Hackensack, NJ – September 16, 2026 – In healthcare, some of the most important work happens long before a patient enters the operating room.
At Olena Medical, Cheryl Jones, Operations Manager, is one of the key people making sure that work happens behind the scenes.
Her job is to keep surgical centers, anesthesia providers, and staff connected, coordinated, and informed — often while managing constantly changing schedules and competing needs.
“My role is making sure everyone has the right information and the right coverage at the right time,” Jones said. “When that happens, it helps the surgical centers operate efficiently and allows our providers to focus on delivering safe, quality patient care.”
A Day Built Around Coordination
Jones’ work begins with looking ahead.
She communicates with Olena Medical’s surgical centers to determine their anesthesia needs for the upcoming week while simultaneously confirming that there have been no changes to the current week’s schedules.
She then reviews operating room schedules for the following day and coordinates which anesthesia providers will be assigned to each location. Once assignments are finalized, she communicates directly with the surgical centers to confirm their anesthesia coverage.
It is a process that requires organization, attention to detail, and constant communication.
“There are many moving parts,” Jones explained. “Surgical schedules can change, anesthesia needs can change, operating room assignments can change, and provider availability can change. I have to stay organized, communicate clearly, and pay attention to the details so everything runs smoothly.”
The Critical Work Patients May Never See
Jones believes one of the most important aspects of her position is also one of the least visible.
“A lot of what I do may not be visible to patients or even the surgical teams,” she said. “But it plays an important part in ensuring the day runs efficiently.”
Jones describes herself as the connection between the different pieces of the organization.
“Cheryl is an invaluable member of our team. Her contributions and collaborative spirit are an integral part of our success,” stated Dr Shivani Thakkar, Chief Medical Officer at Olena Medical.
Her responsibilities include anticipating the needs of each surgical center, coordinating staffing, communicating schedule changes and addressing potential problems before they disrupt operations.
“I see myself as the connection between the different pieces,” Jones said. “My job is to stay one step ahead, maintain clear communication and solve problems before they affect the surgical centers or our providers.”
And when everything goes according to plan, Jones says that is often a sign that the behind-the-scenes work has been successful.
“A lot of the work may go unnoticed when everything goes well — and honestly, that’s the goal,” she said. “When providers are where they need to be, surgical centers have the coverage they need and the day runs smoothly, it means the behind-the-scenes work is doing what it’s supposed to do.”
More Than a Workplace – A Family
For Jones, however, her role at Olena Medical is about much more than schedules and staffing.
It is also about the people.
“What I enjoy most about working with Olena Medical is the people and the teamwork,” she said. “I appreciate being part of a team where everyone plays an important role in supporting our surgical centers and providers.”
Jones says the organization’s culture is one of the things that sets Olena Medical apart.
“At Olena, we are family,” she said. “We support one another, celebrate each other’s successes and step in when someone needs help. There is a genuine sense of care and connection among our team, and you know that the people you work with have your back.”
That culture, she believes, creates an environment where employees feel supported while also understanding that their individual contributions matter.
“We care about the work we do, but we also care about the people we do it with,” Jones said. “That makes coming to work feel like being part of something bigger than just a job.”
Staying Calm When Healthcare Changes Quickly
Administrative leadership in healthcare requires more than organization. It requires the ability to adapt quickly.
Jones says people may not realize how much problem-solving goes into keeping a medical organization operating efficiently.
“It’s not just about schedules, emails and paperwork,” she said. “It’s about constantly communicating, anticipating needs, managing changes, solving problems and making decisions that can affect an entire team.”
Her approach to challenges is straightforward: remain calm, understand the situation from every perspective, and focus on the solution.
“My philosophy for solving problems is to stay calm, examine the situation from all sides and focus on finding a solution rather than dwelling on the problem itself,” Jones said.
That mindset is particularly important in an environment where schedules and staffing requirements can change quickly.
“Cheryl is much more than a critical manager and communicator at Olena Medical; she is truly the beating heart of our organization. She has a profound impact on our company culture, the strength of our team, and the overall satisfaction of our employees. Her ability to connect with people, communicate effectively, and keep our organization moving forward makes her an invaluable part of Olena Medical.”— Dr. Harshu Chaobal, Founder, Olena Medical
Proud to Be Part of the Olena Medical Team
Jones says she is proud of the role she plays in supporting Olena Medical’s providers, surgical centers and ultimately the patients they serve.
“I’m proud to be part of a company where we really are a family,” she said. “We don’t just say that, we show it.”
For prospective employees, Jones believes Olena Medical offers an opportunity to become part of a team where individual contributions are recognized.
“If you’re looking for a place where you can feel valued, supported and truly part of a team, Olena Medical is a great place to be,” she said. “It’s a place where you can grow, learn and make a difference. The work can be challenging, but you’re never in it alone.”
At the heart of Jones’ role is a simple mission — one that has an impact far beyond the administrative office.
“I keep our centers, providers, and team connected so everything runs smoothly,” Jones said.
And that connection is an essential part of what happens before quality patient care can begin.
About Olena Medical
Olena Medical is a physician-led anesthesia organization focused on providing high-quality anesthesia services and supporting surgical centers and healthcare providers. Through clinical expertise, operational coordination and a commitment to teamwork, Olena Medical works to help its partner facilities operate efficiently while enabling anesthesia professionals to focus on patient care.
Media ContactCompany Name: Olena MedicalContact Person: Karen Ammond- Director of CommunicationsEmail: Send EmailPhone: 862-354-4555City: HackensackState: New JerseyCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://olenamedical.com/
