CENTRE, Ala., Sept. 1, 2023 – Kerry Sayre's last day at Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center was Thursday, ending a 50-year career at the hospital.
Those who worked with him agreed that the hospital is losing a treasure of knowledge, patience and dedication with his departure.
Ann Martin, a financial counselor who has also worked at the hospital for 50 years, has been a longtime friend of Sayre's and was present Thursday for a goodbye celebration at the hospital for the radiologic technologist.
“We are losing someone who really cares about the patients," Martin said. “I can't really say enough about him. He has always been willing to go the extra mile."
Sayre thanked his well-wishers who attended Thursday's event, many of them co-workers and others who are longtime friends.
He remembers when there were just three employees in his department. For about 28 years, he responded to calls at night when needed, often returning early the next morning, even when he had to work late.
During his 50-year career, technology changed drastically. When Sayre started, they used a manual typewriter, not a computer. He also remembers his college days when the surgery department had to hand-develop film.
“I have to admit I won't miss getting up early and coming into work, but I will miss the paycheck," he quipped.
Lettie Harris, another radiologic technologist at the hospital, said she had the pleasure of working with Sayre for the past 11 years. She said she also worked with him when she was a student. Harris said she will remember him for his wealth of knowledge.
“If Kerry said it, I always listened to him," said Harris. “He taught me a lot of things, and I know everyone will miss him."
Sayre said he doesn't have any big plans as he eases into retirement.
“I imagine I will do more fishing and hunting. Those are things I like to do. My wife will probably have some projects for me, too."
About Atrium Health Floyd
The Atrium Health Floyd family of health care services is a leading medical provider and economic force in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. Atrium Health Floyd is part of Charlotte, North Carolina-based Advocate Health, the third-largest nonprofit health system in the United States, created from the combination of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health. Atrium Health Floyd employs more than 3,5 00 teammates who provide care in over 40 medical specialties at three hospitals: Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center – a 304-bed full-service, acute care hospital and regional referral center in Rome, Georgia; Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center in Cedartown, Georgia; and Atrium Health Floyd Cherokee Medical Center in Centre, Alabama; as well as Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center Behavioral Health – a freestanding 53-bed behavioral health facility in Rome – and also primary care and urgent care network locations throughout northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama.
About Advocate Health
Advocate Health is the third-largest nonprofit integrated health system in the United States – created from the combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health. Providing care under the names Advocate Health Care in Illinois, Atrium Health in the Carolinas, Georgia and Alabama, and Aurora Health Care in Wisconsin, Advocate Health is a national leader in clinical innovation, health outcomes, consumer experience and value-based care, with Wake Forest University School of Medicine serving as the academic core of the enterprise. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Advocate Health serves nearly 6 million patients and is engaged in hundreds of clinical trials and research studies. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, neurosciences, oncology, pediatrics and rehabilitation, as well as organ transplants, burn treatments and specialized musculoskeletal programs. Advocate Health employs nearly 150,000 team members across 67 hospitals and over 1,000 care locations and offers one of the nation's largest graduate medical education programs with over 2,000 residents and fellows across more than 200 programs. Committed to equitable care for all, Advocate Health provides nearly $5 billion in annual community benefits.