Looking to break into the medical field, but don’t know where to start? Oscar Rodriguez, Medical Assistant Supervisor at TrueCare Encinitas, knows exactly how it feels to begin from scratch and turn that first step into a meaningful, life-changing career. From starting as a call center representative to now leading a team of medical assistants, Oscar’s journey serves as a great roadmap of how to get into the medical field in San Diego and proves that TrueCare is more than your run-of-the-mill workplace. 

TrueCare is a place where your growth is nurtured, your contributions matter, and your work transforms the lives of patients and the community every single day. Discover how you can follow in his footsteps and launch your own rewarding health care career in San Diego!

Oscar Rodriguez, Medical Assistant Supervisor at TrueCare, Discusses How to Get into the Medical Field in San Diego 

Oscar Rodriguez’s story is an inspiring testament to what our non-profit organization’s mission is making possible – breaking cycles and providing the care and support communities deserve to thrive. Here’s how to get into the medical field in San Diego. 

“The doors are open – you’re welcome to come in, and you can rest assured that you’ll be accepted. We love making friendships and building relationships with others. We take pride in that, and we always want to make a good environment for those who are onboarding. We want to support you in ways that will help you thrive. If you’re looking for a meaningful career, apply to medical assistant jobs in Encinitas at TrueCare!” said Oscar. 

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How Did You End Up at TrueCare?

Oscar revealed that he has unique and diverse professional experience, to say the least, and this experience has helped him succeed at TrueCare today, providing an excellent road map for potential applicants wondering how to get into the medical field in San Diego.

“I was working at a restaurant, and I saw an ad in the newspaper for a medical assistant training program. It was held by community health centers in our county. TrueCare, which was North County Health Services at the time, was part of it. I applied for that training program, and I was able to, you know, be part of the training program to get my certification as a California-certified medical assistant. That gave me the chance to work in the medical field, and I’m thankful for that because if I didn’t have that opportunity, I don’t know where I’d be today,” explained Oscar. 

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Why Should You Work for a Community Health Center Like TrueCare?

While Oscar did not begin his journey into the health care field expecting to work at a community health center, he said that he quickly discovered it was meant for him, encouraging applicants to follow in his footsteps. 

“For anybody who is having a hard time deciding if they want to be a part of a community health center, I encourage you to join TrueCare and grow in that area. This is a place where medical professionals discover passion, and you will receive unending support and opportunities to grow your career. We’re also very patient-driven. We always want to serve them to the best of our ability, we are able to help communities in need, and we offer many resources for patients. That’s a beautiful thing. If you’re not sure, we’ll make you sure – that’s how amazing the work we do here is,” said Oscar with pride.

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How Does TrueCare Encourage You to Be Yourself?

Oscar said that one of his favorite aspects of working at TrueCare is that he is allowed to bring his entire self to work in an accepting and welcoming environment. He said, ultimately, that what this means is that it helps you realize your potential. 

“TrueCare helps me be myself in a few different ways. It brings out my positive side as far as serving the community and being there for those who need help with health care, and I always strive to give the best effort I can for patients. It kind of makes you realize what you’re capable of and inspires you to constantly improve,” reflected Oscar.

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How Does TrueCare Support Professional Development and Growth?

Having been here for nearly 12 years, Oscar said that he has grown a lot personally and professionally since he started here.

“I’ve been at this location for about 12 years, and I’ve grown a lot since the beginning of my career here. I started at the call center as a call representative, which is now known as Maps, and I’m now a medical assistant supervisor here at this site. It’s nice to be able to grow here. Even starting from the bottom, there’s no ceiling on where you can go within the organization. That’s what it feels like once you’re on the team,” explained Oscar.

As for this trajectory, he said what continues to stand out the most for him about working at TrueCare is that it feels like the organization is truly invested in you and your growth.

“TrueCare has allowed me to grow tremendously. I’ve been able to grow my skills as far as leadership, and they’ve really molded me into a very strong individual who can serve the community and just be of service to every patient that walks through the door,” said Oscar.

Oscar said that because of his role as MA supervisor, he is also on the other side of professional development, nurturing growth in his own team.

“What excites me about my role is supporting an individual. Maybe someone’s a new medical assistant, right? Well, it can be a little intimidating at times. They’re figuring things out, from their workflow to their personality and their voice. It’s just really nice to help people develop and become confident and learn all the amazing technology that helps us with our work,” elaborated Oscar.

Oscar said that this is, ultimately, reflected in how he makes people feel welcome when they first start a medical assistant job, which could mean you!

“One thing I do to help people feel welcomed is being kind and being a nice person to them. I want people to feel like they’re coming to work in a good environment and like they’re supported. We want to make sure you’re supported in any way you feel you need to be supported, which is something that continues your entire career here,” smiled Oscar.

Oscar said the other component that he tries to emphasize is working as a team.

“One of the things we focus on a lot is building great relationships and being kind to one another. We only thrive when we work as a team, and only as a team are you able to serve the community in ways that you don’t even think are possible. We make it possible with teamwork and being a great team. Really laying that foundation early on is important because it gives everyone the chance to grow and accomplish their goals,” added Oscar. 

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What Do You Love About Working at TrueCare Encinitas?

When it comes to working at TrueCare Encinitas, Oscar said that being able to work in this specific community means more than words can express. He says the organization has been a staple of the Encinitas community where he grew up since he was a kid.

“I enjoy working at this location a lot. Obviously, we’re close to the beach and right on the coast, but I also have a deep connection with the area. I grew up here, and it’s nice to be able to give back to my community. There are people who struggle, and you don’t think about it, but it’s nice to be able to help those people in need. TrueCare has been a part of the community for a long time, and it may have a different name, but it’s maintained its identity and held onto the values of serving people who are in need,” reflected Oscar. 

Oscar said that his personal connection to the community makes the work he’s able to do with TrueCare all the more meaningful.

“I just think of my childhood. You know, my family came here for services when they had their old location on 2nd Street. There’s a lot of history between TrueCare and this community, and plenty of people were impacted by the work TrueCare has done, like when I was a kid. We grew up in this area, and we didn’t have a lot, so I just feel that it’s nice to be able to give back to those people as well who don’t have a lot. People sometimes think this area doesn’t have people in need like that, but it does, and I know because I grew up like that. So it’s just nice to serve those people in a way that wasn’t always possible for me and my family growing up,” continued Oscar, getting emotional. 

Oscar said that he knows first-hand that having a place where you can feel this comfortable can equate to life-changing health care experiences for his community.

“I feel like the Hispanic community thrives because of places like this. Sometimes I don’t feel like there are any places that they can go and feel comfortable, and we create that space for them to feel respected and safe and come to receive care, be treated, and receive fair, equal treatment,” said Oscar.

As for the location, Oscar says that the team is incomparable. 

“We’ve made a community within our walls, and it’s really important to have those relationships. Sometimes, we go out to lunch and get pizza. There’s a pizza place we like to go together as a team to just eat lunch, disconnect from work, and talk with each other,” said Oscar.

The location itself, Oscar said, is also a highlight of working here.

“I love taking walks here in Encinitas. It’s a beautiful area, right on the coast. There’s a beautiful overlook of the ocean up top – it’s a viewpoint, right? And there are little trails where you can walk and see the waves crashing. It’s just a beautiful area to be in. Walking the coast, there are a lot of cafes and coffee shops, and you can always try something different if you’re looking. There’s a lot to offer, and it’s very unique,” said Oscar.

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Is Your Family Proud of You and Your Career at TrueCare?

Oscar said he also feels that his family is proud of him for his career at TrueCare, which definitely helps add a little more meaning to the work.

“I definitely feel like my family is proud of me for being in the medical field. Just knowing that they feel their son is making a difference with other families and individuals with their health fills me with pride. And we should take pride in that – we should take a lot of pride in that. We do a lot for our communities, and we know sometimes that we don’t think about it that way, we’re making a difference. It’s incredible,” reflected Oscar. 

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How Does TrueCare Acknowledge Your Work and Accomplishments?

Oscar said another thing he loves about working at TrueCare is that they always acknowledge your personal and professional milestones.

“I’ve been here for a while, so I’ve seen all kinds of milestones, and I think that TrueCare always acknowledges your work and accomplishments. They always recognize your hard work. We have annual events where they recognize you for your longevity, your hard work, or just being a good medical assistant. It’s always nice to be recognized, and it really puts into perspective the kind of legacy we’re creating here when you see how many people are still working here after all these years. It makes you want to stick around and be here for the long run because it feels like being part of something special,” said Oscar.  

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What’s the Most Rewarding Part of Working at TrueCare?

Oscar said the most rewarding part of working at TrueCare is being able to help those in need, which he says is important to success here.

“The most rewarding part of my job is definitely helping those in need. Sometimes, I don’t realize that I’m doing a lot for somebody, and I think about it, and I’m like – oh, wow, I really helped this person out. It’s nice to know that you are able to help somebody who’s struggling with their health or financial situation. You usually don’t even realize it at the moment until you think about it or someone comes in thanking you. Those moments are what make the work mean so much for me,” smiled Oscar.

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Inspired by Oscar and His Insights Into How to Get Into the Medical Field in San Diego? Explore Open Positions at TrueCare

Oscar Rodriguez’s journey at TrueCare shows that breaking into the medical field in San Diego doesn’t have to be a daunting hurdle. At TrueCare, it is an inspiring, rewarding, and deeply impactful opportunity that opens the door to other opportunities you didn’t even think were possible. From starting at the call center to leading a team of medical assistants, Oscar proves that TrueCare is a place where your growth is supported, your contributions matter, and your work transforms the lives of patients and the community. 

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your next step in health care, TrueCare offers the tools, mentorship, and community you need to thrive. Take that first step today. Explore open roles at TrueCare and start building a career that truly makes a difference.