Workplace wellness is not a new concept. But according to her colleagues, Susan Meilinger goes above and beyond the call of duty by touching the lives of individuals she works with in life-changing and inspiring ways.
Meilinger, lead nurse and health coach for Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin’s Workforce Health program, serves as an onsite nurse and health resource at various companies throughout the community.
“We contract with local companies to provide occupational wellness services onsite at their companies,” she said. “I regularly do health assessments, blood pressure screenings, wellness promotion, and educate employees on healthy living and nutritional choices.”
Meilinger can’t prescribe medications or make diagnoses, but she can offer advice and peace of mind, she said.
Sometimes all she has to do is listen.
“People have to come up with their own solutions and their own processes to get to where they want to be,” she said.
“People know what they should be doing. They know they need to eat right and exercise. Sometimes all they need is a support system or someone to be accountable to.”
Meilinger works a lot with weight loss clients, and regularly advocates for small, realistic weekly goals to help them achieve long-term success, she said.
She helped one of her clients lose more than 120 pounds.
In November, she launched a “Maintain, Don’t Gain” program that will help individuals maintain a healthy weight and make healthy decisions over the holidays.
“Susan is integral to the program’s ability to drive engagement in workplace health efforts,” said Julie Kuenzi, director of operations for Froedtert’s Workforce Health Program.
“It’s truly a blessing to be a part of people’s lives like that,” Meilinger said. “It takes a lot of courage to open up to a stranger, I don’t take that lightly. I know how hard that is, and it’s truly a great honor to serve these people. I know I learn more from my clients than they learn from me. They are truly inspirational.”
