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Ed Kent recently retired as the clinic administrator after almost two decades of service to Olympia Orthopaedic Associates (OOA). As the new administrator, Lacy Waltermeyer knew she had some big shoes to fill. “Ed is so well respected and I am excited to honor his legacy while making my own mark on this great organization,” shares Waltermeyer.

Lacy looks forward to getting to know the OOA community of over 400 employees. Photo courtesy: Lacy Waltermeyer.

A lifelong resident, Waltermeyer attended Olympia schools and went on to obtain her degree in Business Administration at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey. “I have always looked for opportunities to make an impact on my community and give back some of what has been given to me,” she shares.

Waltermeyer had so many local coaches and teachers who mentored her, she’s eager to return what she was given to the community.

The healthcare industry wasn’t on her employment radar when she first learned that OOA was looking for a clinic administrator. “I was seeking a place where I could use my business and leadership skills to impact real change in the community,” says Waltermeyer.

The culture of care at OOA will allow her to use her position to “make the biggest ripple.” Their core mission is to be a center of excellence, providing the highest quality of care to all of their patients. Waltermeyer looks forward to continuing this mission and working with each employee to ensure that they, along with the patients, feel appreciated and cared for. The large size of OOA and the number of employees will give her a great reach, not only within the company but also in the greater community.

Lacy ‘s children attend Olympia Schools just like she did growing up in Thurston County. Photo courtesy: Lacy Waltermeyer.

In her new role as the Westside Clinic Administrator, she will work with multiple departments, including medical assistants, scribes, schedulers and even the physicians themselves. She’s focused on both positive patient outcomes and creating a positive, collaborative working environment.

“We already provide great care and have the best doctors,” says Waltermeyer. “I look forward to using my business and leadership skills to carry our mission into the future as we continue to grow.” Plans to expand the clinic are currently underway as OOA is already outgrowing their last expansion in 2012. On-site diagnostics and 24-hour physician availability makes OOA the busiest and largest orthopaedic practice in the region. As one of the biggest employers in Thurston County, they’ve even outgrown the venue for their annual holiday party!

OOA is acutely aware of the need for care that our growing population requires. They saw over 100,000 patients last year alone. The demand for greater access to urgent orthopaedic care locally led to the opening of Rapid Orthopaedic Care (ROC) in 2016. Less than a year later, OOA welcomed a second ROC to Olympia’s west side.

“My own first introduction to the ROC was when my daughter broke her ankle during a soccer practice,” says Waltermeyer. With two active girls, she jokes that they’re “frequent fliers” at the ROC. Both girls are attending Olympia schools and stay active playing basketball and softball.

Lacy and her husband enjoy living and working in the PNW. Photo courtesy: Lacy Waltermeyer.

The community support that OOA lends local schools through their sports physical clinics, team medical tents and monetary donations is another point of interest for Waltermeyer. “The impact that Olympia Orthopaedic Associates makes in our community touches so many lives and I’m thrilled to be a part of what we have done and will do in the future,” she shares.

Waltermeyer is getting familiar with the flow of the organization after stepping into her new position at the end of the year. She seeks to identify areas to create the largest impact. With over 400 employees and 16 providers, she has her work cut out for her. “We see between 200-400 patients each day so understanding the processes and procedures for each of our providers will be a key learning element,” says Waltermeyer. She is eager to meet each employee and put names to faces over the next few weeks.

Olympia Orthopaedic Associates is committed to keeping their patients moving and living a life in motion. Their sub-specialty programs include hand, wrist, elbow, spine, neuro, foot and ankle along with sports medicine, physical therapy, and total joint replacement. They also provide 24-hour emergency on-call through Providence St. Peter Hospital and Capital Medical Center. To schedule an appointment, call 360-709-6230. For more detailed provider information visit the Olympia Orthopaedic Associates website.

Olympia Orthopaedic Associates
3901 Capital Mall Drive SW
Olympia, Washington

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