Clerical careers in healthcare: Where growth and purpose align

At UHS, delivering exceptional patient care isn’t limited to the clinical side of healthcare. Behind every appointment scheduled, every medical record updated and every greeting at the front desk, there’s a dedicated team of clerical professionals making a lasting impact. These individuals play a critical role in the patient experience, and their work reflects the UHS Values that guide the organization: Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork and Innovation.

Clerical careers make a meaningful impact

While many roles at UHS focus on direct clinical care, administrative positions are equally essential to delivering seamless patient services. Clerical jobs such as medical receptionists, surgical coordinators and office leads, support both patient-facing and non-patient-facing functions. Whether interacting directly with patients or working behind-the-scenes, these team members ensure each step of a patient’s journey runs efficiently.

Nicole Settle, medical receptionist and referral specialist for UHS Dermatology, sees the impact of her work each day, sharing, “I look forward to connecting with patients and making their experience as smooth and positive as possible. I enjoy being a friendly and helpful point of contact, and it’s rewarding to know that my work helps support the care they receive.”

From warm greetings to coordinating referrals, clerical professionals help create a welcoming, respectful environment. Often serving as the first and last point of contact during a patient’s visit, their attention to detail and strong communication skills ensure a positive experience.  

“Making an impact on patients is something that I’m really loving in this role”, said Rachel Gardner, surgical coordinator for UHS Gastroenterology. “It’s a great place to talk to patients every day, and talking to patients is something that brings me joy.”

This dedication to service is reinforced by Miranda Gregory, patient services coordinator for UHS Gastroenterology, who shared, “I want to make sure that every single person gets my undivided attention and that they know they are receiving the best possible care.”

Values that unite every role

All UHS team members are connected by a shared commitment to Our Values. For many, including Katie Thomas, medical receptionist for the UHS Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, Compassion resonates the most.“You want to have compassion not only for the patients, but also co-workers and other staff coming into the workplace, because you never know what they’re going through.”

The UHS Values guide every interaction and help team members provide the best care possible. “Working in Oncology, you make a difference every day,” expressed Kimrochelle LoSapio, office lead for UHS Radiation Oncology. “Compassion is something that I feel very strongly about.”

“Compassion is at the heart of what I do every day,” Nicole added. “It motivates me to provide the best possible care and services each day.”

The interactions clerical team members have with patients or colleagues, whether through a kind greeting or a well-organized process, truly bring the UHS Values to life.  

Every interaction matters

Each role at UHS is part of the patient experience, all helping to create an environment of care and support. For clerical team members, their approachability and professionalism make a meaningful difference in every patient interaction.

“Customer service is a huge part of a clerical position. When there is face-to-face contact with our patients, we need to put our best foot forward each and every day,” Kimrochelle explained.

Nicole emphasized the importance of empathy:“In healthcare, showing genuine care and understanding for patients makes a huge difference in their experience and well-being. I believe approaching every interaction with empathy and kindness not only helps patients feel supported but also fosters a positive and collaborative environment among the team.”

A supportive environment

UHS is committed to employee growth, offering tools, training and mentorship to help team members reach their full potential.

 “My manager and supervisor are fantastic,” said Miranda. “They see potential in me even when I don’t. It means a lot to know I have such a great company behind me to help me reach the professional and personal goals I have.”

 “I feel UHS has helped me a lot so far with my professional growth,” Katie shared, reflecting on her own journey.  “Now, I feel more confident in myself, and I love the fact that UHS will help you grow in your career and the healthcare industry.”

Not only does UHS support career advancement, but employees also find support through recognition and a team that genuinely cares. Nicole shared, “The company values teamwork, growth and compassion, which creates a great place to develop your skills and build a meaningful career. Plus, UHS offers opportunities for advancement and encourages employees to learn and grow within the organization. It’s a rewarding place to work if you’re passionate about healthcare and helping others.”

Building community connections

Compassion extends beyond the walls of UHS facilities. Team members often represent UHS at community events, strengthening relationships with the people they serve.

“UHS offers so many opportunities to connect with the community through different events. Whether it’s participating in local gatherings like the DICK’S Open, Spiedie Fest, or the Heart Walk, these events allow us to engage with the community in meaningful ways beyond the workplace,” said Nicole. “It’s rewarding to be part of an organization that values giving back and building strong community relationships.”

Lasting connections are developed within teams, as well. Rachel noted,“Within my unit, there’s a great team that I’ve been a part of, and not only have I learned from them in a professional manner, but we’ve also created a bond with each other.”

Kimrochelle applauded the Teamwork and Respect found at UHS: “It’s just a really great place to work. There’s a great team spirit and just a lot of respect from everyone.”

Clerical roles at UHS

UHS employs a range of clerical roles that support a patient-centered environment, including:

• Medical Office Assistants
• Office Leads
• Surgical Coordinators
• Medical Receptionists
• Patient Services Coordinators
• Referral Specialists

Kimrochelle shared the following sentiment for those considering a career in this field: “It’s a very rewarding career should you choose a clerical position with UHS.”

Every role, clinical or clerical, patient-facing or behind-the-scenes, matters. Through shared Values and a commitment to excellence, team members find both professional growth and purpose.

Interested in joining Team UHS? Learn more about clerical job opportunities and apply today at nyuhs.org/careers.