Debbie Sanders has spent nearly four decades quietly shaping health care in South Arkansas, not from an exam room, but from the heart of the clinic — where compassion, leadership and familiarity make all the difference.
Sanders, a lifelong South Arkansas resident, was born in Pine Bluff and moved to Rison at age
12. She graduated from Rison High School and later met her husband at church in the Herbine Community of Cleveland County, beginning a life deeply tied to family, faith and service.
Her career path reflects that same dedication. Sanders’ first job was at Central Maloney in Pine Bluff. She later worked as a Title I aide for the now-closed New Edinburg School District and served as a loan secretary at Warren Bank and Trust. In September 1987, she joined the medical field, beginning work for Dr. Kerry Pennington and Dr. Joe “Hank” Wharton as a front desk receptionist.
Over the years, Sanders moved into the insurance department and, in 1995, became office manager — a role she would come to define.
During her tenure, the clinic transitioned from private practice to Baptist Health and later to Mainline Health Systems. Today, Sanders serves not only as office manager of the Warren Clinic, but also oversees the Warren School Clinic, the Rison Clinic and the Rison School Clinic. The clinics provide primary care, behavioral health services, dental care at the Warren School Clinic, dietician services and a monthly visiting urologist at the Warren Clinic.
Despite the scope of her responsibilities, Sanders says patient connection remains central to her work.
“I see the patients every day,” she said. “I make a point to speak to them and see if I can help them in any way. I think the patients feel comfortable asking me for help since I have been here so long — they even come up to me at Walmart.”
Sanders said there is no such thing as a typical day in health care administration.
“Health care is an ever-changing environment,” she said. “We put out fires every day, but we make sure to encourage our staff and listen.”
She believes staff support is essential, especially during high-volume or stressful periods. “We let them know they are important,” Sanders said. “We always remember birthdays. We support our team in every way, especially during crisis situations. My door is always open.”
Clinic manager Jessie Owen said Sanders leads with humility and heart.
“She has a servant heart,” Owen said. “She goes around the clinic to see if anyone needs anything when she takes the mail to the post office. She makes people feel needed and wanted.”
Sanders strives to create a welcoming environment for both patients and employees.
“Always smile,” she said. “Smile when you answer the phone. The person on the other line can hear your smile. Smile when you see others in the hall — some people are here on their worst days because they are sick.”
When asked about the biggest challenge she faced, Sanders did not hesitate. “COVID-19,” she said. “It hit home in our little town.”
She recalled staff working outdoors for more than a year, six days a week, often 10 hours a day.
“When your staff sees you willing to be there with them in the trenches, it creates a bond,” she said.
Sanders also reflected on how much health care has changed since she began. Early in her career, medication refills, lab results and X-rays were handled by phone, charts were handwritten and insurance claims were typed and mailed.
“Now everything is electronic,” she said. “Charts, refills, claims — and patients can see their results through the portal without waiting for a call.”
For those considering a career in health care administration, Sanders offered simple but powerful advice.
“See the patients,” she said. “Patients are the asset. Treat them how you would want your mother treated. And the employees are just as important — without them, nothing works.”
When asked about her greatest accomplishment, Sanders pointed not to her career, but to her family. She has been married for 47 years and has two children, four grandchildren and a great-grandchild on the way.
Outside of work, Sanders enjoys canning food, making homemade soaps and lotions, crafting, teaching Sunday School and helping with youth at church.
Sanders will retire from Mainline Health Systems on March 20. She hopes to travel, spend time with her growing family and devote more time to her hobbies.
One thing is certain — her absence will be felt.
“Debbie is a great asset, and we will miss her,” Owen said, noting that Sanders also leads weekly Bible lessons for staff before work. “We want her to continue that after retirement.”
As Sanders prepares for retirement, she leaves behind more than a well-run clinic system — she leaves a culture of kindness, encouragement and service. Her familiar smile in the hallway, her open door to staff and patients, and her unwavering commitment to treating everyone with dignity have made a lasting difference in the lives of those she served. For Mainline Health Systems and the communities of Bradley and Cleveland counties, Debbie Sanders’ impact will continue to be felt long after her final day.
