The following is an interview by Eduardo Carrasco to Mrs. Gina Savage.
What is your official job title at Guilford?
Answer: I am currently the General Manager for Guilford Immediate Care.
Reflection: This seemed like the obvious answer since she seemed involved in all areas.
What are your responsibilities?
Answer: I am responsible for payroll, staff scheduling, staff supervision, overseeing the daily operations of 2 busy Urgent Care facilities and assisting the physicians to name a few. I have many responsibilities which are both clinical and administrative.
Reflection: Although I had seen Mrs. Savage involved in all areas of the clinic, I never knew she was also involved with another one of the facilities, and I admire the dedication and hard work her job requires.
Why did you choose this career and pathway before/in college?
Answer: As a child, I always knew that I wanted to be in the medical field. My mom worked in the medical field and I simply wanted to follow in the same path. I did venture out at one time and thought of becoming an English teacher because I loved Grammar. However, I didn’t care for the Literature (Reading) so that quickly changed my mind.
Reflection: Personally, I have never had a passion for English, but I did relate when she said she always knew she wanted to be in the medical field. Although many pathways and careers arise when you are a child and teenager, I have always wanted to be involved with medicine and helping people.
What major did you graduate with from college?
Answer: Nursing, Business
Reflection: I also aspire to receive a nursing major from college!
After school, what were your expectations and plans for your career?
Answer: I have always loved to help people and the satisfaction that comes from it. I wanted a stable career with opportunity for advancement and to always be willing to learn new things. I have been in the medical field for 30 years and I am still learning new things. That’s what keeps it exciting. The medical field is changing all the time with new advanced technology and medications.
Reflection: After hearing and reading this, I was excited to see what the future holds. As Mrs. Savage said, the medical field is always developing and advancing, so with this career, I can constantly learn and accommodate myself with new technology.
What connections and professional relationships would you say best helped you land at the Guilford Clinic after graduating from college?
Answer: Well, my graduating and employment with Guilford Immediate Care had many years in between them. My sister worked in the billing office and notified me when they began looking for a manager. I was currently working for a local pediatrician’s office and the pediatrician had just passed away after a courageous battle with cancer and I was going to need to begin looking for another job. I applied for the position and was hired. It has been a very stressful and busy position, however, still very rewarding.
Reflection: I have always heard that it is difficult to find a job in your field of major after graduating college. However, it is relieving to hear that although Mrs. Savage did not immediately land in the Guilford Clinic, she was able to work in an office involved in her major.
Apart from education and professional connections, what abilities/qualities did you have to work on in order to prepare yourself for the work environment? (ie. Maturing, Flexibility, Endurance)
Answer: I have always said that being Mature, Flexible and willing to learn will take you a long way. I encourage my students and my staff to always be willing to learn new things. Knowledge is power. You may not see the results right away but you will eventually. For example, you take a CPR class however; you will only see the true results if you have to use it. When the need arises, you will know what to do. Always work hard and maintain a good work ethic.
Reflection: I completely agree with Mrs. Savage. Maturity and flexibility can take a person a long way, but with her added quality of the willingness to learn, I believe that a person can do amazing things. I believe she described an incredible worker and doctor, but if I had to add anything, it would be a jpassion for medicine and helping others.
What would you say are some pros and cons of your job?
Answer: Pros: Helping people and working with a good group of people that we consider to be like family.
Cons: Very high level of stress due to the multiple responsibilities of being in management. Long working hours takes away time with my family.
Reflection: I have always loved the idea of having a “family away from family”, so it is encouraging to read that the nurses, doctors, and staff members get along and help each other out while helping patients. On the contrary, I am also heavily devoted to my family, and I will be in the future as well, so I will have to try my best to balance my personal life and my work life.
What specific advice would you have for me or any student pursuing a medical degree?
Answer: Set goals. Stay focused and you will achieve those goals. You can do it! You are very motivated and take initiative. I can certainly see your enthusiasm and desire to learn more in the medical field. Never tell yourself you know everything and there is nothing else to learn. You will always have the opportunity to learn something new. The more experience and knowledge you obtain the further it will take you.
Reflection: This last answer was absolutely motivating and encouraging. Although the road may be tough, I am willing to set goals and take the initiative. I do desire to constantly learn more and help others along the way!
Thank you to Mrs. Gina Savage for participating in this interview for Honors Mentorship.