For Sister Karina Dickey, O.P., PhD, senior director of mission integration and formation, St. Dominic’s isn’t just a hospital — it’s a ministry built on faith, compassion and a deep commitment to serving the community.
As mission leader for 16 years, Sister Karina has been a guiding force in ensuring that every patient, team member and guest experiences the values that define St. Dominic Health.
Strength in Community, Rooted in Faith
St. Dominic Health’s legacy continues to evolve as part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, strengthening the ministry and ensuring its mission continues for generations to come.
“Before joining FMOLHS, St. Dominic’s wasn’t in danger of closing, but we are now a more vibrant ministry than we would have been on our own,” Sister Karina explains. “We have peer relationships across the system, which brings strength and support to our work.”
More than just operational support, the partnership reinforces the faith-driven foundation the ministry was built upon.
“We are built on a foundation. That is the solid rock of Christ. On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.” Sister Karina says. “And that gives me hope because we are grounded with an eternal horizon. It’s not just about the next quarter. Not just about the fiscal performance in any given period. We’re here for a purpose. And we are about the Lord’s work. And it’s the Lord who sustains us.”
A Ministry of Compassion in Action
“What has kept me here is knowing that I am of service — to God, to all of God’s people, to my congregation, and to the community,” Sister Karina shares. “It’s very satisfying to do work that helps so many other people.”
That calling to serve is what led her to step in when a patient from Hattiesburg needed a place to stay before surgery. Without the means to afford a hotel and no way to return home and back again early the next morning, the patient was unsure what to do.
Recognizing her need, Sister Karina worked with her team to find a solution, ensuring she had the support necessary to focus on her health.
Carrying Forward a Tradition of Care
This deep commitment to care isn’t new — it’s woven into the very foundation of St. Dominic’s. Sister Karina reflects on the Dominican Sisters who first arrived in Mississippi, facing skepticism but proving through their actions that they were here to serve the entire community. That spirit of service extends beyond the hospital’s walls, through initiatives like the Sister Trinita Community Clinic, which provides healthcare to those most in need.
“Sister Trinita had a vision of a free clinic, and in an age when most people are thinking about retirement, she went back to school to become a nurse practitioner to make that vision a reality,” Sister Karina shares. “That clinic continues to see 25 to 30 patients a day, five days a week.”
Many Hands, One Mission
At the core of St. Dominic’s is the belief that it takes everyone — nurses, doctors, food service workers, administrative staff and so many more — to bring its mission to life.
“It’s easily 40 or 50 people who care for a single patient. From the person at the bedside to the person handling insurance, payroll, or communications — it takes all of us to do this well,” Sister Karina says.
Her message to the community is simple: “We are here to serve you.”
For St. Dominic’s, the transformation to St. Dominic Health is more than a symbol. It’s our commitment. Learn more.
