What’s your role in the DOP, and how long have you been here?
- I am the UAMS Office Manager at ACNW. I provide support for all Outpatient Specialty and Surgical Services providers at Arkansas Children’s Northwest. I have been at ACNW since June 2019 and transitioned into this UAMS role in September 2022.
Can you describe a typical day in your job?
- There are, of course, routine tasks but a typical day in my job never really looks the same. Largely because I work with many different specialties, each bringing its own unique challenges and perspectives so I’m always adapting and handling whatever pops up—kind of like putting out little fires throughout the day. What I really love about that is it keeps things interesting, and it means the job never feels old or boring. I’m always learning something new, whether it’s about a specific specialty or just figuring out a new way to solve a problem.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
- What I enjoy most about my work is that I get to engage with and contribute to all specialties and even get to cross paths regularly with most DOP Senior Admin. I have always enjoyed being helpful and being able to be a person that people can come to when they have questions. This role allows me to be that point of contact and resource for many.
What’s a project or accomplishment you’re especially proud of?
- A project I am proud of is the Administrative Resources site my group and I worked on during the UAMS DOP Administrative 24-25 Fellowship, but I am especially proud of the relationships and trust I have been able to build with LR Office Managers and my ACNW providers. It was a little difficult at first, with LR managers in particular, because of being so far removed from the main campus and the main form of communication being over emails but by showing up consistently and staying true to my word, I was able to earn trust over time, break down any initial barriers and ease any doubts. Being a reliable source of support for my colleagues is something I value deeply and take great pride in.
What motivated you to join this company?
- I was previously in a role with ACNW Surgical Services and really enjoyed the people I worked with and the work I did but I was also ready to grow professionally and looking to take on more. One of the anesthesiologists I already collaborated with daily in the OR let me know of this opening that had become available and thought I would be a perfect fit for it. Knowing this role would allow me to reach more providers and offer meaningful, widespread support made it an easy yes for me.
How has your role evolved since you started?
- My role has evolved significantly due to the quick growth at ACNW. I now have a direct report, which has introduced new challenges and opportunities for me to develop not only as a manager but also on a personal level.
What’s something people might not know about your job?
- Something people might not know about my job is that my role even exists at all. I often connect with team members who are surprised to learn that I’m here and that I’m available to support them in the ways that I do.
What do you like to do outside of work?
- Outside of work, I am usually on a pitch somewhere – both of my boys play soccer and my oldest is in his 4th year with his club soccer team, of which I am the treasurer, so that takes a lot of time. When I am not at a practice, game or tournament, I like to cook and host friends.
What’s a fun fact about you that not many people know?
- I was Senior Class President.
Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show right now?
- I have read a lot of books across different genres but two of my favorites that really made an impact on my personal growth are “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz and “The Art of Living” by Epictetus. I actually have the 4 agreements printed out pinned up at my desk. My favorite show is Seinfeld, and my favorite move is Interstellar.
What are you excited about in your career right now?
- I am excited about the opportunities for career advancement, and professional development with UAMS at ACNW. There have been a lot of changes during my time in this role, but the exciting thing is that they have all been “growing pain” changes. The rapid expansion really has been an amazing thing to see and to get to be a part of.
Any personal or professional goals you’re working on?
- Personally, I’m always doing my best to stay present for my family. Professionally, I have goals of eventually going back to school to earn a degree that will help me take the next step in my career. But with the age my children are right now, that’s something I’ve intentionally put a few years out. In the meantime, I’m committed to growing in any other way I can. I stay curious and ask questions, I build relationships, and I make myself available. There’s so much to learn just by showing up and being engaged.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
- There are two pieces of advice I was given when I started in this role. The first was to give myself grace. The second was that it is okay to say, ” I don’t have the answer to that, but I will look into it and get back to you.”
What advice would you give to someone starting in your position?
- I would pass along the same 2 pieces of advice that were shared with me. There’s a lot to learn, and it can feel overwhelming at times. You won’t have all the answers right away but that’s okay. Sometimes it can be hard to do but remembering to give yourself the same grace and patience you give others is important. And letting someone you don’t have the answer in the exact moment they ask shows people they can trust you, in general, but that they can also always trust in the guidance you do end up sharing. For me, it has been the perfect opportunity gain insight and make connections along the way.