This quarter’s Employee Spotlight illuminates a member of the Care Management team who’s quickly made herself indispensable. Mckenzie Smalling ensures that some of the most clinically challenging cases are managed with the efficiency and attention to detail they deserve. And patients aren’t the only ones to benefit from Mckenzie’s energy and dedication: Her manager, Heather Rasmussen, says she’s smart, hard-working, intellectually curious, and full of surprises, making her a wonderful coworker.
“Everything Eon stands for is also what I stand for,” Mckenzie says. Here she is explaining why she and Eon have been so good for each other!
What is your role/title? What do you do at Eon?
I’m a Clinical Transformation Coordinator in our Care Management (CM) department. Eon Patient Management (EPM) automates the identification of abnormalities, and I triage the positive findings for physician review or surveillance, depending on risk level. The combination of EPM and CM is powerful because we ensure no patient slips through the cracks.
Why did you choose to join Eon? How long have you worked here?
I chose to work at Eon because I enjoy helping people and making an impact in patient care. When learning more about Eon from a friend who worked here, I realized everything Eon stands for is also what I stand for. At the end of the day, it is all about patient care and what we can do to make a difference. I have worked at Eon for two years and I cannot imagine working anywhere else. It’s amazing to see the growth Eon has already achieved in those two short years. I look forward to the future of this company and seeing all the positive changes we are able to make!
What made you choose your career path?
I first started edging my way into healthcare when my grandpa was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. As the disease progressed, I started to see the mental and physical barriers he experienced each day. My grandpa needed help with many things. He would struggle with remembering his appointments or what the doctor would tell him at those appointments. He would feel overwhelmed and anxious at times trying to keep up with daily events. He needed help with so many things involving his health and well-being. This is what made me want to help other people in healthcare who needed the same as him: compassion, time, and care. There are less-fortunate people who have no one to help them or no one to care. I wanted to make a difference in healthcare for people like him. Eon has allowed me to do exactly this.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
“My husband and I have three dogs who take up most of our time. We mostly spend our weekends with them. Aside from our dogs, I love to spend time with family and friends.“
What is your team like?
I have the most amazing team! I look forward to seeing everyone at our daily meetings. It is always fun and informative. Everyone is about teamwork and always willing to find a way to help each other. Honestly, my team is the best at Eon.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work each morning?
Each day I know I am helping make a difference in someone’s life. Knowing that I can help make sure patients are getting adequate follow-up and/or possibly prolonging a patient’s life because we were able to identify an incidental finding is what keeps me motivated.
What have been your biggest accomplishments at Eon?
My biggest accomplishments at Eon would have to be the times I made a phone call to make sure the patient or provider was aware of a finding they ended up not knowing about. There is no greater reward than knowing you made a positive impact on a patient!
What’s the most unique part about working here?
I would have to say the people. I have never worked at a company where every single person is so encouraging and willing to help. EVERYONE at Eon holds the same work ethic and values: making patients healthier and healthcare affordable.
How have you grown professionally while on our team?
There are so many things I could list! I have grown more educated on diseases I was not well-experienced in. My communication skills and critical thinking have improved tremendously. I have also grown mentally. I have more confidence in myself and now do things I wouldn’t have seen myself doing two years ago.
When I first joined Eon, I was afraid to get out of my comfort zone. I started out as a Care Management Coordinator and although I loved my job, I was super comfortable in my role. Dr. Skibo and Heather definitely pushed me to want to challenge myself and continue to grow. With their help and encouragement, I now am a Clinical Transformation Coordinator. I would not be where I am today without them and my teammates.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” — Mae West
Three words to best describe you?
Altruistic, meticulous, reliable.
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Telekinesis, so when my dogs try and run away from me I can bring them all back at once.
We also talked with Mckenzie’s supervisor, Heather Rasmussen, to learn what makes Mckenzie a special teammate:
What do you like the most about working with Mckenzie?
I love getting to know Mckenzie! She has a sneaky little personality in which she comes off as shy and quiet but ends up being the one to watch out for! Just ask her about her motorcycle jumping stunt hobby! She adds light to all of our meetings and remains positive every day no matter the challenge. The entire team loves working with Mckenzie and wondering how she’s going to fool us all next.
Three words that describe Mckenzie best?
Adaptable, Diligent, Friendly
What has been Mckenzie’s biggest contribution to your team?
Mckenzie has always been the team’s silent leader. Her depth of understanding with our product and processes, and her desire to do more, is a great example to set for our team while we strive for excellence in patient care.
Outside of specific projects, what kind of impact has Mckenzie had on your team in a positive way?
Mckenzie has been an excellent mentor to both new and existing employees. She creates a friendly and inviting environment where our team knows they can go to her with questions and I know I can go to her for constructive feedback on policies and procedures within the team.
Why did you nominate her for this program?
Mckenzie goes out of her way to take on more responsibility and knowledge so that our team can provide the best patient care possible. She has the desire to learn and has proven time and time again that when given additional challenges she can rise to the occasion. She is an excellent culture carrier and I look forward to watching her skill set grow within Eon.
Eonians do amazing work and lead amazing lives! Stay tuned for the next Employee Spotlight.
