Couples Working Together – Ann and Jim Talkington

STRENGTH AND UNITY

Dr. James Talkington has a thriving medical practice off Jenks Avenue, providing general and pediatric orthopedics, handling sport-related and work-related injuries, and specializing in shoulder injuries.  His wife, Ann, works successfully with him as a physical therapist and much more.  According to Jim, “she does a little bit of everything,” from giving perspective to patients about their long-term recovery to talking to her husband about their patients. The relationship between them is unusually strong and positive. 

It’s a wonder Jim and Ann Talkington ever met. After Jim finished medical school in Mississippi, he did his four-year residency in Orthopedic Surgery at University Hospital in Jacksonville. He’d worked with one of the nurses, Ann’s mother, for several years. Although Ann’s mother told him to “stay away from her,” she finally introduced them in 1984. They married in 1985, and the rest is a lovely story.

Ann says, “Jim is the smartest person I know.” After 28 years of marriage and three kids, she says he studies, and reads medical journals continuously. “He loves learning new things.” Jim says, “She fills in the cracks when I leave something unsaid. We fill in the gaps for each other.”

The couple has worked together exclusively in the office for five years, although Ann says, “I don’t think we ever stopped.” They’ve worked off and on together for the whole 28 years. As “best friends,” Jim feels they’ve found the key to a lasting marriage and a successful working relationship.

The key, as Ann describes it, is having him “in charge, captain of the ship.” He’s the one ultimately responsible, the one accountable for whatever happens in both their medical practice and their family. She quickly as serts, however, that their relationship comes before their business. “God comes first, then each other. We believe that The Lord is our provider, and that He is the one who gave us each other and our business.” Jim echoes her thoughts. “Marriage comes first. You do what’s right between God and your spouse.”

Although they’ve “had their moments,” they’ve found that they yearn for time together with their teenage children. Jim claims “there’s less of an imperative to have my own quiet time.”

As for recommendations for those who are married and working together, Jim suggests “be pragmatic.” He adds that there must be someone ultimately responsible and a helper. And, always have an “I’m sorry” handy. Couples should have a sense of humor and have a good time together. “They must have joy in their atmosphere.”

Because it isn’t always easy, they must work at it, as Jim and Ann do. And they should have a true love for people. “Every patient that walks through the door has a treasure inside,” says Ann.

They’ve both grown spiritually over the decades, both for each other and for their patients. As long-term members of Hiland Park Baptist Church, they give “glory to God for everything we’ve achieved,” says Ann.

By Carole Lapensohn