At the young age of 21 years old, a young, ambitious lady embarked on a 42-year journey. Angela Palmer, a young, single woman, began working at Mobile Bone & Joint on April 11, 1979, where she took a job working as a phone operator. July 2, 2021, a little over 42 years later, we are both happy and sad to share, Angela is retiring from The Orthopaedic Group, P.C.
Angela says, “I will take with me many good memories of good people and friends. I leave knowing that I did my very best each day.”
Her tenure with The Orthopaedic Group, P.C. has made her like family to many co-workers and physicians. Her voice is recognized by patients calling in, and her compassionate approach is something they never forget. “We never know what the person on the other end of the phone is going through,” she says. “I have always loved people and talking. Sometimes the patient calling is in pain, and they just need someone to talk to.”
Although Angela has a lifetime of memories she is taking with her, there are a few instances she holds close. She recalled a personal tragedy requiring her to miss work and continue life as a newly single mom. Angela praised the practice, physicians, and staff for all the love and support she received during this time—something she will never forget.
“When I had to take time off, Dr. McGinley made sure to tell me I always had a job waiting for me. Once the time was right, Kathy Bailey didn’t waste any time bringing me back on,” she said. “Patients recognized my voice when I returned and asked if I was the same Angela. It made me feel so welcomed and appreciated.”
The thoughtfulness and heartfelt generosity continued throughout her tenure with The Orthopaedic Group, P.C. She said one of the sweetest, most thoughtful things was one day Dr. McGinley and Dr. Luscher came to the phone room with a box that had a little bud vase and a beautiful flower in it that Dr. Luscher and his wife grew at their home. The doctors said they wanted to give us a little something to know they appreciated us. It was so thoughtful and meant so much. It’s the small things that leave a lasting impression, Angela said.
There are also more happy and funny memories than she can count. She recalled a particularly funny day where she came to work with two different color shoes. “Virginia Everett got a kick out of my mismatching shoes and soon the whole office had a good laugh about it – even Dr. Dyas made it a point to come see it for himself.”
A consistent theme of the past 42 years of memories was how Angela has developed life-long friendships and has nothing but love and respect for the physicians and her co-workers.
Virginia Everett said, “Angela and I have worked together for over 40 years. She is a true friend inside and outside the office. Her smile, personality, giving spirit, and steadfast loyalty to her job and co-workers says it all. Thank you for your dedication and hard work for so many years. Enjoy your retirement, my sweet friend. God bless you!”
Angela’s supervisor, Diane Harley: “There are so many nice things that I could say but there is not enough room! Angela is not only a great co-worker but also my friend. We have been through a lot of changes as both co-workers and friends, and I count it a privilege to be her friend. She will be greatly missed!”
As Angela looks to the future and what retirement holds for her, she expressed excitement for the time ahead. Retirement is not going to be a time of rest – she plans to spend time with her family, travel to see family and friends, and also help care for some of her elderly friends and family who need help. She is excited for this chapter and the new adventures and memories to come.
Please join The Orthopaedic Group, P.C. in saying, “Thank you for all your hard work over the past 42 years, thank you for your commitment to the organization and the community. Because of employees like you, The Orthopaedic Group, P.C. continues to be known for excellence in patient care!”
For more than 40 years, patients throughout the Gulf Coast have chosen our orthopaedic doctors at The Orthopaedic Group, P.C., for specialized care in the spine, shoulder and elbow, hand and wrist, hip and knee, and foot and ankle.
Our fellowship-trained doctors have extensive education and experience in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating all orthopaedic injuries and conditions.
Experienced, Expert care for over 40 years.
