March 21, 2011

Get to Know Beth Spence!


During a vacation in France, Beth meets a real French poodle!
We're proud to introduce you to Beth Spence, Pediatric Consultants' Chief Operations Officer!

Tell us about what you do for Pediatric Consultants, and how long you have been with the group? 

My official title is "Chief Operations Officer".  I, however, do a little bit of everything.  Frontdesk? Done it. Filing? Did some today. Listen to complaints? With an open ear. Wash dishes? Just call me Mom. My chief responsibility these days surrounds our implementation of the Electronic Health Record.  I am a nurse by training and worked here as a nurse for many years. In fact, I still jump in there and help the nurses as often as I can. I started working with Pediatric Consultants in May, 1994. I thought I would try it here for a while to see if I liked it...

What is your favorite part about being part of the Ped Consultants team? 

Truthfully, I love this practice and the people who work here. I look forward to coming to work most days and I highly respect our doctors, each and everyone of them. Is our work exciting and adrenaline producing?  Well, hang out in our waiting room some days.  No, seriously, day in and day out we take care of kids from all socio-economic groups, all shapes, sizes and colors and that is a good, fun, thing. 

What are some of your favorite hobbies? 

I love to travel and dine out.  Most recently I was fortunate enough to travel to France for a trip of a lifetime.  Riding bikes has become a fairly new hobby for me as I live near the Greenline.  I don't ride to the degree Dr Frizzell and Dr Mathis ride.  I'm more of a cruiser with a bike bell.

Have you lived in Memphis for a long time? Where are you from? 

I am a lifelong Memphian.  I "went away" to school, 126 miles from home to The University of Tennessee at Martin.

Do you have any funny stories to reveal about any of PC's doctors? 

Sure, but I probably shouldn't share them here.  Suffice it to say we have a great group of doctors who are as fun-loving and self-deprecating as can be.

What is your favorite thing to do in Memphis?  

You know, this is a really hard question.  There are so many good things about Memphis -- restaurants, music, art, history.  One of my favorite times is coming up soon.  Driving down Parkway on the way to work in the springtime is absolutely beautiful.  AutoZone park for a summer night game with fireworks? perfect! Chowing down on some Memphis style (is there any other?) ribs? divine!

What was the last book you read? 

House of Prayer #2: A Writer's Journey Home by Mark Richard  It's the author's memoir of growing up in the South.  I especially like Southern Fiction and Non-fiction.  My friend Lisa (who works here as well) recommends great books.

Do you have any activities that you do stay fit/healthy? Have any tips to share? 

Ha! if you knew how hard staying fit is for me. I am a former scholarship college athlete from back in the "olden days" just after Title IX was passed.  I once was an avid runner...legs can't take it anymore.  Now, I like to walk my dogs, ride my bike, work in my yard and try to eat as healthy as I can. Last weekend I started the "Hundred Pushups Training Program"  Check back in 6 weeks to see how I do. My 90 year old Mom says, "keep moving." I think that's a good tip for all of us.