Henry County Medical Center [HCMC] has always been defined by the incredible individuals who dedicate themselves to providing high-quality healthcare and support to our community. This year, we are proud to honor Katie Wells, as the Director of the Year—an award that reflects her dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to both her team and her patients.
Katie currently serves as the clinic manager at Paris Pediatrics and Eagle Creek Clinic, a role that allows her to directly influence the care of others. Her journey with HCMC has spanned over eight years and has seen her grow from a nurse dedicated to patient care to a manager and leader who supports her teams while ensuring the highest standards of care.
Katie’s passion for making a difference in people’s lives began back in high school. Inspired by the idea of being an advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves, she pursued nursing later in life, driven by her desire to care for others. Katie’s favorite part of working at HCMC has always been the relationships—she loves getting to know her colleagues and the community, building friendships, and supporting each other’s growth.
The past year at HCMC has been one of both challenge and change. Katie was given one of the most challenging roles imaginable—abruptly taking over the HCMC Labor and Delivery department as it faced closure. Despite the immense difficulties and even criticism from some peers, Katie stepped into this position with professionalism and grace. Her response was to “flip the script,” transforming adversity into an opportunity to show leadership and growth. This is one of many examples of her strength, resilience, and commitment that has earned her the admiration of her colleagues and the title of Director of the Year.
Katie’s journey at HCMC has not only been about overcoming challenges but also about laying the groundwork for future success. Recently, she transitioned to managing Paris Pediatrics and Eagle Creek Clinic, leading with the same dedication and compassion that she brings to every task. Always ready to go above and beyond, she takes on every role that comes up including managing
and training new employees and coding and billing. Her willingness to learn, grow, and seek input from administration while also independently solving day-to- day issues makes her a true asset to HCMC.
As HCMC transitions to become part of West Tennessee Healthcare, Katie’s leadership remains crucial. Katie believes that even amid change, the heart of healthcare is about the people who provide it, and she is confident that HCMC will continue to be an excellent place to work and receive care. “We still have a hospital. We still have jobs. We can still provide excellent patient care,” Katie said. “It’s our job to be the positive influence as employees. If we continue to do that, it’ll still be a great place to work.”
This spirit of optimism and dedication to patient-centered care will be essential as we move into this new era. As Katie takes on new responsibilities, she remains steadfast in her commitment to the people of Henry County, ensuring that the hospital not only meets but exceeds expectations as we navigate these changes together.
As we celebrate a new era in healthcare, we take pride in leaders like Katie Wells—those who are not just ready to meet the challenges of today, but who are actively shaping a brighter, healthier tomorrow for all of us. Our future is promising because of people like Katie who continually elevate patient care and inspire those around them.
Congratulations, Katie, on being named Director of the Year, and thank you for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence. As we step into this new chapter, we are proud to know that your influence and care will continue to guide us, ensuring that the spirit of HCMC remains strong for many years to come.