Dana Gibson: Practice manager, compassionate coworker, farm girl

For the past 21 years, Practice Manager Dana Gibson has overseen the management of Associated Pediatricians. While she loves her job, managing a private medical practice came as a departure from her previous career in the legal field. During a visit to Associated Pediatricians for her son’s checkup, the opportunity for a career change unexpectedly presented itself.

“After the birth of my first son, I found myself reevaluating my career path, wanting to prioritize my family above all else,” Gibson said. “During his two-week checkup at Associated Pediatricians, I came across a simple ‘Now Hiring’ sign. The position didn’t reflect my experience or capabilities, but I saw it as a temporary opportunity—a way to earn income until my son was a little older and I could return to my original career path. 21 years later, I’m still here, grateful for the unexpected journey that has become such an important part of my life.”

Quickly adjusting to her position as practice manager, Gibson has developed a strong relationship with her staff, finding enjoyment in guiding and supporting them as they protect children’s health in their various roles. Investing in the lives of her staff as they invest in the lives of children and celebrate their milestones inside and outside of the office is Gibson’s favorite part of her job. Gibson does not take for granted her role in the medical practice’s day-to-day operations.

“At the end of the day, every decision I make affects our patients, my staff, the partners, and even myself,” Gibson said. “This role is where business strategy meets compassion, and that’s what makes it different from a typical management role. I have to make tough business choices while always considering their impact on real lives. It isn’t always black-and-white or purely data-driven—in this field, numbers matter, but people matter more.”

The way Gibson manages Associated Pediatricians has a trickle effect, impacting the greater community through the practice’s various community-facing events. Whether it is a baby shower, health fair, developmental class, summer movie viewing, or trunk-or-treat, Gibson admires Associated Pediatricians’ heart for the community—a heart she also shares.

Building connections with families in the community and at the medical practice, in addition to her connection with the Associated Pediatricians staff, motivates Gibson to give her all every day.

“For 21 years, I have given my everything to the success of Associated Pediatricians. This is not just a job to me—it is a part of who I am,” Gibson said. “I take great pride in the growth and accomplishments of this practice. I have worked closely alongside the partners for more than two decades, helping them to make and implement significant decisions. I am proud—proud of Associated Pediatricians, proud of what we have built together, and proud to lead alongside such a dedicated team.”

Outside of work, Gibson spends time with her husband and two sons and runs a small farm complete with goats, chickens, ducks, and bunnies. While she normally enjoys the tranquility of a quiet country farm life, it also comes with its humor and challenges.

“There was a time I had to break the professional façade and reveal the real me—the mud-covered, muck-boot-wearing farm girl,” Gibson said. “I pride myself on never calling off work, but about 19 years ago, I had to call Dr. Ludwig at home early in the morning and tell him I couldn’t make it in because my goat was in labor. There was this long pause, and finally he asked, ‘Dana, did you just say your goat is in labor?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ After another pause, all he could muster was, ‘I don’t know how to respond, but I wish you well.’ That’s when Associated Pediatricians learned: if I do call off, it’s not the flu—it’s farm drama!”

To learn more about Associated Pediatricians and its dedicated staff, visit associatedpediatricians.com.