By Leigh C. Merrifield
Choosing the right employees for your workplace can be difficult. Regardless of their qualifications and experience, sometimes it may not prove to be the “right fit”. However, when the fit IS right, it is such a blessing that their eventual departure at some point is not something that is looked forward to. That aptly describes the atmosphere when Cathy Waggy decided to retire at Shinnston Healthcare after 43 years of service. Although they were understanding about her choice, losing a valued long-term employee can at times lead to some confusion and chaos when their absence becomes a reality.
Dr. Lance Dubberke, with whom she had worked for many years, was prompt in praising Cathy’s work ethic. “She loved her work and she loves the Shinnston community. She consistently helped in many aspects here, and voluntarily cross-trained many of our employees so the staff would be prepared, if circumstances required it, to step in and know how to handle situations; this often came in handy. She is skilled and efficient and has always been a tremendous asset to all of us here,” he commented.
Her devotion to her work was demonstrated when she initially announced her plans were to retire in January; however, when a replacement wasn’t found, she agreed to continue working until the staff felt comfortable with someone suitable to take her position, and extended her retirement by nearly five months! Her final workday was May 9th.
Cathy attended WV Business College, graduating in 1982 as a medical administrative assistant; she first worked for Dr. Kalaycioglu when his practice occupied what is currently Shinnston’s City Office Building on lower Main Street. She remained his employee even after his office was moved to its new location on South Pike Street.
Dr. Dubberke joined the practice in 1998, and upon Dr. Kalaycioglu’s retirement, Cathy became Dr. Dubberke’s office manager. She noted that with this new job title came more paperwork and reports and not as much connection with patients, which she missed.
“There has been a lot of growth since that time and the practice has expanded from 3 employees to 20,” she added. “However, I did manage to keep up with continuing education and CPR training just in case I might be needed to fill in whenever needed. My years here have always been hard work, but it was also very fulfilling. I feel confident that the staff is very capable of handling things just fine, but I also left the door open to them calling me if they had questions.”
When asked what made her choose this profession, Cathy said she felt it was her ‘calling’. “When I was just 12 years old, my grandfather had diabetes and lost both of his legs and one arm. I went there every weekend to spend time with him and help out, and I think from that point forward, I recognized the importance of helping others, and it just stuck with me,” she said.
It is no wonder that Dr. Dubberke came to view Cathy as the ‘ultimate helper’ and recalls instances when an older person needed to see a doctor but had no transportation; Cathy was always the one who stepped forward and offered to taxi them to and from.
Through the years, not only her devotion to her work but her caring, supportive personality as well have earned her much respect. To show their high regard for her, the staff hosted a luncheon for her and presented her with gifts to celebrate her retirement on May 14th.
While she will miss her regular work routine for a while, she plans to enjoy a trip to Disney World with her family and is already looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren. With another grandchild on the way this summer, there will be ample opportunities for her to create many more precious memories.
