How long with UTMB?
One year. It’s very exciting and has flown by.
How do you describe your role to others?
This is hard because we wear so many hats—it’s like customer service on steroids. Sometimes it’s as simple as helping with a prescription refill; other times it’s a matter of physically being in the room with the patient and their providers at very pertinent times, but really, we stick to the name and advocate for not just our patients but also our medical staff and team. We try to help everyone—from the patient to the medical team—have the best experience possible with each other.
Best part of your job?
When possible, there’s quick resolutions, so there’s lots of instant gratification. I love being in the hospital helping find solutions quickly.
Most challenging part?
You want to help and give everyone the moon and the stars, but there’s a necessary reality check that has to take place of what we can and can’t do within our roles.
Who are your heroes and why?
Hard one to answer, but a professor I had in college who taught a class on disability and spirituality. It was a turning point in my career where I realized I didn’t just want to be a health care provider as a doc or nurse, I wanted to be more on the business operations side. It helped me see within the world of medicine there’s so much you can do, depending on who you are and what you’re called to do. Also, my mom, she’s just a very hardworking, dedicated person and I’ve learned a lot about how to be a good professional and person from watching her.
What do you do in your spare time?
I really like to go out to restaurants in downtown Houston, try new foods, very diverse and ethnic foods. Houston is a big melting pot so that’s easy to do. The craziest thing I’ve tried is actually thanks to my Filipino heritage. I tried a duck embryo. Sometimes they boil it, sometimes it’s raw. It was like taking a shot of a raw egg, but it’s a delicacy. I also love to read. I was an English minor, so I love reading books from different genres. The Elizabethan era is probably my favorite.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I play guitar and have various ones throughout my house. Some I play, some are used as decoration. I have been playing it for around 12 years. Also, I’m allergic to cinnamon! Which stinks because I love cinnamon rolls and chai tea lattes.