Meet Melissa Smith with Hattiesburg Clinic Administration
With more than 36 years of service at Hattiesburg Clinic, Melissa Smith has built a career rooted in dedication, adaptability and a heart for helping others. In her current role, Smith plays a vital role in keeping departments running smoothly during times of change.
As a transition manager with Hattiesburg Clinic Administration, Smith serves as an interim manager, stepping in wherever she is needed to assist clinical departments. She also helps train newly hired managers, sharing her decades of knowledge and experience to ensure continued success across the organization. “I enjoy the variety of departments I work in and learning what they do,” she says. “Helping the staff and providers during a transitional period can be challenging, but it provides great opportunities.”
Smith’s journey in health care began shortly after graduating from Hattiesburg High School. Over the years, Smith has gained not only extensive knowledge of clinic operations but also lasting friendships. Her perspective on health care is simple and heartfelt: “We are here to help patients. It doesn’t matter what department you work in; it all revolves around patient care. Do your best and put the patients’ needs first and foremost.”
Born in Meridian, Smith moved to Hattiesburg at age 11 and has called it home ever since. She and her husband, Mike, have been married for 56 years and share a beautiful family — three sons, seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. When she’s not supporting departments across the organization, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and participating in church activities. She also loves working with plants and flowers.
Her favorite quote reflects the faith that guides her life:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10
Through decades of service, steady leadership and an unwavering commitment to patient care, she continues to make a lasting impact at Hattiesburg Clinic. Thank you, Melissa, for your dedication and adaptability!
FUN FACTS:
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
MS: I would love to be able to play the piano skillfully and beautifully.
If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
MS: Steak, baked potato and ice cream for dessert.
People would be surprised if they knew… what about you?
MS: I don’t eat seafood or fish.
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About Hattiesburg Clinic WOW! Committee:
The WOW! Committee is a team of Hattiesburg Clinic employees who meet on a monthly basis to discuss employee engagement initiatives. During meetings, they review nominations submitted by employees who are eager to recognize their coworkers. Nominations are submitted for coworkers who exhibit the clinic values – respect, integrity, commitment to each patient, compassion, fairness and vision.
About Hattiesburg Clinic:
Hattiesburg Clinic is Mississippi’s largest privately-owned, multispecialty clinic. Founded in 1963, Hattiesburg Clinic has expanded to include over 450 physicians and providers, along with 2,500 employees, serving patients across more than 17 counties in Mississippi. Hattiesburg Clinic is committed to being the health care provider of choice in the communities we serve.