Mother’s Day at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital

This Mother’s Day, we’re highlighting family stories at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. First up are mother daughter duo Vickie Loze and Sunda Lewis, two generations of caregivers who have helped shape our hospital’s heartbeat. Vickie, a nurse for nearly five decades, has spent 45 years at LCRH and now serves as a PRN in Staff Education and Employee Health, bringing a wealth of experience to every task. Sunda is celebrating 30 years at LCRH this month and 29 years in nursing; she works in Ambulatory Care and carries forward a rich family tradition of healthcare.

Nursing runs through their family, a path that began when Vickie knew at five years old that she wanted to be a nurse. Sunda followed after a pivotal senior-year college visit, and for almost ten years the two worked side by side in Surgical Services, taking on leadership roles and collaborating on projects. In the halls, they were often known as “Vickie’s daughter” and “Sunda’s mom,” a sign of their strong bond. As Vickie puts it, “Sunda taught me patience,” while Sunda adds, “I learned integrity from my mother—the commitment to do what’s best for the patient, no matter what.”

Next up in our Mother’s Day spotlight is Lisa Sexton, a long-time leader in healthcare administration, joined by her daughters Whitnie Hargis and Dr. Jaysie Smith, who carry on the family’s tradition of care. Lisa serves as Market Manager for Medical Group Services, overseeing 14 specialty practices in Somerset. She has spent 38 years in healthcare administration, with the last 13 at LCRH, driven by a belief that patients deserve a positive, hometown healthcare experience. “Growing up in a large family in Somerset, community and helping others is highly valued,” she says, noting that seeing her daughters follow in her footsteps fills her with pride. “Healthcare is not just about processes and treatments—it is about people—our people.”

Whitnie Hargis, LCRH Operations Manager for Health Information Management and a twin sister to Jaysie, reflects on choosing behind-the-scenes influence over frontline roles. She began at LCRH 11 years ago as a pharmacy technician while pursuing a degree in Healthcare Administration, then moved into contract management and later into Health Information Management leadership. “Growing up in and around medicine, I’ve always been drawn to pursuing a career in the healthcare field,” she shares, adding that her mom’s passion for patient care inspired her path. She describes the special dynamic of working alongside two remarkable women and leaning on them daily for knowledge, wisdom, and support.

Dr. Jaysie Smith, a family medicine physician at LCMA, describes a career shaped by family influence and collaboration between clinical and administrative work. Raised in Somerset, she benefited from her mother’s management of primary care practices and has spent nearly six years at LCRH in various capacities, including medical student rotations, residency, and now as an attending physician. “There’s not a week that goes by I’m not calling on my mom or my sister to help me understand a process from their end of the system,” she notes, highlighting how ongoing conversations across roles help bridge gaps and enhance collaboration. The trio often meet up at Baxter’s for coffee, a small ritual that emphasizes their shared mission: to care for patients and communities with kindness, integrity, and teamwork.

Next up in our Mother’s Day spotlight are the Dobbertins, a family whose care spans generations at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. Michelle Dobbertin, the ICU Nursing Director and interim CVU director, has spent six years at LCRH and loves the critical nature of the work. She shared, “I went right from high school to nursing school and just fell in love with critical care. I love that my daughters work here! I am very proud of each of them.” Michelle also notes her appreciation for every department, saying, “I have definitely gained appreciation for all the various hospital departments. Each area is important and keeps the hospital running.” Though she doesn’t see Jordan as often due to night shifts, she cherishes daily moments with Jenna and Mia at work, adding, “I love when I get to see them at work!”

Jordan Dobbertin, who works in central sterile supply, credits her mom for guiding her toward a meaningful career. “My mom has taught and instilled in me the value of hard work and a good work ethic,” Jordan explains. “Even when days are hard and long there is still a job to do and an obligation to do it to the best of your abilities, and in the fields that we all work in, our jobs make a difference in people’s care.” Jenna Dobbertin, a certified pharmacy technician, echoes the family connection, noting how seeing her mom in the hallways or on breaks is a constant source of motivation. “Having a nurse close by has helped me understand that side of healthcare and encourages me to do my job better.” Mia Dobbertin, a transporter, talks about how their mom pushed her to pursue what she enjoys and to give her best. “If it is not something you will enjoy, don’t force yourself to do it and always try your best,” she shares.

Our final Mother’s Day spotlight is Doris Stringer and her daughter Samantha Stringer, a duo whose paths at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital reflect a family-driven commitment to care. Doris, a senior HR specialist, began her journey at LCRH in 1988 and has grown into a Human Resources Generalist role, bringing decades of experience and a people-first approach to the hospital’s culture. Samantha, who started as an RN in the ICU, has spent five years at LCRH and recently transitioned to the Ambulatory Care Unit, continuing the family tradition of dedication to patients and colleagues alike.

Their conversations show a close bond, and they’ve learned from each other after many years of working together. Doris reflects on the pride she feels watching her daughter choose a healthcare path: “Extremely proud is an understatement.” Samantha credits her mother with shaping her work ethic and resilience: “My mom is one of the most hardworking people I know… no matter what is going on, she will show up and do her job to the best of her ability.” The two stay connected through daily messages and time together outside of work, and Doris notes the unique sweetness of the relationship: “I hope my influence as a mother has prepared her for being a mother herself.” In many conversations, they emphasize how their roles differ yet complement one another, and how working at LCRH has made their family feel like part of one big team.

These stories remind us that strong moms and their loving hearts shape not only their families but our entire community, and we are grateful to every mom and every contributor who helps Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital heal and grow. From everyone at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, Happy Mother’s Day!