from front desk to leadership: a journey of growth and impact

Sep 9, 2024 | Team Member Spotlights

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For more than 18 years, Pearl has been a beacon of dedication at St. Francis Health, leaving a lasting impact wherever she goes.

Now a physician practice office supervisor with St. Francis Medical Group, Pearl started her career here at the front desk in the emergency department. She quickly became known for her attentive listening and compassionate approach to her work. 

“Listening is a big part of my job,” she says. “Listening to the patients and to my team. I want everyone to feel heard.”

culture of care and connection

Inspiration flows both ways in Pearl’s world. She finds as much inspiration in her patients and colleagues as they find in her. 

“You can go somewhere and get paid more, but what’s important to you? I value my relationships with my coworkers and the physicians I work with,” she says.

This sense of community and mutual respect has kept her rooted at St. Francis Health through personal milestones and challenges, including motherhood and relationship changes.

Pearl was a young mother when she joined St. Francis, and the team was able to work with her hours so she could be present for her daughter, who is now 21. Pearl had another child in 2019, and again felt supported by the team and her leaders.

“I would say the most important thing that really makes me want to stay here is that they believe in family,” Pearl says.

Pearl encourages others considering a position here to go for it.

“You can grow,” she says. “I didn’t think I could grow, but I grew. I was given opportunities I thought I’d never be able to get.” 

leading with vision

As Pearl has grown in her career, she’s worked in several departments throughout our ministry, approaching each change prayerfully and embracing new challenges with enthusiasm. From ER to primary care, urology to podiatry, Pearl has experience in many departments across the ministry.

As an office supervisor for a physician practice, Pearl coordinates and oversees the daily operation of her clinic with a focus on physician and team member relationships, customer service, and financial management. 

Just as she listens to others, Pearl’s voice is heard and valued. 

This culture of listening creates an environment where suggestions lead to actionable changes. This level of respect and collaboration has been pivotal in her success and satisfaction at St. Francis Health.

“We have a lot of new managers who have really taken us to the next level,” she says. “I always feel like my input is valued, and that makes a huge difference.”

When she was a new manager herself, Pearl was supported through growth opportunities and leadership training.

being a catalyst to spark others

Pearl’s dedication to her colleagues is evident in her strong relationships, and her leadership extends beyond her direct team to include co-workers from across the years.

“These are people I spend most of my days with,” Pearl says. “When I went through personal challenges, like a flood and my mom’s passing, my team was there for me.” Those relationships make all the difference.

Looking to her future, Pearl aspires to take on a training role within our healthcare system, lighting the way for more inspiring leaders.

“I like helping new clinics get started and setting up schedules,” she says. “I believe in making the process smoother for others so they don’t feel lost.”

Her enthusiasm for helping others acclimate and succeed in their roles is evident and aligns perfectly with her long-term goals.

ministry beyond profession

For Pearl, her work is more than a job. It’s a calling. Her commitment to helping others extends beyond her professional life.

“To me, this is ministry. We’re helping people,” Pearl says. Whether at her local church, or at home with her children, Pearl strives to be a light, embodying the teachings of Jesus Christ in every aspect of her life.

Inspired to join us? Learn more about career opportunities with our health system.

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