One year after coming to our Morreene Road Clinic, Crystal Ballard still enjoys the challenges and opportunities that come with her work. Each day her job involves supporting our neurology providers, supervising staff assistants, preparing patients for clinic and other tasks. For this week’s “Spotlight” interview, Ballard talks to us about this work, her various positions at Duke over the past 20 years, and embracing and adapting to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
How long have you been at Duke? How long have you been with Duke Neurology?
I started working at Duke from 1998 to 2001, then returned in 2014. In 2014 I started with Gastroenterology, and in 2017 I started with Duke Cancer Institute of Psychiatry. I’ve been with Neurology since October 2019.
What are your responsibilities within the Neurology Department? What does your average work day look like?
I support neurology providers, as well as supervise staff assistants at Morreene Road. My responsibilities include preparing the providers and patients for clinic, maintaining provider’s templates, and a plethora of miscellaneous tasks. Each day presents something new and challenging, but my conversations with patients/family members is what makes my workday so fulfilling. Although my current position has many tasks in common with my previous jobs, I have also embraced a leadership responsibility in this new role.
How has COVID-19 affected your work and personal life? What’s one strategy or resource that’s helped you cope?
I’ve learned to embrace and adapt to the changes brought forth through the pandemic. Due to COVID, I have 3 teenage boys who are attending school via Virtual Academy this year, and I have to say that the resource I utilize during this time to maintain my sanity is daily prayer.
What do you enjoy most about your work? What’s the hardest part of your job?
My favorite part of work is building relationships amongst my co-workers, as well as, patients/families. The hardest part is not having the ability to satisfy everyone.
What passions or hobbies do you have outside of the Department?
Painting, baking, gardening, and outdoor adventures.