While UT Southwestern brings hope to its patients, Dian Polk once needed a little hope of a different kind herself – she got stuck in an elevator at the Paul M. Bass Administrative and Clinical Center.

That day, Mrs. Polk had offered to help someone find the Health Information Management Department (medical records) and the elevator they were in suddenly stopped.

I called a co-worker and exclaimed we were stuck in the elevator and told her the floor we were stuck on, Mrs. Polk says. The number that appeared on the panel was not the correct floor. We were actually stuck between two floors.

Dian Polk

After their swift rescue, she proceeded to escort the guest to medical records. Mrs. Polk relishes never having a dull moment, especially within IR, with the many tasks, or projects to complete, or fires to put out. While the elevator incident is one she will never forget, it’s one of many she will cherish from a 35-year career.

She was first hired as an Administrative Assistant in the Medical Service Research and Development Plan. Since then, Mrs. Polk’s eyes have seen many of the institution’s transitions, including the expansion of Information Resources where she currently serves as an Executive Assistant.

When I transferred to Information Resources, there were only 13 employees, Mrs. Polk says. Now the Department has grown to over 500. It’s big, but we’re still like family.

She appreciates the career development support and encouragement of her managers, and is proud to work at one of the best top-ranked hospitals in the DFW area.

The benefits and the fact that our institution has a wonderful group of doctors and researchers who offer hope to people suffering with different illnesses and diseases is another reason why UTSW is a great place to work, Mrs. Polk says.

When she isn’t helping save the day or supporting “amazing executives,” Mrs. Polk is active in her church ministry and community service. The mother of two and wife of 34 years also enjoys archery, attending sporting events, Jazzercise, reading, traveling, spending time with her family, and Zumba.