EDITOR'S NOTE: This series recognizes people who make a difference in their communities. To nominate someone, call Wendy Victora at 315-4478 or email wvictora@nwfdailynews.com.
FORT WALTON BEACH — Sandy Johnson’s smiling face is one of the first things people see when they walk into Magnolia Medical Clinic.
After more than three decades at the downtown family practice, she has learned to be a receptionist, traffic cop, consoler, insurance counselor and trusted friend all in one package.
Her main goal, she says, is to put patients at ease, no matter the reason for their appointment.
“You have to try to put yourself on the other side of the counter,” she said. “You have to think about how you would like to be treated if you were the patient.”
Since starting at the clinic as a senior in high school in 1979, Johnson has seen many patients be born and grow up to bring in their own children.
“It really makes you feel old,” she adds with a laugh.
Joyce Stone, a longtime Magnolia patient, is amazed by Johnson’s compassion and patience.
“She’s kind and gentle and thoughtful with older people who come in there sick,” Stone said. “The majority of them are seniors on crutches and wheelchairs. She never forgets a name.”
Johnson said she has learned to be a good listener and devote extra attention to patients who might need help navigating the health care system.
“I don’t want people to feel like they’re just an account number in our computers,” she added. “They trust us to take care of them.”
Also nominated:
Mark Natalie: This 2012 Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Posse Member of the Year keeps traffic moving during parades and after football games.
Francois Marie Benard: This Santa Rosa Beach poet/author reaches out to prisoners through a program at Faith Assembly Church.
Mark and Betty Reynolds: If everyone could be as helpful and selfless as the owners of Flamingo Graphics in Fort Walton Beach, the world would be a better place, according to their nomination.
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Kari C. Barlow at 850-315-4438 or kbarlow@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KariBnwfdn.