By Madison Boyle, Vanguard Team Member
Vanguard Skin Specialists celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, an exciting milestone in providing exceptional dermatological care since 2009. Our journey has been defined by treating patients like family, which is only made possible by the outstanding individuals who make up our team.
Finding Purpose at Work
Brene Brown said, “Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” At Vanguard, our team embodies this sentiment as we strive to create a positive impact on our patients, our community, and the world. Our mission is what gets us up in the morning to serve patients across southern Colorado, volunteer with local non-profits on weekends, and support clean water projects from Rwanda to Honduras. It’s our passion and purpose in action, making a difference both locally and globally.
Purpose, on an individual level, is what gives life meaning. It provides a sense of direction, intention, and understanding that your work is creating an impact. Working with a mission that transcends personal interests and allows you to see the impact of your work is both unique and vital to our ability to flourish as people.
Most organizations have a mission statement, but how many are living out that mission every day? Rachel Frederickson, PA-C, who has been a dedicated member of the Vanguard team since 2011, says, “It’s inspiring to know that each day when we work to serve a full day of patients, we are also fighting for the rights of women and children around the world. Vanguard is committed to serving vulnerable populations in impoverished communities around the world with clean water, healthcare, education, and economic development. Serving the underprivileged is the very foundation of Vanguard. It is an ongoing commitment that defines our work and our practice. The knowledge that we are changing lives every day for the better motivates us to do our best work.” This shared purpose brings unparalleled fulfillment and a sense of pride to everyone at Vanguard.
Putting Work into Perspective
When I was a teenager, one of my mentors shared that every person carries a sign that reads “Make Me Feel Important.” Everyone wants to feel seen, valued, and appreciated whether it’s your neighbor, co-worker, or the patient with a tough diagnosis.
The small moments in the in-between are the ones that build momentum —conversing with a patient about their grandchildren or supporting a colleague on their journey to medical school. Every person who enters a Vanguard medical clinic, every life touched in El Paso, Douglas, and Teller counties, and every individual impacted in Haiti, Cambodia, Rwanda, and Honduras seek to feel valued. Vanguard ensures these moments happen by acknowledging that every person is welcomed, loved, and important.
I am fortunate to belong to such an organization where my coworkers have left an enduring impact on me and ensured I feel important and valued. Every single person here at Vanguard cares deeply about their teammates, our patients, and the communities we serve at home and abroad. This shared dedication and compassion make Vanguard not just a workplace, but a community committed to making a real difference in the world.
The People Make the Place
For the past five years, Vanguard has been recognized as a “Best Place to Work” in Colorado Springs by The Gazette. This distinction is one we hold in high regard and owe entirely to our dedicated team of 130 members.
Since joining Vanguard, I have consistently watched our team go above and beyond for our patients and each other. It’s a familiar sight to witness experienced team members pausing their work to mentor new colleagues or seeing our team bond while packing boxes of food at Care and Share during the weekend. I’ve never been prouder to be a part of any team as I am to be a part of this one!
This dedication to our team is summed up perfectly by Vanguard Skin Specialists’ Patient Services Manager, Jamie Schilling: “What excited me about Vanguard when I was looking for employment fresh out of college was the idea of working for an organization that was dedicated to not only their patients but also their employees. The culture that has been built over the past 15 years is one of genuine support and care. My peers and my supervisors support my personal and professional development. I feel like I am a better version of myself because of Vanguard.” Her experience reflects the passion and commitment that define our organization’s approach to both healthcare and workplace culture. At Vanguard, our unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and empowering environment fuels our collective drive to make a lasting impact on the world.
Join Our Team
There’s an African proverb we love at Vanguard: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” If you would like to join a team with a mission to make a positive impact, then we’d love to talk to you.
Click here to learn more about joining us. You may email your resume and cover letter to recruiting@vanguardskin.com or apply here.
Madison Boyle has been the Recruiting/HR Coordinator at Vanguard since 2023. She has five years of experience recruiting high performing teams. She loves learning people’s stories and finding the best people to further Vanguard on our mission. Madison’s favorite thing about working at Vanguard is the people who inspire her to make a difference in every patient’s life, no matter how small.