December 10, 2025
It has been a little more than 30 years since the late Dr. Cecil Burt hired Tammy Allhoff at Pearl River Community College as a part-time instructor in the Surgical Technology program.
The job quickly changed to a full-time position, leading to her completing the Associate Degree.
Now, after having been a part of more than 500 graduating surgical technologists, the 60-year-old Allhoff is moving onward with a new chapter in her life: retirement.
“During my 30-plus years at PRCC, I have had the opportunity to work with great administrators and colleagues that have allowed me to continue to grow, share my knowledge and enjoy my passion for the operating room,” said Allhoff.
“I grew up wanting to be a teacher and I am blessed that my career led me to this role. I have always enjoyed learning and am thankful to have a career that gave me the best of both worlds, educating and being part of a healthcare team.”
Allhoff, a native of Dekalb, became the Surgical Tech Program Director in 2011 and, she said, “This role was challenging while also exciting. I then completed my Bachelor’s Degree at USM.”
She recently graduated her final class of SUT students. Replacing her will be one of her former students, Leah Backstrom, who has served as a SUT instructor.
“Mrs. Allhoff has meant so much to me,” said Backstrom. “She is more than just an instructor and colleague; she is a role model, mentor, guiding light, and true friend. Her passion for Surgical Technology is infectious, and her dedication to her students is unwavering. I know I have big shoes to fill taking over her role in January.”
Some PRCC faculty, staff, students, alumni and some area hospital representatives were in attendance for her final pinning ceremony.
“I often tell my students that there is no other place like the operating room,” said Allhoff. “I have truly enjoyed my career while being part of healthcare teams that make a difference. Each surgeon, patient, student and co-worker have made such a difference in my life.
“Being an educator is a challenging and rewarding job. Our program grew from 20 students one time a year to 60 students a year to help in addressing the national shortage of surgical technologists.”
After graduating from Meridian Community College’s Surgical Tech program in 1984, she began work at Forrest General Hospital. She was one of two Surgical Techs on the first Cardiovascular Team when the CV program began in August 1985.
In 1986, she began employment with the Hattiesburg Clinic General and Thoracic surgeons as a first assistant. The surgeons included Dr. Richard Clark, Dr. Charles Guice, Dr. T. Erskine Ross, Dr. Ralph Abraham and Dr. William Whitehead.
“As a relatively new surgical technologist, I thrived with the guidance they gave me,” said Allhoff. “There are not enough words to express what a difference they made in me when I was starting out in this career.”
In 1995, she started working for Dr. Lewis Hatten as his first assistant and became a Certified Surgical First Assistant.
“I could write a book on the knowledge I gained from him,” she said. “Not only was he a great mentor in the operating room, but he is an incredible person and example of goodness and stability. I was fortunate to work alongside him in the operating room, and in his office as well. On Fridays, we would go to his hometown of Wiggins and have clinic there, to give back to his community. What an incredible time and learning experience that was for me, having come from a small town myself.”
When Allhoff began working in the PRCC program, her co-worker and program director was the late Debbie Hinton.
“She was an incredible person and mentor for me in the field of education,” said Allhoff. “Debbie and I co-authored a series of digital resources on surgical instruments. We also co-authored a book on Surgical Mayo Set-ups. We saw a need for students in this area, so we worked together to fulfill that need.”
She admits being a strict instructor, but she said it was all to better prepare them for the job.
“Most of my students will tell you that I am firm and have high expectations,” said Allhoff. “I agree with them, but it is my hope that they know how much I believe in them, and that they can rise to those expectations.
“I want my graduates to continue to make a difference in the health care field because they are the reason that I have loved my job. I am so proud of all the surgical technologists, not only my graduates, but any and all surgical technologist that are vital members of the team.”
Allhoff as made an impact on many PRCC employees.
“Tammy has been a pillar of excellence in our Surgical Technology program,” said Dr. Jana Causey, Vice President of the Forrest County Campus. “Her passion for teaching, her tireless work ethic, and her unwavering commitment to student success have set the standard for what exceptional education looks like.
“She ensured every surgical technologist from PRCC was prepared, confident, and ready to deliver high-quality care in operating rooms throughout our community.”
Allhoff said her decision to retire was not an easy one.
“Deciding to retire has been a difficult decision, but I feel that the timing is right,” she said. “Our Allied Health programs are bigger than any one individual and we have to keep the bigger picture in mind.
“For those that know me, you know that I won’t just sit at home. I am a worker and enjoy the outcomes. I plan on taking a break, but then find areas I can continue to contribute to the health care field.”
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Article by Chuck Abadie.
