In June of 2021, TCHMB Executive Committee was joined by two new Co-chairs of the Obstetrics Committee, Gloria Delgado and Dr. James Hill. We spoke to Dr. Hill to learn more about his experiences as TCHMB Co-chairs so far and his visions for the future of TCHMB.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am currently the Division Chief for the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in San Antonio. My interest in OB GYN started during the early years of medical school. Since completing my fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, I have worked in a number of rural and small community hospitals. During that time period, I recognized that many hospitals were deficit in personnel and material resources critical to providing the necessary care for some of the most complicated cases. I developed protocols and clinical guidelines for many of these hospitals. Years later, I was invited to join a workgroup of obstetricians, community physicians, maternal-fetal medicine physicians, neonatologists and epidemiologists to discuss the infrastructure for building a maternal and neonatal quality and safety regionalization system in Virginia. This is where my passion for improving maternal health took off.
How do you feel about joining the TCHMB executive committee?
I feel prepared. I have a special interest in quality improvement and I've been an active committee member on various quality improvement projects that have provided me with the experience needed and a better understanding for this position. I’m also excited to work with a number of experienced leaders and dedicated healthcare workers that are dedicated to improving the quality of care that we provide across the state of Texas and the opportunity to continue my efforts of reducing disparities, and maternal morbidity and mortality on a much broader level.
What do you hope to accomplish?
One of my main clinical and research interest is preeclampsia. And so I am excited that the TCHMB Executive approved the Obstetric committee’s most recent project proposal, titled Recognition and Response to Postpartum Preeclampsia in the Emergency Department.
This is a project that focuses on preeclampsia care in the emergency department. I hope to see that project move forward and implemented across the state of Texas.
What made you interested in the quality improvement aspect of healthcare?
The reduction of maternal mortality and morbidity has been and continues my career long passion. As an African American provider caring for pregnant women, I have a unique perspective regarding healthcare disparities. I have been very fortunate to have this opportunity, but many others who are minorities may not have. I am most alarmed at the dismal survival rates for African American mothers and their infants across the United States and Texas. Reading that women of color and black infants are dying at an alarming rate from preventable pregnancy-related complications is disturbing. I have not quite figured things out yet, but I want to help.
What appealed to you about the TCHMB executive committee that made you want to join?
The executive committee has many folks who are extremely experienced and through the collaboration with community stakeholders have put together many projects and quality initiatives that I believe identify the correct priorities. I’ve seen the work they have produced, and listened to their discussions, to where I feel confident that the right messages are being delivered with the right focus to advance health care quality and patient safety for all Texas mothers and babies through the appropriate collaboration.
Have you got to do anything interesting during your time so far as chair?
I have enjoyed working with a number of the committee members over the past few weeks. Namely, Dr. Davidson, the former Obstetric committee chair, who brings a tremendous amount of experience and guidance for my new position. The Texas AIM committee members have also been instrumental in putting together our postpartum project. I would also like to give a loud shout out to Nagla Elerian, who has been the strong leader of this organization and helps to keep the pieces from falling apart. Lastly, it has been great to have Gloria Delgado, as a co-chair. She has an unwavering commitment and is a well-respected and knowledgeable nurse that will help make this position a positive experience.
What is the proudest accomplishment of your career?
While my life has exposed me to many career opportunities and occupations of interest, there have only been a few professions I have every seriously considered. These are as follows: military service, medicine, teaching and the clergy.
I have always had a strong desire to have a career in the military. My desire for a military career initially stemmed from romantic notions of what such service entailed. These notions were replaced by a sincere need to feel as though I was doing my part in protecting that which I so fervently believe in, namely, our country and way of life. With that though in mind and my desire to serve in the armed forces, I decided that West Point was the best place to start my training. My outstanding 30-year career performance in the US Army has been a testament regarding my feelings about service to this country.
Things you are most excited about with your time on the TCHMB executive committee?
I’m most excited about having the support from the committee in working on the preeclampsia initiative in the emergency departments. This project is modeled after similar successful projects conducted in California, Florida and Illinois. I genuinely think this will allow us to improve care in not only the emergency departments, but also encourage collaboration with the OB units with a special emphasis on the care patients receive in the emergency departments.