For more than four decades, Patty Kvasnicka greeted patients as they arrived at Mayo Clinic and said goodbye as they left. Often the first and last point of contact patients had with Mayo, Kvasnicka understood that small things — like a smile — could be big things. As Mayo plans for the future, those small things won't change.

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Patty Kvasnicka understands the importance of creating a positive and lasting impression.

Over her 46-year career as a door attendant at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Kvasnicka was often the first and last point of contact for patients. Now retired, her career is a reminder that people — and those personal connections that mean so much to both patients and staff — will always be at the heart of Mayo's model of healthcare.

A career rooted in service

Kvasnicka's journey at Mayo began in 1978 as part of the General Services team. Her responsibilities were varied, from delivering mail and staffing the information desk to manually operating an elevator in the historic Plummer Building. Over time, her role evolved away from patient interaction, but her desire to serve patients brought her back to serve as a door attendant.  

"I've always had a lot of empathy for others," she says.

Throughout her career, Kvasnicka's empathy and attentiveness left a lasting impression. Whether helping someone navigate the campus, assisting with a personal need, or simply offering a kind word, she had an innate ability to sense when someone required help.

Her supervisor, Brian Pearsall, General Services, reflected on her remarkable contributions, noting that Kvasnicka consistently went above and beyond.

"She was great at helping patients and visitors maintain their dignity," Pearsall says. "Whether it was offering directions or assisting someone in the restroom, Patty never shied away from any task."

Kvasnicka's philosophy was simple yet profound: treat everyone as family. Her upbringing instilled a sense of responsibility for others, which seamlessly translated into her role. This mindset resonates with her team of long-tenured door attendants, who share the mantra, "We are Mayo Clinic."

Kvasnicka's compassion and connection didn't go unnoticed by patients and visitors. She recalled one patient who was excited to see her and thanked her for helping him the first time he was at Mayo Clinic — 23 years earlier.  

"We're so busy, but when I would hear a thank you or see a familiar face, it reminded me of why this work is so meaningful," she says.

New designs with patients in mind

Human connection, like that demonstrated by Kvasnicka throughout her career, remains central to what makes Mayo Clinic such a special place. While work begins to transform the downtown Rochester campus, Mayo Clinic is ensuring that people — patients and staff — remain the central focus.

As part of Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester, Mayo Clinic is reimagining how technology can enhance facilities to better support patients' needs — including during arrival and departure. In the future, a proactive, data-driven approach will allow staff to create personalized services for each patient, ensuring a smooth, warm and welcoming experience from the moment they arrive on campus.

Pearsall is excited about the opportunities Bold. Forward. Unbound. in Rochester will mean for his team in General Services.

"Mayo is evolving and getting better, and General Services staff want to get better, too," he says. "We can change, evolve and be the best Mayo we can be because we are rooted in our RICH TIES values. We have years of experience on the team and hold ourselves and others accountable for living Mayo Clinic values every day."

When the downtown Rochester transformation is complete, the data-enabled, technology-infused clinical spaces will complement the personal interaction and care that only Mayo staff can provide.

While Kvasnicka may no longer greet them at the door — as a retiree, she'll be spending time with her five grandchildren — patients can rest assured that there will always be a friendly smile to welcome them to Mayo Clinic.