Get to Know our Staff: Ron Prater, Security

Get to Know our Staff: Ron Prater, Security

by | Feb 10, 2020 | Spotlight

What is your role at the hospital? 
I am a security officer and work to provide a safe environment for our patients, families and staff.
 
What led you to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children? How long have you worked here?
After being discharged from the U.S. Marines, I learned about an opportunity to join the security team at the hospital. I’ve been here for 18 years. 
 
What do you enjoy most about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children?
I love that I am able to have interactions with people from all over. As a security guard, I am usually the first person a patient or family sees, so I feel kind of like an ambassador.
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
My first job was in the car prep department for Toyota. I went from college to the Marines (for eight years) and then to the hospital.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Anything with sports – especially football. I also enjoy track & field and fishing.
 
Three words to best describe you:
A big deal.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I would be either a football or track coach. 
 
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
When I was in the Marines, I jumped out of airplanes.
Hometown Heroes: Leticia Desaloms

Hometown Heroes: Leticia Desaloms

by | Jan 16, 2020 | Press Coverage, Spotlight

Once a week, Leticia Desaloms pops popcorn at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and since 2011, she has volunteered 1,728 hours. Leti says it’s important that she gives back to the hospital because it gives so much to every patient.

Clarice Tinsley of FOX 4 recently Leti and her desire to serve the hospital in this “Hometown Heroes” segment.

Watch the full story here.

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Chetna Godiwala, Rheumatology

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Chetna Godiwala, Rheumatology

by | Nov 18, 2019 | Spotlight

What is your role at the hospital? 
I am a researcher for the Rheumatology department. I specifically work on the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) registry. The CARRA registry seeks to understand the epidemiology, outcomes, etiology and biology of pediatric rheumatic diseases such as systemic supus erythematosus, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and juvenile dermatomyositis.
                                                                                 
What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite Hospital?
I enjoy hearing about the success stories that have happened since the inception of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. I take pride in working at a hospital that gives the best care to its patients, with or without their ability to pay. I believe that every child should have the best childhood regardless of the medical diagnosis. And being part of the Scottish Rite Hospital team definitely helps make this a reality for our young patients!  
 
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here? How long have you worked here?
My first job was tutoring kids while I was in high school and college. Teaching has always been a passion of mine. The moment that I am able to help a student understand a concept is the most rewarding for me. This translates to my job today at the hospital. As a researcher, I am helping kids and families affected with rheumatoid diseases by collecting their outcomes to prescribed medications and correlate with their disease activity so we can one day find a cure. I have worked here for almost three months, and I have enjoyed every moment!
 
What are you currently watching on Netflix?
I am currently re-watching episodes of New Girl. The cast has a great chemistry and I’m always up for a good laugh.
 
Who would you most like to swap places with for a day?
If I were to swap places for a day, it would be probably with anyone from the TV show Friends. I love each of the characters and it would be kind of fun to hang out at a coffee shop all day.
 
What is a fun or interesting fact about your hometown?
I have lived most of my life in California. Not only is it my hometown, but also the home of Walt Disney Studios. My sister and I had Disneyland passes while we were in college and I would go almost monthly with a different group of friends. My favorite thing was to watch the show World of Color during the winter months, while drinking hot chocolate and eating their amazing churros. If you haven’t been yet, you must check it out. That combination is amazing for the California winter months.
What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not working? 
I love to get a good workout in and spend time with my husband, family and friends. My husband and I also love traveling together. Our next destination is Spain in May 2020 and we absolutely cannot wait. I also am a certified BollyX instructor, which is a HIIT workout. 

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Anthony I. Riccio, M.D.

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Anthony I. Riccio, M.D.

by | Nov 11, 2019 | Spotlight

Where did you go to college? Medical school? 
I earned my undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire and attended medical school at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C.
 
You had an internship at National Naval Medical Center General Surgery – can you explain your time and training there?
In the 1990’s and early 2000’s, orthopedic residents were still required to complete a one-year general surgery internship prior to beginning their orthopedic training. As I attended medical school under the support of the Naval Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), I was required to complete that intern year in a military medical facility. Since NNMC was right up the road from Georgetown (where I had attended medical school and where I would be completing my orthopedic residency), it seemed like the perfect place to do my internship.
From an educational standpoint, the general surgery internship itself was really no different than any civilian internship. I learned the fundamentals of surgical and medical management that are necessary for care of orthopedic patients. I worked in the surgical ICU, on multiple general surgery services, the cardiothoracic service and with the vascular surgery team among other rotations. As a military intern, I was also required to learn “military readiness” by doing things such as spending a month performing field medicine for the marines at Marine Corps Base Quantico, running most mornings with my regimen and earning my rifle and sidearm qualifications. 

How long were you in the Navy? 
I was commissioned in 1995 and discharged in 2010, so technically I was in for 15 years. Most of this time was spent on Inactive Ready Reserve, while I completed my medical education and training. I was on active duty for five years altogether: one as an intern and four as an attending surgeon.
How did that impact you as a doctor? 
My Navy time impacted me in many ways, but more than anything, I learned the true value of being part of something that was far bigger and more important than myself. I served during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and took care of countless wounded warriors, all of whom made incredible sacrifices for our country, our freedom and our families.

My role and contribution was so small compared to what they were doing overseas and just a tiny part of a greater mission to liberate people from oppression abroad. It instilled in me a certain humility that I try to carry with me into every patient encounter I have to this day. It also made me realize that the biggest impact I could have as a physician was in the service of a meaningful mission. The only mission I’ve believed in as much as that of our wartime military was the mission of Scottish Rite Hospital. Hence, when the opportunity came to return, the decision was a no brainer.

Why did you want to become a doctor? Have you always wanted to work in pediatric orthopedics?
I initially wanted to become a college professor to teach and study moral and epistemological development during adolescence. I was advised by my college mentor to do this through the route of medical school and then psychiatry. 
During medical school, I was exposed to orthopedic surgery and realized that it was a far better fit for me than psychiatry. The orthopedic residency director at Georgetown was a pediatric orthopedic surgeon named Jack Delahay. He was the greatest teacher I’ve even met. Though he was incredibly intimidating, he was also very inspiring. Jack took me under his wing during medical school and residency. I credit him fully for turning me on to pediatric orthopedic surgery.  
What led you to Scottish Rite Hospital?
I think it’s the dream of every former fellow to one day have the opportunity to return and work at Scottish Rite Hospital alongside those staff who mentored and supported us throughout fellowship. But in all honesty, I never thought I’d be one of the few who was given that opportunity. Dr. Herring was aware that a huge part of my clinical practice with the Navy was caring for service men and women with war related extremity trauma. As my naval commitment was winding down, he called one day and asked if I’d consider coming back to apply the knowledge I’d gained towards managing and researching pediatric orthopedic trauma. As far as I know, no one had ever said no to Dr. Herring and I wasn’t about to be the first!
 
How long have you worked at Scottish Rite Hospital? 
Almost 10 years as staff.
 
What are your specialties? 
Though I started out focusing exclusively on pediatric orthopedic traumatology, my practice has shifted over the years and my current interests include clubfoot along with other infantile foot deformities as well adolescent/young adult foot and ankle deformity.
 
How do you help your patients feel comfortable and confident? 
I really don’t do anything special. I just be myself – not just with patients but with everyone. When patients, parents and colleagues know that they’re getting the “real you” in every situation, it eliminates barriers to communication, puts folks at ease and allows for an open and honest interchange of thoughts and concerns. 

What is your favorite part of your job?
Teaching residents and fellows.

What was your first job?
My first job was as pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Naval Medical Center San Diego. 

I was there on active duty for over four years, during which time I also took on the role of Orthopaedic Surgery Residency program director and became the Director of the Pediatric Orthopaedic and Scoliosis Surgery division.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you:
I’ve been on Saturday Night Live multiple times. Take a look at some re-runs from the late nineties through 2007 or so, chances are you can find me.

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Karol Yeager, Ambulatory Care

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Karol Yeager, Ambulatory Care

by | Sep 30, 2019 | Spotlight

What is your role at the hospital? What do you do on a daily basis? 
I am the nurse coordinator for the two non-surgical sports medicine physicians in Frisco. I handle the daily coordination of patients, orders, education, referrals and help the clinic run as smoothly as possible.
 
What led you to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children? How long have you worked here?
I volunteered at the hospital during nursing school and fell in love with it. I have been here for six months.
 
What do you enjoy most about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children?
I really enjoy the success stories, as well as being able to be a part of helping kids get back to being their best! The atmosphere here is so kind. I love being part of such a positive environment where everyone is helpful and family oriented.
What was your first job? What path did you take to get here?
My first job was a lifeguard and swim instructor. 
 
My path wasn’t very direct, but what matters is that I ended up here. My first degree was in kinesiology/health. Years later, I went back to school and earned another degree – this time in nursing. During nursing school, I volunteered at the hospital and fell in love. When I graduated, I started working in the Pediatric ICU, which I have a heart and passion for, and worked there for eight years. After that, I dabbled in school nursing and then found my way here!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Travel, spending time with family/friends, baking, trying new restaurants and watching sports.
 
Three words to best describe you:
Loyal, kind, funny
 
What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
Probably own a bakery.
 
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I went for a ride in one of the Goodyear blimps!
Get to Know our SRH Staff: Daniel Stokes, Physical Therapy

Get to Know our SRH Staff: Daniel Stokes, Physical Therapy

by | Jul 2, 2019 | Spotlight

What is your role at the hospital? What do you do on a daily basis? 
I am a sports physical therapist. I assess, examine, plan and treat athletes. Most of my time is used looking at movement proficiency to make sure an athlete is moving well. I will typically differentiate movement into two categories: dysfunctional/functional and painful/non-painful patterns. I will then breakout these movement patterns to find the cause of the issue that the athlete is dealing with. This allows me to focus on the cause, and not just the symptoms.
 
Because of my interest in golf, I have completed special training with Titleist Performance Institute. With a TPI Medical Certification, I have enhanced my expertise as a physical therapist with a solid understanding of the mechanics of a golf swing. I also enjoy evaluating and working with baseball players.
 
What led you to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children? How long have you worked here?
I have worked at the hospital for two years. Prior to physical therapy school, I worked in sports performance as a certified strength and conditioning specialist. I knew I wanted to work with athletes and the values of the hospital really aligned with mine. Another physical therapist, Lorenzo Vite, brought me on and shared that the sports medicine team was expanding with the addition of the Frisco location. Having the opportunity to be mentored by Lorenzo, plus the opportunity to put patients first, has been incredibly fulfilling.
 
What do you enjoy most about Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children?
Pediatric sports physical therapy is rewarding and fun. Being able to work with athletes, no matter their background, is truly a special opportunity. I have the chance to influence young athletes and, in some cases, I will spend up to 24 weeks with them while in rehabilitation. Over time, we develop trust and a strong relationship. The best part of my job is when a patient states that he or she feels better and stronger than before their injury. That means I did my job. I want them to return to their sport with confidence. To sum it up, being able to impact the life of an athlete, long past their injury, is what I enjoy most about working for the hospital.
What was your first job? What path did you take to become a PT?
After receiving my degree in kinesiology from West Texas A&M University (go Buffs!), my first job was an internship in strength and conditioning at Texas Christian University. This led to a graduate assistant position in strength and conditioning for two years at the University of Texas at Arlington. There, I trained athletes in men’s golf, tennis, volleyball, basketball, track & field, softball and baseball. I also received my master’s degree in exercise physiology. 

From there, I worked at an elite training facility in North Texas working with youth, college and professional athletes, as well as some Olympic athletes and teams. At this facility, I met Lorenzo Vite, who is currently our senior physical therapist at Scottish Rite for Children. He made a huge impact in my decision to change careers and pursue a doctorate in physical therapy and I am grateful for his influence.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Lots of family time with my wife of nine years, Bethany, and our two little girls, Lucy and Stella. We have two dogs, Bear and Reagan. We are very involved with Citizens Church and when time allows, I enjoy playing golf and cooking out with the neighbors.

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I love my job. I would still choose to work in the golf industry, working on golf performance, biomechanics and injury prevention.

Where is your favorite golf course? Where do you want to play some day?
My favorite golf course right now is The Outlaw golf course in New Mexico. I spend most of my time playing at Westridge Golf Course in McKinney, Texas. Dream course would be at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.

Are you a golfer? Learn more from Daniel on how to warm up the RITE way.