something—big or small—that you’re really good at? I really like to put my front two paws on the beds of my patients to support them as they get ready for surgery. I lay my head on their laps and cuddle close.
What are some of your hobbies? I love napping and playing with my brother Cooper at home. Cooper is a yellow Labrador retriever, and he waits for me at the front door until I get home from work. We play and wrestle until we are tired, and then we nap together.
Where do you spend most of your time during the day? I get to spend most of my day in the Day Surgery Center. I support my patients while they get ready for surgery, and then I check in on them when they wake up in the recovery room.
What brought you to the Scottish Rite? I was born and raised by a nonprofit organization called Canine Assistants in Milton, Georgia. My handlers, Marissa and Katie, were interviewed about how a facility dog would be used at Scottish Rite. That’s when Canine Assistants thought I would be the perfect pup for Scottish Rite, and they matched us together!
What is your daily routine?
5 a.m. – I wake up, stretch, and let out a big yawn. I go to the backyard with my brother, and then it’s off to work!!
6 a.m. – Once we arrive, we walk over to the preoperative area and meet patients! I like to lay across their bed and give them morning cuddles. This is my way of telling patients they will do great today. I also greet the patient’s parents and sometimes end up laying on their foot or leg to use as my pillow. I stay with patients as the nurse and my child life specialist handler prepares patients for the surgery process, so they know what to expect.
8:30 a.m. – It’s breakfast time! I go back to the office and enjoy my breakfast and a morning nap before seeing more patients! My favorite place to sleep is under the desk, it’s my dog cave!
9:30 a.m. – I spend most of my morning helping patients feel comfortable with the surgery process. Most of the patients I meet have never had a surgery, so I spend time showing them how different medical supplies are used. This helps patients normalize to medical equipment type things and feel safe as my coworkers take care of them.
11 a.m. – Once a week, a groomer comes to Scottish Rite to give me a bath. It is important that I get a weekly bath, so I can stay clean for all the patients I see.
Noon – Nap time is the best time! While my coworkers eat lunch, I take a nap. It is important that I have time to rest, so I can have plenty of energy to see my afternoon patients.
12:30 p.m. – After nap time, I play “keep away” with my toys in the hallway. I act like I’m going to let my mom and aunt get my toy, but then I run off!
1 p.m. – I’m ready to visit my patients as they wake up from surgery. I like to lean my head on their bed and get sweet pets. Some kids wake up a little confused from the sleepy medicine, but when they feel my head, and say, “Oh, it’s Falco,” they know where they are and wake up calmer. I like spending my afternoon in the recovery area, the lights are dim, it’s quiet, and sometimes I demonstrate eating ice chips to patients.
2:30 p.m. – At the end of my work day, I need another nap. I get to take off my service vest since I’m headed home! I like to sleep on the car ride home, and sometimes I snore!
3 p.m. – Once I’m home, I’m ready to play with my brother Cooper! We play inside and then nap, then play outside and then nap. It’s a pretty great way to unwind from the day!
6 p.m. – I’m hungry again and get to eat dinner.
6:30 a.m. – I may only be 15 months old, but I enjoy my rest time. I sleep while my family watches TV or works on projects around the house.
9 p.m. – Since I wake up really early, I like to lay down in my bed for the night at this time. It was such a long day with my patients, and I am ready to dream about snacks.
Be sure to follow @pawsitivecopingpack on Instagram to stay connected with Falco & Margo!
Sign up for our email newsletter to receive updates on how you can help support our mission, invitations to community events, the latest news and education from our experts and so much more.
Tell us what you are interested in receiving below.
