A Reflection by Elizabeth A., Medical Assistant
My name is Elizabeth, and this is my UPMC story. I spent several years of my career working in retail. When the pandemic hit the world, a need arose in me to help others with their health in a hospital setting – but I had no clue where to begin to fulfill this desire in me. I resigned from my job in retail in late 2021, excited for what might lie ahead for me, but I had no idea that it would turn into three months of unemployment. Nevertheless, I did not lose hope, and I became even more determined to step into these uncharted waters.
I am so thankful for the partnership between CareerLink, located in downtown Pittsburgh, and recruiters at UPMC. The team at CareerLink listened to my desire to start a career in the medical field despite my lack of experience, and they suggested that I apply for a Medical Assistant role at UPMC. I learned about the on-the-job training offered for medical assistants at UPMC and decided to give it a try. Within one year, I had made an awesome transition from being unemployed, to not only being employed, but employed in health care by the most amazing employer – UPMC. The medical assistant trainee program was a very helpful foundation for me.
"Every patient has a journey, and I'm blessed to have a fraction of their journey blended with mine. It's a rewarding career and what I was called to do on this earth."
— Elizabeth A.
I enjoy my career in patient care because it allows me to have a personal touch in helping people live a better life, no matter what walk of life they are in. The patients make me look forward to showing up at work with a heart full to serve them. Every patient has a journey, and I’m blessed to have a fraction of their journey blended with mine. It’s a rewarding career and what I was called to do on this earth.
I’ve found that not only do I love working in patient care, but it has also opened so many unexpected doors for me. I enjoyed working in health care so much, and learned so much from my coworkers, that I started to feel like nursing might be a career path for me. Nursing will allow me to continue caring for the patients I care about in a new way. I recently learned that I was accepted to nursing school, and I will start in the fall of 2023.
Another opportunity that has been afforded to me because of my health care career was the chance to go on a medical mission. A patient that I was attending during her annual checkup if I had ever considered a medical mission. I loved the idea, but I didn’t think I had enough experience to go. I applied anyways, and learned that people with all sorts of experience levels are able to go and serve.
In April 2023, I joined a team of doctors and nurses on a medical mission with Surgicorps International to CURE Hospital in Zambia, fulfilling a lifelong goal I had of travelling to help those in need. I had the pleasure of working with a UPMC anesthesiologist and two UPMC physicians on the medical mission. We performed 81 surgeries on kids from age 1 to 18 who need plastic reconstruction surgery. I spent one day of our mission as a transporter between the surgeon’s screening room and the anesthesia screening room, and then spent the next five days working as a circulation nurse.
I learned a lot on this trip and was in a lot of uncharted territory in my career as medical assistant. Many of the children’s stories touched me, and I could relate to what they were going through. The experience inspired me to further pursue being an OR Nurse, and I especially want to work with children. The empathy and compassion for the patients and their parents that I felt on this trip fueled my desire to continue growing in my skills and helping people at UPMC.
"I have found that no matter what a person's education and work experience, there is always a place for you to serve others. UPMC has given me tools and equipped me to be the best in whatever role I am in."
— Elizabeth A.
I have found that no matter what a person’s education and work experience, there is always a place for you to serve others. UPMC has given me tools and equipped me be the best in whatever role I am in. Who knows where else my career will lead, but I am excited for whatever the future will hold!
