December Ambassador: ‘I want to be where God is calling me to serve’

Dec. 1, 2025 -- Elaine Wells hasn't reached her second anniversary at Reid Health yet, but she's already made a difference in the lives of her co-workers and patients.

"She's very thorough and personally fought on the phone for an extended period of time with an insurance company to get a needed test completed and approved for one of my patients," a colleague said.

"Elaine takes her job very seriously and is a very good advocate for the patients. I've appreciated her working with us when we've had staffing issues and the care she puts forth taking care of my patients and ensuring things are being completed properly and patients are being adequately cared for."

It's in that attention to the small details that Wells -- a Float Medical Assistant with RHPA Administration and Reid's Ambassador for the month of December -- finds the purpose in her role.

"I'm filling a gap where no one else would be otherwise," she said.

"The difference I make in answering a phone, responding to a MyChart message, completing a prior authorization, rooming a patient, or assisting a provider might be a small thing for me, but to each of these individuals, it means the world."

Originally from southern Mississippi, Wells' parents moved to Greenville, Ohio, when she was a child. She found inspiration for a medical career in the examples set by her grandmother -- a former LPN -- and an aunt as well as from books about healthcare professionals that highlighted the happy and sad moments.

"I've been inspired by many individuals who have worked in healthcare and the change that's possible in the lives of our patients when we're there for them," Wells said. "It's more than just 'being there' for our patients, but also making sure they feel supported, loved, and cared for."

"I'm filling a gap where no one else would be otherwise. The difference I make in answering a phone, responding to a MyChart message, completing a prior authorization, rooming a patient, or assisting a provider might be a small thing for me, but to each of these individuals, it means the world." -- Elaine Wells, Reid Health's Ambassador for the month of December

For Wells, being in healthcare means she can be there for others during their hardest, most vulnerable moments.

"I can make a difference for many people, and I want to be where God is calling me to serve," she said. "I want our communities and my co-workers to be made better by my presence and compassion in their lives."

When she's not working, Wells enjoys visiting with friends, socializing with her church and youth group, and being with her family.

"I want to continue to live the best I can each day, remembering it does indeed make a difference," she said.

"Reid has helped to mold me into the person I am, and I'm grateful for this experience in my life."