Posted on Oct 31, 2014 in
FEATURES
Julie Cornwell, Teresa Gil, Journey Steelman, Tamara Schmidt, Christian Espiritu, Vee LeBlanc, Cassie Wilcox, Robert Moore, Maggie Nader, Melissa Reid, Irene Abdo, Hua Tian, Kathy Gammon, Vincenza “Vee” Jones, Marlene Willerman, Vicky Fox and Melissa King.
By M.G. Angulo | Photos by Nesossi Studios –
Even the best quarterback can’t win the big game without his teammates. The same is true of the physicians most trusted to keep Houston-area athletes healthy – the surgeons and specialists at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. It takes a talented team of professionals working together to ensure that patients – whether they are professional athletes, weekend warriors or just regular folks with orthopedic issues – receive winning care and treatment.
At Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, the surgeons at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are backed by an all-star operating room staff, including registered nurses and surgical technicians, all specialty trained in orthopedics. In fact, most of the staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land once worked in the Texas Medical Center.
“When you come to Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for orthopedic surgery, you know you are being treated by an outstanding physician,” said Vincenza “Vee” Jones, the hospital’s orthopedic and neurosurgery coordinator. “But a lot of patients don’t realize that they are also in the care of experienced, dedicated nurses and technicians who work hand-in-hand with the surgeon to ensure that patient outcomes and experiences are excellent.”
Together, the physicians from Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and the support staff at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital comprise a finely tuned unit, capable of performing thousands of successful operations each year. “And the real winners are our patients,” said Jones.
A Team Approach
Dr. Ray Valdez
Dr. Ray Valdez, one of the hospital’s orthopedic surgeons who specializes in foot and ankle surgery, said the team is key to setting “the rhythm of the room.”
“Our nursing and technical staff members are highly trained professionals who understand what the patient needs and how to support the physician to ensure success,” he said. “When you work together this closely with talented individuals, you find the team is able to anticipate each step and support one another so each and every procedure goes as smoothly as possible. It’s not unlike a winning sports team that has been together for a long time.” Creating that type of environment for success isn’t easy, Dr. Valdez said, and it takes time.
“This is a tough job, and experience is essential,” he explained. “Our surgical staff teams don’t just show up the day of the surgery without a game plan. They review their cases the day before, just as a surgeon does, and they make sure the operating room is organized properly and that all necessary equipment is on hand. They also prepare for a variety of scenarios – based on each individual procedure and each patient’s unique situation – so that they are ready to respond as needed.”
Because it’s difficult for patients and family members to see or talk to surgical staff, their contributions to successful surgeries are often overlooked. “The public doesn’t really understand the vital prep work that goes into a surgery,” said Dr. Valdez. “The surgical team is not really visible, but what they do is valuable. They have as much passion for taking care of the patient as any surgeon, and they make our jobs a lot easier.”
That passion also helps ensure that patients receive the highest quality care. “When you have a surgery team that has knowledge and experience, one that has done these procedures multiple times, they know exactly what to do to make sure everything flows well,” said Dr. Valdez. “Essentially, the safety of the procedure increases and outcomes are enhanced, too.”
Comprehensive Orthopedic Care
Melissa King, Cassie Wilcox, Vincenza “Vee” Jones and Kathy Gammon.
From joint replacement and spine surgery to sports medicine, concussion management and complete care of the extremities, Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in Sugar Land provides comprehensive care for all orthopedic needs.
The group’s areas of focus include upper and lower extremities, spine care and surgery, joint replacement surgery, knee and shoulder surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation. And because of its relationship with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine has access to the county’s most advanced diagnostic equipment, including the most powerful – and comfortable – MRI machines to diagnose soft tissue damage and injuries.
Additionally, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital features a comprehensive physical therapy facility, including state-of-the-art occupational and aquatic therapy, in the same building as the orthopedic and sport medicine physicians.
All in all, patients are offered a full range of orthopedic services including evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation, and having an exclusive orthopedic surgery staff simply enhances the hospital’s care. “This operating room team provides our surgical patients and families with the highest quality of care and satisfaction by focusing on the person as a whole,” Jones said. “We are dedicated to making sure each patient has a positive experience and surgical outcome. Our team has a commitment to the Houston Methodist core values of integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence.”
Fort Bend residents benefit from having such a skilled, experienced team – backed by the best possible technology and facilities – so close to home. “There’s no reason to drive past Sugar Land for orthopedic care,” said Dr. Valdez. “We have the best of everything right here in our own neighborhood. It’s like having the home field advantage every day of the year.”
To schedule an appointment with a physician at Houston Methodist Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, easily go online to houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics or call 281-690-4678.
