For health care professionals, the true measure of a fulfilling career often lies in the depth of personal connection and the comprehensive support they can offer. At TrueCare, we believe in empowering our team to do just that, creating an environment where passion meets purpose. Step into the world of Alison Escarcega, a dedicated Doula at TrueCare’s San Marcos Women’s Health Center. Her unique and vital role exemplifies how our integrated care model fosters exceptional patient care and profound professional growth. 

Keep reading to learn how TrueCare enables individuals like Alison to build a career where their heart truly makes a difference with fulfilling doula jobs in San Diego.

Meet the TrueCare Staff: Alison Escarcega | Doula Jobs in San Diego

Alison Escarcega’s story offers a compelling glimpse into the rewarding careers available at our health centers. Discover what makes her role so impactful, both for the families she supports and for her own professional journey.

What is a Doula’s Role at TrueCare Women’s Health?

Escarcega holds a unique and vital role within TrueCare’s integrated care model, and her position represents TrueCare’s innovative approach to holistic health care. 

“I’m a doula, and it’s something completely new that we officially started last year,” said Escarcega. “I’m basically an added support person. What I like to tell my patients is that I’m your chosen best friend during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, because we do bond with them a lot. We’re here to support them emotionally, physically, and informationally. We’re just supposed to be there for them in any way, shape, or form that they need. It’s a privilege to be a part of such a beautiful chapter, and it’s almost impossible not to bond with them throughout the process,” she said.

Escarcega says that the role of an objective voice that they can trust and always has their best interests in mind is invaluable when going through such a vulnerable life milestone.

“We try to provide an unbiased opinion for the patients,” explained Escarcega. “But it’s much more intimate than that – yeah, we give them all the facts that they need to know, but we are also to be that hand they hold every step of the way. We’re there for the whole family, too, and being able to support them and their families during something so beautiful but also probably so new to them is incredibly rewarding,” she said.

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Rachel Lum Ho, MD

How Did Escarcega Discover Her Purpose as a Doula at TrueCare?

Escarcega’s journey to becoming a doula at TrueCare was an unexpected calling that began in 2020 when she joined as a Medical Assistant (MA) with Float for Women’s Health. 

“I didn’t know I was going to work for Women’s Health – I had no idea that would be what I would end up doing and loving,” Escarcega smiled. “I wanted to become a nurse and decided that before I jumped in full force for nursing, I should see if I could draw blood and handle the demands of the job. After that, I just worked hard to enter the field. Eventually, I started as a Medical Assistant at TrueCare and fell in love with Women’s Health. I’m an aunt of 13 nephews and nieces, and I was a part of all their births, so I already knew bits and pieces of the role, but I didn’t know how much goes into the work itself. It’s been really eye-opening and has helped me gain a deeper appreciation for what are often the most meaningful moments of a person’s life,” she explained. 

Escarcega said that working in Women’s Health was a pivotal point in her career, saying that she immensely appreciates the depth and impact of the work, but she also says her journey within the organization represents TrueCare’s commitment to professional development.

“Being in Women’s Health taught me a lot, and I’m very grateful that TrueCare gave me the opportunity to explore different roles. They really facilitated me finding my calling in some ways,” reflected Escarcega, “because after I spent some time as a medical assistant, I enjoyed the work but decided I needed a little bit of a change. So, I worked as Eco Gynecology referral coordinator for some time. I worked in the background for a while, and then they ended up opening up this opportunity to become a Doula. Like I said, I had already been involved in some births, and I liked it, so I thought I might be good at it. I applied, got the job, and it’s been unbelievably meaningful – I feel like it’s been a calling of mine, and I hope that it continues to feel this way.” 

To help her with her transition, she said that TrueCare provided ample training and support to ensure she would have success in this new position.

“We were able to work with a lovely midwifery team that taught us the general knowledge you have to know as a doula,” explained Escarcega. “After that, it’s just about continuously learning, whether it’s interpretation courses, breastfeeding courses, lactation courses, or getting whatever knowledge you need from providers. Most of our providers are very hands-on with our patients, so we get a lot of encouragement from patient care. This organization goes above and beyond to ensure you have the training and resources you need to thrive in these situations, and everyone is more than happy to help,” she said.

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Jeremy Lutz, Director of Enterprise Analytics

What Makes TrueCare a Place Where Passionate Health Care Professionals Thrive?

Escarcega’s passion for helping people is palpable, and she offers sound advice for aspiring health care professionals, including MAs and nursing students. 

“I think you should definitely just try it out if you want to do it,” said Escarcega. “You need to be open and willing to try anything at least once. If fear is the only thing holding you back, go for it. Become a Medical Assistant or become a nurse. If you genuinely love people and care to be there for people, this is the perfect role for you,” she said.

However, for Escarcega, she says that what makes her job even more fulfilling is working at a mission-driven community health center like TrueCare that is making a meaningful difference in her community and changing lives.

“We work with a lot of hispanic patients, and when I help them, I see my mom, I see my sister, and I see my grandma,” reflected Escarcega. “In all of these patients, I think of how they feel and put myself in their shoes to see how I would want to be treated, and that is what guides my care. So, if that’s something you can do and want to do, then working at an organization like TrueCare will probably be really fulfilling,” she said.

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Wanda Freeman, PMHNP/FNP-BC

How Does TrueCare Cultivate a “Family” Culture?

When asked to describe TrueCare in one word, Escarcega unequivocally chooses “family” in both how close they are and the unconditional professional support they demonstrate.  

“Out of all the places that I’ve worked for, not just in the medical field, this has been the one place where it’s felt like a second home to me,” smiled Escarcega. “No matter what gets thrown our way, everyone’s willing to help out, and I think just feeling that familiar vibe from everyone helps bring that out for our patients,” she said. 

She says that this support makes her work more meaningful.

“Being a doula is amazing. It’s so eye-opening and such an unbelievable opportunity to be there for people in this way, but it’s also great to have a team that supports you so much and sees the vision,” Escarcega added. “We have patients come back and talk about it with our teammates, especially at the hospital, how their experience went, and we share that with each other when we get that feedback. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing that someone had a beautiful birthing experience because we prepared them for everything. It makes us all feel very accomplished – that’s what we do it for,” she said.

Escarcega said that she is even part of a team that has given themselves a fun nickname, which is par for the course when you work at TrueCare.

“We call ourselves the Doula Sisters,” laughed Escarcega. “We support each other and feel very accomplished when we help people have beautiful birthing experiences. Every member of this doula collective has different sparks and personalities, but we all mesh really well. We complement each other – that makes us a stronger unit,” she said. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Phyllis Mason, Clinical Nurse Manager II

What Makes the TrueCare Team a “Fluffy Teddy Bear”?

When put on the spot to choose a mascot for her team, Escarcega’s vivid imagery of her team’s mascot as a “fluffy teddy bear” perfectly captures the essence of TrueCare’s supportive environment. 

“A mascot for the team? Man, I would definitely say it would be something like a fluffy teddy bear,” said Escarcega. “I think everyone is so caring and sweet, and when I first started working here, I was not really a hugger at all. But they changed that! It’s so nice to have someone to be like, ‘Hey, I’m here for you. You’re going to be OK,’ and then hug you. That’s just what this team feels like – a big, giant hug from a teddy bear,” she elaborated. 

As for her “work superpower,” Escarcega says it’s a perfect extension of the mascot.

“My work superpower is probably making people feel comfortable even during the most uncomfortable times,” said Escarcega. “I’m very talkative and very social, but I also try to read people as much as possible. If I can tell someone’s having a bad day, I’m going to try to make their day better as much as I can, whether it’s making a joke or just holding their hand and being there for them. Sometimes, it just takes listening. Whatever the situation calls for, I just love making people feel comfortable and safe,” she added. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Staff: Magdalena Lopez, Medical Assistant

What are the Benefits of Working at the TrueCare San Marcos Campus?

Beyond the exceptional team, Escarcega appreciates the practical advantages of her San Marcos location, saying that its central location is a huge perk. 

“This place is so close to everything, and it’s close to the freeway, too,” said Escarcega. “If you really need to be home at a certain time, you’re right by the exit. But it’s also a nice area. There’s a secret little park that you can walk to. A lot of us go on 10-minute breaks and take a walk in the park to get some fresh air. There are also some walkable areas where we can go and eat. I love Pita Guys, which is right down the street, so it’s really nice to be able to get my steps in and get some fresh air while enjoying some yummy food. Plus, you have plenty of time to come back to work and have some time to sit down, eat, and relax,” she said.

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Kelsey Carrio, MD

How Does TrueCare Support Future Growth and Inspire Pride?

Escarcega’s vision for her future at TrueCare is rooted in continuous growth and constantly striving to better serve her patients, which she says the organization facilitates often.

“I just want to constantly learn and grow so that I can be better prepared for the people that I work with,” Escarcega said. “My passion is helping people, and it doesn’t really matter if I continue that in this role or go somewhere higher. The ultimate goal is to make sure that we have perfect patient care, that we continuously hold our patient’s hand, and that everyone gets the emotional and physical support they need during this vulnerable time,” she said.

One component of working at a mission-driven organization that makes Escarcega especially proud is how proud her family is of her. She says that their pride is like an affirmation that reinforces the profound impact she is making on people’s lives. 

“My family is very proud of me for this role,” beamed Escarcega. “My husband likes to brag to all of his coworkers and friends about his wife being a doula and the amazing birth work we do, and I get cards from patients that I take home, little written thank yous. When he sees that, he’s like, ‘Oh my gosh. I have to take this to work to show them that they said thank you for helping with this delivery.’ My older nephews and nieces like to tell their friends, too. Making them proud makes me proud,” she added. 

Related Article: Meet the TrueCare Providers: Chanelle Calhoun, MD

Do You Have Advice for TrueCare Applicants?

Escarcega’s strongest piece of advice for anyone considering applying to TrueCare or preparing for an interview is refreshingly simple. 

“Genuinely being yourself is the biggest thing you can do when you’re applying and interviewing,” said Escarcega. “This is not a field or organization where you fake it until you make it because you can’t fake having the heart for the work we do or believing in the mission. You yourself are your own superpower and your own superhero, and I think if you can show that to everyone and show that you want to be here for the right reasons, that is a great way to demonstrate that you are meant for this team,” she said. 

Related Article: What Is the Interview Process at TrueCare?

Are You Inspired by the Words of Alison Escarcega? Explore Doula Jobs in San Diego at TrueCare Today!

Alison Escarcega’s heartfelt story illuminates the profound fulfillment and authentic growth available within the organization TrueCare. Her dedication as a doula, her journey of professional discovery, and her unwavering commitment to compassionate, community-focused care truly embody our organizational spirit. We believe in empowering every team member to thrive, fostering a supportive environment where your passion translates into meaningful impact for individuals and families. 

If you’re seeking a career where your unique skills are valued, your professional journey is supported, and your work deeply enriches the community, consider joining the TrueCare family. Discover how you can make a difference in doula jobs in San Diego and beyond. Explore open roles at TrueCare for a more meaningful career.