Jennifer Swanson

What is your position at UNC-Chapel Hill, and how long have you been associated with the University?

I am the Medical Director of the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic and joined the team in November of 2022.

How did you initiate your career in this field or what led you to your current position?

My specialty training and certification is in Emergency Medicine. Over the course of my physician career, I have worked in Emergency Medicine, Urgent Care, Primary Care and Occupational Medicine. About mid-way through my physician career, I became very passionate about physician impact upon clinical quality, operations, and work culture in healthcare. I’ve spent the last 15 years in various leadership roles focused on improving both outcomes for patients and the work experience of healthcare providers.

Which sectors of the University does your role impact, and in what ways does it contribute to those areas of work?

The mission of the UEOHC is to support the well-being of our University workers through both medical surveillance (preventive evaluations) and acute care when an injury occurs. We also have an important role in workplace safety in the research labs.

Describe what you love most about your job.

Our clinical team is small but mighty! I enjoy the team approach we have to our work. It is fascinating to meet University employees and learn about their work and the contribution to the larger UNC mission. Because we support the world-class UNC research labs in creating safe medical practices for innovative new research,  there’s an opportunity to learn about cutting edge science every day.

What advice do you have for those interested in entering a career in your line of work?

My career path in medicine has been anything but “traditional” – follow your passion where it leads you!