HISTORIC TRIANGLE — ‘Ten Questions with’ is a series that allows readers to get to know local business leaders, volunteers and community members in the Historic Triangle.
This week, meet Dr. Jill Cottel of Lackey Clinic:
What is your job title and description?
I’m the Medical Director at Lackey Clinic, a free and charitable healthcare center, and medical ministry in Yorktown, Virginia. My job is to oversee all the clinical services we offer, which include medical care (both primary and specialty care), dental care, behavioral health services, optometry, and our clinic pharmacy. As an internal medicine physician, I also supervise medical students and see my own patients.
Who do you interact/work with on a regular basis?
I work with some of the most amazing, dedicated people I’ve ever known who care about our patients as if they were family. I also interact with patients, volunteers, students, residents, board members, grantors, and community leaders.
What is something about your job most people wouldn’t know about?
We have a lot of fun every day with things like cookie exchanges, potlucks, spirit days and decorating for every holiday we can think of and more that we make up. Today the clinical area is full of bright pink flamingos (not real ones!) for our volunteer appreciation event.
How do you define success?
For us as a clinic, success is a journey towards always trying to become a better version of ourselves, finding new ways to connect with and care for our patients.
What is your most successful accomplishment to date?
For me, it’s the ability to be still, to focus on right now, to be content with who I am and where I am in life. It’s a complete one-eighty from my first fifty years and the crazy pace of academics and medicine.
What piece of advice would you give your younger self?
To slow down and appreciate each day and the people around you. Relax and remember everything will work out the way it’s meant to.
How long have you lived in the greater Williamsburg/York area?
My family and I moved here about five years ago from San Diego. My husband grew up here, so for him it was coming home.
What is your favorite part of living here?
It is so incredibly beautiful here — everything is so green and lush. Seeing the sunlight through the trees or off the water sometimes takes my breath away.
What do you do for downtime/to relax?
I love spending time with my family, reading and exercising.
What is the next step in your journey?
I’m finally at the point in my life where I’m getting comfortable with taking one day at a time. So, no big plans for the future, just trying to live my life with openness to whatever God has for me next.
Do you want to learn more about your community and the people that live and work in the Historic Triangle? We are looking for people with interesting jobs, super volunteers, or community leaders to showcase. Reach out to let us know if you (or someone you know) would like to be considered for Ten Questions.
