Female trailblazers: Jeannette (Jeannie) Fadler

Jeannette (Jeannie) Fadler

Vice president of patient care services at Saint Francis Medical Center

1. What's your passion in life?

My passion in life is life itself. I believe I am just the luckiest person to be born in this great country to nurturing parents with solid values. Because of my good fortune, I believe I need to make a difference by helping others to be successful, to achieve their goals. In my role as vice president of patient care services, I have an opportunity to touch many lives daily.

2. It's been 90 years since women earned the right to vote. How have the lives of women changed in your lifetime, and what do you see for women in the future?

Women have always worked hard for their success and have been very goal-oriented. Today, with our global economy, I see that women are more focused on global issues and are truly working to resolve global issues. This is a great time for young women. It is so full of challenges and opportunities. Tomorrow's woman is more likely to have a second career, which might be somewhat related to her first or totally different. The avenues to education and research have just exploded. So as long as the energy is there, the possibilities are limitless.

3. With your background at Saint Francis, what do you see as women's biggest concerns? What are you doing to address those concerns?

Women's (at Saint Francis) concerns are much like the concerns of other career women: how do you balance your professional life with family time? We realize that balance is tough and life is hectic, and we know that a person (man or woman) has to be satisfied and have a feeling of fulfillment. As one of the 100 best places to work in health care (as rated by Modern Healthcare), we strive to recognize each employee as a unique individual. We value the individual's contribution to the medical center and work to ensure their satisfaction in the workplace. It goes beyond a good salary and benefits. Staff are asked for input into changes from the design of their work environment to improving patient satisfaction. We support their interest in the community and promote community involvement. An improved lifestyle of staff is supported through our "Healthy Rewards" program, where staff can work on specific health goals. Staff are great about offering us continued insight on how we can make improvements to better meet our mission.

4. How is Southeast Missouri doing well when it comes to quality of life for women? Where are we falling short?

I believe that Southeast Missouri is the best place to live and work. We have many advantages of a large metropolitan area but without the problems. This is a great place to raise a family because the community is very family-oriented. I feel fortunate that we were able to raise our daughter here. She graduated from Jackson High School and was well prepared for college. The community must work to ensure that we have good job opportunities so both young men and women will want to stay in the community.

5. What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers?

Find a good role model who is willing to be your mentor. I attribute my success to great role models.