Posted: 3/17/2009
A few years ago, Camele Semone Bennett was a freshman at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami, Florida. Today, this 2008 graduate of Brown Mackie College – Miami, with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Assisting, works happily at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in Boston, Massachusetts. How does one go from business to healthcare? “Weird story,” she says.
“I wasn’t particularly interested in my business studies. “I worked at Target while attending Johnson & Wales University, and one day a friend cut herself on the job. “I grabbed the medical kit and helped her,” Camele says. Afterwards, her friend felt better, and thanked Camele for taking good care of her wound. Camele felt better, was inspired, and immediately looked into healthcare programs at colleges in the area. Her choice was Brown Mackie College – Miami.
“After researching schools, I chose Brown Mackie College because of its strong educational background. It was also close by, which made for an easy commute,” she says.
Camele soon realized a voracious interest in her healthcare studies. “Brown Mackie College held clinical practices on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. “I attended extra sessions as much as possible,” she says. “It really helped me during my externship.”
Her externship gave her clinical experience at 54TH Medical Plaza Inc, a community health center in the “Little Haiti” section of Miami. “Working there gave me insight into both pediatric and adult patients. I learned a lot about dealing with people,” Camele says.
She credits Brown Mackie College faculty member, Dr. Illich Galeas, for helping her succeed in the program. “I was in several of his classes, including anatomy and clinical procedures.” she says. “He is one of those instructors who breaks you down and builds you back up. It was hard in the beginning, but once I got to know him, I realized how much he was helping.”
As a Medical Assistant, Camele takes patient vital signs, and coordinates communication between clinicians, patients, and outside referrals. She also processes insurance authorizations and electronic referrals.
Currently enrolled in South University’s online program while living in Boston, Bennett is continuing her studies by pursuing a BA in Healthcare Administration. “I plan to use my experiences as a Medical Assistant to make me a more effective healthcare administrator,” she says.
Camele encourages other students with a few words of wisdom earned through her experience at Brown Mackie College – Miami. “Pay attention, and take notes,” she says. “It will help in the future. “I took externship notes on everything from the colors of the different types of tubes, to the different sizes of injection needles for kids and adults. It all helped.”
Personal Attention, Professional Growth
www.brownmackie.edu