Leanne Galligan: Director of Patient Services at Peachtree Orthopedics

Bloom Magazine had the pleasure of interviewing Leanne Galligan, the Director of Patient Services at Peachtree Orthopedics. Leanne's career journey, spanning over two decades at Peachtree Orthopedics, is a testament to her dedication and passion. Starting as an administrative assistant and rising to a leadership role, she has become an indispensable part of the Peachtree Orthopedics team.

Leanne Galligan's journey with Peachtree Orthopedics began in April 1998 when she was hired as an Administrative Assistant to one of the foot and ankle surgeons. Shortly after starting, she was invited to assist the nurse in the clinic, which piqued her interest and set her on a new path. "That sounded interesting, so I said 'Yes!'" she recalls. She became a full-time clinical assistant, earned her Registered Orthopedic Tech (ROT) certification, and supported the surgeon's clinic for 22 years until his retirement in April 2020.

During her tenure, Leanne's role expanded. She became a Clinical Supervisor, focusing on Electronic Health Records (EHR) and workflows, and later joined the clinical management team full-time in 2022, with a special focus on COVID protocols and processes. When the Director of Patient Services position became available in 2022, Leanne took a leap of faith, applied, and was thrilled to receive the role, embracing it with both excitement and nervous energy.

Leanne's entry into healthcare was somewhat serendipitous. "I truly fell into the healthcare field. I moved to Atlanta in June 1996 after graduating from Michigan State University (Go Green!) and was encouraged to take temp jobs at first while I figured out the city and where I wanted to live and work," she shares. "Anyone who has had to drive in Atlanta traffic can attest to the importance of this!" Her first assignment at a neurology practice sparked a passion for healthcare, as she enjoyed the focus on helping people improve their health.

After 2.5 years, she sought a larger company and found her place at Peachtree Orthopedics. Over the years, she developed a deep interest in orthopedics, particularly the complexities of foot and ankle injuries, finding joy in seeing patients recover and return to their daily activities. "I have grown to love orthopedics and especially the disorders and range of injuries that can happen to the foot and ankle. It is truly fascinating," she shares.

As the Director of Patient Services, Leanne finds fulfillment in two main aspects of her role. Firstly, she is dedicated to making it easy for patients to access the care they need, encouraging her team to "Be the solution" and find answers rather than saying no. Secondly, she takes great joy in supporting the young, entry-level staff in the Patient Services department, helping them grow professionally and succeed. "To receive feedback from the staff that they feel seen, supported, acknowledged, and heard is the absolute best," she says.

Outside of her professional role, Leanne's life is equally busy and fulfilling. She has been married since 2015 to her husband, who moved from Ireland. In June 2019, they became foster parents to a sibling group of three children, aged 8, 4, and 3 weeks. The sudden change necessitated the purchase of a minivan and brought a whirlwind of activity into their lives. They adopted the children in April 2021 and now enjoy a busy schedule filled with soccer, gymnastics, school, and playdates. When she finds a moment to herself, Leanne enjoys spending time with friends over laughter-filled meals, watching soccer with her husband, traveling, or playing tennis.

Reflecting on her career, Leanne recalls a memorable moment from the past year when a manager told her she was "the perfect person for the role" she was in. This compliment had a significant impact on her and is something she cherishes. Throughout her journey, several mentors have influenced her. Dr. Beskin, her initial supervisor, provided invaluable knowledge and understanding of orthopedics. Connie Whittington, RN, taught her the importance of flexibility and collaboration, famously saying, "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall never get bent out of shape." Erika Noll, the current COO and her boss, guided her through the transition from clinical team member to management, teaching her the value of pausing and reflecting before responding.

Lastly, Leanne's mother instilled in her the importance of continuous learning and personal growth. "You don’t have to respond immediately… it is okay to pause and reflect," Leanne notes, reflecting on Erika's advice.

Leanne believes that essential qualities for success in healthcare include listening more than talking, showing compassion, following through on commitments, and knowing when to seek help from others. She strives to embody these qualities in her daily work, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and support. "Listen more than you talk, show compassion, do what you say you are going to do, and know what you know and when you need to phone a friend," she advises.

Peachtree Orthopedics is committed to making it easy for patients to access the care they need. The organization focuses on providing excellent customer service and superb medical care, ensuring that patients feel welcomed and valued. This commitment to patient satisfaction is reflected in the organization's motto and the dedicated efforts of the staff. "We strive to make it EASY to access the care our patients need and focus on helping them get better and back to doing what they love," Leanne emphasizes.

Looking ahead, Peachtree Orthopedics aims to expand its reach in Georgia while maintaining its high-quality care. Leanne sees her role evolving to support this growth, ensuring that new locations are warm, welcoming, and efficient for patients. "We are focused on growing the business to better reach the expanding communities of Georgia while keeping the quality of care at the excellent level we are known for," she explains.

Leanne advises those interested in healthcare administration to learn about the various aspects of the business, consider the impact of changes on different departments, and walk through processes from the patient's perspective. Flexibility is crucial in this constantly evolving field, and adapting to changes is essential for success. "Be flexible. It is a field that is constantly evolving, and you need to be able to adapt with it to be successful," she advises.

Peachtree Orthopedics stands out in handling workers' compensation cases by offering a concierge level of service through a dedicated department. Tracy Mosley, the workers' compensation manager, has been with the company for almost 20 years and has developed strong relationships with employers and adjusters, providing a personal touch that sets them apart in the orthopedic community. "Tracy Mosley has worked hard in developing relationships with the employers and adjusters that make us unique," Leanne says.

Effective communication is key in managing workers' compensation claims. Peachtree Orthopedics ensures dedicated resources are available to all parties involved and strives to provide required documents promptly. Leanne emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding the broader impact of an injury on the patient's life. "I always try to remember that for the injured worker, there is more involved than just the injury," she reflects.

Leanne concludes with a reminder to view injured workers holistically, considering their concerns about returning to work and supporting their families. She also highlights the value of case managers as resources and encourages easy communication channels. "It will help everyone if you have easy ways for them to reach you and for you to reach them," she advises.

For further inquiries, Leanne can be reached by email at lgalligan@pocatlanta.com or by phone at 404-350-4755. Peachtree Orthopedics' website, www.pocatlanta.com, is also a valuable resource for information.

Through her dedication, compassion, and leadership, Leanne Galligan exemplifies the commitment to excellence that defines Peachtree Orthopedics. Her journey is an inspiration to many in the healthcare industry, and her story is a testament to the impact of passion and perseverance.