January 29, 2021
This January, most of us happily said goodbye to the year 2020. Some goodbyes, however, were harder to say. Dianne Schubert, Senior Director of Clinical Operations, retired from Washington University Orthopedics on January 8, 2020. For the past 20 years she has served as Department leader, mentor and friend, and she leaves the orthopedic clinical practice even better and stronger than when she started.
Dianne has been an integral part of the Washington University Orthopedics team since 2001, when she joined as clinic administrator for St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. Over the years she has supported the growth and development of the department, having grown from 31 faculty and 153 staff in 2000, to 80+ providers and over 400 staff members today.
She helped shape our current operations management team, which includes clinical site administrators, nurse managers and clinical staff across eight locations. Dianne says, “The time has flown by because it was just so much fun to be a part of the growth and development of this department.”
When asked what she will miss the most, Dianne says, “Being a part of this organization. I am so proud to have been a part of this team because we take such good care of our patients. From the doctors to the clinical staff to all the staff, it’s just an amazing team.”
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A few messages from her team:
“You always put everyone else first and are the most giving and generous person I know,” says Marsha Holtz, systems integration coordinator for the department.
“Dianne taught me that it is okay to not always be okay. She doesn’t try to act like things are perfect when they’re not. Yet in those moments of exhaustion and/or consternation, she always moves forward and works toward the goal. She never gives up and never stops,” adds nurse supervisor Shannon Clouse.
“Dianne taught me about people, efficiency, hard work and teamwork. I’ll remember and miss her ability to stay calm and solve problems,” adds Charles Goldfarb, MD, Executive Vice Chair for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
“I’ll miss Dianne’s strength and optimism when dealing with matters, no matter what the situation may be,” shares Doug Easler, executive director, business affairs.
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The world of orthopedics and patient care is fast paced and ever-changing. In retirement, Dianne says she is looking forward to slowing down. “I want to focus on self care so I am able to stick around and really enjoy time with my family. I want to spend more time with my children and five grandchildren, maybe do a little traveling.” Dianne and her husband are planning a trip to Clearwater, Florida in February.
Though Dianne’s last day as senior director was January 8, in true Dianne fashion, she continues to make herself available to ensure a smooth transition for the new senior director. Dianne’s dedication to her team and to the department is inspiring; she will be missed as a leader and as a friend, and we wish her the best of luck in retirement.