The Texas ASC Society is honoring seasoned staff members of the ambulatory care industry.

This National ASC Month, the Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society (TASCS) wanted to do something special...

Amidst a workforce shortage and supply chain issues...despite a pandemic...over all the years, with all the changes...there have been dedicated employees who have stuck with it. They were tested, but they never gave up. For more than 50 years, ambulatory surgery centers have been delivering high-quality, cost-effective care, and the professionals listed below have been part of this for decade after decade.

Having been with their companies for 10, 35, almost 50 years, we dub these the LEGACY STAFF of ASCs.

(Note: Many of the individuals on this list work at Bailey Square Surgery Center, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year!)

Name: Tina Grove
Company/Title: Dallas Endoscopy Center/RN, Quality Control Manager
How long have you worked there? 18 years
What has changed the most over the years, within your center/industry? The technology and the resources available for our industry
Favorite part of the job: I like to keep up with the rules and regulations, and working at Dallas Endoscopy Center has given me the opportunity to expand my knowledge base in quality control.

Name: Robert Higgins
Company/Title: Bailey Square Surgery Center/OR Patient Care Tech
How long have you worked there? 48 years
What has changed the most over the years, within your center/industry? The people and staff
Favorite part of the job: People are happy, and it is a great team. We are more like a family than just a team – I enjoy it! My favorite part is working with patients, cleaning the rooms, the staff, and laughing throughout the day.

Name: Sue Etter 
Company/Title: Bailey Square Surgery Center/RN Endo 
How long have you worked there? 38 years
What has changed the most over the years, within your center/industry? The turnover of staff: There were a lot of long-term employees when I started, in addition to less tenured ones. People, in general, used to stay with employers longer; traffic wasn't as bad, so it was easier for people from all directions to get to and from work. There's also changing practice models and the need for computerized records, retirements, and overall high volumes of physician turnover. 
Favorite part of the job: Working with people: patients, patient families, coworkers, and ROBERT HIGGINS! Robert is a true glue guy. He gets along with everyone and cares about everyone as an individual. He deserves a special honor.

Name: Mauny Perez
Company/Title: Coastal Bend Eye Ambulatory Surgical Center/Surgical Scrub Technician + Ophthalmic Technician
How long have you worked there? 26 years
What has changed the most over the years, within your center/industry? Through the years, technology has been the biggest change at our facility. For example, there is more advanced equipment for calculating intraocular lenses for cataract surgery. There are many different types of intraocular lenses to choose from for spectacle independence. The phaco units used to remove cataracts have also improved throughout the years. Going from paper charting to computers is another example. Our office eye center has grown, from the number of employees to the number of doctors. We have three ophthalmologists, three optometrists and many, many employees. We also have four locations in the surrounding areas. 
Favorite part of the job: My favorite part of the job is helping people to see better, whether it's in the surgery center or clinic part of the office. The reaction the patient has  after cataract surgery when we remove the patch is priceless. 

Name: Nicola Klein
Company/Title: Bailey Square Surgery Center/RN Pre-op, Post-Op
How long have you worked there? 13 years
What has changed the most over the years, within your center/industry? OR RN used to circulate and scrub. The x-rays were developed (not digital by the RN).. Developing fluids were changed every two weeks. We used to have PALS taught in person at the center and would always purchase raw chicken legs to practice IO insertion.

Name: Lisa Lowrey
Company/Title: Bailey Square Surgery Center/RN Pre-op, Post-op
How long have you worked there? 15 years
What has changed the most over the years, within your center/industry? The schedule - The charge nurse called nurses daily and left arrival times on their answering machines. House cleaning staff had to  complete cleaning of rooms before a new patient could even be admitted. The narcotic box was out in cabinets where we distributed them, along with a narcotic triplicate pad we allowed docs to write prescriptions. Nurses called in every prescription into pharmacy before patient was discharged. That took sooo much time, too!!! 
Favorite part of the job: Caring for and calming down anxious patients and family members and educating them about their surgeries + Love the excellent RN staff and other co-workers!

Name: Barry Mccullough
Company/Title: Bailey Square Surgery Center/OR RN
How long have you worked there? 10 years
What has changed the most over the years, within your center/industry? Management, personnel, and staff 
Favorite part of the job: Working with the children in the dental room

Name: Deborah Pasemann
Company/Title: Bailey Square Surgery Center/OR Scrub Tech
How long have you worked there? 12 years
What has changed the most over the years, within your center/industry? I’ve gotten older, and doctors are getting younger. I’ve been through several administrators, directors, charge nurses, and countless teammates, but this current on is one of the best – they truly care about the employees' input and needs.
Favorite part of the job: I really enjoy working with all the OR staff and most surgeons – haha!

Name: Penn Lee
Company/Title: Bailey Square Surgery Center/RN PACU
How long have you worked there? 28 years
What has changed the most over the years, within your center/industry? The center has grown and is more regulated.  When I first started, it was like a small town. 
Favorite part of the job: My favorite part of the job is the people!!! I love everyone. I love we all have each other’s backs. We are a family, and the management team is always willing to work with you. I’m so glad I still work at Bailey!

Is there legacy staff at your center? Let us know by commenting below, emailing us, or sending a social media message!