As Henry County Medical Center [HCMC] transitions into a new era under West Tennessee Healthcare, it’s time to celebrate those who have been the heart of our community’s healthcare journey—individuals like Jacob Fussell, our Partner of the Year. With commitment, integrity, and a relentless passion for helping others, Jacob embodies the spirit of high-quality care we aim to carry forward.
Jacob’s journey at HCMC began seven years ago when he joined as a pharmacy technician, eventually advancing to his current role as a pharmacist. His dedication to patient care was influenced by a natural desire to help others, a trait that only deepened after a friend introduced him to the field. During his time as a student, Jacob completed two rotations at HCMC, mentored by Paula Bell and Lyle Parsons, and this experience solidified his love for the multifaceted nature of the job. “I learned to look at the patient from different angles and understand how to do everything, not just focus on one area,” Jacob shares.
Jacob’s favorite part of working at HCMC has always been the people—the incredible teamwork and camaraderie that define the pharmacy department and the hospital as a whole. “We’re one big family,” Jacob says proudly. But the family atmosphere carries over from the pharmacy into the other hospital departments and he mentions working closely with the nurses and providers to ensure they provide the best quality of care for the patients. It’s this collaborative spirit that motivates him every day, as he strives to listen, learn, and support his team members.
Jacob’s dedication has been apparent to everyone he works with. His pharmacotherapy expertise in critical care and emergency medicine means he often deals with patients in delicate moments, and he treats each one with the utmost compassion as if they were members of his own family. He’s known throughout the hospital for his reliability, professionalism, and integrity, traits that make him a trusted team member across multiple departments—from surgery to nursing to quality management.
His willingness to go above and beyond has been evident in countless ways, including stepping up to cover other shifts or an extended leave. Jacob never hesitated, immediately taking over day-to-day activities and consistently maintaining this level of dedication. Whether it’s taking extra shifts, reviewing clinical literature, or updating hospital protocols that impact the most critical patients, Jacob always gives 100%. His impact extends far beyond the pharmacy—he’s an essential part of the broader HCMC community, consistently striving to make life easier for his coworkers and better for his patients.
The Partner of the Year recognition is an incredible honor, and Jacob is both humble and appreciative. “It’s not something you expect. There are so many others who are just as deserving,” he admits. Jacob emphasizes that he doesn’t do what he does for awards, but rather for the love of helping others. He’s grateful to be acknowledged, especially since this will be the last Partner of the Year award under the HCMC name before the transition to West Tennessee Healthcare.
As we step into a new chapter with West Tennessee Healthcare, it’s people like Jacob who give us confidence in the future. His excitement for the transition reflects his desire to always put patients first and do what’s best for our community.
Jacob Fussell’s story is one of commitment, care, and the power of a community working together. He is a shining example of what makes HCMC—and now West Tennessee Healthcare—special: dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to put patients first. As we celebrate this transition, we are reminded that the high-quality care we provide isn’t just about new partnerships or expanded services; it’s about the incredible people behind it all. Join us in congratulating Jacob on being named Partner of the Year as we use his dedication as an inspiration for us all.