Flashback Friday – Leslie Mellon

For today’s Flashback Friday we are featuring a member of our materials team, Leslie Mellon. Leslie is celebrating 36 years at Fort Sanders Regional and throughout her tenure at the hospital has had the opportunity to work in several different departments. Leslie knew she wanted to work at FSR since she began volunteering here in high school as a candy striper and now years later plans to retire from the hospital one day. Read more about Leslie’s time at FSR below.

1.)    When did you start your career at Fort Sanders Regional?

I started working here in October of 1983.  

2.)    Have you always worked in the same department?

No, I started my career in materials central supply and worked there for 8 years. I later transferred to the emergency department where I worked for 9 years and then went to employee health for approximately 2 years. Finally, I made a full circle back to materials and plan on staying until I retire.

3.)    What is one major thing related to your job that has changed significantly over the course of your career? (ex. Any new technology/innovations?) 

No doubt, computers were a major change. When I first started we used a printer for all of our orders. We had a card for each supply that looked similar to a punch card that we fed through a machine and the order would be printed out.

4.)    How has the hospital grown or changed since you were hired?

The hospital has gotten so big! In the past everyone knew each other by name, but now there are so many employees that would be very hard to do.

5.)    What’s your favorite memory over the course of your time at Regional?

There are so many great memories that I don’t think I can only pick one. We used to have central supply holiday dinners and dance contests.

6.)    What’s kept you at Regional over the last 25+ years?

I always knew I would work at Fort Sanders, beginning when I volunteered here as a candy striper when I was in high school. I have been blessed with several friendships during my time at FSR and have had the opportunity to work under some great leaders.

7.)    How much was a gallon of gas when you started at Regional?

I know it was much cheaper, maybe around $1.10.

8.)    What was your favorite TV show when you started?  

Little House on the Prairie, I have always loved Michael Landon.

9.)    Do you remember the major news story from the year you started?

I think at the time Knoxville was recovering from the World’s Fair.

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