Page 7 - Medical Career Connections

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 2016
MEDICAL CAREER CONNECTIONS 7K
OTHER JOBS TO CONSIDER
Audiologists
CAREER
PROFILE
Andrea Winston Hale
Registered dental hygienist
Harris and Reynolds Family Dental
Little Rock
Q: What made you decide to become a dental hygienist?
A: I knew that I wanted to be in a health care profession, but I also wanted to have flexibility to have a family when the time came. I have several family members who are dental hygienists, and they were an inspiration to me.
Q: How long have you been a dental hygienist? A: I have been a dental hygienist for 23 years; 22 years have been at Harris and Reynolds.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your career? A: When a patient arrives at our practice after being without dental care for several years, they are often embarrassed and scared. My ability to put them at ease and educate them about what is going on in their mouth and make them
Audiologists work with people who have hearing, balance and related ear problems. Audiologists examine individuals of all ages and identify those with the symptoms of hearing loss and other auditory, balance and related sensory and neural problems.
Biomedical Engineers
Biomedical engineers, by combining their knowledge of biology and medicine with engineering principles and practices, develop devices and procedures that solve medical and health-related problems. Many do research, along with medical scientists, to de- velop and evaluate systems and products such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems and health-management and care-delivery systems.
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating heart and peripheral-blood-vessel ailments. Cardiovascular technologists may specialize in any of three areas of practice: invasive cardiology, echocardiography and vascular technology.
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Dietitians and nutritionists plan food and nutrition programs and supervise the preparation and serving of meals. They help to prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits and recommending dietary modifications, such as the use of less salt for those with high blood pressure or the reduction of fat and sugar intake for those who are overweight.
General Pediatricians
General pediatricians, who provide care for infants, children, teenagers and young adults, specialize in diagnosing and treating prob- lems specific to younger people. Most pediatricians treat day-to-day illnesses, minor injuries and infectious diseases, and administer vaccinations. Some pediatricians specialize in pediatric surgery or serious medical conditions that commonly affect younger patients, such as autoimmune disorders or serious chronic ailments.
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) care for the sick, injured, convalescent and disabled under the direction of physicians and registered nurses.
Medical Assistants
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and other health practitioners running smoothly.
comfortable is rewarding. Our patients leave with an understanding about the importance of a healthy mouth and a confidence in their smile again.
Q: What advice would you give someone who is considering your career field?
A: Being a hygienist has been a rewarding and flexible career for me. If you choose to become a hygienist, you become more than someone who “cleans teeth” — you treat disease and become a therapist, an educator and a friend to many people. All of these are rewarding.
Q: Who in your career field inspires you?
A: I am inspired by all of the hygienists who chose to balance a family and career, ladies who have mentored me and have stayed in dental hygiene until they reach retirement age.
Q: What is your work schedule like?
A: My work week is Monday through Thursday. Typically, I see an average of six to eight patients a day.