Employee Spotlight: Michelle Cole
Q: How or why did you choose this career?
A: I have a passion for helping others. My current role provides me with the opportunity to help others and make a positive impact on their lives.
Q: What is the most challenging part of your job?
A: Time management can be challenging in health care, especially when caring for patients with cancer.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: I may not interact directly with patients, but by making strategic decisions that benefit their treatment and experience, it’s rewarding to know that my work contributes to quality care for all of our patients.
Q: Favorite quote to live by:
A: “Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail.”
Q: For someone seeking a career like yours, what would you tell them makes the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center special?
A: It offers a positive work environment, opportunities for growth, a supportive team, and a company culture that resonates with me.
Q: How have you grown your career at the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center?
A: I began working in the Breast Health Clinic back in 2016 as a patient encounter specialist. As I progressed in my role, gaining new skills and knowledge, I was promoted to patient services coordinator.
Q: What or who inspires you?
A: My coworkers, both current and past, have been a big source of inspiration and are some of my strongest supporters. Their passion and dedication to our patients are truly inspiring. They motivate me to strive harder and even encourage me to further my education.
Q: What do you do on a typical day off?
A: I like spending time with my family, pursuing my hobbies such as painting, or simply enjoying some downtime to recharge for the upcoming week.
Q: What is one accomplishment you are especially proud of?
A: I am proud to be an essential member of our team and that my providers know they can rely on me when presented with critical responsibilities.
Q: Is there any memorable experience at the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center you would like to share?
A: The most recent one was attending the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Pink Casino event. It was a wonderful experience where we enjoyed live music and food while supporting breast cancer research.
Q: Before working at the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, what was your most unusual or interesting job?
A: I worked in restaurants serving tables, which helped me develop skills in communication and customer service, time management, and multitasking. These are vital skills for ensuring quality patient care in my current role.
Q: Are there any UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center staff you’d like to recognize?
A: I’d like to recognize my RN team members Jeanne Docker, Jasmine Robinson, and Cherita Fagan. Teamwork is central to our commitment to delivering exceptional patient outcomes.