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."
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