Phoebe executive medical staff coordinator retires after 55 years
Special Photo: Phoebe
Special Photo: Phoebe
From staff reports
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ALBANY – One of Phoebe Putney Health System’s longest-serving employees is retiring after a trailblazing career.
Helen Shope has been part of the Phoebe Family since March 21, 1969, starting as a ward clerk at age 17. She moved on to respiratory therapy and administration before helping create Phoebe’s Medical Staff Services office and serving as the first medical staff coordinator.
Shope spent the remainder of her long career in that department, working with the medical staff and overseeing physician credentialing and privileging. She also became one of the first people in Georgia to earn CPMSM (Certified Professional Medical Services Management) certification.
Phoebe’s first Chief Medical Officer, Dr. George Chastain who is now 86 years-old, came back to the hospital for Shope’s surprise retirement celebration and praised her for living her life with a sense of accomplishment, humility, humor, integrity and faith. Several other physicians spoke about Shope’s professionalism, knowledge and generosity.
“It’s my honor and pleasure to work with this medical staff,” she said as tears began to flow. “And I think that’s all I’m able to say.”
Shope said she plans to enjoy travelling in retirement, first visiting relatives in Florida and Minnesota before going to Italy, where she lived as a child when her father served in the military.
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