CHRISTUS St. Michael

03/26/2026

Congratulations to Pleasant Grove High player Kara Strickland, this week’s CHRISTUS St. Michael Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week! Kara has been making a big impact on the softball field this season, posting a .458 batting average, .529 on‑base percentage, .746 slugging percentage, along with 2 triples and 2 home runs. She opened district play even stronger with an impressive .800 batting average and .833 on‑base percentage. We’re proud to recognize Kara for her outstanding performance and the heart she brings to the team.

03/25/2026

Today on Heritage Day, we gather as members of CHRISTUS Health, united by the heritage entrusted to us by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, who continue to guide us in compassion and service. Bless all of us, that our homes and workplaces may reflect Your love and peace. Grant us the strength to support one another, to lift up those in need and to be signs of hope. Help us build communities marked by belonging, respect and compassion. Pour out Your blessings on our ministry, our Associates, our Congregations and all who partner in our care.

https://christus.io/Mission

03/24/2026

This month, we’re celebrating how the physicians we work with are putting our values into action. Nominated for displaying the CHRISTUS value of compassion, today we’re proud to honor Dr. Roderick Echols!

Dr. Echols is admired by both patients and colleagues for living all of the CHRISTUS values, with compassion at the forefront. His kindness, attentiveness, and whole‑person approach to care have made an impact not only on the patients he treats, but also on the nurses and staff he supports. From the perspective of both a caregiver and a family member, his compassion has been deeply felt.

Thank you, Dr. Echols, for the extraordinary care you provide and the compassion you show in every situation.

03/23/2026

We recently held a blessing for our newest 160-slice CT scanner, a powerful addition that will help our teams deliver faster, high-resolution diagnostic imaging for patients across the region. This new CT images disease processes such as cancers, chronic illnesses, pulmonary emboli and much more.

Located adjacent to the emergency services department, the new CT suite will support critical care needs such as trauma imaging and stroke detection. We are grateful for the technology, caregivers and mission that allow us to continue providing exceptional care for our community.

03/22/2026

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are celebrating women saints like Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne. Born in France in 1769, she endured the upheaval of the French Revolution and years of uncertainty before finally answering her call to missionary life. In 1818, she journeyed to the United States, establishing schools and the first convents of the Sacred Heart west of the Mississippi, and serving communities in Missouri and Louisiana. Later, she ministered among the Potawatomi people in Kansas, where her deep prayer life earned her the name “Woman Who Prays Always.” Canonized in 1988, she is remembered as a patron of perseverance and a model of missionary courage and dedication.

03/21/2026

This month, we’re celebrating how the physicians we work with are putting our values into action. Nominated for displaying the CHRISTUS value of compassion, today we’re recognizing Dr. Edward Timothy O’Kelley!

Dr. O’Kelley always puts patients first. He takes time to review each patient’s full history, ensuring that every decision is made with their best interest in mind. Staff appreciates his willingness to answer questions, offer guidance, and support the team through thoughtful, patient‑centered care.

Thank you, Dr. O’Kelley, for the compassion, diligence, and understanding you bring to every patient encounter.

03/20/2026

We’re thrilled to celebrate Match Day and welcome Jacob Zeiler, MD, MBA, a primary care emergency medicine resident, as he begins the next chapter of his journey with us. We’re grateful Dr. Zeiler chose to join us in our mission and look forward to supporting him with a rich environment of learning, curiosity, research, and scholarship over the years ahead.

03/19/2026

Congratulations to Fouke High player Harlee Hickey and New Boston High player Ridge England, this week’s CHRISTUS St. Michael Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Athletes of the Week! Harlee’s softball season is off to a great start this year, and her hitting has been a major part of that success. Her trainer, Daniel Francis, says it's been great working with all the staff and players at Fouke. Over on the baseball field, Ridge is 6-for-9 at the plate with 4 RBIs and also threw a complete game, allowing only 1 run on 3 hits in last week’s matchup. His trainer, Trina Childers, commends his positive attitude and strong work ethic. We look forward to seeing both athletes continue to shine throughout the season.

03/18/2026

This Women’s History Month, we are celebrating the courage, compassion and impact of women in our ministry. For MyLisa Thiels, a speech pathologist, honoring women means carrying that compassion forward in her work every day.
“I honor the legacy of women in my life by leading with compassion in every interaction that I have with patients. I would tell my younger self that there will be times when you will not be given a seat at the professional table. So, you pull up your own seat at the table. Because you have value, and what you can bring to the table is needed!
As we recognize Women’s History Month, MyLisa’s reflection highlights the importance of empathy, advocacy and believing in the value women bring to every space they enter.

03/17/2026

This month, we’re celebrating how the physicians we work with are putting our values into action. Nominated for displaying the CHRISTUS value of compassion, we’re pleased to recognize Dr. Phillip Pace!

Dr. Pace is appreciated for his attentive care and his ability to truly listen. His patients feel supported and understood because he takes the time to focus on their needs with patience and empathy.

Thank you, Dr. Pace, for the compassion you bring to those you serve.

03/15/2026

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are celebrating women saints like Saint Bernadette of Lourdes. Born into poverty in France, Bernadette was just 14 when she experienced a series of visions in the rocky Massabielle Grotto. There, the Virgin Mary appeared to her, revealing herself as the Immaculate Conception and asking that a chapel be built on the site. Despite skepticism and intense public scrutiny, she remained humble and steadfast, faithfully sharing the message entrusted to her. Later entering religious life, she embraced suffering with grace and lived quietly in prayer. Canonized in 1933, her witness transformed Lourdes into one of the world’s most recognized pilgrimage sites, a place of healing and hope for millions. Her life reminds us that faith, humility and courage can change the world.

03/12/2026