Methodist Healthcare System | Keeping Well | Fall 2019

Metropolitan Methodist Hospital to Offer Free HIVTesting Metropolitan Methodist Hospital continues to strengthen its commitment to the needs of LGBTQ+ patients and the community with a new HIV testing initiative, which begins in November. Through a grant from the FOCUS program of Gilead Sciences, Inc., Metropolitan Methodist Hospital will be offering free HIV testing for patients who go through the hospital ER. The hospital will also ensure linkage to care for all diagnoses. The hospital operates the largest emergency department in the downtown area. “San Antonio needs to have a free HIV testing pro- gram, and our hospital is proud to be leading the way,” said Diana Henderson, M.D., M.B.A., Chief Medical Officer at the hospital. “The ER population represents a patient group where individuals are likely to have high-risk behavior. It’s also a population that may not have a physician or seek healthcare on a regular basis. Connecting them with healthcare after their diagnosis is especially important.” According to Metropolitan Health District, the num- ber of people in Bexar County newly diagnosed with HIV has increased by more than 50 percent in the last decade, while declining in other areas of the country. Health officials found that those diagnosed with HIV took a long time to get care, which increases the likeli- hood that the virus will affect their immune system. “In 2017, San Antonio had the largest increase in HIV cases in Texas with 14 percent,” said Henderson. Of the 90,000 persons in Texas with HIV, it is estimated that 15,000 to 20,000 don’t know they have it.” Metropolitan Methodist Hospital has been recog- nized as a “Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation for demonstrating a commitment to equitable, inclusive care for LGBTQ+ patients and their loved ones. The HRC Foundation is the educational arm of the country’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization. “Our mission statement is serving humanity to honor God by providing exceptional and cost- effective healthcare, accessible to all,” said Greg Seiler, Metropolitan Methodist CEO. “To the staff at our hospital, this means providing the very best care for every patient regardless of their background. We’re very proud of the designation, which shows our sensitivity, knowledge and commitment to the needs of LGBTQ+ patients and community.” Woman Brought Back to LifeWith Hands-Only CPR Sarah Pinchback doesn’t remember when she almost lost her life, but fortunately her husband, an entire team of first responders, and Methodist Stone Oak Hospital staff do. Her survival is an outstanding example of the power of hands-only CPR. On May 5, Sarah went into cardiac arrest while sleeping beside her husband. He woke up to his wife making an unusual sound and ultimately found she was unresponsive. Immediately, he called 911. The dispatcher guided him through hands-only CPR. He continued the process until the sheriff showed up two minutes after placing the call. Within eight minutes, the Bulverde Spring Branch Fire & EMS arrived to transport her to Methodist Stone Oak Hospital. “The Sarah Pinchback thanks the Bulverde Spring Branch Fire & EMS first responders, the Comal County dispatcher and the sheriff whose quick response and knowledge of hands-only CPR saved her life. Methodist Healthcare Names NewCEO for Two Hospitals Methodist Healthcare has announced the promotion of Scott Rausch, MHA, to CEO of Methodist Texsan Hospital and Methodist Ambulatory Surgery Hospital. Rausch has served as Chief Operating Officer at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital since 2015. “Scott has been instrumental in building a strong culture and lead- ing the Methodist Stone Oak Hospital through a number of major projects,” said Allen Harrison, President and CEO of Methodist Healthcare. “We are excited to promote such a strong leader from within our Methodist Healthcare family to this important role.” At Methodist Stone Oak Hospital, Rausch managed the 100-bed expansion that opened in 2017 and the OR expansion that opened this year. He also led the open- ing of the acute rehab facility. Rausch began his career working in the HCA North Texas division for nearly five years before coming back to the San Antonio area. In 2014, he served as Associate Chief Operating Officer at Methodist Texsan Hospital. Rausch isn’t just a native of San Antonio—he was born at Methodist Hospital in the Medical Center. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University and his Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) from Trinity University. response time was absolutely amazing,” she said. During transport, Sarah caught pneumonia and was put into a medically induced coma. Her heart stopped five times. Three days later, she woke up with no memory of the situation. Sarah arrived at the hospital on May 5, and she left on May 14 without needing continued physical or occupa- tional therapy. “What’s hard for me to believe is that six to eight weeks ago, I felt fine,” Sarah said. “And today, I feel just as fine as I did then.” In July, Sarah reunited with the Methodist Stone Oak Hospital staff and the first responders, including the Bulverde Spring Branch Fire & EMS, the Comal County dispatcher and the sheriff, to thank them for their heroic efforts. “When I look back and think about the staff, I get emotional,” she shared. “I’m so impressed by the level of care the hospital gave me. There was not one person in that hospital that was not an important part of that. Even the staff that came into my room to deliver my food was amazing.” For more information on hands-only CPR, visit cpr.heart.org . F A L L 2 0 1 9 7 K E E P I N G W E L L M e t h o d i s t H e a l t h c a r e

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