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For Wendy Blanco, serving the community she calls home at TrueCare Ramona is precisely where she wants to be. As a Panel Coordinator, Wendy helps patients navigate their care journeys with compassion, clarity, and a personal touch. But for her, this role goes far beyond scheduling mammograms or coordinating referrals. It’s about being there for her family, friends, and neighbors and making a meaningful difference in their lives.
San Diego Community Health Center Jobs: Wendy Blanco’s Journey
That sense of purpose and community is what first brought Wendy to TrueCare, and what’s kept her here through years of growth. Her story offers a window into what it’s like to work at a local health center that values compassion, connection, and career development.
Why Did You Choose to Work at TrueCare Ramona?
Wendy Blanco, Panel Coordinator at TrueCare Ramona, was drawn to the clinic because it’s part of the community she calls home.
Being from Ramona herself, Wendy finds it deeply fulfilling to serve people she knows. She said helping her friends, neighbors, and other familiar faces and contributing to their well-being makes the work even more fulfilling for her.
“What drew me specifically to TrueCare here in Ramona is I’m actually from Ramona, and it’s an amazing feeling to help my own community,” Wendy said. “It gives you a sense of satisfaction knowing that you’re helping people you may actually know,” Wendy said.
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How Did You Grow Your Career from Medical Assistant to Panel Coordinator?
Wendy began her journey at TrueCare nearly four years ago as a medical assistant. Thanks to TrueCare’s culture of internal growth and opportunity, she was able to advance into the Panel Coordinator role.
“I’ve been working at TrueCare for almost four years, and I started as a medical assistant,” Wendy said. “I’m now a panel coordinator. That’s something that’s great about this organization – there’s always room for advancement and growth,” she added.
Wendy says that this culture of growth is only possible because of the support that leadership is committed to providing.
“TrueCare is a great place because you have the support to move up,” Wendy explained. “There are always opportunities; they’re there if you want to take them,” she added.
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What Does a Panel Coordinator Do at TrueCare?
In her current role, Wendy helps patients with scheduling, referrals, and ongoing care coordination. She enjoys the one-on-one connection with patients and being a reliable point of contact.
“What really drew me to this role in the first place was that I would get more one-on-one time with patients, whereas before I was just roaming,” said Wendy. “Now I get to talk to them, check in on their appointments, help with scheduling and referrals, and just generally make sure their care is taken care of, even for specialists outside the clinic,” she said.
The role fits her personality perfectly: she enjoys reaching out, answering questions, and making sure people don’t fall through the cracks.
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What Motivates You to Come to Work Every Day at TrueCare?
For Wendy, it’s all about the people. She stays motivated thanks to the support of her coworkers and the patients she helps every day.
“Everybody’s always supporting each other in every aspect of the job,” Wendy said. “What I love about our team is that we get together a lot. During lunch, we do a lot of potlucks, and we have different events every month. We even get together for birthdays during lunch and sometimes after work – you really make lifelong friends here,” she explained.
The team dynamic is especially strong in Ramona, where many staff members live locally and share bonds both in and out of work.
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How Does the Team at TrueCare Ramona Build Community and Connection?
From lunchtime potlucks to birthday celebrations and after-work hikes, the TrueCare Ramona team prioritizes relationship-building.
“We actually do see each other outside of work sometimes,” Wendy said. “It’s great to connect personally, not just professionally. This really just sets the tone for the atmosphere and makes the job more enjoyable. Everybody always comes in with a smile, saying Good morning, and it’s always just a great way to start the day on a positive note,” she added.
If their clinic had a theme song, Wendy says it would be the Friends intro because that’s exactly how the team feels. Still, Wendy believes that this connectivity and sense of community extend beyond the walls of the TrueCare Ramona walls.
“It really gives you a personal sense of satisfaction to be able to help the same people I see out on the street,” Wendy said. “That kind of thing makes you feel closer to the community and really elevates the care you are able to provide,” she said.
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What is the Work-Life Balance Like at TrueCare Ramona?
Wendy also appreciates the work-life balance at TrueCare. She and her coworkers take advantage of local trails for after-work hikes and enjoy relaxed lunch breaks together.
“There are a lot of trails, and a few of us get together after work to do some hikes,” Wendy explained. “There’s also really good food during lunch. As a team, we’re all encouraged and supported to be able to take time to ourselves and just be able to relax outside of work,” she explained.
That balance contributes to a positive, team-centered culture where staff can recharge and return ready to give their patients the best possible care.
How Does Leadership Support the Team at TrueCare Ramona?
Wendy says that leadership is always there to support and listen to the team at TrueCare Ramona, especially during one-on-one check-ins.
“Our one-to-ones are a great time to express concerns, and leadership really listens,” Wendy said. “That’s obviously what those kinds of meetings are supposed to be for, but not every job will take what you say seriously. If I have any concerns, we immediately find a way to make things better, and I know they will have my back if something needs to be changed or if I’m not comfortable with something. They just make us feel heard,” she explained.
Concerns aren’t just heard; they lead to action, Wendy believes, and that kind of responsive leadership helps foster a workplace culture of trust and respect.
What Advice Do You Have for New TrueCare Applicants?
Wendy encourages new applicants to bring patience and a team mindset – she says this is especially true because of the types of patients you will work with.
“We serve a lot of older patients who may have tech challenges or language barriers,” Wendy said. “You need to be willing to help, and being a team player makes everything flow better. If there’s a great team, everything gets much easier,” she said.
Her advice reflects the collaborative, people-first culture that defines TrueCare.
How Do Your Friends and Family Feel About TrueCare?
Because Wendy, like so many other members of the TrueCare team, grew up and lives in the Ramona community, her personal and professional lives often overlap in the best way.
“My friends and family actually like it here,” Wendy said. “Some even come in as patients. They’ve all had positive experiences, and I always recommend TrueCare to others. It’s pretty incredible – when you’re working at a place like this, you’re not just helping strangers or people you have no connection to. You’re helping people you see daily in your community,” she elaborated.
What Inspired You to Work in Health Care?
Her journey began with earning a medical assistant certificate, and her dedication to continuous learning and growth has taken her far. Wendy’s passion for health care is rooted in her desire to help others.
“Just helping people get their care as great as it can be; that’s what inspires me,” Wendy said. “When I got into this field, I just really wanted to be able to help people get the best possible care that they can, and that’s what’s really special about working here. You get to make quality health care more accessible. You’re truly changing lives,” she added.
What Skills Have You Gained While Working at TrueCare?
Wendy reflected on her experience thus far working at TrueCare and said that she has sharpened both her clinical and administrative skills over the years. Her experience as a medical assistant laid a strong foundation she has since built on in her coordinator role.
“I’ve improved my computer skills and learned more about coordinating care,” Wendy said. “I’ve also really been able to grow my skills in administration. Then, of course, you’re always growing and learning from the patients you work with. It’s really incredible,” she said.
What Do You Love Most About Working at TrueCare Ramona?
Ultimately, Wendy said that what she really loves about working at TrueCare Ramona is the people she works with and the impact our organization empowers her to make.
“It’s the team, the community, and the positive impact we can have, not just for our patients, but for each other,” Wendy said. “All the great positive things we are able to do for people, whether it’s our employees or patients, are really incredible. It makes the job more fulfilling, which gives you a sense of purpose. If your values align with our mission-driven culture, then I think you’ll experience the same sense of fulfillment,” she added.
That sense of purpose, paired with a strong support system, makes TrueCare Ramona a truly special place to work.
Are You Inspired by Wendy Blanco’s Word and Journey? Apply for Nonprofit Health Care Jobs at TrueCare Ramona Today!
At TrueCare Ramona, you’ll find more than a workplace; you’ll find a close-knit team, local connections, and opportunities to grow your health care career with purpose. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step like Wendy did, we invite you to explore our open positions. From panel coordinator jobs to medical assistants and beyond, your path to making a real difference starts here. Apply today for health nonprofit jobs and help us build a healthier, stronger community together.
