UTHealth Houston OB/GYN department receives Center of Excellence accreditation from Surgical Review Corporation
The Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston recently achieved accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) as a Center of Excellence. This accreditation recognizes the department’s commitment and high standard of patient care and safety.
Asha Bhalwal, MD, and Alvaro Montealegre, MD, associate professors in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at McGovern Medical School have been named surgeons of excellence in the department.
“This accreditation validates our commitment to deliver safe, effective, and evidence-based care,” said Bhalwal, director of the Division of Advanced Minimally Invasive Gynecology with McGovern Medical School. “This aligns with our mission of patient-centered care and innovation and further emphasizes our dedication to the health and well-being of our patients. Documenting and highlighting these aspects will not only provide recognition, but also inspire confidence among patients and stakeholders in our institution’s commitment to excellence in health care delivery."
Status as an accredited center of excellence means that UTHealth Houston has met nationally and internationally recognized standards. Not all hospitals and surgeons seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous inspection process are granted accreditation.
“Our minimally invasive surgeons are performing the most complex cases for the sickest patients; this UTHealth Houston Center of Excellence recognition is well earned,” said Sean Blackwell, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at McGovern Medical School. Blackwell serves as Memorial Hermann Chair; The Berel Held, MD, Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences; and Emma Sue Hightower Development Board Professor in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the school.
Health care facilities and surgeons seeking an SRC accreditation undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process to ensure they meet SRC’s proven standards and requirements. These requirements include surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways and standardized operating procedures, and an emphasis on patient education and continuous quality assessment. Inspectors educate staff in the accredited departments on best practices to help their organization improve its care and services.
“We’re proud to recognize the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at UTHealth Houston for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this facility is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.”
About UTHealth Houston
Established in 1972 by The University of Texas System Board of Regents, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) is Texas’ resource for health care education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. The most comprehensive academic health center in the UT System and the U.S. Gulf Coast region, UTHealth Houston is home to Jane and Robert Cizik School of Nursing, John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Medical School, D. Bradley McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics, and schools of biomedical sciences, dentistry, public health, and behavioral health sciences. UTHealth Houston includes the John S. Dunn Behavioral Sciences Center and UTHealth Houston Harris County Psychiatric Center, as well as the growing clinical practices UT Physicians, UT Dentists, and UT Health Services. The university’s primary teaching hospitals are Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, and Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. For more information, visit www.uth.edu.
About Surgical Review Corporation
Established in 2003, Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) is an internationally recognized, nonprofit, patient safety organization dedicated to recognizing and refining surgical care. SRC accredits the top hospitals, surgeons, and health professionals worldwide that meet our proven standards. Look for our seal, expect excellence. For more information, visit www.surgicalreview.org.