CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System

Congratulations to Jessica Aparicio, RN, our latest DAISY Award Honoree. As an ICU nurse at Good Shepherd Medical Center – Longview, Jessica supports patients and families during some of life’s most difficult moments with compassion, professionalism and attentive care.

Her nominator shared how Jessica cared for their mother during her ICU stay, speaking to her gently and respectfully while making sure she felt heard, comfortable and cared for. They also shared that Jessica “went above and beyond in every possible way,” staying on top of every detail and advocating fearlessly when something needed attention.

Through her kindness, dedication and patient-centered care, Jessica reflects our mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ and demonstrates the meaningful impact compassionate nursing care can have on patients and families.

We are grateful to the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center for their hospitality when welcoming the community to see its new trial garden beds.

The new beds, located along Cotton Street, were made possible through support from the CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund. They will feature plants that thrive in East Texas weather and will rotate with the seasons, creating a beautiful and welcoming view for guests, neighbors and those traveling through the area.

The trial gardens will also help the arboretum evaluate new plants that could eventually become part of its broader collection, supporting education, environmental stewardship and community well-being. This is the second project supported by the CHRISTUS Fund at the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center, following the sensory garden located along the walking path inside the arboretum.

Through partnerships like this, the CHRISTUS Fund helps support organizations that strengthen the health, beauty and well-being of the communities we are blessed to serve.

Calcium scoring results indicate the amount of plaque present in the coronary arteries. A score of zero means no disease, no identifiable plaque, and a very low risk of a coronary event, with a retest recommended in five years. The range of 1 to 99 reflects early-stage disease with minimal plaque, and patients in this category should follow up with their primary care physician. Results between 100 and 399 indicate early-stage disease with moderate plaque, and mild coronary artery disease is highly likely, while readings of 400 or higher signal advanced disease and may require a same-day visit if the score reaches 1000. These categories help patients understand their results so they can discuss next steps with their doctor.

Javier Pizana had just finished celebrating his mother’s 84th birthday when he awoke to sharp pain and pressure. Recognizing something was wrong, he arrived at our emergency room, where he learned he had eight major blockages in his heart and required a triple bypass. A vein was taken from another area of his body to create detours around his severely blocked coronary arteries. His recovery would continue through our cardiac rehab three times a week as he learned to rebuild his strength, improve his endurance, and regain confidence. He recently graduated and is back doing the things he loves. He’s grateful to the team that supported him at every step of his recovery.

Congratulations to our cardiac care team at the CHRISTUS Heart and Vascular Institute on earning the Platinum Performance Achievement Award from the American College of Cardiology's NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry! Marking the fourth consecutive year our institute has earned this prestigious national honor for its excellence in treating heart attack patients, we proudly celebrate this award with our partners at CHRISTUS EMS, the Longview Fire Department and first responders throughout our communities. Their quick action, effective communication and commitment help ensure patients experiencing chest pain or a heart attack receive timely, coordinated care when every second counts.

Our latest resident class is already making a difference as they kicked off their journey with our annual "Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?" bus tour. This unique experience immersed them in the heart of our community through visits to East Texas CASA, Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center, Newgate Mission, and meetings with nonprofit leaders who fight for our community members every day. Along the way, our residents gained valuable insight into the challenges many East Texans face every day. We're grateful for these experiences that build empathy and strengthen our physicians' ability to provide care that truly meets patients where they are.

Congratulations to the class of 2026 internal medicine residents as they move on to their next chapter, leaving behind a lasting legacy of excellence and service.

We hosted our annual Graduation Gala to celebrate our graduates and their families, and to recognize the exceptional contributions of our residents and faculty, whose dedication continues to strengthen our Internal Medicine Residency Program. As our newest interns begin their residency journey this month, this celebration gave us a meaningful opportunity to look back with gratitude and look ahead with anticipation.

To our graduates: thank you for your hard work, dedication and care for our patients and community. To our incoming interns: welcome to the family!

We're celebrating a decade of maintaining an Advanced Certification for Total Hip and Knee Replacement through the Joint Commission! First awarded in 2016, we became the third hospital in Texas and the eighth in the nation to earn this distinction, recognizing our commitment to the highest standards of quality, safety, and patient-centered orthopedic care. Thank you to our physicians, clinicians, and Associates whose dedication and expertise help deliver exceptional outcomes for our patients every day.

This Fourth of July, we celebrate 250 years of Independence✨💜! We wish you a safe, joyful and memorable holiday filled with laughter, love and good health.