I am Wilson | Lisa Herndon
June 26, 2023
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
My mama, Ruth Joyner, was my inspiration. She was a hardworking, caring LPN for our local, small town physician. She would get up early every morning and starch her white uniforms and polish her white shoes. She worked many long hours every day, but we never heard her complain at all. I remember no matter where we went, everybody knew her and would always thank her for taking care of them or their family members. I knew right then I wanted to be just like her and make a difference in peoples’ lives.
What is your typical day like?
I’m an earlybird and like to get to work early and prepare for my busy day. I never know where I will be or what I may be doing. I go with patients to appointments and even visit patients in the hospital. Some days I work in the office.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I’ve had several roles here at WMC. I went to radiology school here from 1984-86. I’ve worked as a radiology technologist and returned as a CT/MRI technologist in 2004. After my mother got sick in 2005, I left to be with her and returned in 2021 as a patient navigator. I now have the best most blessed job a person could ever ask for. I always joke and say, ‘I started my career at WMC, and hope to end it here.’
What are your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
Anyone who know me knows that I love the outdoors, especially the beach and the pool. I have been blessed with a son, daughter-in-law, and three adorable grandsons who call me “Sunny.” My local gems would have to be supporting local downtown businesses.
What do you like most about working at WMC?
I love my patients and being able to be there for positive support for them and their families. Recently, Leighanna Martin, NP and I have started back with quarterly cancer support group meetings for our community. This has been such a success for patients and their caregivers. Our meetings consist of food, fun, and either a speaker or roundtable discussions.