Valley Regional Medical Center announces 2011 Frist Humanitarian Awards Recipients

Brownsville, Texas– June 1, 2012 – Valley Regional Medical Center recognized the 2011 Frist Humanitarian Employee, Volunteer, and Physician Award Winners during a special ceremony last month. Established in 1971, the awards honor outstanding individuals for their humanitarian and volunteer activities. The Frist Humanitarian Awards are given annually in recognition of the caring spirit and philanthropic work of the late Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr., a founder of HCA. Employees, volunteers and medical staff members who demonstrate commitment and dedication to providing care and humanitarianism are selected at hospitals across the country.

Valley Regional is proud to recognize the following winners;

Pete Aguirre, RN- Pete began his employment on May 7, 2001. He has 15 years experience in the nursing profession. Pete enjoys spending time with his family, wife Cleo and three children Cassandra, Melody and Pedro. Pete and his family are devoted to their Christian Faith and Pete serves as a youth pastor. He takes great pride in this role and always encourages the children of his church to participate. His goal is in making the youth of today more conscious of the needs of the community so they can

become more involved and lifelong learners. As an R.N., Pete displays remarkable talent and concern for the welfare of his patients. His unique approach towards his work and co-workers consistently improves the way the hospital functions.

George Carrancho-George has been a member of the VRMC Senior Auxiliary Team for three years. George’s willingness to help others and desire to volunteer led him to join the organization. In three short years, George has become an exemplary volunteer. He is a friendly and compassionate volunteer who always greets our visitors and patients with a warm smile. His favorite task is working the front desk, welcoming our visitors and greeting patients. George is also an active member of the Valley Regional Medical Center H2U Wellness Program. His hobbies include dancing, visiting family, and dinner with friends. George served in the military from 1951 to 1952 during the Korean War. Though born and raised in Portugal, his love for the United States persuaded him to join the Army and serve his country. George speaks numerous languages including English, Portuguese and Spanish. A true war veteran, George states that he is very committed, not only to the HCA Mission and Values, but he is an ideal representation of what our volunteers should be within the organization and in our community.

J. Gabriel Guajardo, MD-Dr. Guajardo is a Brownsville native, graduating from James Pace High School in 1993. He began his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1998 and received his Medical Degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in 2002. Graduating near the top of his class, he was selected to be a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He selected the prestigious Scott and White Memorial Hospital in Temple, Texas for his specialty training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Since graduating in 2006 he has been providing quality care to the women of Brownsville. As Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Guajardo is well regarded by staff and physicians. “He is a compassionate individual who truly cares for his patients and community” was a comment made by one of his peers. Dr. Guajardo serves as a mentor to the BISD Medical Student Program. He is very involved with the local chapter of the Boy Scouts, the youth basketball league, the March of Dimes, and many others. Dr. Guajardo is married to Laura. They have two children; Alexis and Cristian.