By Amanda Smiles, West Tennessee Medical Group Public Relations
How many people can say they’ve worked 25 straight years without ever calling in sick? At West Tennessee Medical Group Primary Care Paris Henry County, we know of exactly one – Pat Stutzman. As she closes out an extraordinary chapter of dedication, we celebrate not just her retirement but the truly remarkable legacy she leaves behind. Her last day, April 30, 2025, marked the end of an era and the beginning of well-deserved rest for one of the most dependable people we’ve ever known.
Pat’s career journey began when her older sister, who worked for Dr. Harrison at the time, mentioned that the clinic needed someone to help with transcriptions. Pat was interviewed, hired, and never looked back. Prior to that, she had worked with Dr. Griffey and at Campbell Rhea (later known as Mohon International). Her path may have started on a whim, but it was Pat’s work ethic, eagerness to learn, and steadfast dependability that proved a vital part of the team.
This level of commitment is nearly unheard of. Pat credits this accomplishment to her good health, passed down from her equally hard-working parents, and her deep sense of responsibility to provide for herself and her son. Pat was raised with the belief that if you’re able to do the job, you do it. That no-nonsense attitude carried her through days when she didn’t feel her best, relying on old-fashioned home remedies and pushing through so she could show up for her team.
But Pat didn’t just show up. She showed up and gave it her all, every single day. Her routine was packed with behind-the-scenes tasks that kept the clinic running smoothly: checking and completing reports, transcribing and organizing provider dictations, scanning and managing charge tickets, and even checking obituaries to help keep patient records current. While the transcription work has evolved with technology over the years, Pat remained adaptable, teaching herself new tools and watching others so she could continue to do the job well. Before the clinic gained access to resources from the hospital, Pat was the go-to IT person. She had no formal IT training, but she took it upon herself to learn from the experts and do whatever was necessary to maintain the clinic’s normal routine.
When asked about her strong sense of duty, she credits her dad as an example of never missing work unless absolutely necessary. This sense of responsibility formed a lifelong foundation within her, carrying her from childhood throughout her adult career. “You just do your job — and you do it to the best of your ability,” she adds.
Reflecting on her time at the Primary Care Clinic, Pat especially remembers the fun times and coworkers who made the job even better. She’s grateful for the time she spent as the transcriptionist for Dr. Herron and his nurse, Phyllis. Through this experience, she learned technical terms and was forced to develop a strong sense of accuracy that she could apply to other roles.
Looking back, Pat reflects on her biggest accomplishment: “Making it this long and doing it as well as I’ve done,” she says with quiet pride, and rightfully so. She not only built a successful career, but she also built trust, earned respect, and showed what it means to lead by example.
As she closes this chapter, Pat hopes to leave behind a simple but powerful legacy: “Take the time to do the job right the first time.”
Now, after a lifetime of hard work (she started in high school working after school, weekends, and summers), Pat is looking forward to retirement — time to take care of herself, her home, her animals, and to finally do things she’s always wanted to do.
Her advice to new employees is classic: “No matter what your job is, do it to the best of your ability. Even if it’s not what you want to do forever, show up and work hard. It’ll be noticed and appreciated. Don’t be afraid to pitch in and help someone else — because when you need help, they’ll pitch in and help you.”
Pat’s presence, commitment, and spirit have been the heartbeat of our team for a quarter of a century. Her story is one of perseverance, growth, commitment, and humble excellence. As she steps into this well-earned new chapter, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who worked with her and those coming after her.
Thank you, Pat, for your years of service, your example, and your heart. You’ve made a lasting impact and will always be remembered with admiration and gratitude. Congratulations on your retirement — it is more than well-deserved!