The Think Innovation Transformation Award is awarded to physicians who embody the culture of innovation and work collaboratively to achieve best-in-class outcomes. They apply innovation to their everyday practice, resulting in improved quality outcomes, a positive financial impact and a better patient experience. They are instrumental in leading innovation within Harris Health System toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
Dr. Edward L. Poythress
Medical Director, Wound Care Clinic, Ben Taub Hospital
Associate Dean of Student Affairs; Associate Professor of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
Dr. Edward Poythress completed his residency at Ben Taub Hospital. His commitment to patient care, quality and safety was instrumental in developing a robust trans-disciplinary wound care collaborative. His approach to mediating the gaps in research transformed comprehensive wound management and limb salvage. Since implementing the transdisciplinary wound management program in January 2017, Ben Taub has seen a 60 percent reduction in limb amputation. Poythress’s leadership led to the development of an innovative approach to limb salvage and chronic wound care management resulting in best the transformation of the research landscape.
Dr. Tien Ko
Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery, Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital
Vice-Chairman, Harris Health System, Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School
Associate Dean, Harris Health Programs at McGovern Medical School
Jack H. Mayfield, M.D. Distinguished Professor in Surgery
As a leader in surgical care, Dr. Tien Ko’s approach to transformational leadership is evident in his vision and ability to position the surgery department at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. His passion and tenacity led to the implementation of the DaVinci Surgical System, the first robotic surgical system used at Harris Health. The DaVinci system is designed to facilitate complex surgeries using precision and improved dexterity to extend a surgeons capacity. Through his leadership and vision, Ko has enabled Harris Health to perform as a high-reliability organization by cultivating resilience and patient safety in surgical care.
Dr. Susanna C. Spence
Associate Professor, Assistant Chief of Radiology, Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital
Clinical Director of Quality, Safety & Patient Experience, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
Dr. Susanna Spence’s contribution to the Interventional Radiology Department at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital has improved patient safety and quality of care outcomes. Her journey began as a resident with UTHealth, where she identified opportunities to improve practices. As the Assistant Chief of Radiology, she has developed an integrative approach to transformation. Her role has been integral in the application of process improvement and workflow redesign. Her collaborative nature and interdisciplinary methods have resulted in significant cost savings and cohesiveness amongst her team and peers. Spence’s commitment is evident; the most rewarding aspect of her work with Harris Health is the positive impact she has on improving the patient’s experience.
Dr. Malvika Juneja
Family Medicine Physician, Vallbona Health Center
Assistant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine
Dr. Malvika Juneja has been instrumental in leading the Diabetes Multidisciplinary Patient-Centered Program. She identified that many of her patients’HemaglobinA1c levels were concerning. They were chronically faced with socioeconomic challenges, resistance to lifestyle changes and lack of information. Juneja developed a multidisciplinary approach centered on meeting patients’ needs by implementing a robust best practice approach. Her efforts have helped reduce hospital readmissions as well as avoidable visits to the emergency room and primary care visits. Juneja is setting the standard for best practices across the system through patient advocacy and comprehensive multidisciplinary care coordination.