Houston Methodist celebrates opening of Physician Clinics in League City

September 28th, 2018

Local residents, physicians and staff help celebrate the grand opening and League City Chamber ribbon cutting at Houston Methodist Physician Clinics located in Tuscan Lakes.

A large turnout of local residents, physicians and staff helped celebrate the recent opening of Houston Methodist Physician Clinics – a new primary and specialty care facility in League City.

“In spite of the rain, we were glad to see so many members of the community come out to celebrate this event,” said Dan Newman, Houston Methodist St. John Hospital CEO. “We’re excited to be bringing leading medicine to their neighborhoods.”

Houston Methodist Physician Clinics – located at 2220 E. League City Pkwy. – brings orthopedics, sports medicine, physical and occupational therapy, X-ray services and primary care to families living in Tuscan Lakes and surrounding areas.

The new clinic also includes a sports performance turf lane for throwing, running and agility rehabilitation and training, as well as a vertical jump training machine.

In honor of the grand opening, League City Mayor Pat Hallisey issued an official proclamation, declaring Tuesday, Sept. 11 as “Houston Methodist Physician Clinics Day,” and the League City Chamber of Commerce conducted a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

The multi-disciplinary team of primary care and specialty care physicians at the new facility include Dr. Anika Bell-Gray, a family medicine specialist with Houston Methodist Primary Care Group, as well as Dr. Javier Rios and Dr. Gillian Wooldridge, primary care sports medicine specialists; Dr. Jamie Alexander, an orthopedic hand surgeon; and Dr. Juan Serrato, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, all with Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Outpatient physical therapy is also located at the Physician Clinics.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/appointments or call 281.523.3110 to learn more or to schedule an appointment with a physician at Houston Methodist Physician Clinics in League City.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Business, Health, News | Comments Off on Houston Methodist celebrates opening of Physician Clinics in League City

Movers & Shakers: Carla Medlenka

July 1st, 2018

Name: Carla Medlenka

Occupation: Marketing Manager at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital

Hometown: South Side of Chicago

Current home: League City Historic District

Family: Hubby (Galen) and I are empty nesters and loving it. One son (Justin), two daughters (Mackenzie and Anastasia) who all live close and visit often.

My favorite writer is: Right now I’m reading The Outsider by Stephen King. Arundhati Roy is a favorite. I like many genres and authors.

Someone I’d like to meet: President Obama

If I could switch places with someone for just one day, I’d choose: Meghan Markle

My favorite performers are: The Dave Matthews Band and Krishna Das (look him up, he actually performed on the Grammys)

I like to spend my leisure time: Reading by the pool, watching what goes on in my garden (I have pollinator gardens and bird feeders that fascinate me), cooking. I’m also very involved in the community, serving as Bay Area Turning Point board chairman and on the Bay Area Democratic Movement board.

If I could travel any place, I’d go to: Croatia is high on my bucket list – my great-grandparents’ birthplace. This fall I’m traveling to Switzerland and Italy, which includes a yoga sail trip along the Amalfi Coast

My favorite meal is: Chicago pizza (thin crust) and ice cold local beer

As a youngster, I wanted to grow up to be: A nurse – like many girls in the 60s and 70s!

You’ll never catch me: Complaining or being bored – I love the adventure of life

The thing that bugs me the most is: Toxic and angry people

My favorite movie is: The English Patient

Few people know: I’m a certified yoga instructor, though I prefer to be a student these days

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Business, News | Comments Off on Movers & Shakers: Carla Medlenka

New procedure for treating acid reflux offered

January 30th, 2018

Most adults have experienced acid reflux – commonly called heartburn – at some point in their lives. But chronic reflux can lead to serious health conditions, including an increased risk of esophageal cancer.

When reflux happens regularly, it’s called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. If you have mild heartburn two or more times a week, or moderate to severe heartburn at least once a week, you have GERD. And if your GERD occurs at night, it may also cause a chronic cough, laryngitis, disrupted sleep or even asthma. Over time, GERD can lead to a narrowing of the esophagus, creating swallowing difficulties, esophageal ulcers and changes to the esophagus that can eventually lead to cancer.

“About 20 million Americans take antacids or other heartburn medications regularly — meaning even greater numbers suffer from this condition,” said Dr. Kyle Stephens, a board-certified surgeon who specializes in advanced laparoscopy and bariatric surgery at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital. “Some patients find that lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and modifying their eating habits, can control GERD. But for others, surgery is necessary.”

Stephens said GERD is not something that patients should just live with.

“For many patients who suffer from chronic reflux, surgery is an effective option that can improve quality of life, prevent future damage to the esophagus and eliminate the risk of more serious conditions caused by acid irritation,” he said.

To learn more about acid reflux and about an innovative surgical procedure to treat it, join Dr. Stephens at an event at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22 in the main lobby at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital in Nassau Bay. Please register for this event at houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.333.8899.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Health | Comments Off on New procedure for treating acid reflux offered

Free ‘Planning for Baby’ event slated

January 16th, 2018

Are you planning your pregnancy or expecting a baby in 2018? If so, you don’t want to miss the free pregnancy event — Planning for Baby – presented by Houston Methodist St. John Hospital on Thursday, Jan. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City.

This informative event gives moms-to-be, and couples planning their pregnancy, the opportunity to talk with a wide range of experts from Houston Methodist Childbirth Center at St. John including:

  • Fertility specialists
  • Obstetrician-gynecologists
  • Maternal-fetal medicine specialists
  • Neonatologists
  • Nurses and support staff
  • Pediatricians
  • Pregnancy physical therapists

“Pregnancy is a challenging time for many women, and it’s a great benefit to talk with someone who can answer questions, provide knowledgeable feedback and ease your mind about the weeks and months ahead,” said Dr. Elizabeth Cloninger, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and medical director of Women’s Services at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital.

“This event will provide a relaxed environment where women can learn about comprehensive obstetrics care – from planning their pregnancy to a healthy delivery and postpartum care.”

In addition to health experts, a local infant photographer, newborn and children’s clothing and accessories boutique and other vendors will also be present. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served, and every guest will receive a special gift.

The event takes place in the Harbourview Room on the ninth floor of South Shore Harbour Resort. To register, go to houstonmethodist.org/events or call 281.333.8899.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in News | Comments Off on Free ‘Planning for Baby’ event slated

Hospital recognized for quality stroke care

November 3rd, 2017

Houston Methodist St. John Hospital has been cited for its care of stroke patients — the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines ® -Stroke Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll SM Elite Plus. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment and success ensuring that stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, evidenced-based guidelines.

To receive the Silver Plus Quality Achievement Award, hospitals must achieve 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke achievement indicators for at least 12 consecutive months and during the same period achieve 75 percent or higher compliance with five of eight Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality measures.

To qualify for the

, hospitals must meet quality measures developed to reduce the time between the patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ischemic stroke.

If given intravenously in the first three hours after the start of stroke symptoms, tPA has been shown to significantly reduce the effects of stroke and lessen the chance of permanent disability. Houston Methodist St. John earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period.

These quality measures are designed to help hospital teams follow the most up-to- date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients.

“A stroke patient loses 1.9 million neurons each minute stroke treatment is delayed. This recognition further demonstrates our commitment to delivering advanced stroke treatments to patients quickly and safely,” said Dr. Nadim Islam, director of Emergency Medicine at St. John. “Houston Methodist St. John continues to strive for excellence in the acute treatment of stroke patients. The recognition from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke further reinforces our team’s hard work.”

“The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recognize Houston Methodist St. Johnfor its commitment to stroke care,” said Paul Heidenreich, M.D., M.S., national chairman of the Get With The Guidelines Steering Committee and professor of medicine at Stanford University. “Research has shown there are benefits to patients who are treated at hospitals that have adopted the Get With The Guidelines program.”

Get With The Guidelines®-S puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping hospital care teams ensure the care provided to patients is aligned with the latest research-based guidelines. Developed with the goal to save lives and improve recovery time, Get With The Guidelines®-S has impacted more than 3 million patients since 2003.

As a nurse and former stroke coordinator, Teri Ackerson is aware that every second counts when a stroke strikes. In May 2013, the training she used to help others helped save her own life. Ackerson’s left arm suddenly went numb, she felt the left side of her face droop and she was unable to speak. Despite her symptoms, Ackerson remained calm, made note of the timing of her symptoms and, with the help of her son, proceeded to get treatment quickly.

“Hospitals that follow AHA/ASA recommended guidelines not only know the importance to treat quickly with tPA, but they also follow evidence-based research that helps to determine why you had a stroke in the first place and report these findings,” said Ackerson, 46, who completed a marathon 26 days after her stroke. “Without the treatment I received, I would not have recovered as well as I did.”

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds, someone dies of a stroke every four minutes, and nearly 800,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Health, News | Comments Off on Hospital recognized for quality stroke care

St. John welcomes new ENT physicians

June 16th, 2017

Board-certified otolaryngologists Drs. Alfredo Jimenez and Melissa Hu

Board-certified otolaryngologists Drs. Alfredo Jimenez and Melissa Hu have joined Houston Methodist St. John Hospital ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates, now open on the hospital’s campus.

“Houston Methodist St. John Hospital plays a significant role in the overall health of our community, and Dr. Hu and I are proud to be involved in the hospital’s growth,” says Jimenez.

Jimenez treats both pediatric and adult ENT disorders. He has an established pediatric practice for ear tubes, tonsil surgeries and tongue ties. He also manages sleep apnea, swallowing and voice problems, hearing loss and balance problems.

In addition to general otolaryngology, Hu is also board-certified in facial plastic surgery, with expertise in rhinoplasty and skin cancer reconstruction. She also offers a broad range of cosmetic procedures, manages advanced sinus diseases and performs balloon sinuplasty.

“Joining Houston Methodist St. John was a natural transition for our practice because we share the same values and approach to patient care,” says Hu. “Being closely aligned with the hospital strengthens our ability to serve the community.”

Jimenez and Hu are joined by audiologist Carrie Raz, Au.D. She provides diagnostic services for hearing loss, balance disorders and vertigo. She also fits patients for hearing aids and other

Houston Methodist ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery Associates is located at 18100 St. John Drive, Suite 240. Learn more at houstonmethodist.org/stjohn or call 281.335.7755 to schedule an appointment.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in News | Comments Off on St. John welcomes new ENT physicians

Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, physicians appear in TLC reality show

February 27th, 2017

Houston Methodist St. John Hospital, two staff physicians, and the hospital surgical team are featured in TLC’s second season of “Skin Tight,” a reality television show that focuses on patients who undergo skin reduction surgery following dramatic weight loss.

The second season of “Skin Tight” begins at 9 p.m. CT Wednesday, March 1 on TLC, immediately following the hit series “My 600-lb Life.” Click here https://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/skin-tight/videos/this-season-on-skin-tight-2 to watch the preview.

Board-certified plastic surgeons Drs. Mark Barlow and John LoMonaco, participated in the upcoming second season, which includes 10 patients undergoing skin reduction surgery at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital. The show depicts these patients’ dramatic journey from weight loss to skin reduction surgery, a final step for them to leave their former lives behind.

“Losing a significant amount of weight, as these patients have done, is truly an accomplishment,” said Barlow, who treated four of the patients featured this season. “Surgical intervention is simply the last step in the process. For many of these patients, there is heartbreak and shame associated with their prior size and lifestyle. Removing the residual excess skin can be truly liberating psychologically because it helps erase the last vestiges of that previous life.”

Barlow and LoMonaco have years of combined experience doing skin reduction surgeries.

“It’s a privilege to help these patients, who have already achieved so much, reach their ultimate goal and once again feel comfortable with their bodies,” LoMonaco said. “Skin reduction surgery is a major step and, as with all surgeries, shouldn’t be taken lightly. These men and women are courageous and I’m proud to be a part of their journey.”

Houston Methodist St. John Hospital brings the expertise and compassionate care of Houston Methodist Hospital in The Texas Medical Center – a national Honor Roll hospital – to Bay Area communities. The hospital provides a broad spectrum of adult, pediatric, medical, and surgical care, is an accredited chest pain center, and is also acute stroke-ready designated through DNV. St. John offers many inpatient and outpatient services, including state-of-the-art imaging, labor and delivery with neonatal ICU, minimally invasive surgery, comprehensive orthopedics and sports medicine, and a 24/7 emergency room.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in News | 1 Comment

Police give pointers on how to survive shooter

November 1st, 2016

League City Police Lt. Cliff Woitena, center, accompanied here by League City Mayor Pat Halliey, left, spoke recently at two local seminars to educate the public on how to deal with an active shooter. The first, on keeping sacred spaces safe, was hosted by Houston Methodist St. John Hospital with about 60 clergy and religious leaders attending and was led by the Rev. Richard Maddox, right, director of spiritual care at St. John. The second at South Shore Harbour Resort, and hosted by the Clear Lake Area Chamber and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, open to the public. 

League City Police Lt. Cliff Woitena, center, accompanied here by League City Mayor Pat Halliey, left, spoke recently at two local seminars to educate the public on how to deal with an active shooter. The first, on keeping sacred spaces safe, was hosted by Houston Methodist St. John Hospital with about 60 clergy and religious leaders attending and was led by the Rev. Richard Maddox, right, director of spiritual care at St. John. The second at South Shore Harbour Resort, and hosted by the Clear Lake Area Chamber and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, open to the public.

By Mary Alys Cherry

With shootings becoming a part of our lives most every day and many losing their lives to deranged gunmen in mass shootings, several local organizations decided to offer help to the frightened public – setting up two public seminars.

Clear Lake Area Chamber and Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership hosted one in the South Shore Harbour Resort’s Marina Ballroom while Houston Methodist St. John Hospital hosted another to help both the public and the clergy deal with the problem. The hospital hosted nearly 60 clergy and religious leaders, representing 30 local churches, mosques, temples, and synagogues, for an informative session on “Active Shooters in Sacred Spaces.”

League City Police Lt. Cliff Woitena conducted both seminars, offering advice on what to do in case one is confronted with an active shooter. “The problem is everywhere,” he said.

“We can’t prevent it, but we can prepare for it,” he said, pointing out that it is important to calm down, to take a deep breath and try to relax – no matter how hard that may be. This helps get our brains functioning better, improves our stress response, he explained.

Some things to remember if you find yourself in a place with an active shooter: Run, hide, fight. Forget your personal belongings – they can be replaced. If you hear noise that sounds like firecrackers, it isn’t. People don’t shoot off firecrackers in schools, malls, offices. It’s likely gunfire, and, if you can’t get out safely, find a hiding place. Get behind a large object. Turn out the lights and try to stay calm.

Most likely places of occurrence are 1. Businesses 53 percent of the time; 2. Educational facility, 24 percent;  3. Outdoors, 13 percent; and Other, 12 percent.

“You need to be prepared; you need to have a plan. It takes the police an average of three minutes to get there,” Woitena said, “and they want you to make the best use of your time while they are on the way.” Playing dead may work one time, but is not the best way to save your life, he added. “Don’t hide and hope under a desk either.”

Situational awareness of surroundings is the key. See where the exits are if you are in a large facility – a mall, a school, a supermarket or an office building. If you’re in a room, lock the door, put something against the door, turn off the lights, get out of sight and turn off your phone.

And remember: first responders are not there to help the injured; they are looking for the shooter. Just be patient. Help will arrive. You can survive.

“And, if by chance you are shot, don’t give up. You don’t have to die. Make a decision to live,” Woitena urged. “And, mostly likely you will.”

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in News | Comments Off on Police give pointers on how to survive shooter

Houston Methodist St. John, Friendswood High extent pact

July 1st, 2016

Houston Methodist St. John Hospital and Friendswood High officials celebrate the continuation of their partnership and the hospital’s commitment to Friendswood High School Athletics and student athletes. They are, from left, Mark Griffon, Friendswood High principal; Jonathan Utsey, athletic trainer; David Montz, school board member; Dr. Daniel O’Neill, orthopedic surgeon, sports medicine specialist and team doctor; Trish Hanks, Friendswood ISD superintendent; Cathy Supak, Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine athletic trainer; Jason Tindall, physician liaison; and Thad Roher, Friendswood ISD deputy superintendent.

Houston Methodist St. John Hospital and Friendswood High officials celebrate the continuation of their partnership and the hospital’s commitment to Friendswood High School Athletics and student athletes. They are, from left, Mark Griffon, Friendswood High principal; Jonathan Utsey, athletic trainer; David Montz, school board member; Dr. Daniel O’Neill, orthopedic surgeon, sports medicine specialist and team doctor; Trish Hanks, Friendswood ISD superintendent; Cathy Supak, Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine athletic trainer; Jason Tindall, physician liaison; and Thad Roher, Friendswood ISD deputy superintendent.

Houston Methodist St. John Hospital and Friendswood High School Athletics have extended their successful partnership to 2022.

As the Official Health Care Provider for Friendswood High School Athletics, Houston Methodist St. John Hospital provides a wide range of sports medicine services, including a licensed athletic trainer and support staff for all high school athletes and physician sideline coverage for varsity football games.

“We are thrilled to continue this very successful program that enables us to provide top-quality sports medicine care to Mustang athletes,” says Daniel O’Neill, M.D., the board-certified orthopedist and sports medicine specialist who serves as Friendswood High School’s team physician. “Working to keep these young athletes healthy and at their best is an important component of high school sports, and we are proud of our long relationship with Friendswood ISD.”

The competitive nature of high school athletics means that young players sometimes suffer aches, pains and even serious injuries. When that happens, the hospital’s sports medicine professionals are on hand to help.

“We are the first line of support for athletes who are injured, whether it’s in practice or at a game,” says Megan Duncan, head athletic trainer for Friendswood ISD. “Being able to see an experienced sports medicine trainer quickly can make a big difference in terms of identifying the seriousness of an injury and determining the best course of action. I love working with Mustang athletes and I’m excited that our partnership is continuing.”

The agreement between the hospital and Friendswood High School Athletics also helps keep the cost of quality medical care low for both the district and parents.

“Houston Methodist St. John Hospital provides a wide range of services for Mustang athletes,” says Friendswood ISD athletic director Robert Koopman. “In addition to on-site coverage and preventive taping, they also educate our athletes about proper training techniques, how to avoid injury and how to recover more quickly if they do get hurt. Being embedded with the Mustang sports teams provides a clear advantage to Friendswood athletes.” To find a Houston Methodist St. John Hospital physician, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg or call 281.333.8899.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Education, Health, News | Comments Off on Houston Methodist St. John, Friendswood High extent pact

National Doctors’ Day Tradition Continues at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital

March 30th, 2016

Staff physicians at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital were treated to special breakfast and lunch buffets, prepared in their honor to celebrate National Doctors’ Day.

Staff physicians at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital were treated to special breakfast and lunch buffets, prepared in their honor to celebrate National Doctors’ Day.

All physicians at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital in Nassau Bay were honored on National Doctors’ Day, March 30.

“Our physicians are a vital asset to not only our hospital, but throughout our community,” said Dan Newman, chief executive officer. “We are blessed with this amazing group of talented, compassionate doctors to care for our patients at Houston Methodist St. John.”

National Doctors’ Day was first observed in the 1930s in Winder, Ga., to recognize physicians for their work and contributions to society and the community. According to news archives, March 30, 1842, was the first recorded date that a physician administered ether anesthesia to a patient prior to surgery. Thus, on March 30, 1933, Eudora Brown Almond, the wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, organized a luncheon to honor local physicians, mailed greeting cards to physicians and placed flowers on the graves of deceased doctors. The red carnation is commonly used as the symbolic flower for National Doctors’ Day. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush proclaimed March 30, 1991, as National Doctors’ Day.

Today, National Doctors’ Day is a time for people to show appreciation to the doctors who care for them and their loved ones.

“Every day hundreds of patients and families from the Greater Bay Area put their trust in the hands of our physicians. One of the reasons is because of our doctors’ commitment to providing Leading Medicine care,” said Newman. “A heart felt thank you to all our Houston Methodist St. John Hospital medical staff members for all you do. We are grateful you are part of our hospital family.”

Tags: ,
Posted in News | Comments Off on National Doctors’ Day Tradition Continues at Houston Methodist St. John Hospital

« Next
Betika Aviator
Bay Area Houston Magazine