Videos

As a founding partner of the Galveston Women’s Conference, the University of Texas Medical Branch regularly participates in and supports the annual event that is presented by the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce.

This year's event, which will take place on Friday, Sept. 13 at Moody Gardens, will mark the 17th annual occurrence of the conference. While specifics of the agenda vary year to year, the ultimate goal of the festivities remains the same—empower, inspire and enrich the women of the region. 

In 2023, as part of UTMB’s participation in the event three UTMB faculty members including Dr. Merryann Corzo, physician and clinical assistant professor with the Department of Family Medicine, Dr. Linda Neely-Shelmire, physician and clinical assistant professor with the Deprtment of Pediatrics and Dr. Aisen Caro Chacin, assistant professor in the Department of Pathology and medical prototyping lead, participated in a panel discussion where they shared a bit about their personal passions and how they use them to lead balanced, successful lives.

Just as each of their roles differ in how they serve UTMB and the surrounding communities, so too do their passions, with Dr. Corzo expressing herself through dance, Dr. Neely-Shelmire finding respite in running, and Dr. Chacin using art to explore and express her curiosity.

Beyond the panel discussion, each individual had the opportunity to share more in videos that touched on their personal lives and their careers.

Dr. Merryann Corzo

Dr. Linda Neely-Shelmire

Dr. Aisen Caro Chacin

More information about the conference and how to register to attend are available online.

The heart of ADC.

That’s how Dr. Beth Reimschissel, administrator and associate chief nursing officer, describes the auxiliary volunteers that support the UTMB Health Angleton Danbury Campus.

Celebrating its 55th year, the auxiliary group is comprised of a number of dedicated women who donate their time and energy each week helping patients and visitors in a variety of ways and spaces across the hospital.

Originally founded by six women from Second Baptist Church in 1969, the team has now grown to more than 300 members, with an active volunteer list of more than 150 individuals. It’s currently led by president Wanda Craig.

In addition to greeting patients and helping them find where they’re going while on campus, the members of the team also work in the gift shop and organize fundraisers and events such as monthly blood drives to support the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center—an effort that has garnered them national recognition.

While the ways they serve the ADC community are innumerable, the volunteers are convinced they’re the ones benefitting the most from their work.

“Truthfully, I think this job gives back to me,” said Pat Hines, one of the volunteers. “I love this job, it’s wonderful. I love the people I work with, I love the patients that come in.”

Volunteer Virginia Hunt credits the auxiliary with giving her renewed purpose and drive after losing her husband.

“I just feel like it’s a privilege; it’s just a great time for me,"  Hunt said of her volunteer work with the group.

Reflecting on all this team does for the UTMB Health community in Angleton, Reimschissel can’t help but smile and praise their efforts.