Yaki Swanson
When did you join UTHealth Houston? What brought you here?
I started with UTHealth on October 31, 1989….a very long time ago. I watched my grandmother work at the UTHealth Dental Branch until she retired. I remember her being happy with her job and always telling stories about what happened at work. So why not aim for the same happiness and pick up where she left off?
Tell us about your work history here.
I started off in Billing Administration. Long ago, we had to physically go to the clinics to retrieve charge documents, prepare them to be placed into the system for payment. Going to the clinics, I quickly realized that was where the action was….especially in Pediatrics. I set a goal to work in the Pediatrics Clinic that had a playhouse in the waiting room big enough for me to get in. I have Drs. Robert Yetman and Kim Smith to thank for giving me that opportunity. After a couple of years in Pediatrics, I went to Neurology and met the brilliant minds that would eventually help me with my own health issues. After Neurology, I went to OB/GYN. I have a lot of great memories, including my second son being born with the help of my boss, Dr. Patti Jayne Ross. Without her being in my life, I honestly don’t know where I would be now. I actually stayed there 20 years and then started to think about what was next and retirement. My mind always drifted back to Pediatrics. The faculty, the kids, the learners, the atmosphere, and the management team always made an impression on me. I decided I wanted Pediatrics to be the place I would retire from….my complete circle. Thank you Anthony Garcia and Joanie Hernandez for believing in me.
What are you most proud of accomplishing?
Honestly….friendships.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Education has always been a highlight for me. I enjoy helping the learners succeed here at UTHealth. Now that I have switched roles, I can concentrate more on programs and initiatives being successful in our department with a sprinkle of learner interaction.
Why have you stayed?
I honestly don’t believe I could get the same job satisfaction elsewhere. If you have a conversation with any of my family or friends, they will tell you, “She loves her job.” Unfortunately not all people can say that. I have great work/life balance. I have the ability to learn new things. Most of all, I feel that I am heard and valued.
When you are not at work, how do you spend your time?
In a perfect world, my grandkids would live in Houston. I spend a lot of time thinking about what Eli, Cameron, and Garrett will be like as teenagers and then adults. My other spare time is spent with my wonderful husband, James, cheering on his beloved Philadelphia Eagles, dancing with The Houston Dance Tsunami, and taking care of patrons at The Hobby Center.