Meet Rachel Kelly, Office Manager for the Section of Hematology-Oncology
What’s your role in the DOP, and how long have you been here?
I am the Office Manager for Hematology Oncology. I joined the DOP in 2005 as an Administrative Specialist.
Can you describe a typical day in your job?
A typical day in my role as office manager is a mix of routine operations and unexpected problem-solving. I usually start the day by checking emails and messages to address any urgent needs or facility issues. Then I review the day’s calendar—coordinating meetings, setting up conference rooms, providing direct administrative support to faculty, and making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
What keeps it interesting is that no two days are the same—one day might be about planning a company offsite event, and the next, I’m working on budgeting or improving internal processes. It’s a role that blends structure with flexibility, and I really enjoy being the go-to person who helps everything run smoothly.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I appreciate the opportunity to work with an innovative team that saves lives through thorough research and comprehensive care. My team feels like family, united by our passion for caring for and saving the lives of the patients we serve.
What’s a project or accomplishment you’re especially proud of?
In 2021, I received my master Gardener certification. As a Pulaski County Master Gardener, it is required to participate in a project to maintain your certification. When I saw that ACH project was available, I chose to get involved. There’s a wonderful feeling that comes from working on the grounds of ACH, especially when patients’ families come over to compliment the beautiful landscape and express how lovely it has been to see it flourish during their loved ones’ time in the hospital.
What motivated you to join UAMS?
I was motivated to join UAMS because it offers the chance to be part of a respected institution dedicated to improving health and advancing medical education. UAMS stood out to me due to its mission-driven environment.
How has your role evolved since you started?
When I first started as an office manager, my role was primarily focused on day-to-day administrative tasks, including coordinating schedules, managing supplies, and supporting the team’s basic operational needs. Now, I’m much more involved in division strategic planning, tracking section budgets, and even routine HR functions. I’ve taken on a leadership role in shaping office culture, improving processes through technology, and ensuring cross-departmental collaboration runs smoothly.
What’s something people might not know about your job?
Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn something new.
What do you like to do outside of work?
What’s a fun fact about you that not many people know?
I rent four plots at the Pulaski County Community Gardens in Two Rivers Park, where I cultivate a potager-style garden. What is a potager garden, you ask? It’s a blend of flowers and vegetables grown together. The benefits of gardening in a community setting include the unique approaches each gardener takes and the valuable knowledge shared among neighbors.
Do you have a favorite book, movie, or TV show right now?
The Farmers Almanac. Being a gardener, you are obsessed with all things sun, moon, stars, planet and weather related. Watching gardeners all over the country use agriculture to create masterpieces. I love watching period dramas, Pride and Prejudice, The Dutchess, Grantchester and Scarlet and the Duke to name a few.
What are you excited about in your career right now?
I am currently excited about the opportunity to take on a more significant role in shaping our workplace culture and operational strategy. It is rewarding to know that my work directly impacts how well the team functions and how supported they feel.
Any personal or professional goals you’re working on?
Professionally, one of my current goals is to streamline our internal operations by implementing more efficient systems, particularly in digital workflows and communication. I am exploring project management tools and automation options that can help reduce repetitive tasks, allowing us to allocate more time to strategic work. Additionally, I am focused on expanding my leadership skills.
On a personal level, I aim to improve my time management and prioritization abilities to better balance the reactive aspects of my job with proactive planning. I am also taking steps to enhance my knowledge in areas such as budgeting and compliance, which are becoming increasingly important in my role. Overall, I want to continue evolving and remain a dependable source of support and progress.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Smile and ask how I can help. Day to day you don’t know what others are facing.
What advice would you give to someone starting in your position?
There will be things you will fail at but don’t stay there. Get up and start again. Tomorrow is a new day. His grace is sufficient.