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For Serena Fajardo, a Medical Assistant (MA) at TrueCare’s La Misión Health Center, a career in health care is more than a job; it’s a way to give back to the community that shaped her. Recruited by an HR manager, Serena felt an immediate connection to an organization whose values mirrored her own. These days, Serena is proudly providing compassionate care to the very community she and her family were once a part of at TrueCare while building a foundation for her future career goals. Learn about her incredible story and how TrueCare can help you find your professional calling in her words.
Serena Fajardo on Finding Her Place as a Medical Assistant at TrueCare La Mision
In an industry that can be high-stress and impersonal, Serena’s story is a testament to the fact that you can find a job that is both challenging and fulfilling. But what does that really look and feel like? Let’s hear from Serena herself.
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Why Did You Want to Work at TrueCare?
When asked why she chose to join TrueCare, Serena’s answer was simple.
“I think TrueCare is different. It’s in the name, and the name starts to make sense when you come in and truly feel like your primary care provider cares, that the support staff care at the front desk, and that everyone is going to take the time to explain things to you. When you get to the back, you have an actual understanding of what you can look forward to, and it helps make you feel safe and comfortable enough to open up and trust your provider. That’s an overlooked but essential component of quality care. Having everyone be on the same page and working in harmony is what makes TrueCare special,” smiled Serena.
This commitment to patient well-being is something she takes immense pride in as a medical assistant. She knows she is making a difference at a time in a patient’s life when it matters the most.
“I love the people, I love the patients, and I love my coworkers. That’s what makes me love my job. I like what I do for work, and there are always reminders. I’m still glad to be here during people’s most vulnerable moments. It’s really rewarding,” said Serena.
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What Was Your Experience with Onboarding at TrueCare?
While we did talk about her future with the organization, Serena also looked back on her onboarding experience fondly during our conversation.
“As I settled into my role as a medical assistant here, I can say that it was a wonderful time. It felt like finally coming home, and everyone here made me feel welcome. There was no dumb question. Everyone was super open and supportive. I always felt very heard, even if I asked the same question 50 times,” laughed Serena.
For applicants like you who may be considering a career at TrueCare, Serena also had some great advice and words of encouragement to impart.
“Come to TrueCare and try it out. I guarantee you’ll love it. TrueCare is one of the best places I’ve worked, and I’ve bonded with so many people and genuinely enjoyed my time here. I’m going to be heartbroken when I reach my dream career and have to leave, but I’ll always look back at my time at TrueCare and truly value the time, as well as the memories and friends I’ve made along the way. And even if I do end up leaving, I know the door is always open if I want to come back for whatever reason,” shared Serena.
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What Does it Mean to Serve a Community You Grew Up In?
As a daughter of immigrants, Serena understands the challenges of navigating the health care system in an underserved community. She feels a deep personal connection to the work she does, knowing that she is helping a population she once belonged to.
“It means a lot to hold this job and work here – academically, professionally, and everything. As an MA, I get to work with our Spanish-speaking patients because I’m bilingual, and just being a face that a patient can not just recognize but trust? That’s why I do what I do, and that’s what makes serving the community so special, and it feels good to know my family is proud of the work I do, too,” Seren said.
Serena also said that her background adds some meaning to the work she does.
“As the daughter of immigrants, to be able to help such underserved populations feels great because that was me and my family at one point, and it feels good to know there’s still support and there are still people that care and choose this job over money,” smiled Serena.
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How Has TrueCare Helped You Grow in Your Career?
In addition to serving the community, Serena’s role as a medical assistant is helping her grow professionally. She has a unique dream and sees her current position as a crucial step toward achieving that goal.
“My end goal is to be a flight medic. I want to be on a helicopter down in San Diego, and this is a really good place to start. I was an EMT, and you have to continue that to get into paramedic school, but they don’t pay much. You get a lot of hands-on experience here with medications, different patients of all ages, and scenarios that you could never really anticipate. Every day is a learning experience, and every day here puts me a step closer to realizing my dream,” said Serena.
While she is definitely working toward a future goal, Serena also described just how much TrueCare has helped her grow up to this point.
“My time here at TrueCare as a medical assistant, I would say, has benefited me professionally as well. I just really feel like it’s building me to be the person I set out to be, and that’s a great feeling,” smiled Serena.
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What’s the Team Culture Like at Your Health Center?
Serena spoke highly of her team’s culture, describing it as warm and welcoming from day one. When she first started, she felt right at home, and the team made her feel supported. As for what she feels her team does exceptionally well, she had interesting insights.
“Our strongest asset is communication. I think our patients would 100% say that. They know they can reach us directly through MyChart. I would say we reply within one to two days max, and I think our patients would agree that communication is our biggest strength, so that’s an important skill to showcase if you want to work here. It’s something that sets our team and organization apart from the rest,” smiled Serena.
The team’s close bond extends beyond work, too. They have frequent potlucks to celebrate everything, from baby showers to plain old Fridays.
“We have potlucks for everything. Surgeon’s general warning: you might put on a few pounds during this season working here, but that’s what the holidays are for. It doesn’t have to be a holiday. Maybe we’re celebrating a baby shower, or maybe we’re celebrating that it’s Friday. Because who doesn’t love the weekend? No matter what we’re celebrating, I just hope Ira brings her famous chilaquiles sliders,” said Serena.
Still, Serena said one of the most special things about TrueCare is the fact that the team and organization encourage everyone to bring their whole, authentic selves to work.
“I love that everyone here is very accepting of who we are and, like, the weird and quirky things that I enjoy doing. Like outside of work, the TV shows we watch, we end up bonding over that stuff. I would say my teammates are all on the same page, so we watch the same things, talk about the same things, and if we don’t, we’ll hear each other out and just embrace whatever it is about each other with no judgment,” smiled Serena.
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Are You Inspired by the Words of Serena Fajardo? Apply for a Job at TrueCare Today!
Serena Fajardo’s story is a testament to the fact that a career at TrueCare is an opportunity for both personal and professional growth. If you are looking for a job where you can make a true difference in the lives of patients and join a supportive team, TrueCare is waiting. Explore open positions, start your career, and find your professional calling with TrueCare.