The Texas Medical Center (TMC) has been actively involved in supporting military veterans as they transition from a structured military life to civilian life for over 10+ years—a transition that includes an annual 180,000 service members per year.
Origins and Founders of the TMC Veteran Committee:
The TMC Veteran Committee was originally created with a mission to lessen the unemployment disparity and was launched in 2011 following a challenge from two notable figures: James H. “Red” Duke Jr., M.D., and retired Colonel John Holcomb, M.D. Both veterans themselves, Duke and Holcomb were pivotal in shaping the initial vision during a human resources council meeting alongside retired TMC executive Patricia Mitchell. They urged the meeting attendees and later, medical center CEOs, to actively seek more veteran hires.
Current Committee Evolution:
Over the past decade, the Texas Medical Center (TMC) Veteran Committee has seen significant progress and adaptation. Despite persistent challenges in veteran employment, the landscape has undergone transformative changes. Today’s veteran and military talent is more qualified than ever, with an increasing number of veterans achieving higher education levels. Additionally, various nonprofit organizations are now providing extensive support, ranging from career coaching to educational upskilling via professional certifications and apprenticeships. This enhancement in the qualifications and readiness of veterans is pivotal, enabling them to fill essential roles within TMC members and partners effectively.
Updated Strategic Approaches:
The committee continues to implement several strategic approaches to enhance veteran employment, including:
- Special Hiring Events: These events are tailored specifically for veterans, offering them direct opportunities to connect with potential employers within the medical center.
- Veteran Recognition Breakfast: An annual event allowing new veteran hires within TMC to engage and integrate with their peers and the broader community.
- Community Engagement: The committee aims to foster a supportive environment that recognizes and utilizes veterans’ unique skills and experiences.
These strategies are designed to facilitate veterans’ integration into the workforce and acknowledge and value their contributions to the healthcare sector.
Co-chairing and Partnerships with Enhanced Leadership Roles
The initiative is co-chaired by two distinguished professionals, Creshall Byrd and Charles Bischoff, whose backgrounds and current roles significantly enhance the strategic direction and execution of the program.
Creshall Byrd serves as a Program Manager at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center within the Workforce Communities and Connections division. With a comprehensive background spanning over 18 years in Human Resources and five years in the Banking and Finance sector, Creshall brings a wealth of expertise in recruiting, training, employee relations, and compliance. Her extensive experience is crucial in driving impactful programs that align with the center’s strategic and missional goals, ensuring the initiative meets and exceeds its objectives in supporting veterans.
Charles Bischoff is an Employment Coordinator at NextOp Veterans, playing a crucial role in sourcing and recruiting veteran talent. He specializes in guiding veterans through career transitions, focusing on resume development, interview techniques, job placement, and aiding companies across various industries in developing their military recruitment strategies. His efforts are key in surpassing yearly placement targets and successfully organizing corporate hiring events. As a former U.S. Army Combat Medic who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Charles’s final military position was as a Healthcare Administrator at Fort Hood, Texas, where he managed a primary care clinic. His background in operational management and staff training within the Army’s healthcare system endows him with the expertise needed to bridge the gap between military and civilian employment practices effectively.
Together, Creshall and Charles co-chair the veteran hiring initiative, leveraging their combined expertise to foster a supportive environment for veterans transitioning into civilian roles. Their leadership is vital in maintaining the program’s success and expanding its reach within the community.
The Future
Looking ahead, the committee aims to boost the number of veterans employed across TMC partner organizations and hospitals, acknowledge the contributions of veterans within these organizations, and bolster the local veteran community by participating in community activities. Together, these efforts will strengthen our support network, creating a more integrated and supportive environment for veterans.
The efforts of Duke, Holcomb, and the many others involved have provided employment opportunities and honored veterans’ service by integrating them into crucial roles within the healthcare sector.
Interested in learning more? Save the Date for the TMC Veterans Committee Hiring Event on July 10th! Learn more here.