LewisGale Hospital Pulaski Celebrates Sammy Mabe’s 50th Anniversary

LewisGale Hospital Pulaski is celebrating the 50^th work anniversary of Sammy Mabe, an employee who has served as a switchboard operator since 1972.

Long before the days of cell phones or pagers, Mabe became an expert at tracking down physicians around town when requests or medical emergencies came in requiring their attention. Now 50 years later, technology has changed, but Mabe is still known around town for his work at the hospital and for helping others.

“I feel like I’m doing something to help somebody else, and I love my job,” Mabe said. “The time has flown by, I always thought I would only do this for a few more years and then I’m going to try something else, but the time has rolled by and I haven’t left.”

Mabe’s duties as a switchboard operator include answering the phones, monitoring alert systems, and making announcements over the intercom to alert hospital staff to codes and other needs. Colleagues recently organized small celebration at the hospital with cake and refreshments, shared stories from over the years, and congratulated him on his milestone achievement.

Mabe has Cerebral Palsy and walks with crutches. He advocates for the disabled and works with organizations to help others with disabilities find jobs and reach their full potential. Mabe said retirement is not in the plans just yet and looks forward to coming back to work every single day.

“Sammy is an integral part of our department, he’s always here, so dependable, and always ready and willing to help,” said Sammy’s supervisor, Candia Cook, patient access director. “He is an instrumental teammate and the entire staff admires him for his dedication over five decades.”