March 01, 2024

Meet Mary Portell

Administrative Services

Where are you from? 

I grew up in St. Louis with Cardinals baseball and Ted Drewes. We moved to rural Missouri years ago and we now live on a farm near the worlds’ largest rocking chair.

What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics?

The University's reputation drew me in 25 years ago where I started in the main payroll office doing tax work and helping train department users across the university. Shortly after, I learned of an opportunity to move to the Med School and took it. Through a coworker, I heard good things about the culture in orthopedics and decided I wanted to be a part of it. Here I am, 20 years later.

How do you support the department? 

Currently, I support faculty, fellows, staff, postdocs, and visitors for the department with Workday HR functions, credentialing, visa processing, as well as customer invoicing.

What aspect of your work do you find most interesting or rewarding?

Gaining an understanding of new payroll system processes and facilitating problem resolution. I have always enjoyed and thrived in supporting orthopedic faculty and staff where I can, whether it’s guiding to the right person or following a problem until it’s resolved as best possible.

What's your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Spending time with my best friend and husband of 40 years, horseback riding, fishing, and sports (especially baseball, softball and volleyball).

What's the best advice you've ever received? 

Work hard and persevere. Don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do.

If you weren't in health care, what would you like to be doing?

I have worked in a health care setting since I was 15 with barely anytime away from it, but my first love was veterinary medicine. I have always loved working with animals.

Learn why patient's choose Washington University Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.