Helping the next generation of healthcare workers

Centennial Voices: Coming home to build the future

Angela Surratt, DHA, has had a connection to Ascension St. John since she was born. It’s a place that helped her family grow for generations and where her career began.

“St. John Medical Center is where I was born, and it’s been part of my family for generations,” she said. “Both of my parents, my brother and my sister were born here, and my mom and sister have also worked here. My connection to this place is deep, it’s a legacy.”

It’s that connection to the care that drew her back to Ascension St. John as a workforce development manager. On any given day, Angela can be found developing Ascension associates towards their next career step. She spends her day presenting and creating pipeline and retention programming, welcoming student interns, or representing Ascension at career fairs and community events. Her work centers on one thing: opening doors to opportunity.

“This role has been a blessing,” she said. “I have the opportunity, every day, to connect with our current and future workforce, providing the pathways for them to learn, grow, thrive and build their careers here.”

From an early age, Angela knew she wanted to work in healthcare. Encouraged by her mother, she attended health-career summer camps, connected with mentors and joined the St. John Medical Center Volunteer Program while still in high school. “I started as a candy striper on 10E,” she said. “I answered call lights, helped deliver meals to patients and assisted with tasks around the unit. By my senior year, I was shadowing pharmacy technicians.”

Those early experiences sparked a deeper understanding of health care that helped shape her path forward. By her junior year in college, Angela realized she was drawn to the business and systems side of healthcare, where she could help support those delivering care every day. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Tulsa, followed by her master’s and doctoral degrees from Oklahoma State University.

Her career journey took her across Tulsa, working in workforce development in North Tulsa, nurse contract staffing, and roles at both Tulsa medical schools. Yet, despite the variety of experiences, she felt a pull back to the hospital environment where her story began.

“God sends you where you need to be,” Angela said. “In July 2024, He led me back to St. John, where I began leading workforce development for Ascension in Oklahoma and Kansas.”

“I have a passion for the work I do,” she said. “I want to help build the future of our workforce. We have an opportunity to lay the groundwork now that will strengthen our teams and allow us to better serve our community for generations to come.”

As Ascension St. John celebrates its Centennial, Angela reflects on what has defined the organization for 100 years.

“It’s our compassion,” she said. “Our commitment to not only serve patients, but to care for the poor and vulnerable. We strive for excellence in everything we do, and we genuinely appreciate one another and that shows in the care we provide. Our mission truly reflects Jesus as a healer.”

Centennial Voices is a special article and video series celebrating Ascension St. John’s 100-year milestone through the stories of current and former employees. Through personal reflections on meaningful connections, memorable moments, and everyday inspiration, these voices highlight the people and purpose that have shaped our legacy—and continue to guide our future. Learn more about our history.