Darryl and Shawn Chapman both work for IU Health. The husband and wife share a love for family and their team members.

By IU Health Senior Journalist T.J. Banes, tfender1@iuhealth.org

He gets a little giddy when he talks about his wife of six years. And his face lights up when he describes his role in the operating room at IU Health Eagle Highlands.

Darryl Chapman loves his job; his co-workers also love him.

“We’ve never had an assistant in OR and when Darryl came it not only made our jobs easier but also more efficient,” said Barbara Mahlman, a surgical nurse technologist. “He predicts the things we need even before we need them,” said Renee Greer, a nurse.

A native of Indiana, Chapman attended the former Broad Ripple High School. His late father David Chapman was a chef in the military and shared his interest in the hospitality industry with his son. After high school Chapman moved to Grand Rapids, Mich. to pursue a career in culinary arts. He also volunteered as an ambassador for the city and met his wife, Shawn when he was promoting local arts.

Six months ago, Chapman moved his family – including two children – back to Indiana to be closer to his mother.

“I’ve always been interested in helping people and in the service industry. It was my wife’s idea to apply at the hospital,” said Chapman. He landed a job in outpatient surgery and he loves it so much he is planning to return to school for nursing.

“I’ve seen a different side of patient care and think I’ve found my calling,” said Chapman. His wife, a Michigan native, landed her first job in Indiana also working at IU Health Eagle Highlands, in registration.

“It suits us. We are very family-oriented and it’s very family-oriented here,” said Shawn Chapman. “People are welcoming, compassionate and love what they do to help others.”

And what about working with her spouse?

“I love it,” said Shawn Chapman. “We come to work together, meet for lunch and we both understand and appreciate the importance of caring for others.”