Six nurses from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) have been recognized among the city's best in the Houston Chronicle's 2024 Salute to Nurses. This annual event sees hundreds of nominations pour in, seeking to identify the top nurses in Greater Houston. This year, after reviewing 1,900 submissions, the newspaper narrowed down the honoree list to just 200 — including four with UT Physicians and two with Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston.
The nurses were chosen for their dedication, service, and commitment to quality care, patient outcomes, and community well-being. They were honored at a recent luncheon hosted by the Chronicle and sponsored in part by UT Physicians.
Among the honorees is Julie Angelica, a nurse manager at UT Physicians Family Practice - Bayshore. Angelica was inspired to pursue nursing after watching several family members go through different medical treatments. She said that her own cancer diagnosis further amplified her motivation to provide care and support for those in need.
Theresa Dancsak is another honoree who serves as a nurse manager at UTHealth Houston Center for Clinical & Translational Sciences. She discovered her passion for nursing back in 1972 when she started volunteering in a hospital in her hometown.
Fatima Hassan, a nurse practitioner at UTHealth Houston Neurosciences - Headache and Pain Center was also recognized. Hassan assists patients suffering from headaches, migraines, trigeminal neuralgia, and facial pain.
Shawna Rodgers serves as a nurse manager at UT Physicians Multispeciality - Bayshore. Rodgers knew from a very young age that her life’s work was to care for others.
Myron H. Arnaud is an assistant professor at Cizik School of Nursing and has been nominated multiple times for the John P. McGovern Outstanding Teacher Award.
Lastly, Assistant Professor Sara Lewandowski, who serves as coordinator of Cizik School of Nursing’s RN to BSN track, was also honored. Lewandowski was recognized with a bronze-level award by the Good Samaritan Foundation in 2021.
These six nurses represent the dedication and commitment that UTHealth Houston has towards providing quality care for its patients and community.
