Faith Sepe says innovation keeps the job fresh

The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Houston Methodist thrives on teamwork, innovation, and a shared commitment to compassionate care. Since August 2021, Operations Manager Faith Sepe has helped shape the department’s culture by building strong, collaborative teams and advancing processes that put patients first. “Our team is not about volume—we’re about quality,” Sepe emphasized. “We want patients to feel confident they are receiving the best care possible, and we strive for outcomes that truly improve their lives.” “I am passionate about healthcare, helping people, and being a part of changing people’s lives. I fell in love with the medical field for the simple fact that we help people,” she said recently.

The Otolaryngology team treats conditions that affect hearing, smell, taste, and voice—senses that are central to quality of life. Providers and staff deliver life-changing services daily, whether restoring a patient’s hearing or addressing complex vocal issues. “These are services that can make you feel cut off from the world,” Sepe said, as she recalls speaking with a woman who was gradually losing her hearing and could not afford advanced treatment. By coordinating with the hospital’s financial team, the department made it possible for her to receive care.

This is the spirit of Houston Methodist—we meet patients where they are and commit to their outcomes.

Faith Sepe

What sets the department apart is its culture of growth and innovation. Under the leadership of Chairman Mas Takashima, MD, FACS, the team embraces new technology, research, and processes to deliver the best patient experiences and results. “Our providers are incredibly innovative,” Sepe said. “They are constantly learning and developing, always looking for ways to improve.” Sepe’s leadership style centers on communication, understanding her team’s needs, and guiding them through change. She believes challenges are opportunities, and that resistance often signals a need for better understanding. “Great communication is key,” she explained. “When we know what motivates people and address their concerns, we can move processes forward together.” Her dedication to her team and patients is grounded in Houston Methodist’s ICARE values—integrity, compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence. She believes these values are not only the foundation of strong healthcare but also the basis of a fulfilling career. “The strength of any manager lies in their team, and our Otolaryngology team exemplifies excellence,” she said. Outside of her professional life, Sepe is equally dedicated to growth and service. Married to her husband, Raffaele, for 22 years, she is also a proud mother to Domenica, the captain of the only all-girls robotics team in Houston with FIRST Robotics, where Sepe has served as a mentor. She also gives back to the community as a committee member and volunteer on the board of directors of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, serving St. Dominic Village. She has also served as leader for the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto for over 14 years. Her ability to balance family, community service, and professional excellence mirrors the strength she sees in her department. “The providers and staff in Otolaryngology are not only experts in their field—they are compassionate people who change lives every day,” she said.