When Hannah Wofford, MS, joined St. Francis Health in 2022, she wasn’t just looking for a job. She was searching for a place that resonated with her values and passion for healthcare.
As a physician practice manager overseeing five primary care clinics within St. Francis Medical Group, Hannah discovered her true purpose here, where serving patients with dignity and compassion is at the heart of everything we do.
a perfect match of values and compassion
What initially drew Hannah to St. Francis wasn’t just its reputation as a leading healthcare provider in Northeast Louisiana but also its unwavering commitment to serving every patient with dignity, regardless of their background.
“Definitely the culture of St. Francis, the faith-based organization that it is, attracted me and the values that I have,” Hannah says. “I like how we put our patients first and serve all walks of life no matter where you come from, no matter what you’re going through.”
For Hannah, finding a workplace that aligns with her personal values has been a game-changer, allowing her to live out her faith and make a meaningful impact daily.
faith and family as guiding principles
Working at a faith-based organization means that Hannah never has to compromise her beliefs. “That’s something that’s fully embraced and fully upheld,” she says.
When it comes to her priorities, Hannah lists faith and family.
“I want to make sure that I am always leading with a servant heart, that I’m able to invest in those around me and make an impact,” she says. “St. Francis values me as an employee, helps me maintain my values and pushes me to strive for what’s best for myself.”
teamwork fuels success
Hannah’s experience at St. Francis has been defined by the support she receives from her team.
“I have a really good team who supports me at work and support me personally, too,” she says.
This mutual respect drives her team’s success, helping them provide the best patient care across various clinics.
“Being able to dive deep into that and work with different personalities and strengths while growing my team members to continue to remain motivated is really inspiring to me,” Hannah says.
leading with understanding
As a leader, Hannah has discovered that listening is one of the most powerful tools she has at her disposal.
“Listening makes up about 80% of my work because it’s mainly hearing my team members, listening to what they need from me and finding solutions to different issues that come up,” she explains.
“If you don’t know the whole story then you can’t provide a sound solution that’s going to last,” Hannah says. “Digging deep and asking those questions ultimately leads you to a better solution.”
Hannah’s approach is grounded in empathy and understanding, ensuring that every decision she makes is well-informed and thoughtful.
a front-row seat to growth and innovation
The St. Francis internal medicine residency program welcomed its first class of residents in 2023. With residents rotating through a Medical Group clinic, Hannah played a role in preparing for their arrival.
“We had to create a new clinic from the ground up to serve all the graduate medical education criteria,” she says. “I really like that I get to have a front row seat to that.”
Hannah is also focused on her growth, both personally and professionally.
“I want to look for more opportunities to grow and challenge myself so I can bring more to the table.” she says. “I just completed my white belt in Six Sigma to enhance my operation skills. It has allowed me to look at processes in a different way to find the most efficient path.”
For Hannah, working at St. Francis is more than just a career — it’s a journey of growth and a chance to make a real impact in the healthcare industry.
a place where people come first
Hannah’s journey with the health system is a powerful example of how we prioritize not just patient care but also the well-being of our team members.
“St. Francis values me as an employee. They know my values, help me to maintain them and push me to strive for what’s best for myself,” she says. “It’s a place where I feel valued for who I am, and that makes all the difference in my work and my life.”
