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Get to Know our Staff: David Calles, Inpatient Unit

Get to Know our Staff: David Calles, Inpatient Unit

by | Jul 18, 2022 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children? 
I am a Patient Care Technician, and I assist the nursing staff with patient care.
 
What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work? 
I take vital signs, prepare the surgery beds, run labs, occasionally answer the phones, assist patients with their activities of daily living and support my nursing staff with taking patients to and from procedures.

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?
I worked at a place called James Coney Island in Houston serving food and dressing up like a big hotdog! I have worked at Scottish Rite for 10 years as of July 31. It’s been a true blessing to have Scottish Rite in my life.
 
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
The feeling of family and that I am making a difference. I love to make special connections with the patients and family members.
 
Tell us something about your job that others might not already know.
My favorite part about my job is that I get to connect with the patients and make them smile and feel normal. I like to take their minds off of what they are going through and make their stay/day brighter.
 
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
The Aztec ruins in Mexico — it’s amazing to think that they initiated a game similar to basketball and how advanced they were for what is considered a primitive time.
 
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
UFC mixed martial arts to watch and hunting as a hobby.
 
What’s one fun fact about yourself?
I love to dance.

Caring for the Communities They Serve

Caring for the Communities They Serve

by | Jul 2, 2022 | Spotlight

Article previously published in Rite Up, 2022 – Issue 1.

Scottish Rite for Children is not the only organization celebrating a major milestone. Twenty years ago, H-E-B opened its first Central Market in Dallas at Lovers Lane and Greenville Avenue. Another connection between the two — sharing an unwavering commitment to help strengthen the communities they serve. H-E-B/Central Market and its president, Stephen Butt and his wife, Susan, have worked with Scottish Rite for Children for many years

“The quality of the team and the clarity of its mission have made it very easy to build the strong partnership with Scottish Rite that we have now enjoyed for the past 20 years,” Stephen says. “Our relationship began to grow as we saw firsthand the strong care and compassion they showed for these children and families — a long-standing trait of Scottish Rite.

The Butts and H-E-B/Central Market have been steadfast community partners to cities around Texas. Donating 5% of pre-tax annual earnings to charitable organizations, the company has given more than $10 million to the surrounding areas

”The amazing depth and breadth of Stephen and Susan’s unyielding commitment is remarkable,” Vice President of Development Stephanie Brigger says. “They’ve provided strong leadership for our special events and introduced countless friends to Scottish Rite.

In 2012, the Butts and their good friends Betsy and Richard Eiseman, Jr. were co-chairs of Scottish Rite’s signature event, Treasure Street. Behind the scenes, the couple has hosted fun-filled patient activities as well as provided tremendous support to our staff. “They have gone the extra mile over and over again,” Brigger says. “They have catered and served delicious meals to our teams and given overflowing bags of groceries to brighten the holidays for our staff and their families.

For more than a decade, Central Market has hosted The Foodie Classic Golf Tournament, which provides H-E-B/Central Market suppliers an opportunity to support Scottish Rite as well. The tournament has raised more than $1.2 million directly benefiting patient care

“Susan and Stephen Butt have been wonderful friends of Scottish Rite,” Assistant Chief of Staff and Foundation President Karl E. Rathjen, M.D., says. “They have always been ready to ‘answer the call’ for our patients and their families. Their loving, inclusive leadership is reflected every time you step into Central Market. I am always amazed at the similarities of our two organizations’ team members — great people who love what they do and go out of the way to serve others!

“Scottish Rite for Children holds a special place in the hearts of its many supporters,” Stephen says. “We are proud of the relationship we are building with Scottish Rite, through H-E-B/Central Market as well as personally, and we look forward to our partnership with Scottish Rite continuing to grow into the future.

Congratulations to H-E-B/Central Market as it has broken ground on four new H-E-B locations in Plano, Frisco, McKinney and Forney. We are grateful for the support of Stephen and Susan Butt and H-E-B/Central Market and can’t wait for the next 100 years of serving the community united together.

Read the full issue.

Get to Know our Staff: Dana Dempsey, Therapeutic Recreation

Get to Know our Staff: Dana Dempsey, Therapeutic Recreation

by | Jun 29, 2022 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children?  
As director of the Therapeutic Recreation department, I make sure my team has the resources and support they need to provide therapeutic recreation services to our patients. Therapeutic recreation services include inpatient interventions, outpatient interventions and community outreach programs, such as camps, All-Star Tennis and the Learn to Golf program. I also provide direct patient care when my teammates are occupied with other patients.

What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?  
Each day is a little different, depending on variables like how many inpatients are in the unit, clinic schedules, project meetings and preparations for community outreach programs. On a typical day, I can find myself meeting with a patient and parent in the clinic, prepping for camps or pulling golf clubs and confirming instructors for Learn to Golf clinics.

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 at Scottish Rite for Children was as the Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator. In 1997, Scottish Rite opened the Jas. F. Chambers Jr. Youth Fitness Park, and I had the privilege of using that park as a tool. At the time, we didn’t have a therapeutic recreation department. I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by wonderful colleagues while developing therapeutic recreation programs that provide a variety of services for our patients. Prior to coming to Scottish Rite, I provided therapeutic recreation services in mental health settings for about 10 years. This October, I celebrate 25 years at Scottish Rite.

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
“Our patients” is the easiest answer. But beyond the patients, I’ve developed some close friendships with other staff members that bring amazing joy to my life. People – they are important. At Scottish Rite, that message comes through.

Tell us something about your job that others might not already know. 
Although I run a junior golf program for our patients and approximately 50% of my job is devoted to Learn to Golf, I’m lucky if I get to play golf three to four times a year! Most folks think I play golf all the time. 

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
I find most places I go very interesting. It’s a toss-up between Addo Elephant Park in South Africa or sailing in the British Virgin Islands. However, I find that my own backyard is really interesting, too!

What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
I’m not much of a spectator. I love to play golf!

What’s one fun fact about yourself? 
I’ll get to be a part of history because I am going to be at the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open in Pinehurst on July 18 – 20, 2022. Because of the Learn to Golf program, I’ve become friends with several adaptive golfers who are in the Championship Field.

Get to Know our Staff: Jason Sawa, Inpatient Nursing Unit

Get to Know our Staff: Jason Sawa, Inpatient Nursing Unit

by | Jun 20, 2022 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children?  
I am in the inpatient care coordinator. 

What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?  
I ensure the needs of the patient and family are met during their inpatient stay and at discharge. I meet with patient families upon admission to discuss their plan of care and expected discharge needs. I’m one part of an extraordinary team that helps our families have a great experience while staying with us as an inpatient and that they are set up for success when they are ready to go home.

What was your first job? How long have you worked here?
My first job was at KFC, and I’ve been at Scottish Rite since 2004. 

What makes Scottish Rite such a special place to work?
I love seeing how the kiddos progress with the treatments they receive here. I also think it takes a wonderful group of people to keep Scottish Rite special, so I think my co-workers are invaluable. 

What would your dream job be if you were not in the medical field? 
I would love to be a pilot and travel the world. 
 
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
My favorite place to vacation is any place that has sunshine and a beach. 
 
What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
My favorite team is the six-time Super Bowl Champions Pittsburgh Steelers. 

What’s one fun fact about yourself?
I love buying new release items – from shoes to vinyl records to seeing a movie the night it premieres

Get to Know our Staff: Vivek Kalia, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., Radiology

Get to Know our Staff: Vivek Kalia, M.D., M.P.H., M.S., Radiology

by | May 17, 2022 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children?  
I am the Medical Director of Radiology and a Staff Radiologist.

What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work? (You can also include a brief description of your department)
I provide imaging services to our pediatric orthopedic patient population. I also image patients from other services, such as rheumatology and neurology. My team provides imaging services, such as X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound and fluoroscopy. As a staff radiologist, I interpret the imaging exams that our technologists perform. As the Medical Director of Radiology, I am responsible for overseeing the operations of the department and ensuring we are providing timely and high-quality, evidence-based care.

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 part-time cancer researcher in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham during college. It was great to get some experience under my belt. Through my medical training years, I have meandered around the country. I did 4 years of college in Birmingham, AL, 5 years of medical school and public health school in Baltimore, MD, 4 years at a diagnostic radiology residency in Burlington, VT, and one year at a musculoskeletal radiology fellowship in New York, NY. Then, I took my first faculty position as an MSK radiologist at the University of Michigan in 2017. I came to Scottish Rite just about 2.5 months ago, with an initial start date of Jan 31, 2022.

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
The culture and the people! Even when I interviewed for the position of Medical Director, I knew that what would make me sign on the dotted line was the daily interactions I would have with colleagues (and now friends) here. I love the patients as well, of course.

Tell us something about your job that others might not already know.
I prepare way more than some may realize for all of the meetings I’m a part of now. And, I do my absolute best to follow-up with each person I’ve made a commitment to.

Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
Kissing my 3-year-old daughter and my wife goodbye in the morning when I leave for work.

What is something that always makes you smile?
My daughter, without fail.

What’s one fun fact about yourself?
Believe it or not, I once (i.e. in high school) was a break-dancer. I even did a few shows in my high school.

How do you identify within the Asian American and Pacific Islander community?
I was born in India but moved to the US when I was just 3 years old and have lived here ever since. I practice Hinduism as my religion. My wife was born and brought up in India until the age of 23. We both have strong cultural influences from India and try to keep our heritage and culture at the forefront of our minds, particularly as we raise our young daughter.

What brings you joy about your heritage and culture?
The focus on familial ties is a big thing for me. I love how everything in our culture is centered around the family, and there is immense respect put on parents and grandparents. In my culture, it is routine and even normal for parents to live with their children once they reach a certain age and are no longer able to care for themselves (rather than go to an assisted living facility or nursing home.) I love my parents so much and would gladly welcome them into my home.

Favorite travel destination?
Hawaii for sure because of its unmatched beauty.

Favorite meal or special recipe?
I love Thai food!

Get to Know our Staff: Hillary Verver, Orthopedics

Get to Know our Staff: Hillary Verver, Orthopedics

by | Jan 17, 2022 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children?  
Graduate Medical Education/Continuing Medical Education (GME/CME) Coordinator

What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
I just joined the staff here, but I will be overseeing the journey that we are about to embark into becoming a Texas Medical Association CME Accredited Institution. I also will assist with Graduate Medical Education, specifically helping with student/observers, orthopedic and rheumatology residents and fellows.

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 in health care was a nursing administrative assistant to a medical surgical nursing director. I eventually worked my way into nursing education, and then expanded into GME. I am passionate about providing a special experience in every connection I make. Being able to provide efficient service and coordinate educational opportunities for our health care providers is a way I contribute to the excellent patient care they are able to deliver. 

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
The culture here. Everyone I have met has been so exceptional! My HR recruiter, my new coworkers, our volunteers and security officers — everyone has been very welcoming. 

Tell us something about your job that others might not already know.
It is somewhat a new role, at least the CME side of things. Currently, we work with another institution to provide CME credit. But once we go through the TMA accreditation process, we can offer CME on our own and possibly have more opportunities to offer CME to our providers.

What do you wish you knew more about?
I can’t wait to learn more about the fellowships offered here, as well as seeing a fellow through the complete process.

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
The most interesting place I’ve been to is Venice, Italy. I enjoyed the rich culture and history it has to offer, and it was truly amazing to see how flooded the city gets when it rains!

What would you rate 10 / 10?
Work related – Microsoft Office 365. I absolutely love being able to work with such up-to-date software, this should not be taken for granted! Fun related – Sprinkles Cupcakes. BEST. CUPCAKES. EVER!

Is there anything that are you looking forward to in 2022?
The journey of accreditation!