Texas Heart Institute Assesses Damages

As the entire Texas Medical Center recovers from the devastation brought on by Allison, most institutions are beginning to evaluate their damages while recognizing those people who have risen to the occasion in this time of need. The Texas Heart Institute is no exception.

Within hours after the flood, Institute employees joined together and donned rubber boots, "bunny" suits and rubber gloves to wade through the aftermath of the storm. From identifying hazardous waste to recovering research data and documents, the team worked long hours to salvage what was left of the Cullen Cardiovascular Research Laboratories.

"This group of individuals made an extraordinary effort on behalf of the Institute," said Mike McGee, vice president of Research Administration. "Their quick action made a significant difference in the retrieval of important research that could have been completely lost."

Circulatory support personnel went the extra mile by not only tending to patients involved in research studies, but also to other critically ill patients. They were particularly helpful in the transportation of these patients.

Members of the construction team for the new Denton A. Cooley Building, the soon-to-be new home of the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, were also quick to shift their efforts from the new building to play significant roles on the disaster team. Their leadership and expertise contributed to a smoother recovery.

"I would like to thank every Texas Heart Institute employee and physician who has contributed in any way to our recovery efforts," said Dr. Denton A. Cooley, founder, president and surgeon in chief of the Institute. "This impressive display of teamwork is yet another reminder of the dedication our employees have demonstrated throughout the years."

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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