Jean Tompkins, an Aureus Medical Group clinician for 11 straight years, has completed 22 assignments and stood out as an outstanding performer at every single one. This unwavering dedication has earned her a spot as our most recent ROSE Award recipient.
A passionate and dedicated healthcare professional, Jean has always been driven by a commitment to helping others. Raised on a farm in North-Central Missouri, Jean’s early life was shaped by her experiences in a small community. From a young age, she found a love for TaeKwon-Do, a discipline she practiced from 1976 until 2004, achieving the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt and Master Instructor. Jean’s journey in martial arts took her across the globe, competing in international tournaments and coaching the USA Women’s Team, instilling a profound sense of discipline and perseverance.
A Pivot to Healthcare
At 38, Jean decided to pursue a new path, driven by a desire for a career that would offer stability and growth. Encouraged by her brother’s neighbor, the Dean of Health Professions at the University of Missouri, Jean transitioned into the field of Ultrasound. She earned her bachelor’s degree in General, OB-GYN, and Vascular Ultrasound, followed by a Master’s degree in Health Science focusing on Cardiac Ultrasound. With 20 years of experience as a Sonographer, Jean has made significant contributions to the field, working in various settings and touching countless lives.
A Love for Travel and Exploration
Jean’s enthusiasm for travel is matched by her dedication to her patients, whom she considers the heart of her work. Her favorite assignments often involve unique locations and cultural experiences, such as her mission trips to Honduras, her time in Roswell, NM–known for its “alien connection,” or the beautiful summers in Green Bay, WI, and Belleville, IL. Each assignment offers Jean a chance to learn and grow professionally and personally.
A Surprise Recognition
With past supervisors giving Jean praise such as how she “works very hard and acts professional as well as dependable and flexible,” and how she “readily adapts to multiple different imaging protocols,” Jean is a highly recommended clinician.
Her dedication and excellence were recognized when she received the prestigious ROSE Award at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL. The surprise event that her husband attended left Jean deeply honored and grateful. She cherishes the moments shared with colleagues and the recognition from her peers, reflecting on the journey that led her to this point.
Learning and Giving Back
Throughout her career, Jean has embraced the lessons learned from her diverse experiences, always keeping an open mind and adapting to the protocols of each new department. She believes in the importance of punctuality, hard work, and following established procedures, recognizing that each lab operates differently. This philosophy has guided her in building strong relationships and maintaining a high standard of care.
Beyond her hospital work, Jean is committed to giving back through mission trips. She has traveled with a team from Washington University in St. Louis for several years, providing cardiac ultrasound services in underserved areas. Her upcoming return mission trip to Honduras in February 2025 is another opportunity to make a difference, offering hope and care to those in need.
A Life of Compassion and Dedication
Jean’s life outside of work is filled with the love of her husband of 19 years, her son, and a menagerie of rescued animals, including horses, dogs, and cats. The couple’s home on their farm, where Jean grew up, is a sanctuary for their beloved pets. They share a passion for music, particularly the band “Little Feat,” and enjoy traveling together for concerts and gatherings with fellow fans.
As Jean looks to the future, she remains focused on her work and mission trips, thinking of her well-deserved future retirement. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and lifelong learning. Jean’s story is an inspiring example of how one can positively impact the world through healthcare, martial arts, or simple acts of kindness. The ROSE Award is a fitting recognition of her commitment.
