Born and raised in Clinton Township, Mich., Kay attended Macomb Community College earning a degree in business.
Kay began her healthcare career in 1986 when she was just 16 years old, working in Nutritional Services at Mount Clemens General Hospital. Deciding MCG was where she wanted to be, Kay transferred to patient finance and remained there for 5 years. She set her career aside to stay home and raise her five children, four sons and a daughter. Proud of their accomplishments she is happiest knowing that she soon will be a first-time grandmother.
In 2000, Kay returned to MCG to the Patient Access department for 7 years before moving to her current responsibilities at out-patient registration and the Surgery Center, checking-in patients for surgeries, outpatient testing, Cath Lab procedures and Cardiac Rehab, verifying their personal information, health insurance, handling payments and directing them to other departments.
Kay's favorite part of her job is interacting with patients. "Each day, each person, each circumstance is different. I have gotten to know our regular patients on a personal level. This is what makes the work day most satisfying. The patients motivate me to do my job the best that I can. It makes me feel good when I can help a patient in any way or just make them smile by showing them that we all care about them."
Kay is a firm believer that the many special people she works with on a daily basis are another reason she enjoys coming to work each day. She cannot say enough about the care and concern the doctors, nurses, fellow co-workers, and others demonstrate toward all patients who come to McLaren Macomb and the Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center for treatment.
Kay's personal story
Not only does Kay work here, but she is also a patient. In May 2014, Kay was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a lumpectomy. Shortly thereafter she underwent a double mastectomy, followed by four months of chemotherapy. Kay is currently undergoing radiation treatment at the Ted B. Wahby Cancer Center. As she continues to progress, Kay is most grateful to her co-workers and managers for their compassion and support during a most difficult time, and for making it possible for her to continue to work through her treatments. "Without all of the constant support and encouragement from my co-workers, bosses, and the patients here, I could not have gotten through this. They have all treated me like family. I am blessed to work at such a great place and to have such a special team of doctors including Dr. D'Almeida, Dr. Hanks, Dr. Gavagan, Dr. Fateh and Dr. Franklin. They are the BEST!"
Denise Cardoso, manager, patient access, nominated Kay as an example of an excellent employee who performs her job above and beyond expectations, always providing the highest standard of service to all patients. "It's not uncommon for patients to wait for Kay to assist them. She can often be seen escorting patients through the hallway because she doesn't want to see them get lost or wait to be taken to treatment. Kay has struggled with her own health this past year, but that didn't stop her from providing excellent patient service. Kay hasn't missed a beat helping our patients. Even on her worst day she puts their needs first always with compassion and a warm smile."