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When asked to draw blood from patients and donors, Cindy Carroll used precision plus skill and retired following a 32-year career at Three Notch Medical Center.

Carroll was honored by the TNMC staff during a retirement party on Thursday, Dec. 16.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from Troy University. Becoming a phlebotomist seemed to come naturally for her.

“I knew I wanted a career in the health field. I have always loved math and science. After a year’s internship in Birmingham, I returned home and went to work in the lab at Columbia General Hospital. I went to work at Andalusia Regional Hospital in 1980. The hospital has round-the-clock coverage now, but back then, we were on call after the second shift left. There were some nights we would be called back several times a night or during the weekend,” Carroll said.

She was given an opportunity to go work with Dr. Frank Maddox at Three Notch Medical Center in June 1990.

“I really can’t say enough to describe the blessing Cindy has been to our patients, staff, and me personally. Not only is she an excellent laboratory technologist, but she is also a genuine, warm, and caring person who has been a role model for all of us who know her. She was always smiling and dedicated to her patients when I am sure she felt worse than the patients she was attending. Her only drawback is her dedication to Alabama football. I really worked hard to convert her over to Auburn the past 32 years to no avail. I know she is looking forward to babysitting her grandchildren and traveling with Larry. We all hope for the best and all of life’s blessings for her in retirement,” Maddox said.

She continued to work afternoons at the hospital lab during the second shift and on weekends until 2014. “It is a very rewarding feeling to know that I helped in providing lab results, which led to a patient’s diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Maddox, nurse practitioners Ricky Lewis and Ericca Hawsey, and the nurses and office staff are awesome to work with. Chance made us coworkers, but the fun and laughter made us friends. I have always heard you will know when it is time to retire, and I think that is true. One of the nurses gave me a cup with that saying.”

Carroll felt the time spent with her work family was a big part of her life. “We saw life’s milestones, graduations, weddings, births, deaths, and everything in between. I will miss them terribly, but I feel like it is time to experience the next chapter. I will also miss the patients. When I first started in this field, a lot of things were done manually. Now, almost everything is automated and computerized,” she said.

She was appreciative of Dr. Maddox for all he contributed during her 32-year journey.

“I would like to thank him for the opportunity to work under his guidance. He has been the best boss, doctor, and friend anyone could ask for.”

She is married to her husband of 41 years, Larry Carroll with three grown children: Whit, Cole, and Jamie. She also has eight grandchildren: Evie, Maddie, Alex, Hutch, Reed, Emmie, Hadleigh, and Nealie.

“I thank God for the opportunities I have had, the people I have met, and the friends I have made. All of my grandkids call me Lulu, so I am looking forward to being a full-time Lulu,” Carroll said.