The University of Texas Police at Houston was pleased to learn that Public Safety Officer Elson Ayoub was selected as the recipient of the prestigious Heart of MD Anderson Outstanding Employee Award for the month of April.   

The Heart of MD Anderson recognizes employees who consistently embody MD Anderson’s core values of Caring, Integrity and Discovery. Since Ayoub's selection, MD Anderson has also added two core values, Safety and Stewardship.  

Cortney Bishop, who is a Post Anesthesia Care Unit clinical nurse at MD Anderson The Woodlands, and the PACU department nominated Ayoub for his compassionate attention toward visitors and staff. Ayoub is “greatly appreciated in the lobby of our Woodlands location, often seen providing a helping hand, works or encouragement, or direction for our visitor or staff, all while ensuring our safety and security.”   

Ayoub was also touted for his attentiveness towards patients, like when he accompanies those without escorts to their appointment, making sure they arrive safely.   

Ayoub will receive a special recognition pin, commemorative plaque, and a $2,500 award. The receptions that typically commemorate Heart of MD Anderson recipients are on hold due to the pandemic. 

Ayoub joins previous UT Police honorees, Public Safety Officer James Joffrion, who was selected for the award in 2012, and Public Safety Officer Mary Gonzalez, now retired, who was selected for the award in 2019.