Interviews

Radiation Therapist - Karen Lynne Ullman (10/28/2005)
"The goal of radiation therapy is to kill the cancer cells with as little risk as possible to normal cells. Members of our radiation oncology department work together to treat our patients. This collaborative effort is seen and felt by all, including the patient, family members, and friends. "

Genetic Counselor - Barbara Biesecker (10/17/2005)
"My career goals are to complete my doctoral degree and continue my work. My initial career goals were to direct a graduate program and conduct research, and I am doing both. I suppose once I complete my doctoral degree there will be new options to consider."

Radiologic Technologist - Dennis Johnson (10/12/2005)
"In our department, we see approximately 60 to 80 patients a day. Most of our work revolves around the use of our computer tomography (CT) scanners. A CT scanner is a tubular-shaped machine that generates multiple X-ray images simultaneously. The images are digitized and processed by the computer to display them as two-dimensional pictures on a monitor. CT scans provide physicians with detailed images of a patient’s internal body that aids them in diagnosis and treatment planning. "

Biostatistician - Richard Simon (9/16/2005)
" In high school, I wasn’t really interested in learning until I began the study of geometry. My older sister was an excellent student, to whom I was always compared. I was questioned, “Why don’t you do better in school like your sister? Why don’t you apply yourself more?” The turning point came when I was in the 10th grade. I had a wonderful geometry teacher who loved her subject."

Forensic Science Technician - Angi M. Christensen (8/15/2005)
"What I like best about my work is that almost every day is different and rewarding. Every case is unique and presents new challenges, which keeps me thinking and stimulated. The idea that everything I do is helping to solve a crime and/or provide closure for loved ones is very rewarding."

Speech-Language Pathologist - Christy Ludlow (8/12/2005)
"My immediate goal involves a new project to help patients with chronic dysphagia as a result of a stroke, brain injury or a brain tumor. These patients can’t eat solid foods or feed themselves and often must be tube feed. I would like to develop a new treatment to help these patients."

Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic - Darryl Lowery (7/20/2005)
"I chose to become an emergency medical technician because of a great volunteer experience. When I was 16, I volunteered at the local fire department along with three of my best friends from high school. Early on, I took the necessary classes and became certified in cardiovascular pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and advanced first aid. I continued working there while I finished high school. Many times I would go to the firehouse after school on Friday and stay there most of the weekend through Sunday. "

Surgical Technologist - Lisa Brown (7/8/2005)
"After working most of my career in a community hospital, I find it interesting to work in the NIH research environment. I have worked on surgical cases that I never knew existed."

Social Worker, Medical - Tina Levin (7/8/2005)
"My mother is a Holocaust survivor, and my father was an emotionally repressed man. I believe I was left to figure out feelings on my own. I learned early on to treat my mother gently and to take care of her because she had suffered enough in her past. Later in my life, I saw a therapist who helped me continue my quest to figure out feelings and who encouraged me to study social work. It was my own process of learning to become myself that created a passion in me to be genuine and, in turn, to help others in a similar discovery."

Orthotist and Prosthetist - Ralph Urgolities (7/7/2005)
"The advice I have given my children and grandchildren and would give to any young person thinking about the future is: Study all kinds of subjects – don't rule anything out – and try your best at each one so that you get a feel for what you really like and what you're good at. Think about what's really important in life. What will bring you satisfaction, not only when you get your paycheck but also when you look back on your life and the difference you have made on the planet?"

Dental Laboratory Technician - Ana M. Remond (6/8/2005)
"My career goal is to enter a dental school through the Navy dental scholarship program. My hope would be to find a dental school through the American Association of Dental Schools and use the Navy scholarship to complete my training."

Dentist - James Tynecki (6/8/2005)
"What I like best about my work is when I give a patient a “smile” that they are proud to wear. In some cases, a patient’s appearance affects their ability to interact successfully with others. ...My artistic and creative abilities have really helped me as a dentist. Being good with your hands and being compassionate are also necessary skills in good dental practice. "

Dental Assistant - Christopher Beadle (5/19/2005)
"I went through military boot camp in Chicago. ... After training, the Navy sent me to Naples, Italy for two years to give dental care to the military stationed in that area. ...On my return to the United States, I was assigned to the White House and had the privilege of providing dental care to the first family. "

Pediatrician - Lynne Haverkos (5/13/2005)
"A pediatrician encompasses qualities of a medical detective, a counselor, and a healer. There is an element of intrigue in searching for signs and symptoms of diseases and solving diagnostic dilemmas. "

Audiologist - Carmen Brewer (5/13/2005)
"Quite honestly, I was a lost soul during middle school and high school. My mother died when I was 10 years old and I was the oldest of 5 children. During my non-school hours, I helped run the household, and did my school homework. Occasionally, I escaped with friends to do the things that teenage girls did, which in my generation was listening to the Beatles! "

Dentist - Stephen Sterlitz (5/13/2005)
"I did not get into dental school the first time that I applied. Quite a let down for someone who had never been told “No” in his life! Even though I completed the minimum prerequisites for admission, scored in the 90th percentile on the admissions exam, and had a pretty strong resume, the dental schools wanted to see more science classes. I had to prove that I could handle the heavy academic load in dental school. Resolute to realize my goal, I resigned from active duty in the Navy and enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at Eastern Michigan University. "

Occupational Therapist - Karoline Harvey (4/18/2005)
"I chose to become an occupational therapist because I always liked science. I began to consider occupational therapy (OT) as a career when my identical twin sister fell-off a horse and broke her arm. She required OT during her recovery. "

Microbiologist - Patricia Diaz (3/28/2005)
"The talents necessary for this kind of job are patience, enthusiasm, critical thinking, persistence, intuition and creativity. Researchers can focus on a very small question for a long period of time... . They know that if they are patient enough, there is a reward at the end of the road."

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist - Greg Tate (3/21/2005)
"While in college, I came upon the safety science field. I was curious about the laws that protect workers, since one of my friends had lost a foot during a work-related accident. I began taking classes and enjoyed the coursework."

Occupational Therapy Assistant - Nancy Bernier (3/1/2005)
"I chose to become an occupational therapy (OT) assistant because 12 years ago I had breast cancer and saw first-hand the benefit that the OT assistant gave to the patient."

Internist - Elise Kohn (3/1/2005)
"I mentor anyone who will let me. Learning is such a dynamic process. I am constantly learning... . "

Physical Therapist Assistant - Chris Weaver (1/10/2005)
"I chose to become a physical therapy assistant because all of my life I have had an interest in health and science. My favorite subjects in high school were anatomy and physiology."

Occupational Therapist - Hanna Hildenbrand (11/29/2004)
"As a teenager, I became a camp counselor with the United Cerebral Palsy organization. ... The work was physically and emotionally challenging, but I completely enjoyed the experience. The campers and their families were so appreciative of, and satisfied with, the camp experience. They taught me about how much you can achieve with motivation, perseverance, adaptability and a little support. Experiences at the UCP summer camps strongly influenced my choice of academic and professional study."

Surgeon - Derrick Cox (10/22/2004)
"I began residency with an open mind to discover what specialty would best utilize my personal attributes, and also be rewarding and challenging. I am very enthusiastic and confident in my decision to pursue a career in surgical oncology. I aspire to be a leader in public health by being an advocate for reducing cancer health disparities through cancer prevention coupled with early diagnosis and treatment."

Physical Therapist - Matthew Scherer (10/22/2004)
What I like best about my work is to see the patients make progress toward their goals and improve their level of functional activity. As the patient progresses toward independence, I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment and a justification of my career choice. Fitness and wellness is important to me, and I know it will be part of my patients’ lives throughout their rehabilitation."

Medical Assistant - Phyllis Shipper (10/20/2004)
"I chose to become a medical assistant because of a wonderful and rewarding experience I had as a youth. I volunteered as a Candy Striper at the Hebrew Home for the Aged in Maryland. The enjoyment and overwhelming satisfaction I felt by helping others was incredible! Ever since then, I knew I wanted to work with people in a meaningful way and make a positive impact in this world."

Epidemiologist - W Tun (9/24/2004)
"I chose to become an epidemiologist because I have always been interested in international development. After graduating from college, I spent a year as a volunteer in India teaching English to Tibetan refugees. This experience influenced my decision to focus on public health problems in developing countries."

Prosthodontist - Mary Walker (9/10/2004)
"Becoming more involved with complex patient treatments, like the use of dental implants and comprehensive intra-oral reconstruction, prompted me to further my education. I decided to pursue a specialty in prosthodontics while working towards a Ph.D. in biomaterials."

Chemist - Jack Simpson (8/17/2004)
"Mass spectrometry [is] a technique I use to determine the molecular weight of intact molecules, such as drugs, proteins and DNA. It can also be used to identify and sequence proteins, and monitor drugs in body fluids. For instance, all drug testing for the Olympics is performed using mass spectrometry."

Biomedical Engineer - Abby Vogel (8/17/2004)
"My career goals are to graduate with a Ph.D. in Biological Resources Engineering and to publish as a first author in a leading professional journal. ... After graduating with a Ph.D., I am undecided about whether to pursue a career in academia as a professor, or in industry as a biomedical engineer."

Chemical Engineer - Steve Marquis (8/16/2004)
"What I like best about my work is the opportunity to see the development of cutting-edge cancer treatments, whether they are coming out of the NCI laboratories, or developed through collaboration with an outside party."

Epidemiologist - Victoria Cargill (7/9/2004)
"My typical workday varies based upon the duties I need to accomplish for the day. I work as a medical officer on policy issues. As a doctor, I also have a private practice in a southeast clinic in Washington D.C. At the NIH, I don’t fit into any single niche. For example, I am a researcher, but I don’t work in a typical NIH laboratory. My lab is the inner city where my practice is located. Listening to my patients is as important as the diagnostic tests that are conducted. Working in the inner city environment requires an understanding of gangs, drugs, rap music, urban hip-hop, and people struggling to maintain their dignity."

Biochemist - David Belnap (7/1/2004)
"Considering my college education, I knew I wanted to do something in science that combined my interests in biology, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. I decided that biochemistry best suited my goal. I have emphasized the more physical and mathematical aspects of biochemistry in my study and research."

Medical Librarian - Robin Meckley (5/28/2004)
"I work in a scientific research library, helping researchers who work in basic science. Other medical librarians work in clinical settings such as hospitals or medical schools, helping physicians, nurses, and even patients. Still other medical librarians work at biotechnology or drug companies. For greater job flexibility, I recommend pursuing a Master of Library Science degree from a program that is approved by the American Library Association (ALA)."

Social Worker, Mental Health and Substance Abuse - Debby Hill (5/27/2004)
"I chose to become a social worker, because of two interests that I developed. In grade school, I became very interested in medicine. At the time, I wanted to be a doctor or a nurse. When I grew older, I decided that it was not practical for me to pursue that dream, since I am blind. (Later, I discovered that there are doctors who are blind and nurses with partial vision.) But despite that decision, my interest in medicine remained."

Medical and Health Services Manager - Ron DeClerck (5/17/2004)
I have a detail-oriented personality and prefer organization. My interests, counseling, and research, all pointed me to this field. Through the U.S. Department of Labor, I discovered it was one of the fastest growing industries in which to work due to the aging American population. It was also exciting to consider being part of an industry undergoing the technological change from paper to electronics."

Social Worker, Mental Health and Substance Abuse - Linda Doty (4/15/2004)
"If you are a recent high school graduate, it is quite acceptable to be uncertain about what you want to do with the rest of your life. Many of us change majors more than once. I feel it is advantageous to blend more than one profession or field of study. Ultimately, you make yourself more marketable."

Biology Teacher, Secondary - Peggy Deichstetter (4/7/2004)
"I’ve had students use candy M&Ms to demonstrate how natural selection works. The losers are eaten; while the strongest go on to compete again. After the activity, students review their data and discuss the outcome. They learn that the strongest M&M will live to reproduce more of the same color and attributes, a central principle behind the theory of natural selection."

Veterinary Technologist and Technician - Katherine L (3/25/2004)
"I was raised on a mini-farm, and we had chickens, goats, dogs, cats, cows, pigs, and horses. They were all my friends. Dr. Donna Brown, a traveling veterinarian, inspired me. She came to our house to give the animals immunizations and to provide health care when they were ill. She used to let me help her. These early experiences inspired me to pursue a career in the field."

Veterinarian - Tanya B (3/12/2004)
"I chose to become a veterinarian because it allows me to combine my love of animals with my equal passion for science, problem solving and teaching."

Medical Illustrator - Don Bliss (3/11/2004)
Understanding the scientific content is what separates medical illustrators from other artists."

Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Matrice Browne (2/10/2004)
"What I like best about my work is the diversity of my workday. No two days are exactly alike. I especially enjoy interacting with the families as they bring a new life into the world."

Biophysicist - Peter Bandettini (2/9/2004)
"I chose to become a biophysicist because since I was about 12 years old, I have been fascinated by human thought and behavior. As I got older, I realized that the mysteries of human behavior lie in understanding our brains – the most complex system known to man."

Respiratory Therapist - Dennis Brown (1/20/2004)
"The respiratory therapist is technically skilled and can operate and maintain lots of different devices. Some of the equipment is used for life support such as mechanical ventilators, bronchoscopy systems, non-invasive ventilators, laboratory blood gas analyzers, high flow and low flow oxygen delivery devices, portable monitoring systems, EKG, non invasive ventilators, and the list goes on and on."

Nurse, Registered - Keisha Potter (1/20/2004)
"Nursing is a wonderful profession that allows many opportunities and career paths. I am proud of what I have accomplished and how I touch the lives of others. I meet interesting people everyday and am able to leave work with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment."

Government Service Executive - Steven Hausman (1/12/2004)
"I have long had an interest in science that began in elementary school. One of my elementary school teachers fostered that interest. I still remember receiving an 'A' on a paper I wrote on weather patterns. My interest in science continued throughout my education."

Patent Lawyer - Malka Scher (1/9/2004)
"At the time I went to high school and college, it was unusual to be a woman interested in science. I liked asking questions and the challenge of finding answers in the laboratory."

Counseling Psychologist - Craig Kalman (11/17/2003)
"My brother and I are both Towson State University (TSU) alumni and big football fans. My brother wrote the lyrics and music of a song about about the legendary Baltimore Colts quarterback, Johnny Unitas. In 2003, when TSU renamed their stadium in honor of Unitas, they played his original song at the dedication ceremony."

Pharmacist - Leslie Adams (11/12/2003)
"Pharmacy has a number of specialties from which to choose, like veterinary sciences, infectious diseases, critical care, psychology, and ambulatory care. I am a clinical research pharmacist, and spend a lot of time working with investigational drugs that may eventually be considered for approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)."

Dietitian and Nutritionist - Gloria Stables (11/12/2003)
"Currently I help review and synthesize the latest research to determine which interventions are effective in increasing vegetable and fruit consumption, to ultimately decrease cancer risk."

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist - Chris King (10/20/2003)
"What I like best about my work is the fact that I am really helping people. If you think about how doctors make diagnostic decisions, they order lab tests. It’s the primary way doctors figure out what’s wrong with a patient."

Medical Library Technician - Crystal Smith (10/17/2003)
"What I like best about my work is interacting with people. I also enjoy tracking down information to answer questions. I feel instant gratification when I find the answers to customers' inquiries."

Dentist - Jennifer Cyriaque (9/23/2003)
“I encourage students to go for it in whatever it is that they aspire to do. Build on your natural abilities and your interests, and see where those things lead you. Don’t let people tell you that you can’t accomplish your goals. There are no mistakes, only life experiences."

Dietetic Technician, Registered - Antoinette Colbert (9/23/2003)
"When I was 16, my mother took me to a nursing home to seek a job and explore the field of nursing. There were no openings as a nurse’s assistant, but there was an available position in the nutrition department. While working with the dietician there, I became very interested in the field."

Psychiatrist - David T. George (9/12/2003)
"There is always something new to learn. It’s something like a treasure hunt or finding the next missing piece of the puzzle. "

Fitness Trainer and Aerobics Instructor - Barry Weidner (6/24/2003)
"There is a lot of variety in my day. I’m always moving around doing different things. I couldn’t stand the idea of sitting behind a desk all day."

Health Educator - Frank GrayShield (4/30/2003)
"One of the reasons I took this position with NIH is because the projects could have a national impact and create positive change for all American Indian and Alaska Natives. "

Medical Scientist - Byron Ford (4/11/2003)
"Through research, I hope we can learn ways to protect the brain from stroke, repair the brain following stroke, and develop effective treatments."

Medical and Health Services Manager - Wade Atkins (4/11/2003)
"There is no other field that directly affects 12 million lives each year like blood banking. Someone in this country is transfused every 3 seconds. This work is fascinating because each clinical case is like a mystery. You get to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and come up with creative solutions to solve the mystery."

Orthodontist - Sunil Wadhwa (4/9/2003)
"I don’t like putting people in pain. In orthodontics, it’s just the opposite. People want to see me, and there is nothing I do that causes them pain."

Animal Technician - Maurice B (4/9/2003)
"While I was feeding a nonhuman primate, another animal nearby stole the work keys that were attached to my scrubs. He started jiggling the keys and jumping around, almost as if he was bragging."

Health and Medical Science Museum Curator - Manon Parry (4/8/2003)
"I had a wonderful mentor in England. She was an American professor, and she encouraged me to apply for a Ph.D. in the history of medicine."

Science Writer - Alisa Machalek (4/8/2003)
"Calling-up Nobel prize-winners and asking them to explain their work is just part of my job. How cool is that!"

Biological Technician - Jason Sacks (4/8/2003)
"My career goals are to complete my master’s degree in Public Health, which I am working toward now on a part-time basis. After that, I hope to work for an international organization or a state health department trying to stop the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS."

Recreational Therapist - Julie Hoehl (4/2/2003)
"I enjoy the creative aspect of my work. You cannot resort to identical intervention plans. You have to find what works best for each patient."