Education

Graduate Certificate in Medical Sciences - Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences – Tulsa, OK, 05/2024

Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology, Northeastern State University – Broken Arrow, OK, 05/2022                                       

Associate of Science in Allied Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology – Okmulgee, OK, 09/2020

Certifications

Basic Life Support (BLS) – National CPR Foundation

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) – National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

My Story

Not everyone grows up knowing what they want to do in life, but I did. I grew up in a small town in Oklahoma, where access to medical care and education is very limited. My high school graduating class size was 12, if that puts things into perspective. I’ve been fortunate and blessed to complete my entire college education and certification debt-free.

My passion for medicine began at twelve years old, inspired by the care my grandmother received after being diagnosed with cancer. Spending nearly two years in and out of doctors’ offices and hospitals, I observed firsthand the compassion and dedication of healthcare providers who treated us like family. This experience, among many others, planted the seed for my future career. I knew then that I wanted to make a similar impact on others, ensuring that people have access to the best care during their most challenging times.

As I grew older, my interest in biology and patient care only intensified. I was captivated by the application of medical knowledge in real-life situations, and I wanted to use my talents to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I envisioned myself working at the forefront of healthcare, being a reliable presence for patients in their time of need, much like the care team who treated my grandmother had been for us.

After high school, I began working as a central scheduler for a large tribal health system, quickly advancing to a medical assistant role. This opportunity gave me a comprehensive understanding of how medical offices operate, from the front desk to the back office. I rotated through various departments, including primary care and physical medicine, before joining one of the largest health systems in Oklahoma as a float pool medical assistant. In this role, I primarily worked in neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and general surgery, providing care in outpatient settings and even participating in surgeries in the operating room.

My six years as a medical assistant have been filled with invaluable experiences. I've celebrated victories with patients, such as an oncology patient who went into complete remission and a young couple who welcomed a healthy baby after three miscarriages. I've also been there for patients during their darkest moments, like when I comforted a mother who had lost her husband and child in a tragic car accident. These experiences have given me a profound understanding of the highs and lows of patient care, reaffirming my desire to take on a more significant role in healthcare.

Throughout my journey, I have demonstrated resilience, drive, and a strong work ethic. I pursued my education with determination, attending school full-time while working to support myself and advance my career. Balancing these demands required dedication and discipline, but it also taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Cell and Molecular Biology, followed by a year of graduate school, earning a Graduate Certificate in Medical Sciences. This further solidified my commitment to a career in healthcare and expanded my knowledge and skills.

My work across various specialties has taught me important lessons about patient care. In primary care, I learned to view the patient holistically rather than focusing solely on the issue at hand. In physical medicine, I recognized the value of addressing underlying issues rather than merely treating symptoms. My experience in neurosurgery highlighted the need to treat the patient, not just their imaging results. Correlating patient complaints, clinical exam findings, and imaging reports is essential for accurate diagnosis. These lessons have shaped my approach to patient care and guided me toward my future goals.

Though my ultimate goal is to become a physician assistant, I want to take time to support the profession that has supported me throughout my journey. I believe that raising the next generation of medical assistants is crucial, and passing on the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired is essential to keeping the profession strong. Many people are eager to begin careers in healthcare but don’t know where to start, or they may feel overwhelmed by the material. The mission of this website is to help equip the next generation of medical assistants with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.