A Becon of Hope

by Ashleigh L. McKenzie

BARBARA

One might say the landscape of the medical field has evolved tremendously over the years. It’s always interesting to listen to those who have watched, and been a part of, these changes–such as my mother, Barbara Ledbetter.

As a 17-year-old student, she walked into the Mobile Infirmary in 1962 to work and remained there as a continuous employee for more than 50 years. Today, she passionately speaks of her service in the medical industry and her love of her profession. I can tell you that her constructive skills bleed over from her career to our family. The values she holds have greatly impacted our own values, traditions, and beliefs.

It is very encouraging to have an influencer who inherently shares her work experiences and passion in a way that positively contributes to her daughter’s career choice.

I’ve always felt unrestricted and able to have my own independent thoughts, and as such, I have created my own way. But, my mother has absolutely been a true mentor in my personal and professional life. Entrepreneurs are often challenged with obstacles, and the foundation of their success hinges on the values they bring to their company. My mother’s persistent attitude, determination, and work ethic have been a shining example and saving grace to many, especially me.

We’ve all heard how some people have “a childlike love for something.” Without fail, I relate this analogy to many of my childhood experiences. A little one’s eyes eagerly await the evidence that there is hope in the world and that good deeds come out of their work. My mother seems to speak of her career in the same manner. In 1962, she entered into the radiology program at Mobile Infirmary. At the time, it was the second largest hospital in Alabama. She proudly began to grow her role, carrying many responsibilities. She recounts her feelings of pride when she would don the white nurse uniform that came with such distinction. Her uniform was a symbol of having loyalty, being ready to face challenge after challenge, and displaying a love and care for others in a time when helping others was so purposeful. During this era, war was prevalent and periods of deficit affected the economy, but the world of medicine and patient care was a world-class phenomenon. The white coats and uniforms were signs of hope and reminders that the ones who wore them had the best interest of the patients they served. It was meaningful!

If we look at a timeline over many decades, it is quite amazing to see the evolution of any subject, including medicine. Barbara recalls many events from her career that have changed and improved over time, such as going from allowing smoking in the waiting rooms to being a smoke-free campus, and dark rooms where films were developed have been replaced with imaging rooms that pop up instantaneously. Time-saving streamlined processes, technology, and patient care have all seen vast improvements over the last fifty years, but each generation has developed its own landscape built on the previous notions from a past generation. Even the white uniforms of old have been replaced with scrubs.

Decades of research and innovation have brought advancements spanning from medical imaging to pharmaceuticals and surgical procedures. The medical industry is an ever-changing market space. My mother would tell you it continues to impress her as she still carries out her calling in the profession she chose long ago. She now works with new orders that come with oncology improvements and marvels at the success rates of the patients who benefit from the never-ending medical revolution. Barbara Ledbetter has dedicated a life to service and continues to be deliberate in her care of others. This has carried over in value as it influences me and has changed the direction of my heart to love and serve others.

As a child looking up to her mother and equipped with optimism, I was ready to take in all life could offer. I have been deeply influenced by my mother and have always looked up to her knowing God had called her to hold patients’ hands as they received a diagnostic report. She continues to do so even though the paper charting reports have since been replaced with computer-generated data that is so advanced it is accessible electronically. Medical professionals, clinical staff members, and technology companies around the world strive to improve the lives of patients everywhere. I feel blessed to have a mother who has used her love for her career to be a beacon of direction and hope for me, as well as all the people she has come into contact with throughout the years.

Ashleigh McKenzie is president of MDreferralPRO. MDreferralPRO.com