Diana Wallace knows the first interaction a patient experiences at a provider’s office is critical. As Rehab Assistant at Door County Medical Center’s (DCMC) Rehab Services Clinic in Sister Bay at Scandia Village, Wallace’s job includes scheduling appointments, handling billing and answering the phones. “But,” she says, “the most important thing I do is invite patients into the clinic and make them as comfortable as possible.”

Many patients coming to Rehab Services are recovering from recent joint replacement or other surgery. “It’s an intense time,” she says. “They are in pain, and it’s our job to help them understand we are here to help them feel better, better than they felt before surgery.”

Working in a clinic was a sea change for Wallace, who had a long career as a corporate marketing executive before moving to Door County ten years ago. After starting her own interior design business in Sister Bay, she realized she needed a job that would offer health benefits, and was hired part-time at the Sister Bay Clinic. “It has been ten years. I wasn’t planning to be here this long,” she laughs.

Wallace looks forward to coming to work and likes the fact that the patients she serves are also her friends and neighbors. “We recently moved into a new state of the art space in Scandia Village’s new addition.  It’s such a pleasant and comfortable space for patients. My colleagues are great people who enjoy learning and growing.”

Since moving to the county 15 years ago, Wallace has noticed a shift in the way people regard Door County Medical Center. “People know they can get virtually every kind of care at DCMC,” she says, “including joint replacement and cancer care close to home.” When Wallace first arrived in the county, she too wondered if she would need to move away from Door County as she grew older, to access high quality care. She doesn’t think that way anymore. “I know I’ll stay here, and I’m absolutely confident I’ll get excellent care from the doctors and therapists at DCMC.”

Being part of the local health care team means a lot to Wallace. “I always get stopped in the grocery store by someone telling me they’ll see me soon at the clinic or asking about available appointments. It’s a good feeling to be connected to this community.”

For more general information about DCMC Rehab Services please call 920-746-0410.