Humankindess at Work: Jonathan Gecomo, Manager of Patient Safety

At Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center (BSLMC), the tapestry of care is woven with dedication, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to patient safety. And at the heart of that commitment, diligently reviewing every thread, is Jonathan Gecomo, Manager of Patient Safety.

For over two decades, Jonathan has been an integral part of the BSLMC family, and in his current role since 2020, he is the vigilant guardian ensuring that humankindness translates into the safest possible experience for every patient and every team member

Jonathan’s journey to his current position is as rich and varied as the incidents he now meticulously investigates. A true global citizen, he emigrated from the Philippines in 2004, bringing with him a wealth of experience, including building the Asian Hospital in his home country. His clinical foundation was built as an ICU nurse, a role that honed his keen observational skills and deep understanding of patient needs. Then, driven by a passion for education and innovation, he transitioned into nursing education, becoming a clinical informaticist and even spearheading the launch of the groundbreaking EPIC system across the organization. This diverse background, from bedside care to technological implementation, gives Jonathan a unique and invaluable perspective on the complexities of healthcare.

Now, as Manager of Patient Safety and Risk Management, Jonathan's daily work is a fascinating blend of detective work and collaborative problem-solving. He meticulously reviews all incidents across the hospital, from those involving employees to patient safety events. "I'm always looking at trends and refining processes," he explains. "It’s about bringing all the minds together to change and improve processes to prevent incidents in the future." For Jonathan, this isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about piecing together a puzzle, understanding different perspectives, and ultimately, telling a story that leads to a sustainable solution.

What truly fuels Jonathan's dedication is the profound impact his work has. "Every time you look at process and process improvement, you're not just impacting you or one staff member – you impact the whole hospital," he shares with a visible sense of fulfillment. This ripple effect extends beyond BSLMC's walls, as Jonathan's efforts can even contribute to standardizing practices across the region, touching countless lives.

Jonathan's commitment to humankindness extends far beyond his daily responsibilities at BSLMC. He is the proud President of the Philippine Nurses Association of Metro Houston, an organization with over 500 members that provides cultural representation, training, and vital support for medical missions. For the past three years, he has led efforts to provide crucial medical, dental, and surgical services to remote areas of the Philippines. This passion for cultural exchange also manifests in his love for travel, believing that exploring new countries and cultures offers a fresh perspective that enriches his understanding of the world.

Jonathan is most proud of his journey as an educator, particularly seeing his former nursing students flourish into successful managers and leaders. "I am so proud and humbled to be part of the journey of the development of young nurses," he says, underscoring his deep-seated belief in nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

What makes Jonathan so successful in his intricate role? It’s his incredible ability to build relationships. He understands that investigating incidents can sometimes be perceived negatively, so he proactively fosters an environment of trust. He wants to be seen as a partner to help find solutions. This approach creates a safe space for open dialogue, ensuring that everyone feels secure and protected when contributing to safety improvements.

Jonathan lives by the powerful words of John F. Kennedy, Jr.: "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." This mantra perfectly encapsulates his constant investigative role, always seeking to move forward, equipped to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.

At Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center, Jonathan Gecomo isn't just a manager of patient safety; he's a dedicated puzzle solver, a compassionate educator, and a true advocate for humankindness. His tireless efforts not only protect patients and staff, but also inspire a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that BSLMC remains a beacon of safe and exceptional care.