Pediatric and Women’s Health – 2021 – Issue 2
December 6, 2021 • Uncategorized
It is often quoted that one’s true character shows in the face of challenges. That one’s true colors show in adversity. This time has shown the individual and group effort to be of service to our patients, learners and community. We now find that we are needed in supporting women who have been impacted in many ways by this pandemic, by fighting misinformation so that pregnant women can be safe by obtaining Covid-19 vaccination, and by emphasizing precautions to keep our youngest patients well. Pediatricians have long worked with families in vaccinating children as one of the greatest public health measures. We meet these challenges with compassion and commitment to understand and serve our community in our future projects.
We welcomed another group of Pediatric Research Program students this summer, with emphasize that the pursuit of knowledge thru scientific process is a skill to be celebrated, Faculty and students alike were eager with unique scholarly projects. The program started by Dr. Bowman and led by Dr. Don Wilson and Dr. Riyaz Basha has also offered an opportunity for a research micro credential. This is one of many parts of the happily retired Chairman, Dr. Bowman’s, legacy.
We look forward to more progress to share with you in the next newsletter and wish you all well
Team (non-faculty) Members in Spotlight
Rachel Salazar, Medical Assistant
What is your job in 25 words or less?
I am a medical assistant in the pediatric department. I have been with UNT Pediatrics for 11 years and I love it.
What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?
Helping the patients. I really enjoy all the kids coming in, helping them if their sick or well. My co-workers too they are the best.
Why did you first choose to work for UNTHSC and why do you stay?
When becoming a medical assistant, I knew I wanted to work in pediatrics. I started as an extern with UNTHSC Pediatrics and my experience at the office and with all employees and staff was wonderful. UNTHSC is really an awesome place to work.
If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go?
If I can vacation anywhere I wanted to I would love to go to Bora Bora. The island looks so beautiful with clear pretty water. The scenery is just gorgeous.
Team (faculty) Member in Spotlight
Amy Raines-Milenkov, DrPH, Assistant Professor
What is your job in 25 words or less?
As an Assistant Professor I focus on improving maternal, infant and immigrant health. I do this through grant-funded interventions, service contracts, teaching and mentoring.
What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?
I find meaning and purpose in my work. I am proud that I am trying to be part of the solution in reducing health disparities. I also love women, maternal, child and immigrant/refugee populations.
Who has been a mentor for you here at UNTHSC?
My greatest champion was the late Dr. Ralph Anderson. He supported me and opened doors for me.
How has the Department or UNTHSC helped in your career development?
The Department of Pediatrics and Women’s Health is filled with kind and supportive individuals. There is a strong sense of team work and support for each other’s success.
Who is one colleague who deserves praise and recognition? Why?
Women’s Health Research and Programs offices out of two old houses on the north west corner of campus. We can sometimes feel out there, but Kori Wilson keeps us connected to the wider UNTHSC community. She is a hardworking employee that wants us all to succeed.
What piece of advice would you give to a new employee?
Make use of all the benefits UNTHSC has to offer, for example, the learning opportunities, opportunities to socialize, retirement options and others such as Employee Assistance Program.
Why did you first choose to work for UNTHSC and why do you stay?
I wanted to transition from public health practice to academia. UNTHSC is a great place to work. The atmosphere is supportive and friendly. I have made friends across campus.
How do you help make UNTHSC a great place to live, work and play?
By loving and respecting the people I work with daily. It may seem odd to say “love” but it is a feeling of admiration, support and a great desire for their well-being that has kept our team with minimal turnover over the past seven years we have had large programs.
What is one accomplishment at work that you are most proud of? Why?
I am most proud that we have a happy team working towards eliminating perinatal disparities.
When you retire, what do you hope people will say about you at your retirement party?
I hope that they say that I did my best.
What is on your wish list for the next five years with UNTHSC?
I hope to expand our maternal health reach into the community with more research and intervention grants.
What are some upcoming trends or challenges that you see in your field?
The greatest threat to my field is a lack of understanding of how racial/ethnic disparities are created and maintained through public policy. Addressing disparities takes more than hopeful words, research and programs-it takes a willingness to change how we’ve been doing things for hundreds of years.
What is something that makes you unique, that only a few people know about you?
I try not to kill anything. I take bugs outside when I find them inside. Even mosquitos are brushed off.
If you could take a vacation anywhere, where would you go?
My life-long dream is to visit Uganda to see the mountain gorillas. I have a love and fascination for primates. I will say my bucket-list is complete if I can do that someday.
Welcome and Congratulations
Daniel Park, MD, Assistant Professor
Education: I went to UC Berkeley for undergrad, Texas Tech for medical school, and Dell Children’s @ Austin for residency
Hobbies: I like golfing, watching horror movies, and riding my scooter around town.
What is something that makes you unique? I think I’m easy to talk to – I keep my door open and I try not to act “intimidating” or anything so feel free to ask me whatever.
Valubility of the Month
Shane Fernando, PhD Assistant Professor has been recognized as Valubility of the Month (June, 2021) for collaboration.
Teaching Award:
Raheela Hafeez, MD has been honored with the “Best Teacher Award ‘chosen by the students.
Fort Worth Magazine Top Doctors 2021
Five PWH physicians recognized as the ‘Top Doctors’ among their peers in the Tarrant County in the survey conducted by the Fort Worth Magazine. These surveys are designed for the participating physicians to identify the professionals they regard as being leaders in those fields.
Promotion & Tenure:
PWH faculty have been recognized for their accomplishments and promoted or tenured effective September 2021.
- Priya Bui, DO: Promoted to Associate Professor.
- Christina Robinson, MD: Promoted to Associate Professor.
- Riyaz Basha, PhD: Granted tenure in his current rank, Associate Professor.
Pediatric Mobile Clinic
Over 10,000 children living in underserved communities in Fort Worth have received critical health care resources, thanks to our UNTHSC Pediatric Mobile Clinic! Since 2014, our Pediatric Mobile Clinic has traveled to neighborhoods across the city, to conduct wellness visits, school/sports physicals, immunizations, screenings and education at no cost to families. Without the services provided by the Pediatric Mobile Clinic, these children would have limited access to health care due to barriers such as transportation or lack of insurance.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Brandi Covington’s baby shower!
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