Health Care Manager Advises San Francisco Students To Prioritize Experiences
Many San Franciscans believe tech is the biggest industry in the city. But according to the Hospital Council of Northern and Central California, the health care industry in San Francisco generated more than $28 billion in economic activity and employed more than 121,000 health care workers this year. With more job creation expected over the next decade, more health care practitioners and support staff will be needed sustain the city's growing demand. For career advice, Lauren Wilkerson, senior manager of Patient Access, Education and Advocacy for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Northern California Chapter, offered to share her valuable insight and wisdom.
What is your background and education?
"After receiving my bachelor's degree from Miami University, I spent a year working at a children's hospital in Cambodia while discovering what path I wanted to take in my life. I realized a passion for building and supporting healthy communities through public health education, improved access to care and social justice. Once I returned, I attended the University of Minnesota, earning master's degrees in social work and public health – two disciplines that complement each other and my interests perfectly. I currently work at the intersection of the two in my role as senior manager of Patient Access, Education and Advocacy at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)."
How has your education helped you in your current profession?
"Cancer knows no boundaries; it affects the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the urban and the rural. I was taught that in order to help individuals you must understand the environment from which they come, and that's what I do now at LLS. While working to bring awareness, education and quality, affordable care to cancer patients, I also help them manage one of the most physically, emotionally, and sometimes financially challenging events they will experience in their lifetime."
What career advice can you share with someone interested in health care?
"Allow yourself to explore the various roles within health care to find the career that works best for you. Prioritize hands-on experience and take time to connect with those currently in the field. Know that your career is about more than the jobs you have and the roles that you fill, it's about learning, growing and reflecting. Make choices and take risks – you can pivot as needed."
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.