It has been a beautiful experience working with patients since the day I started as a Medical Assistant (MA) with WellMed. They are like my own family. We serve a mostly older population. Some are not in the best circumstances medically, financially or otherwise. Many are alone or have no one to care for them. They actually look forward to coming in to see us. We genuinely care.

For instance, when I first started 13 years ago, I spoke with a woman in her exam room as she waited for a doctor. She was emotional and told me I reminded her of her daughter. She revealed she had not had a good relationship with her daughter for a long time, but talking to me seemed to heal her a little. My co-workers noticed it too, and said she was so much better as a patient when speaking with me. She was full of life again. I look forward to seeing her whenever she comes in.

Some who come in to our clinic have experienced difficult times since the pandemic. Just the other day one of my patients walked into the clinic and asked us: “Can you help me?”

In talking to him, I learned he was at his breaking point. He had lost his apartment and was living in his car. He had struggled as long as he could, but finally knew he might find help with us.

Our team called a WellMed social worker who arrived and started the process of setting him up with several programs including low-income housing. This is what we do for family.

I always wanted to be involved in medicine. A friend got into an MA program and inspired me to enroll and receive my certification. My career helped me raise my children who are now both in college. When you love what you do, it is easier to get up every morning and serve others.