Celebrating the People Behind Exceptional Care During Hospital Week
5/8/2026
By Jorge E. Leal, FACHE, Laredo Medical Center's chief executive officer
Hospital Week is an opportunity to recognize the people who make healthcare possible every day. While patients may interact most directly with physicians and nurses, excellent care depends on an entire team working together with skill, compassion and purpose.
The 2026 National Hospital Week theme focuses on connection, teamwork and the shared mission that unites healthcare professionals across every department. From environmental services and dietary staff to therapists, technicians, pharmacists, administrative teams and clinical caregivers, every role contributes to the patient experience and the health of our community.
At Laredo Medical Center, we see that commitment every day. We see it in the employee who stays late to help a patient’s family navigate a difficult moment. We see it in the collaboration between departments during emergencies. We see it in the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our hospital safe, efficient and ready to care for those who need us most.
This dedication is also reflected in the recognition our hospital has earned over the past year. This spring, Laredo Medical Center received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, one of the most respected measures of patient safety in the nation. We were also named by Becker’s Healthcare as a Top Place to Work in Healthcare for both 2025 and 2026, reflecting the culture our employees have helped build together.
Our commitment to clinical excellence continues to be recognized across specialties as well. Becker’s named our organization one of the “100 Hospitals with Great Oncology Programs” in 2025, recognizing the high-quality cancer care available close to home for patients and families in our region. In addition, our skilled nursing unit earned a High Performing rating for Short-Term Rehabilitation from U.S. News & World Report for the ninth consecutive year—an achievement that speaks to the consistency and compassion of our post-acute care teams.
Strong leadership also plays an important role in advancing care and supporting staff. We are proud that our chief nursing officer, Christine Martinez, MSN, R.N., was recognized by Becker’s Healthcare as one of the nation’s “CNOs to Know” in both 2024 and 2025, an honor that reflects the strength of nursing leadership throughout our hospital.
Healthcare continues to evolve rapidly, bringing both new opportunities and new challenges. Through it all, our team has remained focused on delivering high-quality care close to home. Guided by our vision to make the healthcare experience exceptional for our patients, our communities, and each other, we continue to invest in the people, programs, and initiatives that strengthen care across our region.
Hospital Week is also a reminder that hospitals are more than buildings or technology—they are people. The strength of any healthcare organization comes from the dedication of those who choose this work and the pride they take in serving others.
As CEO, I am continually grateful for the extraordinary individuals who make up our hospital team. Their professionalism, compassion, and commitment to excellence touch lives every day, often in ways that go unseen by the broader public.
To every member of our hospital family: thank you for the work you do and the care you provide to our community. These recognitions belong to you, and this week, we celebrate the vital role you play in keeping our community healthy and strong.
Back