GANADO, Ariz. — Albert Tsosie and Shirlene Bigwater have been dedicated employees of Sage Memorial Hospital for many years, contributing a combined 79 years of service and witnessing the hospital’s growth firsthand. Their commitment to their work is evident in their long tenure at the hospital. They have not only delivered outstanding healthcare services to patients but also served as mentors and role models to younger employees. We interviewed them about their journey at Sage Memorial Hospital, their reflections on the changes over the years, and their advice for new and future employees.
Interview with 40 year recipient Albert Tsosie
Albert Tsosie joined Sage Memorial Hospital in August 1983 and has been a valued member of the team for over 40 years.
Q: What inspired you to stay with Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH) for almost four decades?
It is helping & giving my utmost assistance to our community.
Q: In your perspective, what has been the most significant transformation SMH over the years?
A: I believe that the most transformation is having our new hospital build & our new CEO. Melinda White, coming on board.
Q: Can you share a notable experience or project that you were involved in during your tenure?
A: Since I started in August 1983, I started teaching as an BLS instructor with the American Heart Association which I’ve started in the summer of 1984. Since then, I’ve teached hundreds of BLS classes through the years of being here. It’s something I had enjoyed doing helping people to learn basic life support.
Q: How has your role evolved throughout the years?
A: My role here since 1983 has pretty much evolved from being a Arizona Intermediate EMT, Surgical Tech, Patient Care Technician. Presently, I’m certified as a Medical Assistant.
Q: What advice would you give to newcomers joining SMH?
A: Here’s a few of my advice to newcomers is: Just be yourself. Make a strong impression. Always make an extra effort to help others. Set boundaries for yourself. Do your job to the best of your ability.
Q: Can you mention a person or event that had an impact on your career within SMH?
A: Ok, I have to say that my former EMS Supervisor, Nathan David, had a significant impact on my career. Secondly, ERT Zella Wilson, of the ER Dept..
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your lengthy career with us?
A: My accomplishments? That has to be our SMH patients that come here for their healthcare management thanking my services I’ve provided during their visits. It’s a great feeling when you hear someone appreciating your assistance.
Q: How have you witnessed the industry evolve over time?
A: A lot has changed since 1983 in the medical industry. For example, we didn’t wear PPEs when treating a patient whether it was in the ER dept or out in the field working a motor vehicle accident.
Q: What are your anticipations for the future of SMH?
A: My anticipation is that SMH will grow to being one of the best Rural Hospitals in Northern Arizona. I hope I will continue to be part of that happening for the future of SMH for the next few years!
Interview with 39 year recipient SHIRLENE BIGWATER
Shirlene Bigwater has been a dedicated employee of Sage Memorial Hospital for 39 years.
Q: What inspired you to stay with Sage Memorial Hospital (SMH) for almost four decades?
A: At first it was for my kids, they all wanted to graduate from Ganado. Church, nice place to raise children, convenient, enclosed area, 24 hour security, friendly environment, co-workers and lab managers, past and present making it an enjoyable pleasant place to work, thank you for your hard work and dedication.
Q: In your perspective, what has been the most significant transformation SMH over the years?
A: Waiting almost forty years for a new hospital. Thank you, current Admin and Board for making it a reality. Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Q: Can you share a notable experience or project that you were involved in during your tenure?
A: I did not go to Baltimore for formal training on the old Meditech LIS system. I was responsible for learning to build tests, interface with TRICORE reference lab. (at that time). I had to learn, because techs were coming and going. Today, we have people who are willing to learn new instrumentations and procedures. I feel confident to retire.
Q: How has your role evolved throughout the years?
A: Started out as a lab generalist bench tech, as the years went by I am now a General Supervisor, more responsibilities, more expectations.
Q: What advice would you give to newcomers joining SMH?
A: You have to care for the people and love your job.
Q: Can you mention a person or event that had an impact on your career within SMH?
A: Marlene Gleason, and FJ, both encouraged, taught, believed, stood up for the lab and always strived for perfection. Dr. Rizwan was also a caring Supervisor. Only once I was put on a 3 day suspension, but thank God for Administrators that know their employees. The temporary contract Lab Manager packed up and left town by the end of the week.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your lengthy career with us?
A: Always passing our inspections, and our proficiency testing, we never had to discontinue any testing because of failing. (knock on wood) Before our current Lab manager came, we did have some inspections with high deficiencies, I believe it was because they were only here temporarily and did not care enough. It seems as the years go by, with new testing and procedures, there’s more to look out for and review.
Q: How have you witnessed the industry evolve over time?
A: New instrumentations, new procedures, new diseases and different testing techniques, faster walk away testing, even in blood bank, we will be able to just load our specimens and let the analyzer do the procedure, of course we would have to check it then release the results. I’m waiting for the instrumentation, where all you need is one fingerstick and you get your CMP’s and CBC in less than a minute. Today, Medical Technologist is known as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.
Q: What are your anticipations for the future of SMH?
A: To be the hospital of choice, less send outs, larger inhouse test menu. Because of new specialized services. No need to transfer patients elsewhere.