"I believe spiritual care is a vital part of the healing process, and a chaplain is a very important part of the patient's healing team," said Rev. Lee. "It is important to look after the emotional, spiritual and physical aspects of a patient's illness to achieve a holistic approach to healing."

A Richmond native, Rev. Lee is a graduate of Averett College in Danville and holds a Master of Divinity with Christian Education Degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Rev. Lee is Board Certified with the Association of Professional Chaplains and is a member of the Virginia Chaplains Association. Before she came to Danville Regional Medical Center, she served as Director of Pastoral Care at Shore Memorial Hospital in Nassawadox, Virginia.

As the head of Pastoral Care Services, Rev. Lee provides leadership among the staff of volunteer clergy and helps to coordinate their services. "I'd like to change the idea that chaplains are only called on in the event of death," she said. "There's a lot we can do here through education to enhance pastoral care."

Although she is a Baptist minister, Rev. Lee is available to comfort patients of all faiths. "I bring an ecumenical approach to this institution. I truly respect the faiths and cultures of others and am continuously learning about them," she said.

But the most important aspect of her job is being present when patients and staff need her most. "Chaplaincy truly is the ministry of presence," said Rev. Lee. "When words won't help, people only need your compassionate presence."

If patients or their families feel that the presence of a minister would be of assistance, their nurse, so advised, will be happy to contact Pastoral Care.

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June 22, 2005 - DRMC Pastoral Care Services is pleased to welcome Reverend Susan Milam Hannah, Chaplain & Parish Nurse Coordinator.

Susan has most recently served as a Hospice Chaplain and On Call Chaplain with Bon Secours Hospital System in Richmond.

In addition, she worked as an Adjunct Faculty member at Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, leading Pastoral Care student groups.

Susan looks forward to becoming involved with area churches, helping them to establish new Parish Nurse programs, while enhancing those already in place.

We are eager to have Susan share her gifts of ministry throughout our institution.

Susan and her husband Jim, are both ordained United Methodist ministers.

A graduate of the University of Richmond, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, Susan enjoys reading, walking, weight lifting, knitting, and motorcycles.