Get to Know our Staff: Lindsay Chiu, EPIC Empower

Get to Know our Staff: Lindsay Chiu, EPIC Empower

by | Mar 26, 2024 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children?  
I am a member of our ambulatory Empower team working on developing build within Epic, our medical records system, to improve workflow and complete ticket requests as well as working alongside our MyChart team. 

What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
I work with a variety of departments to improve an individual user or medical team’s use of Epic. I do so by assisting with help desk ticket requests, attending internal as well as external meetings with our Epic support team and working on build support with members of my team. My primary focus has been working alongside Therapy Services at both Dallas and Frisco for a new documentation build.

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?
Throughout high school and college, I worked at several different restaurants as a hostess and/or waitress – my favorite place was a sushi restaurant in college. I attended undergraduate and graduate school at the University of Missouri (MIZ) and then completed my last clinical rotation at Scottish Rite. After passing my boards, I started working as a physical therapist at Scottish Rite in 2015! I was initially part of the Epic build team focusing primarily on Therapy Services while also providing telehealth services. I found that I really enjoyed using my clinical background to assist Scottish Rite team members in a different way. I then transitioned full-time to the Empower team while continuing to assist with Therapy Services and later expanding to other departments as well.

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
I am very lucky to be a part of this team – I value and enjoy my coworkers, and I learn something new from them every day. 

Tell us something about your job that others might not already know?
There is a lot of behind the scenes that goes into build and development within Epic!

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Tokyo.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Breakfast tacos from Taco Deli.

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
I am loving this current year – my son just turned 2 and is at a fun age. However, I would probably go back to 2019, as my husband and I took an incredible trip to Tokyo and Thailand that year.

What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?

  1. Not necessarily an item but my family – couldn’t imagine being on the island without them, and it would no longer be deserted!
  2. My glasses – a practical answer, but I can’t see without my glasses.
  3. Lots of snacks. 

What’s one fun fact about yourself?
I made it to the state finals of a free throw contest in the fifth grade. Sadly, my basketball skills did not go much further beyond this time.

Get to Know our Staff: Becky Ketch, Radiology

Get to Know our Staff: Becky Ketch, Radiology

by | Jan 22, 2024 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children? 
I am a registered nurse in the Radiology department.

What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
My duties as a radiology nurse vary daily. Our Tuesday and Wednesday schedules are designated for MRIs that require general anesthesia. The radiology nurses prep the patient for anesthesia, assist the anesthesiologist with induction and then recover/discharge the patient. We also help with steroid injection procedures in a variety of modalities, provide sedation for non-anesthesia MRIs (for example, if a patient requires valium prior to the scan), and help with MRI and CT procedures that require contrast.

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 working as a lifeguard in high school for a few summers. I heard about Scottish Rite from a friend who had a family member that worked here. They encouraged me to sign up to be a junior volunteer when they learned I was interested in the medical field. After graduating from nursing school, I worked on a general pediatrics unit for my first nursing job. I returned to Scottish Rite, and I have been working here for the past three years.

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
I love the sense of community and that my co-workers feel like family! I appreciate the fact that I am encouraged to spend time with my patients while they are here and get to know them.

Tell us something about your job that others might not already know?
As a radiology nurse, I am not just involved in direct patient care. We also help schedule patients that require anesthesia for MRIs, review these patients’ charts and speak with the families. We set up the anesthesia machines for cases and assist in their daily maintenance. We are with our sedation patients from the very beginning to the very end of their appointment.

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Western Australian! The plane ride was 100% worth it.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Thanksgiving dinner!

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
Paris in the 1920s. This question made me automatically think of the movie “Midnight in Paris.”

What is your favorite thing about fall?
I love the overall feeling of fall. I enjoy spending more time outdoors when the weather is crisp. Although our “fall” is short in Texas, it is definitely my favorite time of the year.

What’s one fun fact about yourself?
Not only was I a junior volunteer at Scottish Rite for a few years, but I was also a nursing extern here while in nursing school. During any difficult days in nursing school, I would envision myself working here in the future. 

Get to Know our Staff: Hayley Shelton, Physical Therapist

Get to Know our Staff: Hayley Shelton, Physical Therapist

by | Jan 9, 2024 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children? 
Physical Therapist

What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
I provide physical therapy services to patients who visit the Ambulatory Care clinics by performing evaluations for home exercise programs, gait training, baseline functional assessments, and pre-operative evaluations. I also perform standardized performance tests and measures to objectively measure patients’ current functional status and to collect data for department research and quality improvement projects. Additionally, I perform screenings to determine if a patient has a need for formal skilled physical therapy services or equipment and bracing needs. Other duties include assisting with coordinating care and facilitating communication between the physical therapists in the Therapy Services department and the Ambulatory Care staff regarding our mutual patients and assisting in evaluations and treatments of patients in the inpatient and outpatient settings.

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 as a PT was working in the acute care setting at a large hospital in the area where I treated adults with a variety of diagnoses. I really enjoyed the teamwork that comes from collaborating as a multidisciplinary team and learned how much this improves the quality of care a patient receives. My first experience at Scottish Rite occurred when I shadowed in the Therapy Services department prior to attending physical therapy school. The positive and cheerful atmosphere was unlike any healthcare setting I had experienced at the time and it made a lasting impression. I am thankful that I get to continue working in a collaborative setting in my role as a clinic therapist. I am coming up on my two year anniversary at Scottish Rite in May.

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
I enjoy getting to learn from and collaborate with the wonderful people in the Therapy Services department and all the ambulatory care teams. I also love that Scottish Rite prioritizes doing what is best for each patient regardless of a family’s ability to pay.

Tell us something about your job that others might not already know?
Since I work in clinic, the patients I see for PT are not pre-scheduled most of the time, so, each day brings new surprises and opportunities to learn and grow as a therapist.

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
I tend to travel to the same places every year, but my favorite place is Seaside, Florida.

What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
I look forward to watching the Summer Olympics every 4 years

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
The 1950s-60s to see Julie Andrews perform live on Broadway

What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
Sunglasses, water filter, the Bible

What’s one fun fact about yourself?
I danced in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Get to Know our Staff: Matt Messer, Administration

Get to Know our Staff: Matt Messer, Administration

by | Dec 27, 2023 | Spotlight

What is your job title/your role at Scottish Rite for Children? 
I am an administrative resident. My role is to learn about health care administration through projects and working with leaders to complete my master’s degree.

What do you do on a daily basis or what sort of duties do you have at work?
I work on projects, attend meetings and participate in rotations.

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 working as a lifeguard. I attended Trinity University, which led me to complete my residency at Scottish Rite.

What do you enjoy most about Scottish Rite?
I enjoy the mission the most! It is such an incredible mission that everyone works toward, which is really special and something you don’t find everywhere.

Tell us something about your job that others might not already know?
I am working toward my master’s degree, which will be completed after I finish my residency!

Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Copenhagen.

What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
As a graduate of the University of Alabama, it would have to be Alabama football – roll tide!

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
1980

What’s one fun fact about yourself?
Fun fact: I love running on the Katy Trail!

Get to Know our Staff: Carlos Monroig-Rivera, Medical Student Research Fellow

Get to Know our Staff: Carlos Monroig-Rivera, Medical Student Research Fellow

by | Nov 22, 2023 | Spotlight

Scottish Rite for Children offers a Medical Student Research Fellowship (MSRF) for medical students interested in gaining experience in clinical research. MSRF fellows work with a lead faculty mentor throughout the year and several project supervisors who are pediatric orthopedic faculty at Scottish Rite. They work as a crucial part of the research teams in various centers for excellence at Scottish Rite and are responsible for a variety of research projects.
 
What inspired you to apply for the MSRF position?
What inspired me to apply for the MSRF position was my passion for pediatric orthopedic research. Since meeting Dr. Norm Ramirez, a former pediatric orthopaedic fellow at Scottish Rite, I’ve always been interested in how orthopedic research plays a role in advancing orthopedic knowledge and making a difference in children’s lives.

Have you always been interested in medicine and/or research?
Yes, I am a recent medical doctor graduate from Puerto Rico aspiring to improve pediatric patient care while following my dream of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
 
 
What is it like working at Scottish Rite for Children?
Working at Scottish Rite for Children has been incredible. The institution’s diverse leadership and commitment to staff and employees make you feel like you belong. Their commitment to the well-being of children is truly inspiring. Scottish Rite for Children’s supportive environment has provided me with invaluable learning opportunities that I will hone to become an ethical and competent orthopedic surgeon.

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?
One of my mentors at Scottish Rite has been Jaysson T. Brooks, M.D., a renowned pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Brooks has had a profound impact on my experience by guiding me through my orthopedic residency application and several research projects related to pediatric spine deformity. One of the projects we are working on together is looking at the effect that a T1 Upper Instrumented Vertebrae has on Proximal Junctional Kyphosis Risk in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients.
                                                                                              
 
How do you think this experience will impact your career path?
This opportunity helps me explore the academic aspects of orthopedics, dive into pediatric orthopedic research and collaborate with renowned experts in the field. This experience reinforced my commitment to becoming an orthopedic surgeon, providing me with the understanding and discipline to excel at my job.
 
What progress have you made toward your career goal since beginning the program?
Since beginning the program, I have contributed to several research projects and developed a better understanding of the complexities in pediatric orthopedics. I’ve also had the privilege of presenting my work at a resident symposium and published research papers in orthopedic journals.
 
What is your favorite project that you are currently working on or have worked on at Scottish Rite?
My favorite project at Scottish Rite has been investigating compliance rates and patients reported outcomes for each type of brace prescribed to treat spinal deformity. It is a challenging and meaningful project that could impact patient care and quality of life. Having the opportunity to work alongside a supportive and knowledgeable team has made me discover a passion for the pursuit of knowledge and the process of curiosity, making me feel fulfilled at work by enjoying the process and making a difference in the lives of children.

What advice do you have for future MSRF participants?
For future MSRF participants, I would advise them to work hard, be proactive and make the most of the resources available at Scottish Rite for Children. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, don’t be discouraged by setbacks or slow progress and stay committed to your goal. Never forget to sharpen the saw. As you step into this journey, continue renewing and improving yourself. Take care of yourself along the way, and take simple steps to sustain your personal growth.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
One thing most people don’t know about me is that I’m a fantasy basketball enthusiast and analyst. I’ve always been interested in the strategic components of the game, and this passion always takes me to study the secret world of statistics and strategies when the NBA season begins. I spend nights looking over player statistics, studying trends and predicting breakout performances. I’ve even won a few friendly leagues. The best part is that my love for fantasy basketball has improved my real-life understanding of the game. Fantasy basketball has taught me the art of decision-making, risk assessment, player roles and team strategies. So, if you ever see me with my laptop during the NBA season, don’t assume I’m just catching up on work. I might be fine-tuning my fantasy basketball lineup.

Anything else you would like to add?
In closing, I’m grateful for the chance to be a part of the MSRF program at Scottish Rite for Children, and I look forward to continuing my journey of becoming an orthopedic surgeon with the knowledge and experiences gained throughout my time here.

We’re recruiting Medical Student Research Fellows for 2023! If you are a third-year medical student looking to take a gap year before applying to residency, take advantage of this unique opportunity! Only three positions are available for 2024.

Learn more and apply here on our Careers page.

Donor Spotlight: We Are More – Empowering Patients Through Their Talents

Donor Spotlight: We Are More – Empowering Patients Through Their Talents

by | Oct 5, 2023 | Spotlight

On the stage shining bright with lights, Divya, of Frisco, bent over into a backbend. Viewing the world from upside down and backward, she reached over to her vintage Little Tikes xylophone piano and plinked “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” The crowd went wild!

A recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and former Scottish Rite for Children patient, Divya shared her talent in the We Are More Talent Show, a fundraiser that she created seven years ago to support patient care at Scottish Rite. “I wanted to give back,” she says, “and I realized there were probably a lot of other kids who wanted to give back but didn’t know how.” From rock bands, dancers and acrobatic yogis to an amputee playing the ukulele, an artist without hands painting and a child quickly solving a Rubik’s® Cube — a wide variety of talents have been showcased.

“When I started the show, my motivation was to raise money, but I realized it was more than just a fundraiser,” Divya says. “It had an impact on the patients.” The one-of-a-kind show encourages patients and families to bond and build community. There is no competition and no expectations. “You do whatever you want, have fun doing it, and everyone claps for you,” Divya says. “It creates a space for kids to be themselves, to feel included and supported.”

When Divya was 7, she was referred to Scottish Rite for joint hypermobility. “My ligaments were like rubber bands,” Divya says. “Instead of stretching and then recoiling back, they just kept stretching and stretching, so my kneecaps started dislocating.” Growing up, Divya had to sit out at recess and skip playing sports. She had multiple surgeries, but in high school, her family connected with pediatric orthopedic surgeon and medical director of clinical research Henry B. Ellis, M.D. He performed reconstruction surgeries on her knees that she says changed her life. “I never thought that I could do the things that I can do now, but after my last surgeries, I was miraculously fine,” she says.

Divya’s journey inspired We Are More. “I wanted to show that kids who go to Scottish Rite can still do cool things, that we are more than our disabilities.” The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Greater Dallas has recognized Divya with the 2023 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy award. “We are so extremely proud of Divya,” says Stephanie Brigger, vice president of Development. “She has touched the hearts of so many people and contributed so much to Scottish Rite.”

Now, Divya is applying to medical school to become a doctor. She feels that her experience at Scottish Rite will position her to do more advocacy in the field. “Scottish Rite gives families hope,” Divya says, “not only because their kids receive the utmost care, but also because they don’t have to worry about whether they can afford it. There’s no other place like it!”