Georgia Urology Staff Spotlight: Shelly Cherry
Georgia Urology is full of incredible, hard-working, and dedicated employees. We’re excited to highlight these wonderful medical professionals who serve our patients every day through monthly Staff Spotlights!
This month, we’re highlighting Georgia Urology’s MA and Surgical Coordinator, Shelly Cherry, who has been with us for seven years.
Why did you choose to work in the field of urology?
When I finished vocational school, I did my first internship in urology. I loved learning about all the variety of urologic illnesses and the ever-changing solutions to these medical conditions. I ended up staying in urology working in every role of the office. After many years with the same practice, I decided to make a change. I came to Georgia Urology and have never looked back. Scheduling surgery gives me every aspect of using my degree to the fullest.
What’s the most rewarding part about your job?
My most rewarding part is having patients contact me to thank me for a job well done. I try to treat all my patients like I would want my family to be treated and put myself in their shoes.
Is there a specific patient or work experience that left a lasting impact on you?
Yes, there are many patients who have impacted me. I want the best for all our patients and want to make sure they get the care they need. One in particular that comes to mind is Mrs. Smith (the real name of the patient has been changed to protect her identity).
Tell us more about Mrs. Smith and her story with Georgia Urology.
As a surgery scheduler, I spend a lot of time on the phone with our patients. Mrs. Smith and I were on the phone numerous times discussing her surgery and other procedures that she needed. She was concerned because she didn’t have any transportation to the hospital. Her husband recently had a fall and was in a rehab facility, and couldn’t drive. Her closest family members lived several states away. She just wanted to give up. I knew that I couldn’t let that happen.
My heart went out to her and something inside me was telling me to help her. I told her I would take a vacation day and take her if she would let me. I gave her my cell phone number and told her to please call me if she wanted me to help. Mrs. Smith did call and I took the day off and took her to her surgery.
It was very rewarding to help Mrs. Smith. I try to help all of our patients and put myself in their shoes every day.
Tell us about your loved ones.
I have three grown children. Two boys, Kenny and Perry, and my daughter Brandi. I now have two grandchildren, Reese and Reid. I truly enjoy being a grandmother or “Neenar”. Nothing makes me happier than spending my downtime with my family.
