At Entira Family Clinics, we believe longevity tells a story of trust, of dedication, and of deep relationships. Leah, our Referral Coordinator at the Hugo clinic, embodies that story better than most. She’s been with Entira for 21 years, starting in 2003 – when she covered her sister’s maternity leave in medical records. She never expected that a temporary job would become her career home. But for Leah, that’s exactly what happened.
A Journey Through Roles – and Life
“I started in medical records, just to help out,” Leah recalls. “Then they asked me to stay.” She did – transitioning from medical records to answering phones, then working at the front desk for five years. When she became pregnant with her son (now 13), she moved into referrals, where she found her groove and never looked back.
Over the years, Leah’s job evolved – but so did her life. Through raising young kids, long commutes, and the inevitable changes that come with time, she found stability not just in her role, but in the people around her.
What Keeps Her Here? The People.
“It’s the people I work with,” Leah says without hesitation. “I’ve worked with Brooke and Jamie for just as long, we’ve been together the whole time. We’ve built real friendships. We do things outside of work. There are inside jokes that have lasted 15, 20 years.”
Even during tough stretches, like a 45-minute commute with young kids, Leah stayed because she felt seen, respected, and supported.
“The doctors are hilarious. They treat you with respect. I’ve asked myself – could I have this kind of rapport at another clinic? Probably not.”
Making a Difference, Together
For Leah, the meaning behind the work matters deeply. “Healthcare is hard,” she admits. “Especially during the pandemic. I wear my heart on my sleeve, I’m a very empathetic person. I love the feeling of making a difference for patients.”
And it’s easier, she says, when you’re surrounded by coworkers who share your values and your work ethic.
“When you can rely on someone to get through the day, when you’re laughing together and leaning on each other, it makes even the hard days better.”
What Makes Entira Different?
Leah lights up when asked what it’s like to work at Entira.
“We’re physician-owned. That means we have a voice. If something’s bothering me, I can talk to the doctors and they listen. That’s huge. It’s not corporate. It feels more homey. I’ve always felt proud that we’re making a difference in the medical world.”
The connection goes beyond coworkers and providers. It’s the patients, too.
“One patient, an author, wrote a poem about HOME and gave it to me when I was starting a family and moving into a house. He knew what that meant to me. I have it framed in my house to this day.”
That same patient’s wife had gone to grade school with Leah’s grandmother and great aunts. “After that, every time they came in, we’d talk about my family. We built this beautiful relationship.”
Why She’s Stayed for 21 Years
We asked Leah to name the top three reasons she’s stayed at Entira:
- The relationships – “With providers, coworkers, and patients. That’s everything.”
- A window in the office – “It might sound simple, but natural light makes a difference. That little window has been a big part of my workday joy.”
- Feeling valued – “There’s pride in working somewhere where your voice matters, where you belong, where you make an impact.”
Thank you, Leah, for 21 years of warmth, laughter, and care. You’ve made Entira a better place for all of us – patients and coworkers alike.
