Some of our employees shared about their healthcare journey and the importance of representation in healthcare in honor of Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month.
Alejandra Ortiz Santana, Medical Assistant, UW Medical Center – Northwest: "Early in my career, I worked around cancer patients at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Being around them ignited my path to being in the medical field to help patients feel comfortable and safe during their, at times, scary visits. I saw that becoming a medical assistant would be a good path to start on. I’m currently in OB-GYN surrounded by the best and most supportive team."
Orlando Ruiz Rivera, Medical Laboratory Scientist, Transfusion Services Lab, UW Medical Center – Montlake: "I’ve always had an interest in knowing how our bodies function and how science can help our communities to have a good life, which led me to my career as a medical laboratory scientist."
Jeniffer Gonzalez, Pediatric Clinical Social Worker, Harborview Medical Center: "In healthcare, I believe an environment of cultural inclusivity improves when staff can communicate in a patient’s native language. When clinical staff can speak the language a family speaks at home, it allows for rapport building and increased engagement."
Karen Figueroa, Health Services Manager, UW Medicine Primary Care (UWMPC) at Federal Way, UWMPC Administrative Lead for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: "I’m inspired by the stories of courage and resilience that I hear from our patients and the dedication, drive and creativity of our healthcare teams. As a health services manager, I come to work every day excited about the difference our team will make."