We encourage you to express your gratitude to these outstanding professionals who are committed to quality of care of our patients, their family members, and the community through excellence in practice and education. 

Lauren Mills, MS, CGC, has been with Mays Cancer Center since 2019. Lauren is motivated by being able to help patients understand their cancer risks and help them answer their “why” questions. Mills says, “The most rewarding part of my job is being able to empower patients and their families to make informed decisions for their care while also forming a connection with them.”

Natalie Poullard, MS, CGC, has been with Mays Cancer Center for almost 9 years. Natalie started in pediatric hematology/oncology. She was also part of the GRACIAS program. Natalie stays driven by our patients. She strives to do her very best, in an effort to provide quality care for our patients and families. Poullard says,” Genetic testing is often misunderstood, so I’m very motivated to correct any misconceptions people may have so that people understand the true benefit of this testing.” 

Anusha Vaidyanathan, MS, CGC, joined Mays Cancer Center nearly 7 years ago as a certified genetics counselor. Anusha’s biggest motivator is to empower people with as much information as possible to help them make the best-informed decision about their health care in her capacity as a cancer genetics counselor. She says,” Genetic testing is a complex process, and educating our patients to help them feel confident and comfortable in their informed decisions is the most rewarding part of my job. Working with my amazing colleagues is also a bonus!”

Are you or a loved one interested in genetic testing? To learn more about the Cancer Genetics Program and how to set up an appointment, visit the website!

Have happy, healthy holidays! Below are safety requirements all clinical sites will follow this year when having holiday celebrations and meals:

• Meeting room(s) should accommodate a minimum of a 3-foot separation between people and away from the food access area.
• Events will be limited to packaged meals, including all food, beverages, utensils, etc.
• Expectations for safe practices should be communicated and clarified with all attendees:
  • Participants will self-monitor for symptoms and only enter the room (and building) if they are free of any symptoms.
  • Hand sanitizers will be provided within the room.
  • Hand hygiene will be completed upon room entry and before/after food access.
  • Masks may be removed for consumption of food/beverages while ensuring the 3-foot separation between participants.
• The event organizer is responsible for coordinating safety measures such as: packaged meals, 3 foot separation, hand sanitizers, communication, and disinfection of touch surfaces in the room promptly after the event.

If you have any questions, please contact Casey Peterson at PetersonCD@uthscsa.edu.

Valerie Fisher Shiu, MD, is an assistant professor in the Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. Dr. Shiu is double board certified in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery. She is a member of The American College of Mohs Surgery and The American Academy of Dermatology.

Dr. Shiu graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin. She attended medical school and completed her residency in dermatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She received her fellowship training in Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

Dr. Shiu was the chief of dermatologic surgery at the San Antonio Veterans Affairs Hospital and is the associate program director for UT Health San Antonio’s dermatology residency program. She specializes in treating advanced skin cancers and reconstructive surgery.

MyChart is the preferred method of communication between patients and their care teams and it’s up to all employees to improve patient activation rates. We know that MyChart provides our patients access to their health information online, anytime, anywhere and is critical for improving patient/care team communication, but we may still encounter objections from patients who don’t see the benefits.

Top 4 MyChart Objections - Wondering how to improve understanding given common objections? Use these responses.

1. I don’t have a computer or smartphone.
   "Ok, I completely understand. Do you have a loved one who might have a device? We’d be happy to work with both of you to get you set up and comfortable."
2. I hate technology.
   "I understand, it can be frustrating and sometimes complicated. But I think you’ll find MyChart surprisingly easy to use, activation is fast and easy. Do you have a device? I’d be happy to work with you to get it set up and you feeling comfortable."
3. I don’t have time for this.
   "I understand. I can send you an instant activation link to sign up – via text or email. Which would you prefer? I’ll also send you the link to our website where you’ll find a video to help you. If you have questions, please contact us."
4. I prefer to speak with my doctor rather than receive messages.
   "I understand, but I would like you to know that MyChart can be used to do many different things, including request appointments, view test/lab results, exchange messages with your provider, and have video visits. It is not intended to replace office visits with your provider, but it does provide the most efficient way for us to communicate. Knowing all of this, would you be willing to reconsider? I can help you get set up."