Let’s say this is one of those TV hospital dramas about a charismatic cardiologist who helps save lives in every episode.
It’s easy to imagine close-ups of the doctor, with her stethoscope, crisp white coat, and confident smile. It’s also easy to assume that there wouldn’t be any shots of Sandra Martinez at all.
But this is real life. And in real life, it’s often the executive assistants (EAs) like Sandra who help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes and who really deserve the spotlight.
EAs, or “admin assistants” as they’re often called, do much more than scheduling and management. They’re often the multi-talented “glue” holding a team together, and a personal extension of the leaders they represent. That requires more than just organization—emotional intelligence, high collaboration, adaptability, and a little “chemistry.” Across 72 unique departments at U of U Health, more than 235 EAs provide support to around one to five individuals at a time.
Sandra was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Texas when she was 6 years old, then to Utah when she was 12. She helps keep things on track in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine for five clinicians and a handful of PAs and nurse practitioners. She juggles their schedules when someone else’s availability suddenly changes, and squeezes in a colleague who says they need to meet “now now now.” Sandra also makes sure credentials are up-to-date for providers who offer virtual appointments in Utah and other states like Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, and Idaho. And when providers need to vent, Sandra provides a shoulder to lean on.
One afternoon, in a courtyard behind the sleek HELIX Building, away from the bustle, heartache, and victories of the hospital, Sandra sat with her colleague, cardiologist Line Kemeyou, MD. The two women spoke about a relationship based on trust and respect, built over the seven years they’ve worked together. From somewhere not too far off, the U’s marching band was practicing. The thumps and honks of the instruments were insistent—but it was clear that neither woman was ruffled by much.
Line says that Sandra represents “the unrecognized, under-recognized, and not-enough-recognized” people among U of U Health’s sprawling nearly 30,000-member staff. Recognition, or the lack of it, doesn’t seem to have occurred to Sandra. With her trademark modesty, she replies: “I’m just happy to be able to help her do the things she shouldn’t have to focus on when she’s busy with patients.”
In December 2025, Line left her position at the U to return to Florida, where she once trained. But she spoke only with love and appreciation for her executive assistant: “Sandra approaches life with a smile and a positive attitude. Besides being my brain, I think she’s just a wonderful human being.”
By Elaine Jarvik; Photos by Charlie Ehlert
