San Luis Obispo County medical community loses a superstar

Our medical community has lost a superstar. Most of you didn’t know her because she worked in the background. In medicine, like in film, the main actors get the notoriety, but when the credits roll, it becomes clear that it takes a lot of dedicated people to get it done right.

Diane Fisher began her career in a local pediatric office in the 1970s. In the 1990s, she was the director of clinic services at General Hospital. Along the way, she taught front- and back-office skills, billing and coding, as well as mentoring a host of new employees starting out in medicine. In truth, she mentored everyone she ever worked with.

I have been blessed to have her by my side at Med Stop Urgent Care Center for the past 12 years, sharing an office and a singular mission. As I reflect on her 40-year career, all performed in the relative anonymity of the back office, I am amazed at her legacy.

Over a half-million patients received better care because of Diane Fisher. The office was more efficient, the staff better trained, the team more focused and, consequently, our community is a bit healthier. I thank you, Diane, and I will miss you very much.

This story was originally published January 1, 2016 at 5:54 PM with the headline "San Luis Obispo County medical community loses a superstar."