When you have a passion for what you do, your job does not seem like work.
Jennifer Lavoie is proof of that.
“I haven’t worked a day in my life,” she said. “I love my job. I have a job I have loved since I walked out of grad school.”
Lavoie is Piedmont Healthcare’s director of employee wellness, work life and fitness for the 11-hospital system.
Her goal is to improve the health of more than 22,000 employees around Georgia. Her commitment to that cause recently earned Lavoie the Hank Boerner Pioneer Award from the Medical Fitness Association.
The Hank Boerner Pioneer Award is presented to an individual who has advanced the medical fitness industry. Boerner had been the director of the North Mississippi Medical Center – Wellness Center in Tupelo, Mississippi, and a founding member of the Medical Fitness Association. He died in December of 2012 and the award was created to honor him and celebrate others who shared a commitment to health and wellness.
“In health care, the word ‘infectious’ often has negative connotations, but Jennifer’s positive attitude is infectious in the best sense,” Vicki Cansler, chief human resources officer of Piedmont Healthcare, said in press release. “She celebrates the successes of her staff and all employees, encouraging everyone in their pursuits, both in the office and in the gym. We are proud to cheer Jennifer on as she celebrates this award.”
Lavoie has been with Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta for 21 years.
“I’m in an industry that sees miracles happen every day. I work with people who haven’t exercised before,” Lavoie said. “I give them the power to regain control over their bodies. To see this happen on a daily basis is one of the most amazing gifts for me.”
Lavoie said she works with employees, community members and patients to understand the importance of proper exercises.
The Medical Fitness Association, a nonprofit professional membership organization, was formed in 1991 to assist medically integrated health and fitness centers achieve their full potential. According to the organization, MFA’s mission is to foster opportunities for the development and operational success of medically integrated fitness centers.
“Piedmont’s purpose is to make a positive difference in every life we touch,” Lavoie said in a press release. “I am thrilled that my career allows me to impact the lives of so many people each day and that I can see how their health and wellness allows them to make positive differences in the lives of our patients and visitors.”
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