Meet Meredith Garczynski with Ambulatory Surgery Center

Meredith Garczynski is a registered nurse with Hattiesburg Clinic Ambulatory Surgery Center, where she cares for patients specifically undergoing endoscopy-based procedures from pre-op, or the time before surgery, through recovery.

Although she only spends a brief time with her patients, those interactions are Garczynski’s favorite part of her job.

“I have met some great people over my years of nursing. I find myself constantly amazed by the stories they share during our brief time together,” she said.

Garczynski was born and raised in Bay Springs, Miss., and graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss. She and her husband, Frank, currently live in Hattiesburg with their son, Trey (16) and two daughters, Zoe (12) and Scarlett (7).

Prior to coming to Hattiesburg Clinic, Garczynski was an intensive care unit nurse for six years. Her experience in that fast-paced environment has served her well in her current role at the Ambulatory Surgery Center.

Working in the medical field also helped prepare Garczynski for an unexpected family situation, when her son Trey was diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic disorder called Mitchell Syndrome.

Mitchell Syndrome is a neurological illness that causes loss of mobility and motor skills, hearing and vision problems and cognitive deterioration. There have only been 18 cases diagnosed worldwide. There is currently no cure.

After taking some time to process the news privately, Garczynski decided to take Trey’s story public to help promote awareness and raise research funds for Mitchell Syndrome. His story was shared with a local news outlet and picked up by over 180 channels across the country.

Despite Trey’s diagnosis, the Garczynski family remains positive.

In their spare time, they love to travel the country together, camping and going to the beach. Their favorite vacation spot is the Florida Keys.

FUN FACTS: 

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

MG: Surfing

If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?

MG: Tortellini with vodka sauce         

What are three words to describe yourself?

MG: Laidback, witty, direct 

What is your favorite quote?

MG: “Things change, Mox.” – Varsity Blues