April 17, 2024

When did you join UTHealth Houston? What brought you here?
I joined UTHealth Houston in 1992 as a specialist in human resources training and development support. After starting a family, I had to look for a better employment opportunity and achieve the “American dream.”

Tell us about your work history here.
I started with the Training and Development team, where I was the administrative support for in-house professional development. Some of the high points: In 1996, I had the privilege to work as executive assistant for the Medical School’s former deans, Dr. John Ribble and Dr. Cheves Smythe, in the Department of Internal Medicine – Division of General Medicine. I managed their executive academic functions, including facilitating the educational program problem-based learning (PBL) executive committee, the Epidemiology core group sessions, the Residency Internal Review Committee, and the Student and Evaluation Promotions Committee. In 2002, I worked with Dr. Carlos Hamilton, Jr., special adviser to president, where I served as senior administrative and clinical coordinator and liaison among UTHealth, Texas Medical Center components, and other organizations: Harris County Medical Society, Houston Academy of Medicine, Texas Medical Association, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Medical Association, John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science, Practicing Physicians Advisory Council (PPAC) to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the World Anti-Doping Agency –  Health, Medical and Research Committee. Dr. Hamilton retired in 2019, then after a brief hiatus, I returned to work for the Department of Surgery – Division of Urology as a residency coordinator II, then advanced to the Department of Family and Community Medicine, where I am currently working as an educational programs coordinator III, for the third- and fourth-year medical student clerkships.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?
In January 2000, under the supervision of Dr. John Ribble and Dr. Susan Landry, I coordinated the “Biological and Social Determinants of Child Development” workshop for nationwide researchers from various disciplines who are studying child development supported by a grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and sponsored by The University of Texas-Houston. The workshop was the first major event in conjunction with the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy of Rice University as part of an initiative to explore social determinants of health. Also, during my 17  years under the direction of Dr. Carlos Hamilton, Jr., I was the first contact between his endocrinology practice at UT Physicians and VIP patients. As his administrative and clinical coordinator, with broad experience and contacts with UTHealth, I led him in efficiently adapting to the changes in technology and expectations of our office and translating my knowledge and skills into effective healthcare and executive functions.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
Throughout my 32 years of service, it has been rewarding to continually expand my skillset: from executive administration to patient care and academic functions, including residency and fellowship programs, and now clerkship educational programs. It is a blessing to work and connect with the diverse group of individuals here.

Why have you stayed?
The benefits, work culture, and, most importantly, work-life balance, have significantly contributed to staying with UTHealth. I am delighted to share that my eldest daughter, Regina, is a sonographer with the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, and my youngest daughter, Hannah, is an executive assistant in the Department of Anesthesiology chairman’s suite. My husband, Allan, also has served 29 years, and recently retired from the Graduate Medical Education office. I can also hope to influence my son to join UTHealth eventually.

When you are not at work, how do you spend your time?
My time is best spent with my family: my husband, Allan; my children, Gina and her husband, Chris; Patrick and his wife, Thu; and my youngest daughter, Hannah. The highlights of my weekends are my grandchildren: Maximus, Alexander, and Mia – who will become a big sister to Miles, expected to make his debut in June. From family brunch, ball games, winter and spring dances, piano recitals, birthday celebrations, and other holidays – my weekends are jam-packed with lots of love. In addition to my grandchildren, I cannot forget to mention the fur babies of our growing family: Cole, Mowgli, and Evie. And, of course, my elderly parents, for whom I am currently caring. They are all blessings that I am grateful for, as they have taught me the true meaning and importance of family, being covered by grace beyond measure, and, most importantly, unconditional love.