Impact Stories

After ten years as a medical assistant and scribe at the AltaMed Paramount Clinic, Edith Martinez is pursuing a new professional direction. She is now enrolled in the Vocational Nursing program with the Annenberg School of Nursing at Los Angeles Jewish Health, deepening her commitment to health education and demonstrating that career transitions are possible at any stage.

Edith's decision to advance was inspired by a patient named Alberto who arrived at AltaMed wheelchair-bound and dependent on oxygen after severe COVID-19. Under Dr. Maribel Khoury's care, Alberto regained approximately 90% of his former health within a year. Edith's role in supporting Alberto's family through the healthcare system sparked her realization that she wanted to contribute more substantially to patient healing.

She recognizes that advancing her career will enable her to listen more effectively and help establish care plans supporting patient success.

AltaMed demonstrates commitment to employee growth through its Workforce Development programs. The Annenberg School of Nursing LVN degree program represents part of the AltaMed Nursing School Collaborative, facilitating ongoing career advancement for employees.

Edith received guidance from Dr. Khoury, Workforce Development Director Anabel Arroyo, and Medical Director of Medical Education Marco Angulo. She notes that "AltaMed does help and encourage us to grow." The organization created the right environment for her decision, and she enrolled in the LVN program, recognizing it would "open many more doors than I previously had as a medical assistant."

Upon enrollment, Edith began an apprenticeship with AltaMed and transitioned to the urgent care unit, gaining hands-on patient care experience across age groups. She appreciates the donor-funded support enabling her to focus on studies while working.

The program's flexible structure allows Edith to continue working while studying. She emphasizes: "It's great to see how much the company cares not just about the patients but also about the employees."

Edith values the additional resources available: "A lot of students don't know where to turn for help. That's why programs like the Annenberg School of Nursing LVN program are so important. They provide extra support before and after class, and registered nurses and physicians are always available to answer questions."

She also mentors fellow students, sharing her medical field experience to help peers succeed. "I try to be like her [Dr. Khoury] with the students because my background is more in-depth in the medical field," she explains.

Outside work and school, Edith prioritizes time with her two children. She plans to pursue an associate's degree and eventually a bachelor's degree, likely in health care management. She envisions a future where she "can enjoy my life, spend time with my kids, and still keep moving forward professionally."

The AltaMed Nursing School Collaborative embodies a vision to bring medical education to historically underserved communities, supporting nurses like Edith with resources to pursue educational advancement.