The Patient Experience team at UTMB Health is recognizing two teams with the Compassion in Practice Award, a quarterly honor celebrating compassionate, patient-centered care. The award recognizes one inpatient team and one ambulatory team whose efforts help shape positive experiences for patients and families across the health system. This quarter’s recipients are LCC 4 South and CBC PCP Galveston Primary Care.
“These teams demonstrate how compassion is reflected in everyday actions,” said Stephanie Guzik, MBA, BSN, RN, vice president of patient experience and patient services. “Whether caring for patients in the hospital or in the clinic, they help create experiences that make people feel heard, respected, and supported.”
League City Campus 4 South
League City Campus 4 South received the inpatient award for the second quarter. Team members work closely together to address concerns, support one another, and provide coordinated care. Leaders routinely round on patients and review feedback with staff to identify opportunities for improvement and celebrate successes.
Team members include Shannon Bednarczyk, nurse manager; Cara Van Ness, assistant nurse manager; Siny Kumbattu, clinical educator; and Aristides Koutrouvelis, MD, associate chief medical officer.
CBC PCP Galveston Primary Care
CBC PCP Galveston Primary Care received the ambulatory award for the second quarter. The clinic was recognized for its frontline team’s collaboration and focus on ensuring patients feel heard, supported, and connected to care.
Team members include Katherine Aviles, MA; Bradley Henrie, MD; Krishae Harris, MA; Marisela Herrera, patient services specialist II; Michelle Basci, senior practice manager; Melissa Salinas, RN supervisor; Sini Thomas, NP; Alicia Tovar, RN; and Shawnta Williams, patient services specialist II.
“Being heard matters,” said Tovar. “When we take the time to truly listen, patients feel respected, and that has a lasting impact on their experience.”
Recognizing compassionate care
Members of the Patient Experience team visited each location to present a commemorative plaque and banner honoring the teams’ achievement.
“These teams reflect what we value most in patient care,” said Guzik. “They consistently show up for patients and each other in ways that make a real difference.”