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Get to Know our Staff: Emily Cardona, Human Resources

Get to Know our Staff: Emily Cardona, Human Resources

by | Jul 24, 2023 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children? 
Human Resources generalist
 
What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
My duties include assisting with benefits inquiries and leaves of absence, such as FMLA, maternity/paternity and caregiver leave. I also assist with recruiting.
 
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 at the age of 14 at a jewelry store. What led me to work here was my former manager who worked at Scottish Rite as a physical therapist. She was a great leader and helped me grow in my HR career. She always told great stories about working at Scottish Rite and when I saw the job posting, I didn’t waste a second in applying.
 
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
I enjoy working with my team and being part of a company that cares about its employees.
 
Tell us something about your job that others might not already know?
I think, in general, working in HR requires us to have emotional and social intelligence. As professionals helping people do their job well, HR needs to understand what motivates and inspires many people of all backgrounds and experiences.
 
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
My country, Guatemala — I was born there and came to the U.S. when I was about 10 years old. I went back for the first time after 21 years and was just amazed at how beautiful everything was. To see the large volcanoes from the city, the houses up in the mountains and the amazing food, I can’t wait to go back!
 
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
I’m not into to sports, but I’ll watch whatever sports my kids play.
 
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
I would go back to visit my grandmother one last time before she passed.
 
What’s one fun fact about yourself?
I love to ride my bicycle. As soon as the weather is nice outside, you’ll find me on the trails all over Dallas!

WFAA: You’ve heard all about therapy dogs. This therapy cat is raising spirits at a Dallas pediatric hospital

WFAA: You’ve heard all about therapy dogs. This therapy cat is raising spirits at a Dallas pediatric hospital

by | Jul 20, 2023 | Press Coverage, Spotlight

Society is often divided into two groups:  dog people and cat people.
 
Sometimes, people fall into both categories.
 
But it can take a lot to win someone over from the other side.
 
Sarah Dutton has seen it happen time after time.
 
Every couple of weeks, she straps a clear, hardshell backpack with mesh sides and several air vents into Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas.
 
Once inside, the precious cargo is removed, leashed, and together, they begin delivery of a dose of medicine that is as effective as it is cute and cuddly.
 
“You can do anything with Harry,” Dutton said. “ You can touch his ears, you can touch his tail, you can touch his paws, even his whiskers.”
 
Harry is her cat.
She and her husband found him run over in the middle of a Denton County road.
 
They nursed him back to health, and now he’s a therapy cat.
During his twice monthly visits, Harry might sit in the lap of a child in a wheelchair or curl up in a bed beside a patient at Scottish Rite.
 
Sometimes nurses or parents hold him.
 
Often, they gush over him.
 
“He’s the calmest cat I’ve ever seen,” laughed Sam Bryant, a certified pediatric nurse, as she held him.
 
Scottish Rite is world-renowned for treating complex orthopedic conditions, especially limb differences.
 
And that’s one reason Harry connects so well with this hospital’s patients.
 
When Dutton’s husband found Harry, more than one veterinarian clinic said he probably needed to be euthanized.
 
But the couple wasn’t convinced.
He ended up losing a leg and shoulder to amputation. But Harry fully recovered. And as he healed, Dutton saw the potential for him to help heal others.
 
“The fact that he had three legs. I felt like he could touch some people — show that you can get hurt and be disabled and be totally fine and live a normal life,” Dutton said.
 
She and Harry trained through Pet Partners, completing hours of training online and in person.
 
Harry’s twice a month visits to Scottish Rite are now highly anticipated by patients and staff.
 
“I have a cat at home and sometimes I go home to my cat and I’m like, why can’t you be like Harry?” Bryant said. “He just stares at you with his big old eyes, and kids just love that. Even kids who aren’t cat people. He really kind of changes people’s perspectives on cats.”
 
Kaliyah Brownlee got nervous the moment Harry was within view.
 
“So, this is my biggest fear,” the 9-year-old said under her breath, as she was getting an infusion for Lupus treatment at Scottish Rite’s rheumatology clinic.

A black and white cat wearing a harness and leash

Brownlee’s mother, Montranece Randall, said her daughter would normally take off running when she saw a cat.
 
“She runs. We both run!” Randall said.
 
In the clinic next to Brownlee was 8-year-old Virginia Chappelle.
 
While Chappelle got her infusion, she was petting Harry.
 
“He’s so cute,” Chappelle said. “I love his little nose.”
 
And as Brownlee watched Harry work his magic on Chappelle, she gained courage.
 
She wanted Dutton to bring him closer. Touching Harry soon turned into petting him. Then petting him turned into holding him.
 
“I thought I was going to be scared, but I’m not scared of cats anymore!” she said. 
 
“I think we should get one,” she told her mom – who also pet Harry.
 
Harry might not be the kind of medicine doctors prescribe, but the special connection he makes with patients is its own kind of cure.
 
I feel like he understands a lot of people’s emotions and what they need,” said Dutton.

Read the entire article.

Get to Know our Staff: Nandina Paria, Research

Get to Know our Staff: Nandina Paria, Research

by | Jul 12, 2023 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children? 
I work as a senior scientist in the Molecular Genetics division of the Research department. I am responsible for conducting various research projects to identify the genetic cause of the musculoskeletal disorders treated at Scottish Rite and study the molecular mechanism of disease development. Additionally, I oversee the daily lab operation/maintenance as a lab manager.

What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
My daily work involves designing and performing experiments in the lab, analyzing and interpreting data pertaining to various projects. I spend a lot of time in the lab doing experiments on bench.

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?
When I was in college, I used to tutor a high school student. That was my first job.

I did my masters in Molecular Biology in India and came to the United States to pursue my Ph.D. I always wanted to work on human diseases so that my research/findings can benefit people. After I finished my Ph.D., I got an opportunity to join Dr. Carol Wise’s group as a postdoctoral fellow at Scottish Rite, and my dream came true! I have been working in Scottish Rite for past 11 years.

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
I love the work environment at Scottish Rite. I am very thankful to be a part of a group where people are extremely nice, supportive, helpful and fun-loving. I thoroughly enjoy working here.

Tell us something about your job that others might not already know?
Research is hard, and we do not get to see success every day. But when we discover something that can help patient care in the long run, even to a little extent, I find that very rewarding!

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
That would be my visit to the Sam Sand Dunes in Rajasthan, India, when I was a child. Exploring the desert riding on a camel’s back was the most fascinating and interesting experience ever.

What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
I love to watch soccer and cricket when I get a chance.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
I would like to go back to my childhood years … those days were precious!

What’s one fun fact about yourself?
I love to listen to audio stories during my commute to and from work. I am a huge fan of thrillers!

Donor Spotlight: A Promise Kept in Abundance

Donor Spotlight: A Promise Kept in Abundance

by | Jul 7, 2023 | Spotlight

“Scottish Rite for Children provides the best care in the world, regardless of a family’s ability to pay,” says retired Texas State Senator Troy Fraser. Fifty years ago, Troy and his wife, Linda, experienced this world-class care firsthand — at a time when they needed it most. It changed the trajectory of their lives and inspired them to become champions for Scottish Rite.

The Frasers had their first child, a son, in 1972. Chase was born with clubfoot, a surprise to the family. “His foot was totally upside down,” Linda says. “The doctor said, ‘We just hope that he can walk,’ and I said, ‘No. Chase will be able to walk.’” The Frasers discovered Scottish Rite for Children and found answers for Chase’s condition with the chief of staff at the time, the late Brandon Carrell, M.D.

“Linda was pregnant with our second child, and the company that I was working for went bankrupt, so I lost my job and our health insurance,” Troy says. Anticipating a new addition to the family and Chase’s care, Troy tried to make arrangements with Scottish Rite to pay for Chase’s surgery over time, unaware that Scottish Rite would cover his care. When they learned that they would not receive a bill, it was a profound moment that stuck with them. “Scottish Rite was like an angel that came down from heaven,” Troy says. “Linda and I made a commitment that we would pay them back.”

The Frasers have graciously kept their promise and then some. For decades, they have supported Scottish Rite. Troy helped start the Central Texas Golf Classic, a golf tournament in Austin that has raised significant funds to benefit Scottish Rite patients. “To witness the heart that Troy, Linda and their family have for Scottish Rite for Children is truly amazing,” says Vice President of Development Stephanie Brigger. “They have experienced what Scottish Rite is all about, and now they are living out their commitment to support others who need our services and expertise.”

The Frasers’ favorite time of year is when a group of Scottish Rite patients participate in the Amputee Ski Trip in Winter Park, Colorado. Since 2015, the Frasers have hosted a dinner for the participants at their Colorado home. “To see those big smiles on their faces when they’re coming down that mountain,” Linda says, “it’s magical.” Moved by the experience, the Frasers established the Fraser Family Fund, which provides funding for the ski trip, prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation for Scottish Rite patients. To date, the Frasers have contributed nearly $1 million.

“What Scottish Rite did for our family was such a blessing,” Linda says. “They gave our son the ability to walk and become the man he is today. Our lives would not be what they are without Scottish Rite.”
Read the full issue.

Get to Know our Staff: Nick Foo, Human Resources

Get to Know our Staff: Nick Foo, Human Resources

by | Jun 15, 2023 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children?  
Senior HRIS analyst
 
What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
Research, analyze, design and maintain Human Resources applications with regard to administration and projects.
 
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 party attendant at an Inflatable Party Zone. Scottish Rite’s mission is what attracted me. The ability to impact someone’s life and have the ripple effect is something that cannot be replaced.
 
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
The people. The culture at Scottish Rite is unique, and you can feel the warmth of the organization from day one.
 
Tell us something about your job that others might not already know?
HRIS is a specialized role that works with both IT and HR and uses data to make the system more user-friendly for everyone in the organization. 
 
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Japan
 
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
Basketball
 
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
1774
Get to Know our Staff: Anthony Minopoli, Clinical Research

Get to Know our Staff: Anthony Minopoli, Clinical Research

by | Jun 4, 2023 | Spotlight

Each year, our team seeks out college students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Clinical Orthopedic Research Assistants (CORA) are hired at Scottish Rite for Children to assist our experts in performing clinical research tasks and collaborating on research projects. CORA staff are also mentored by our experts and given valuable advice and guidance for their future. Each CORA staff member specializes in a specific area of study and works with the experts in that department, receiving a well-rounded experience in their field of interest.

What inspired you to apply for the CORA/MSRF position?
My passion and lifelong goal, since I was a kid, was to become a physician. Over the years, I have done everything I could to help achieve that goal. With my senior year at Auburn University ending, I wanted to find an experience that aligned with my goals and values, but that also helped best prepare me for applying to medical school. I am not originally from Texas, but through my college years, it became a second home thanks to some of the connections I made along the way. Whenever I expressed my goal to go into medicine, it was also followed by the same question, “Have you heard of Scottish Rite?”

When I came across the CORA position here at Scottish Rite, I knew it was the perfect match. It presented unparalleled opportunities for clinical research and shadowing and the chance to form profound career connections. Simultaneously, it aligned with my interest in orthopedics, but in a new light, where I get to make an impact on the lives of children. The most unique aspect of this position is the overwhelming support of your peers, team and Scottish Rite as a whole. They understand your goals, want you to succeed and challenge you to grow and learn as much as possible.

Have you always been interested in medicine and/or research?
Before I decided to pursue medicine, I knew that I wanted to help others. The most fulfilling thing to me was putting a smile on people’s faces knowing I impacted their lives for the better. Whether it was the numerous injuries I suffered in sports or witnessing my family battle with their own health struggles, I idolized and admired the impact physicians had on my life and the people I care about.

During my senior year at Auburn University, I worked in the Sports Biomechanics research department. I started this initially to fulfill the credit needed to graduate, but I never expected to love it as much as I did. It taught me to think critically, to question and to learn from my failures to find answers. It was this experience that sparked my passion for research and led me to Scottish Rite.

What is it like working at Scottish Rite for Children?
Working at Scottish Rite has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. I am currently a part of the Foot and Ankle team where I am surrounded by peers and mentors who challenge me each day. I not only get to learn, but I am also given the responsibility to handle tasks and problems that, although were daunting initially, have helped me grow as a researcher and aspiring physician. To top it off, I get to interact with the physicians and their patients who count on us to help give them back their childhood.

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?
As a part of the Foot and Ankle team, I work closely each day with Dr. Anthony Riccio. In the short time I have been here, we have worked on improving the robust Foot and Ankle and Clubfoot Registries that he developed. Additionally, I worked with him and our Foot and Ankle MSRF, Taylor Zak, to complete the Idiopathic Toe Walking Study.
Another project I am proud to discuss is one I have been able to lead in conjunction with Dr. David Podeszwa. This study will analyze the long-term outcomes of patients treated with Distal Femoral Osteotomies. In this study, I will be working closely with Scottish Rite’s Center of Excellence for Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction.

How do you think this experience will impact your career path?
In the short time I have been here, my anticipated career path has already changed. Although I have always been interested in orthopedics, since working at Scottish Rite I realized just how much I enjoy working with the pediatric population. I hope to specialize in pediatric orthopedics and continue playing an integral part of clinical research. Scottish Rite is a renowned pediatric research hospital, and I now recognize the vital role research plays in providing the best possible care to our patients.

What progress have you made towards your career goal since beginning the program?
I am currently in the middle of the medical application cycle! So far, I am grateful to have interviewed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of South Alabama, and the Uniformed Services University, and hopefully many more.

What is your favorite project that you are currently working on or have worked on at Scottish Rite?
I am working on numerous projects currently, but a few stick out from the rest. The most fulfilling study to work on is Dr. Riccio’s Clubfoot Registry and the sub studies involved with it. This study requires me to spend a great deal of time in the clinic working with Dr. Riccio and the team. While Dr. Riccio treats the kiddos, I get to monitor the pain and temperament of the babies throughout the process. In the short time I have spent here, I have developed a newfound passion for working specifically with young kids and their families.

What advice do you have for future CORA/MSRF participants?
The best advice I would give to future CORA/MSRF participants is to take full advantage of the opportunity. Scottish Rite is unique to any other hospital I have worked in. Everyone, whether they know you or not, cares. Do not be afraid to reach out for advice. Take the time to find mentors and step out of your comfort zone to develop relationships with those you admire. Especially in the CORA/MSRF programs, your peers understand your goals and want you to succeed. Use the people and resources at your disposal to pursue passions and experiences that you find interesting.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
In the middle of Dallas, Texas, the one thing people never expect is to find out I am an avid Washington Commanders fan!

Anything else you would like to add?
I just want to thank everybody at Scottish Rite for giving me this opportunity. It is rare to find an experience that you wake up and are excited to be a part of each day. I have learned more in these few months than ever before, and I could not be more grateful to be a part of this team!