The Untold Story: “Laser Spine Institute — A Force of Diligence and Faith”

Gentle readers, please let me start by saying that “Laser Spine Institute — A Force of Diligence and Faith” is the untold story about people who are not just making a living but also ‘making a difference.’  This is an organization that provides employees with the opportunity to present the very best of them every day, and to help others. 

Definitely, there has been a lot of learning and growth.  Trying some new stuff.  Stretching views and new skills being built. Doing some things that some said couldn't be done (including me, at times).  And, like building a successful team, we (LSI Employees) don’t hesitate to be back day after day, ready to rock and roll, rumble and tumble, about showing up authentically, being conscious and intentional with a SINGLE mission that flows like an unstoppable energy wave— from our CEO, Bill Horne, to our Executive and Management Teams to every single person in the company committed to do ONE, and ONE thing only: “To help our patients find relief from chronic pain.”

Should you decide to keep on reading this post, which I hope you do . . . you may end up learning something about us you didn’t know — gentle reader!

Working in social media, you may agree that typical workdays have been forever redefined by Google, Facebook and Twitter alerts and mobile applications.  As much as part of me wishes to walk away from the laptop or iPhone sometimes, the overwhelming desire to ‘make a difference’ in everything we do at Laser Spine Institute inspires me profoundly— in great part by the flexible and creative people I’m blessed to work with every day.  This is why. 

The Enchanting Experience of Choosing Views

During my training week, I met two amazing ladies who don’t cease to blow my mind away: Tina Christiaens, Director of Patient Services, and Irene Rademeyer, Director of Medical Services.  Observing those two amazing women in action working with our patients — some of them, visibly frustrated because of chronic pain and tired of exploring conventional treatments — reminded me of the “Power of Paradigm Shift.”  If you suffer from chronic back pain, you know that pain can be excruciating at times.  Irene’s almost therapeutic, gentle touch of her hand on your shoulder magically relaxes you taking you to a place of comfort where your concerns are always answered.  Tina, in her commitment to marvel service, removes excuses to turn drive into solutions with such as supernatural pace not matter how busy she is.  Day or night, workweek or weekend, she will always be responsive as needed.  Whether you are faced with debilitating pain, or a serious medical condition, Irene and Tina will choose to walk in your shoes and respond to the situation — as an opportunity to give YOU their very best.

If Knowledge is Power, our Erika Mangrum is a Powerhouse

With a core principles of being present, being authentic, being inclusive and being responsible, Erika Mangrum, Senior Vice President of Marketing, has a mission of engaging our employees in conversation about what living in a global community really means, and in creating models of innovative action that help demonstrate the value of delivering the “ultimate patient experience.”

Not a Typical Connection

If you find yourself stale, uninspired, isolated or just curious, connecting with Josh Helms and his team of patient coordinators will give you a well-needed shot of inspiration, potentially leading to your next big decision about spine surgery!  You will realize that the word “sale” is not part of their vocabulary.  How could that be?  Can you sell pain relief?  Instead, this team aims to walk in your shoes and build relationships with you, which often translates in patients’ gratitude and recognition for their kindness and true caring.

Loop it forward

Gentle reader, please allow me to get a little crazy here — If the world would end tomorrow, who would you like to say “Thank You” for all your help?

In my case, it will have to be our IT Department, led by ‘extraordinaire’ Patrick Foote, and supported by a talented and hard-working team that are doing amazing, interesting, groundbreaking work to help us perform routine business tasks much quicker so that we can assist you the only way YOU deserve it.  Thanks to our IT folks, life— as we know it might be at a stand-still without the ubiquitous data stream.  Luckily, even under intense pressure, our Patrick Foote, is always comfortable and cool in any situation. His calm and charming personality is a hallmark of his strong capacity to adapt, and a role model for many of us (including me).

The Fate Angle Is Plowed Mercilessly

December 21, 2006.  Four days before Christmas. I remember the day clearly because I was leaving a Christmas Party at the building that today is one of our Surgical Centers in Tampa, Florida. I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Bill Horne in the elevator without knowing he was LSI CEO.  His passion about the company was able to span a delightful web in my mind instantly . . .  so much so . . . that I led this pleasant memory influenced my decision to accept a job offer from LSI 55 days ago.  The fact that I am now sharing this experience in his blog is surreal.  Almost five years later, I am working for this extraordinary man and his amazing team of warriors. 

As you can see, gentle reader, my hope is that you learn about the people that make Laser Spine Institute possible every day and their particular traits that may be mostly empowered in such as caring, driving and innovative environment like ours.  And, while we aim to be perfect, we know, we aren’t.  So please, we ask you to give us a chance to ‘make the difference’ for YOU — the true reason we come to work every day.  We’d like you to know that the untold story about Laser Spine Institute will continue as we keep seeing and experiencing this exquisite ‘Labor of Love’ from our employees. Stay in touch.