Methodist Healthcare Ministries helps prepare the next generation of medical professionals

San Antonio (Feb. 8, 2019) – Twenty-two students from East Central Independent School District (ECISD) were recognized for completing a four-month Clinical Medical Assistant’s (CMA) rotation program at Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ Dixon Health & Wellness Center. Students gained valuable hands-on experience in the world of healthcare from the experts at Methodist Healthcare Ministries.​

These students live near the Dixon Health & Wellness Center, where they invested four months of their time to learning about the different medical services available to patients served by Methodist Healthcare Ministries. Their goal was to get real-world work experience that will help prepare them for the CMA exam this summer. Each student rotated through various departments including dental, pharmacy, social work, medicine, physical therapy, lab, behavioral health, patient registration, and administration.

Many of the students were also exposed to the high quality of care provided to the least served in the community by Methodist Healthcare Ministries. Students were also inspired by the organization’s mission: “Serving Humanity to Honor God.”

“It was an eye-opener for me. I had no idea there was care like this for people who do not have access to healthcare. It’s great to see the care these patients receive,” said Anastacia Martinez, a senior at East Central ISD. “I was also able to get a better picture of what I’m learning in my school books. Reading about it is one thing but to actually experience it, makes it real.”

This was the school district’s inaugural year for the CMA training program, in partnership with Methodist Healthcare Ministries.

“We’re glad they approached us to be part of this course because it’s the perfect match,” said Oanh Maroney-Omitade, vice president of Clinical Operations at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “It’s great to be able to give these students a closer look at healthcare in action and to expose them to a caring and compassionate profession.”

Dolapo Sokunbi, a clinical administrator at Methodist Heatlhcare Ministries, said having the students rotate through the different departments has helped guide them in choosing their profession.

“The students got to interact with our patients and learned how to meet their medical needs which include physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual,” said Sokunbi. And, our team members were able to share their knowledge and experience as well.”

“This program really helped me improve my confidence level. I gained confidence in my own abiltites to learn about healthcare,” said Marcus Zamora, a senior at East Central ISD. “It’s been a great experience for me.”

“Our goal is to provide the students with the tools they need to move forward in their future careers,” said said Brit Peek, manager of Human Resources at Methodist Healthcare Ministries. “We are so proud of these students for demonstrating a true passion for those in need of medical care in our community. We wish them the best as they continue their education.”

Maroney-Omitade said Methodist Healthcare Ministries hopes to continue equipping youths who are exploring a career in healthcare through the CMA training program at East Cenral ISD. But most importantly, she hopes each student takes what they learned and applies it, no matter where they decide to work.

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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.

Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating access to health care for the uninsured through direct services, community partnerships and strategic grant-making in 74 counties across South Texas. Guided by its mission of "Serving Humanity to Honor God," Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ vision is to be the leader for improving wellness of the least served. The mission also includes Methodist Healthcare Ministries' one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest healthcare system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. For more information, visit www.mhm.org.