Monica Costello is the new clinic administrator for Volunteers in Medicine of Jacksonville.
WHAT ARE HER DUTIES?
“This job is like a combination of everything I’ve ever done. I’ll be doing anything and everything I need to to make this clinic happen. If that means sweeping the floors or planting flowers, I’ll do that. If that means going to Washington to lobby or making presentations in the community to let people know who we are, I’ll do that. I’ll be running operations at the clinic, making sure our volunteers are happy and well-trained and that all of our policies are in place. Thankfully, I won’t be doing it alone since I have the board to help me.”
WHERE ELSE HAS SHE WORKED?
Costello spent 15 years at Methodist Medical Center and Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, working as a counselor, the director of the AIDS clinic and the administrative manager of radiology. Her last position was with Learn to Read, Inc., where she served as program director.
WHAT WAS IT THAT DREW HER TO THE CLINIC?
Having spent so many years in the health care industry, Costello saw a huge need for a clinic such as Volunteers in Medicine. “It was frustrating to see how people without insurance coverage would put off coming in for treatment because they couldn’t afford it. They’d have to wait until later, when they were very sick.” She first heard about VIM through an article in the newspaper. “It hit me that this is what Jacksonville needed. I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”
HER ROOTS?
Costello is originally from Oak Park, Ill., which is just outside of Chicago. “I went to Jamestown College in North Dakota [where she majored in psychology] on a track scholarship and I came here for a counseling position at Methodist Hospital [now Shands].” She received a master’s degree in health care administration from the University of North Florida.
DO SHE STILL RUN?
Yes, but usually on the treadmill these days. “I also love to water ski and bike ride.” Costello participates every year in the MS 150 bike ride, which benefits multiple sclerosis. “I’ve organized teams in the past. Maybe I should organize a Volunteers in Medicine team.”
WHAT DOES SHE LIKE ABOUT WHAT SHE DOES?
“I really enjoy working with doctors. The fact that we’ll operate with all volunteer nurses and doctors really says something about the profession. And our board of directors gives so much of their time. I really enjoy working with people who are so giving.”
WHERE IS SHE WORKING UNTIL THE CLINIC IS OPEN?
Costello has a temporary office in the Suntrust building in the law office of Cooper Ridge & Latinberg. “George Ridge is a board member and the firm has very generously lent me this space until we’re finished with work at the VIM clinic.”
WHO ELSE IS WORKING WITH HER?
Elaine Edwards is serving as Costello’s assistant.
IF SHE HAD BEEN A DOCTOR?
“I think I really would have enjoyed surgery.”
— by Bailey White