I started my medical career when I was a senior in high school in 1999. My first job was as a unit clerk at the former Scott and White Hospital in Temple, TX. I started working on an infectious disease unit and then moved to a cardiology unit, which I loved! I moved from a hospital setting to a clinical setting and worked as a float receptionist at King's Daughters Clinic. I floated to various offices within the organization to include Family Practice, Pediatrics, OB/Gyn, General Surgery, Urology, Podiatry, GI, Asthma and Allergy, Neurology, Cardiology, Imaging, and ENT. I eventually took a permanent receptionist position in ENT. As a receptionist, I had to verify insurance and referrals, collect copays and deductibles, scan some medical records, schedule and confirm appointments, maintain current patient information, and other assigned duties . While working as a receptionist in ENT, I cross-trained with the medical assistant to help with patient load on days the Dr. saw patients at a satellite clinic in a different city. When the medical assistant left her position, I was offered that position and took it. I roomed patients, took vitals, sterilized procedural equipment, scheduled surgeries, imaging, and labs, assisted physician with in-office procedures and various other job duties. While working as a clinical assistant I was able to attend school and complete an AAS in Management. The physician I was working for was afforded an opportunity to open a private practice and offered me a position as his office manager. I took the position and moved from Temple, TX to Kerrville, TX to help start a new practice. I stayed with this practice for a few years before moving back to my hometown due to family health issues. Eventually, I ended up in Waco, TX and worked for an Ophthalmologist as a scribe and tech.
A couple of years ago I ended up moving to the Rio Grande Valley where I took an interest in pursuing a more focused degree in a healthcare position. The desire to be in a position of helping patients, as well as the job market in the area was the driving force behind that decision. I quickly found CHCP in McAllen and knew this was the place that would help me reach my goal of being in a job that allowed me the opportunity to work independently while still working one on one with patients. I knew sonography was a good fit for me. Since starting the sonography program, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the critical role a sonographer plays in patient care. The constant challenge of scanning different patients accurately and the level of responsibility should not be taken lightly, but that is what I enjoy the most about this profession. My desire is to provide each patient with the absolute best care and the best scan so they can get the proper diagnosis and the appropriate course of treatment from their provider.