Blessing Hospital celebrates its 150th anniversary during 2025. This is one in a series of stories celebrating the anniversary through generations of care, compassion and community, as told by family members working at Blessing.
Forget about being a policeman, fireman, cowboy or astronaut. Ott Sonethongkham knew what job he wanted. His heart was set on becoming a computer programmer. With degrees in computer science and mathematics, Ott earned an entry level IT job at a Quincy trucking company. After a year on the job, he applied to Blessing and St. Mary hospitals.
“I was lucky enough to get a job offer from Blessing Hospital and I was hired in March 1990 to join four other programmers that supported various systems throughout Blessing Hospital,” he said.
And the rest, as they say, is history. After more than 35 years on the job, Ott, a systems/application analyst IV in Information Systems, is as excited to come to work each day as he was on his first day.
“I’ve never once looked for a new job anywhere else,” he said.
Ott is a good personnel recruiter, too. Four of his relatives – his wife, daughter, nephew and cousin - all work at Blessing and all have something to do with Blessing’s information systems.
“I am so happy and proud of my family for following in my footsteps to work here at Blessing. Blessing has been good to me for so many years and I will continue to do everything that I can to support and keep the tradition going.”
“Having so many of our family members working, not just at the same place, but in the same field/area/location is an honor to me,” said Ott’s wife Terri. She is a systems/application analyst III with more than 30 years at Blessing. “It makes me feel that we’ve set the stage for future generations. And, it’s enjoyable to run into each other for a quick chat.”
Terri had another connection to Blessing before marrying Ott; her mother was a nurse at the hospital who spoke highly of her employer. By the time Terri applied, Ott had been on staff five years and she saw how much he enjoyed his work.
“Blessing presents challenges that are interesting to tackle in the IT world. I love to take on those tasks, and at the same time enjoy the flexibility of my role,” she said.
“I feel proud to be working at the same place my parents have dedicated much of their time and lives to,” said Angela Roll, PharmD, clinical informatics analyst, five-year Blessing employee and Ott and Terri’s daughter. “It is rewarding to not only witness but to also hear testimonies of my parents’ dedication and work ethic. I hope to carry on this reputation during my time here.”
“Growing up, a lot of Blessing people would tell me they worked with my Uncle Ott and Aunt Terri, but I didn’t realize how many people actually worked with them over the years until I started working here,” said Logan Sonethongkham, associate analytics engineer, three-year Blessing employee and Ott’s nephew and Angela’s cousin. “I am very proud that they have given everyone they’ve interacted with a positive first impression of our family, because that has helped me with my first impressions as well.”
“Being part of a family with a strong connection to Blessing means a lot to me,” added Richie Supaswud, systems/application analyst I, five-year Blessing employee and Ott’s cousin. “I know I’m on the tail end of my family’s time here, and that makes me want to give my very best and carry on the positive reputation they’ve built. It’s an honor, and I feel a personal responsibility to continue that tradition.”
Family members also appreciate the Blessing work environment.
“I enjoy the camaraderie of all Blessing employees,” said Angela. “I very much appreciate the Early Learning Center and the quality of care and education provided to my daughter there. Their efforts and communication give me peace of mind that allows me to be fully invested in my patients and tasks while I am at work.”
“I am very loyal to my coworkers and boss. They gave me a lot of grace when we had my daughter last year and had to work from Children’s Hospital for seven months,” stated Logan.
“I really like the camaraderie in our department and across the hospital. It’s an easy place to work when everyone’s on the same page,” added Richie. “This is also one of the first jobs I’ve had that offers a great work/life balance, which means a lot to me.”
And each family member is fired up about the work they are doing to bring Epic to the health system. Each is an analyst for a different application of the Epic transition.
“Seeing the teamwork and successes of the various Epic groups is definitely a WOW that I’m proud to be a member of,” Terri said. “Not just me, but each of our family members as well.”
“I think it is a really cool coincidence that all of our family that currently works at Blessing is all currently on the EPIC build project,” Logan concurred.
“Switching EHRs (electronic health record) is not a simple process, but being part of a team that is willing to take on the challenge and help better our health system and thus community has been a really gratifying experience,” stated Angela.
“When I look back some day, I can say I was part of the history around Blessing and Denman,” Ott concluded.