What began as a three-month job has become a 45-year career for Garry Dowd, surgery charge assistant at FMOL Health | St. Francis. Through decades of change and several different roles, Garry has built his career around supporting his colleagues and helping St. Francis serve its patients.
45 Years of Possibilities
Garry joined St. Francis in 1981 as a stock clerk in dietary. When his temporary position ended, Sister Anne Marie Twohig, CEO at the time, asked him to stay.
His mother, Hazel Dowd, who worked in human resources, encouraged him to see the possibilities ahead.
“She told me that St. Francis offered endless possibilities for any career in healthcare that I wished to pursue,” Garry recalls. “With the help of St. Francis, I was able to continue my education and pursue those possibilities here.”
Over the years, Garry has worked in dietary, purchasing, materials management, sterile processing and surgical services, including leadership roles along the way.
Making a Difference Behind the Scenes
Today, Garry ensures documentation and charges are accurate for surgical procedures at St. Francis. His work helps move each case through the billing process once a procedure is complete.
“I love what I do, and I take my role in Surgical Services very seriously,” he says. “I like making other people look good, and I try my best each day to make our department the best it can be at providing the best care possible for our patients.”
Garry credits supervisor Michelle Owens with helping him recognize the importance of his role.
“She took the time to show a genuine interest in what I do and lets me know how important my role in the department truly is,” he says.
A Lifetime of Memories
From employee picnics and golf tournaments to his first cup of coffee with his mother as a St. Francis employee, Garry has collected countless memories during his 45 years. He still has the Styrofoam cup from that first coffee in 1981.
What continues to make St. Francis special, he says, are the people.
“I see that every day in surgery,” Garry says. “Great, loving, caring and spiritual people coming together and saving lives and families.”
