2022 Gold Shield Provider Award
 
 

Join us in congratulating Georgia McCann, MD, for winning the 2022 Gold Shield Provider Award! Dr. McCann provides unparalleled care and gives her undivided attention to each patient.


Dr. Georgia McCann joined the faculty of the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio in 2013. She is an associate clinical professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology. Her expertise includes the diagnosis, treatment and research of cervical, endometrial, ovarian, and vulvar cancers. Dr. McCann also has advanced surgical training in robotic and laparoscopic procedures, radical pelvic and reconstructive surgery, for diagnosing and treating gynecologic cancers and complicated benign gynecologic conditions. She completed her gynecologic oncology fellowship at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center after a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. McCann has authored or co-authored more than 35 papers published in peer-reviewed journals. She also serves as the associate program director for the gynecologic oncology fellowship program and leads the gynecologic oncology clinical trial program.

 

Dr. McCann volunteers her own time to support women battling gynecologic cancer. In 2016, she founded the Purple Heals support group for women with gynecologic cancers, the first group of its kind in San Antonio. The group meets monthly for 2-3 hours in the evening and transitioned to a virtual format through the pandemic. The group is open to the entire community; therefore, her influence and care extend far beyond the walls of our institution.

 

Purple Heals: A Support Group for Women with Gynecologic Cancers

 

Her nominator for the Gold Shield aware wrote, "There are countless examples of her compassion as she frequently assists patients during end-of-life care. Her clinic days are often very long as a reflection of how important it is for her to have these hard conversations." Dr. McCann goes out of her way to be there for her patients at the end of their life. After treating one patient for several years, there was confusion over a do not resuscitate order from a covering provider. The confusion created panic among the family and staff, for which she came in on her own time and brought calm and serenity to the patient. The patient was able to die with dignity in the manner that she chose.

"I would wait hours and hours if I had to. Dr. McCann is an amazing doctor and always takes good care of her patients. She is the only doctor I have ever met who would go above and beyond for her patients. She is the best oncologist, and I consider her a part of my family. If you ask me, I don't mind the wait because she is awesome." - Dr. McCann's patient

 

Dr. McCann has also been named one of San Antonio’s Top Doctors for Women, Scene in S.A.’s “Outstanding Women in Medicine 2022” and San Antonio’s Top Doctors 2023.

 
 
 
Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
 
 
Martin Luther King Jr. Day

On Monday, Jan. 16, our campus will be closed in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, held every third Monday in January across the nation.

 

The MLK Commission will host the 36th Annual MLK March and Legacy Celebration on Monday at 10am - all students, residents, fellows, alumni, employees, family and friends are invited to participate!


Dear UT Health San Antonio:

 

On Monday, Jan. 16, our campus will be closed in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, held every third Monday in January across the nation. Dr. King dedicated his life to improving the educational access and opportunity given to every person, and at UT Health San Antonio we continue to strive toward those values.

 

UT Health San Antonio students, residents, fellows, alumni, employees, family and friends are welcome to participate in the 36th annual Martin Luther King Jr. March and Celebration scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy located at 3501 Martin Luther King Drive, and ending at Pittman-Sullivan Park, 1101 Iowa St.

 

The annual City of San Antonio Martin Luther King Jr. March and Celebration started in 1987 and attracts more than 300,000 participants annually and is considered the largest in the country. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, the 2023 theme is “Together We Can Be The Dream.” 

 

Prior to COVID-19, we sponsored a chartered bus to transport participants to and from the march. We will do this again this year. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Reservations will be honored in the order they are received on a first-come basis until capacity is reached, so please sign up as soon as possible using the online form today! Please email Melissa Platt in the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Health Equity (PlattM@uthscsa.edu) with any questions.

 

You are welcome to bring a guest, yet no more than two per person. To honor one of our nation’s most revered civil rights leaders and to reaffirm our commitment to a robust and unified community, we encourage everyone to wear your purple “Everything it Takes" UT Health San Antonio T-shirt. For those who opt to use their own transportation after arriving at the Academy (3501 Martin Luther King Drive), please look for our UT Health San Antonio signage and banner to join the group.

 

We hope you can join us in celebrating and commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Additional local events can be found online.

 

Warmly,

 

Chiquita A. Collins, MA, PhD

Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Inclusive Excellence & Health Equity

InclusiveExcellence@uthscsa.edu

 
 
Help needed: Volunteer at the Living Beyond Cancer A-Z Symposium
 
 

Mays Cancer Center needs volunteers at the 2nd annual Living Beyond Cancer A-Z Symposium on January 21 to help with parking, registration, lunch and navigation throughout the day. Three shifts are available in two-hour windows.


 
 
UTSA Welcomes UTHSA for Healthcare Appreciation Night
 
 

Join us at the UTSA Basketball game on Saturday, January 21, where the Roadrunners will celebrate UT Health San Antonio on Healthcare Appreciation Night. Special ticket offer includes a free UTSA t-shirt for the first 100 fans.

Show your spirit by wearing your UT Health San Antonio swag!


 
 
COVID-19: Get your bivalent booster now to protect yourselves and others
 
 

COVID-19 infections are on the rise locally and nationally. A new omicron subvariant, called XBB.1.5, is overtaking circulating subvariants. It is more transmissible than prior variants and is expected to increase in Texas, following trends seen in other areas of the country.

 

To schedule your COVID-19 booster, log in to our scheduling website.


 

Dear UT Health San Antonio faculty, staff and learners:

 

COVID-19 infections are on the rise locally and nationally. A new omicron subvariant, called XBB.1.5, is overtaking circulating subvariants. It is more transmissible than prior variants and is expected to increase in Texas, following trends seen in other areas of the country. 

 

The COVID-19 transmission level, as measured by the CDC, shows that the local COVID-19 transmission level is high.

 

COVID-19 vaccinations remain our most effective tool for preventing infections and reducing the severity of infections for those who become ill. Anyone who is not up to date with vaccinations, including the bivalent booster, is at higher risk for infection and severe disease. If you are not up to date, NOW is the best time to get your COVID-19 booster.

 

To schedule your COVID-19 booster, log in to our scheduling website. Locations include the Medical Arts and Research Center (MARC) at 8300 Floyd Curl Drive, Wellness 360 located in the School of Nursing on the Long Campus, as well as in our primary care clinics. At the MARC, the bivalent vaccine is also administered on a walk-in basis, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Simply bring your university and insurance ID and your COVID-19 vaccine card that has the dates of your earlier shots so that it can be updated.      

 

In addition to COVID, influenza, RSV and other respiratory viruses are circulating. Reflecting our commitment to the health of the community, all clinics of UT Health San Antonio continue to require the wearing of masks in all patient settings.

 

As the faculty, staff, students and residents of the university community are convening more frequently in person — whether it be in our classrooms, lecture halls, research labs, conference rooms, break areas or at program events — we are all called upon to protect ourselves and each other by continuing the following recommendations:

  • In addition to getting vaccinated, a well-fitting mask when you are in group meetings or in crowds is encouraged, and at any time when social distancing is not being practiced.
  • Continue rigorous hand-washing protocols.
  • Eating and/or drinking together in groups is discouraged due to the current high risk of transmission. Thoughtfully plan food offerings in larger groups.
  • If you feel sick, do not come to work. Instead, test yourself if you have any symptoms. COVID-19 testing is conducted at 1 p.m., Monday through Friday, under the School of Nursing tent that is situated in the parking lot adjacent to the nursing school, parallel to Louis Pasteur Drive. Schedule an appointment online
  • If you have had COVID, follow the applicable protocols before returning to in-person work environments. Protocols differ based on your work setting, so check with your supervisor regarding the required practices for your approved return to work. Additional information can be found here

Please afford these guidelines your utmost attention. After these past three grueling years, it is natural for us to experience fatigue from consistently upholding these protocols. But it is only through our constancy and perseverance that we can do all we can to keep ourselves and others safe.

 

Sincerely,

 

Andrea Marks

Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

 
 
UT Health San Antonio physicians stand out on list of “Top Doctors"
 
 

Physicians from UT Health San Antonio, across a variety of specialties have been recognized as "top doctors” by San Antonio Magazine. Of the 484 physicians nominated by their peers 273 are UT Health San Antonio providers.


 
 
Essay contest: What does patient experience mean to you
 
 

We want to know how you define the patient experience. In a short essay tell us your definition of the patient experience. First, second and third-place prizes will be awarded. Essays are due by Monday, January 16.


The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) defines patient experience as the “range of interactions that patients have with the healthcare system, including their care from health plans, and from doctors, nurses, and staff in hospitals, physician practices, and other healthcare facilities.”

 

We want to know how you define the patient experience. 

 

In a short essay, share your definition of the patient experience. Your essay can include personal or observed experiences (no patient names, please). Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Please email your essays to Lisa Hutcherson, Director of  Patient Experience by January 16, 2023.  A team will review all essays and the winners will be announced on January 30, 2023.  

 

Details: 

  • Write a short, 300-500 word essay describing how you define the patient experience
  • Email your essay by 5 p.m. on Monday, January 16 to hutchersonl@uthscsa.edu  
  • First, second and third-place prizes will be awarded. Winners will be announced on January 30
 
 
A New Year’s resolution that makes you smile and improves your health!
 
 

The General Dentistry Clinic at UT Dentistry makes staying healthy in 2023 a resolution you can stick with.


 
 
A healthy start to the New Year: Join Plants-2-Plate in 2023
 
 

Led by registered experts in diet and wellness, Plants-2-Plate is now accepting participants interested in adopting healthy lifestyle habits and a diet centered around foods that come primarily from plants.


 
 
Schedule primary care appointments with MyChart
 
 

Patients can now schedule appointments with their primary care provider using MyChart! Online scheduling is convenient and allows patients to schedule appointments without calling.


 
 
High Risk Pregnancy Conference
 
 

Earn CME or CNE at the 4th Annual High Risk Pregnancy & Heart Disease Conference this spring at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. This event invites cardiologists, maternal-fetal specialists and nurses to discuss modern approaches for pregnant patients with heart disease.

 

Healthcare providers will learn:

  • Signs and symptoms of cardiac disease in pregnancy, and which patients should be referred for higher care
  • How to develop a management strategy for following high risk pregnancies closely and planning for all stages, including labor, delivery and postpartum
  • The long-term impact of these cardiac conditions (previous or newly recognized) on the woman’s long-term health and on any future pregnancies

Don't wait! Take advantage to learn about one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States.


 
 
 
Yearly training deadlines extended
 

Training deadlines in UT Health Learns have been extended. Employees who completed the required training from March 1 - October 26 will be removed from training for the current cycle. Click here for more details.