For more than three decades, Marilee Hamilton has been a steady, reassuring presence at Hendricks Regional Health. As a Patient Access Advocate, she’s often the first voice patients hear and a source of unwavering support for every person who walks through the doors at Hendricks.
Marilee began her career at Hendricks 33 years ago. What started as a temporary night shift role during an internship evolved into a lifetime of service. “It wasn’t what I planned on doing,” she recalls, “but I figured I could do it until I figured out what else I wanted to do. Thirty-three years later, I’m still here!”
The work Marilee and her teammates perform is multifaceted. They manage the calendars for the hospital’s answering service, ensuring every doctor’s schedule is accurately entered each month. They also answer a constant flow of calls coming through the switchboard, everything from patients confirming appointments to those who are lost and need help finding their way.
The team also plays a critical role in hospital safety, announcing emergency codes like Code Blue, fire alerts, and rapid responses. Marilee’s calm, clear voice is a vital part of Hendricks’ emergency communication system.
Technology has transformed her job over the years. She remembers the days of working alone during the night shift, when she handled patient registration and calls simultaneously. “I started with an old-fashioned switchboard that had six lines,” she says. “Now we have much more modern equipment, plus multiple operators and registration staff because the volume is so much higher.”
Even though the tools have changed, Marilee’s infectious enthusiasm has remained constant. Each day, Marilee walks into Hendricks ready to make a difference, one patient at a time. “I love working here. I always have,” Marilee says. “A big part of that is the fantastic group of people I work with.”
Despite her quiet nature—“I’m naturally very introverted,” she laughs—Marilee thrives in her role of helping others. Whether she’s working the greeter’s desk or answering phones, she finds joy in making someone’s day a little easier. “I like being the first person to see people when they come in,” she says. “Every interaction is a chance to make someone’s day a little brighter.”
Marilee’s story is a testament to the impact one individual can have. By treating each person she sees with kindness and unwavering commitment, she is the heart that connects patients to the care they need.
