Focus on Staff with Shiela Holmes-Stauss

Anyone who has visited the UC College of Medicine Department of Surgery has probably met Shiela Holmes-Stauss. She currently serves as associate to the chairman of the department, but has been a go-to person in the department since beginning her career with UC in 2003. Here she tells us why she considers it an honor to work in the "constant hub of action” that is the surgery department at UC.

What brought you to UC?

"I came to UC because I was intrigued by the opportunity to work in an academic environment where faculty and staff work together to provide the best care possible to patients and train tomorrow’s surgeons and leaders.”

Why do you like working in the department of surgery?

"It is enjoyable to work for someone as motivated as Dr. (Michael) Edwards in providing the best clinical care to our patients and the best possible education to our residents. I also enjoy interacting with my colleagues as well as the surgeons, residents, medical students and faculty who make the office a constant hub of action. I take pride in doing things correctly and according to protocol. It would be uncommon for you to call our department and receive voicemail. Our department is dedicated to excellence.”

What keeps you motivated in your day-to-day work?

"I enjoy the daily challenge of managing the clinical and administrative needs of a department that is nationally renowned. I get the opportunity to be the face of the department with many visiting professors and local community leaders. I am also involved in facilitating relationships that are exciting opportunities to discover new therapies for our patients. Every day provides a new and interesting experience and set of challenges.”

Do you have professional training or experience that makes you uniquely qualified for your role?

"I have a strong work experience in many types of administrative and management duties, but I gained my most relevant experience in our exceptionally busy division of transplantation here in the department of surgery, where I spent five years working directly with the division chief. I also served as both administrative coordinator and transplant fellowship coordinator. That experience gave me the unique skill set needed for the complex and fast-paced environment of an academic clinical department.”

What keeps you busy in your spare time?

"My husband and I have four children ranging from ages 13 to 17. We enjoy sports, family activities, traveling and time spent with good friends.”