Learning With Care: Elaine Padgett

As a young mother in a military family, Elaine Padgett wanted a career that would allow her to care for her three children and find a position wherever life took her.

She found her calling as a certified medical assistant (CMA) 37 years ago in Hawaii. But it wasn’t until moving to the Beaufort area that she found her home.

Elaine worked as a CMA in a private surgical practice in Beaufort for 22 years before the practice merged with Beaufort Memorial 13 years ago. The move opened up new possibilities and increased support for Elaine, her team and the people in their care.

“We can reach out to different departments and people,” Elaine says. “It’s like a little network. If we can’t figure something out or need help, somebody’s always there at the other end of the phone or in another department. We can brainstorm and get the assistance we need for our patients.”

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‘You’re Always Learning Something New’

Elaine enjoys being a CMA, which involves a variety of responsibilities from scheduling appointments and caring for patients to performing lab tests and assisting physicians during surgery. The position also gives her the flexibility to explore different specialty areas within Beaufort Memorial.

“As a medical assistant, you can go into any type of medical office you want, from primary care to pediatrics to urgent care,” she says. “You can broaden your perspective and find the area you enjoy.”

Continuing education and mentorship set Beaufort Memorial apart.

“There are many programs for employees to further themselves education-wise and a lot of opportunities for support,” Elaine says. “We do mentoring with other offices and new hires coming in. They’re also doing a summer program for high school kids who might be interested in the field.”

Elaine appreciates the lessons she learns from patients.

“Surgery is not always a pleasant in-and-out kind of thing,” she says. “Patients are scared, and they react in different ways. For them to have the trust in us and come back, it’s just so fulfilling. They’re going through such a hard time, and yet they can be so kind and giving with themselves. I learn something every day here.”

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Growing a Family and Making a Home in Beaufort

After more than 30 years in the Beaufort area, Elaine says she feels like a native and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Even when her children were grown and living on their own, staying in Beaufort was an easy decision. She loves the Lowcountry’s slower pace and enjoys spending time outside boating and fishing with her husband.

“When I go home after work, I cross two bridges and see the water. It’s beautiful,” Elaine says. “People are friendly. It’s got all the perks. I’ve always loved it here.”

Are you looking for a new position? Beaufort Memorial is hiring. View our current openings and apply today.