Recently, a patient presented to one of our Texas facilities with right-sided weakness, about an hour after symptoms began.

Dr. Newson happened to be nearby when the patient arrived and joined the team immediately, working through the stroke checklist as they moved toward CT and engaging nurses and support staff in the patient’s care. He also alerted nursing leadership to the incoming case so documentation and next steps could keep pace.

Without neurology input available at that moment, the team relied on clinical judgment, protocol, and close coordination to move forward. TNK, a clot-dissolving medication used in stroke care, was staged and ready to administer as soon as imaging confirmed it was safe. IV access, consent, and vital checks were all completed at the same time by a team of roughly half a dozen staff working in sync.

TNK was administered 20 minutes after the patient’s arrival.

Describing the case, Dr. Newson credited the team: “Essentially a great team effort… The team was a well-oiled machine simultaneously obtaining IV access, consent, fingerstick glucose and blood pressure; essentially half a dozen of us moving like clockwork in a coordinated effort.”

The patient improved before transfer to the ICU and regained significant function prior to discharge.

We are proud to recognize Dr. Newson and the entire care team for their speed, skill, and seamless coordination in a moment that truly mattered.