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A Quiet Beginning
Nearly 15 years ago, Corina applied for a medical assistant job at my pain clinic. She came from a primary care office where she did a little bit of everything—front desk, patient flow, vitals. She had no experience in pain management.
During her interview, one thing stood out: she was extremely quiet. She answered questions politely but without elaboration. Later, I learned that part of her silence came from being self-conscious. She had just gotten braces and avoided talking much, and by nature, she was reserved.
Despite that, something about her presence and humility convinced us to give her a chance.
Rising to the Challenge
Early in her employment, an unexpected situation tested her. One day, a medical assistant was out sick and I needed help in the operating room. Though brand new and inexperienced in that setting, Corina stepped in.
She listened intently to my instructions and followed them precisely. There was no hesitation, no excuses—just careful attention. Soon after, patients began offering unsolicited compliments: “That young lady really knows her stuff,” they’d say.
It was the beginning of a transformation.
Life Behind the Scenes
As I got to know Corina, I learned more about her personal life. She was a single mother of two, with a newborn only a month old when she joined us. By day, she worked tirelessly in the clinic. By night, she delivered pizzas to make ends meet.
She never complained. She never arrived late. She never used her circumstances as an excuse. Instead, she carried herself with dignity, working harder than anyone else in the room.
Her dedication to learning was equally impressive. Everything I taught her, she carefully wrote down on index cards. Over the years, those cards became a thick stack of personalized study notes—a reflection of her discipline and hunger to grow.
Climbing Higher
As Corina mastered her role, she earned the position of lead medical assistant. But I knew she had the ability to do even more. I encouraged her to go back to school. At first, she resisted. Raising two kids alone while working two jobs already felt like more than enough.
But she listened. Slowly, she enrolled in community college classes, taking one course at a time.
When the moment was right, I pushed her further: “You should consider nursing.” She hesitated again, but eventually sat for the entrance exam and was accepted. Her index cards, accumulated over years in my clinic, became her study tools during nursing clinicals.
Blossoming Personally and Professionally
While she advanced academically, her personal life grew richer as well. She began dating a kind, supportive man who loved her children as his own. I still remember the day she came into my office, beaming from ear to ear, to tell me she was engaged.
She often joked with patients and staff that I was her “work father.” It remains one of the greatest compliments I have ever received.
By this time, the baby she once carried into the world was now a teenager. Corina had grown from a quiet, inexperienced medical assistant to a confident, skilled nurse. And I wasn’t done encouraging her. “Don’t stop at your associate’s degree,” I told her. “Go for your BSN.” She did.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Eventually, Corina completed her BSN and relocated for new opportunities. Saying goodbye was difficult, it felt as though I was giving away a daughter. Yet it was also one of the proudest moments of my career, watching her grow into the professional she had always been capable of becoming.
Even today, she stays in touch, reminding me of the power of persistence and mentorship.
A Lesson for All of Us
Corina’s journey reminds us that greatness in healthcare does not always begin with titles or degrees. It begins with grit, humility, and the willingness to learn.
To every ancillary worker out there—medical assistants, technicians, front desk staff—remember this: your role matters. Your potential is limitless. With the right support and determination, you can build a path far beyond where you started.
Healthcare is about teams. When each member of the team is empowered to grow, patients, families, and communities thrive.
Corina’s story proves that with mentorship, perseverance, and hard work, even the quietest voice can rise to lead with confidence.