President’s Cabinet Awards 

Dr. Tammy Cupit
Dora Kuntz
Nursing Service

In an effort to educate students about the high rates of teen births and sexually transmitted diseases in Galveston County, this two-phased project is aimed at providing evidence-based, nurse-led family life and sexual health education for select fifth-graders in Galveston County. UTMB nurse clinicians and nursing students will teach the Family Life and Sexual Health (FLASH) curriculum to a select group of students who have parental consent to participate in the program. FLASH includes units on family, self-esteem, gender roles, puberty, pregnancy and much more.

Ruth Ann Marr
UTMB Healthcare Systems Staffing Leadership
Healthcare Systems Staffing

This partnership between the “Be a Hero-Hire a Hero” organization and UTMB will promote the recruitment of high qualified military veterans prior to discharge for clinical and continuing education opportunities and career growth in the UTMB School of Nursing. In addition to funding on-site seminars and promotion of the program at military bases nationwide, this award will also provide a portion of short-term supplemental housing costs to support the transition from military to civilian housing for qualifying veterans.

Amy Barrera-Kovach
Dr. Michelle Sierpina
Blocker Burn Unit and OLLI

This collaboration between burn survivors and members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) writing group will facilitate the creation, publication and distribution of an anthology of 20 to 25 short stories outlining the recovery process in an effort to offer hope and inspiration to other survivors. These stories of resilience and challenges will outline the struggles, vulnerability, gratitude and healing process of each survivor and will be distributed to patients admitted to the UTMB Blocker Burn Unit.

Cintia Roman
Tamer Dafashy
OB/Gyn Perinatal Research and School of Medicine

Sudden cardiac death is a recurrent tragedy in sporting events and athletic training. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimates that more than 2,000 people under the age of 25 die from sudden cardiac arrest each year. With a goal to increase awareness of the importance of cardiac screening prior to any strenuous activity, free heart screenings will be available two Saturdays this October at St. Vincent’s Clinic for young athletes in Galveston County. Using a mobile echo machine, UTMB students will work closely with skilled cardiologists to examine and screen high school students. In year two, the program will be expanded to include other young athletes attending Galveston College and Texas A&M Galveston.

Odette Comeau
Jamie Heffernan
Blocker Burn Unit

According to the American Burn Association, there are 4,000 deaths and 600,000 injuries from fire and burns each year nationwide. While these numbers are staggering, the resources needed to provide education on burn prevention and recovery is inadequate or lacking. Through the collaboration of survivors and healthcare professionals, this project will fund the development, implementation, publication and distribution of booklets relating to burn prevention and treatment. These materials will be used to educate patients at UTMB and throughout our local and regional communities.

Mara Wilson
Dr. Mark Kirshbaum
Stark Diabetes Clinic

Through the implementation of an electronic interface that includes software and cable for data downloads, diabetic patients will have the ability to upload their glucose meter data to caregivers at Stark Diabetes Clinic and receive feedback and care suggestions through their MyChart account or by phone. By partnering with patients in this manner, caregivers can interact with them outside of the clinic setting and free up schedules for appointments needed by other patients.

Tyler Bliss
Tracy Cable
Taylor Surles
Jacqueline Posada
Dr. William Glenn
Dr. Roger Throndson
Dr. Vic Sierpina
Family Medicine

Research shows that Galveston County is lacking in dental care options for the indigent, uninsured and underinsured. To serve this population, this project will provide non-urgent basic dental services such as tooth extraction, drainage of periodontal abscesses, and treatment of gum and mouth infections at the St. Vincent’s Clinic. This award supports the initial investment for the purchase of supplies, instruments and equipment to be installed in a dedicated area of the clinic. The continuity of the clinic will then be provided through the existing St. Vincent’s budget and leadership.