For more than two decades, Robin Tunley has been a constant presence in the Emergency Department, embodying the resilience, teamwork, and heart of Stillwater Medical. Tunley’s career, from her first days as a registrar, to her current role as the manager of patient access, tells the story of someone deeply committed not only to her work, but to the people she serves alongside daily.  

Her journey began 23 years ago when she took the registrar position in the ER. “I started off as a registrar, and then I was promoted to a team lead. I kind of got into management pretty early,” Tunley said. That progression continued— team lead, supervisor, and now manager— all while remaining rooted in the fast-paced environment of the ER.  

Tunley’s desire to work in healthcare stems from a formative moment in her childhood. At just 14 years old, she lost her father to sepsis and pneumonia. As he was being treated, Tunley can vividly recall the medical team’s calming presence as they worked in sync, without ever speaking aloud.  

“It was like when you listen to music and everything just flows—the beat, the song, the lyrics,” Tunley said. “That’s what it felt like in that room. Everybody had a place, everybody had a role. I remember thinking, ‘I want to be a part of something bigger than myself.’”  

This desire, to contribute something meaningful and larger than her, has carried Tunley throughout the difficulties and joys of her career. She has witnessed immense growth and change during her time at Stillwater Medical, yet Tunley says the people remain the heart of the health system. “Some of my best moments and some of my worst moments have been in this building,” Tunley said. “But I’ve always had people surrounding me to lift me up, encourage me, and rally for each other and the community.” 

Tunley’s experienced the intentional care of Stillwater Medical personally when she was diagnosed with cancer. She remembers the compassion which surrounded her during a trying time. “I’ll never forget our CEO, Denise, coming up to me on my last day before treatment. She said, ‘We’re going to be praying for you.’ That meant so much,” Tunley said. “Here you feel more than a number. You matter.” 

That sense of family is one reason Tunley has chosen to commute from Broken Arrow—an hour and a half each way—for the past 14 years. “I probably pass 65 places I could work in Tulsa, but I choose Stillwater Medical every day because I know I matter,” Tunley said.  

The culture, where staff seek to cultivate a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, makes the drive worth it for her. Outside of work, Tunley’s life is just as full. She and her husband run a family-owned barbecue food truck. Their four children, ranging in age from 26 to 10, all pitch in to help, making it a family affair.  

For Tunley, the theme of family—chosen and biological—runs throughout her story. Whether in the ER, in her community, or with her own children, she is someone who believes in showing up for others and finding strength in togetherness.  

“I always joke that it’s all for one and one for all,” Tunley said. “But that is really what it feels like here. We have each other’s backs.”