This story originally appeared in the Inside Duke Health Newsletter.
A note from Duke Eye Center: Madell is an important member of our team and joy to our patients, faculty and staff. We congratulate her on an accomplishment that many of us may never achieve, almost 60 years of working, and at the same place!
As Duke University Hospital’s longest serving employee, Gattis has been a part of many firsts since she started working here in 1959. Those firsts include caring for the first Duke Eye Center patient and witnessing the first lift-off of the Duke Life Flight helicopters.
But her impact reaches beyond the clinical care she gives – Gattis is considered a legend to her colleagues in the Duke Eye Center.
“Maedell started working here before job descriptions existed,” said Monica Mohe, BSN, RN, nurse manager for perianesthesia services at the Duke Eye Center. “So she’s never had the attitude of ‘that’s not my job’ – she’s always willing to help with whatever comes her way.”
Gattis said her passion for helping others is what has kept her at Duke for so many years, as well as her beloved colleagues.
“I don’t take my relationships with my colleagues for granted – I’m very blessed with the people I work with,” said Gattis. “That’s what drives me to do as much as I can to help others.”
Although some patients are in and out of their appointments in less than an hour, Gattis has a lasting impact.
“Maedell takes the time to get to know patients who are only here for 30 minutes – that’s how much she cares,” said Mohe. “She’s truly amazing, and is loved by everyone.”