One of Phoebe’s longest-serving employees is retiring after a trailblazing career.  Helen Shope has been part of the Phoebe Family since March 21, 1969, starting as a ward clerk at age 17.  She moved on to respiratory therapy and administration before helping create Phoebe’s Medical Staff Services office and serving as the first medical staff coordinator.  

Helen spent the remainder of her long career in that department, working with the medical staff and overseeing physician credentialing and privileging.  She also became one of the first people in Georgia to earn CPMSM (Certified Professional Medical Services Management) certification.

Phoebe’s first Chief Medical Officer, Dr. George Chastain who is now 86 years-old, came back to the hospital Thursday for Helen’s surprise retirement celebration and praised her for living her life with a sense of accomplishment, humility, humor, integrity and faith.  Several other physicians spoke about Helen’s professionalism, knowledge and generosity.

“It’s my honor and pleasure to work with this medical staff,” Helen said as tears began to flow.  “And I think that’s all I’m able to say.”

Helen plans to enjoy travelling in retirement, first visiting relatives in Florida and Minnesota before going to Italy where she lived as a child when her father served in the military.