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Art Therapist - Megan Robb (6/19/2007) "I chose to become an art therapist because of both of my interests in art and community outreach. I have always enjoyed making art, but never felt that my artistic skills were strong enough to pursue a career in graphic arts. My volunteer work helped me find a way to use art in a very positive way."
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Audiologist - Carmen Brewer (5/13/2005) "Quite honestly, I was a lost soul during middle school and high school. My mother died when I was 10 years old and I was the oldest of 5 children. During my non-school hours, I helped run the household, and did my school homework. Occasionally, I escaped with friends to do the things that teenage girls did, which in my generation was listening to the Beatles! "
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Biochemist - David Belnap (7/1/2004) "Considering my college education, I knew I wanted to do something in science that combined my interests in biology, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. I decided that biochemistry best suited my goal. I have emphasized the more physical and mathematical aspects of biochemistry in my study and research."
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Biological Technician - Jason Sacks (4/8/2003) "My career goals are to complete my master’s degree in Public Health, which I am working toward now on a part-time basis. After that, I hope to work for an international organization or a state health department trying to stop the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS."
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Biological Technician - Keisha Hines-Harris (9/14/2007) "Many of my friends in high school either had no clue or knew exactly what career they wanted to choose. I have always known that I wanted a career in science, but it wasn't until my last year of high school that I knew it would be genetics. My only advice to high school students is: If you have many career choices in mind, don't be afraid to research and try them all, because the odds are, one of them will be your destiny.”
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Biological Technician - Peggy Hall (10/5/2007) "What I like best about my work is the way we rotate to different areas in the sequencing center. You get to learn new skills and the work doesn’t get boring or routine. My favorite work was the computer analysis I did when I was in the finishing section. We have a software program to analyze the DNA sequences. I reviewed the sequence data to make sure it was complete. If the sequence was not good, I suggested methods to use to improve that sequence area."
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Biological Technician - Joel Han (12/3/2007) "My career goals are to go back to school. I have already taken some courses and became certified in A+ Network+ (industry credentials for network support skills). I am thinking about pursuing a biotechnology and business administration graduate program at the University of Maryland."
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Biologist - Faith Pangilinan (8/20/2007) "Lab research is a great fit for me because it requires a great intersection of my curiosity, my analytical skills, and the satisfaction of hands-on work."
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Biologist - Angela Atwood-Moore (9/14/2007) "In our lab, we study transponsons in yeast. Yeast cells are perfect for the study because they are the simplest equivalent to a human cell. Less than 20 years ago, my boss identified transposons in a certain type of yeast. He saw that they were active, could copy themselves, and move around in the genome. At that time, these regions were considered “junk DNA,” because the prevalent thought among scientists was that they had no function. Now we are learning that these regions do have functions."
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Biology Teacher, Secondary - Peggy Deichstetter (4/7/2004) "I’ve had students use candy M&Ms to demonstrate how natural selection works. The losers are eaten; while the strongest go on to compete again. After the activity, students review their data and discuss the outcome. They learn that the strongest M&M will live to reproduce more of the same color and attributes, a central principle behind the theory of natural selection."
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Biology Teacher, Secondary - Egda M. Morales-Ramos (4/27/2006) "Instead of going to medical school, I went to work in the pharmaceutical industry after graduating. I found that the work didn’t bring me satisfaction. Then I started teaching in a private school and eventually obtained a certificate as a biology teacher. I think that was the most important and rewarding career decision I have ever made. "
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Biomedical Engineer - Abby Vogel (8/17/2004) "My career goals are to graduate with a Ph.D. in Biological Resources Engineering and to publish as a first author in a leading professional journal. ... After graduating with a Ph.D., I am undecided about whether to pursue a career in academia as a professor, or in industry as a biomedical engineer."
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Biophysicist - Peter Bandettini (2/9/2004) "I chose to become a biophysicist because since I was about 12 years old, I have been fascinated by human thought and behavior. As I got older, I realized that the mysteries of human behavior lie in understanding our brains – the most complex system known to man."
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Biostatistician - Richard Simon (9/16/2005) " In high school, I wasn’t really interested in learning until I began the study of geometry. My older sister was an excellent student, to whom I was always compared. I was questioned, “Why don’t you do better in school like your sister? Why don’t you apply yourself more?” The turning point came when I was in the 10th grade. I had a wonderful geometry teacher who loved her subject."
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Chemical Engineer - Steve Marquis (8/16/2004) "What I like best about my work is the opportunity to see the development of cutting-edge cancer treatments, whether they are coming out of the NCI laboratories, or developed through collaboration with an outside party."
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Chemist - Jack Simpson (8/17/2004) "Mass spectrometry [is] a technique I use to determine the molecular weight of intact molecules, such as drugs, proteins and DNA. It can also be used to identify and sequence proteins, and monitor drugs in body fluids. For instance, all drug testing for the Olympics is performed using mass spectrometry."
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Counseling Psychologist - Craig Kalman (11/17/2003) "My brother and I are both Towson State University (TSU) alumni and big football fans. My brother wrote the lyrics and music of a song about about the legendary Baltimore Colts quarterback, Johnny Unitas. In 2003, when TSU renamed their stadium in honor of Unitas, they played his original song at the dedication ceremony."
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Dental Assistant - Christopher Beadle (5/19/2005) "I went through military boot camp in Chicago. ... After training, the Navy sent me to Naples, Italy for two years to give dental care to the military stationed in that area. ...On my return to the United States, I was assigned to the White House and had the privilege of providing dental care to the first family. "
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Dental Hygienist - Sherri Gollins (6/12/2006) "I chose this career path because I had the opportunity to teach people to be in charge of their own health. Funny how my original career choice to become a teacher snuck its way in. A large part of what I needed to do, in order to be effective, was to teach and guide."
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Dental Laboratory Technician - Ana M. Remond (6/8/2005) "My career goal is to enter a dental school through the Navy dental scholarship program. My hope would be to find a dental school through the American Association of Dental Schools and use the Navy scholarship to complete my training."
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Dentist - Jennifer Cyriaque (9/23/2003) “I encourage students to go for it in whatever it is that they aspire to do. Build on your natural abilities and your interests, and see where those things lead you. Don’t let people tell you that you can’t accomplish your goals. There are no mistakes, only life experiences."
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Dentist - Stephen Sterlitz (5/13/2005) "I did not get into dental school the first time that I applied. Quite a let down for someone who had never been told “No” in his life! Even though I completed the minimum prerequisites for admission, scored in the 90th percentile on the admissions exam, and had a pretty strong resume, the dental schools wanted to see more science classes. I had to prove that I could handle the heavy academic load in dental school. Resolute to realize my goal, I resigned from active duty in the Navy and enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at Eastern Michigan University. "
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Dentist - James Tynecki (6/8/2005) "What I like best about my work is when I give a patient a “smile” that they are proud to wear. In some cases, a patient’s appearance affects their ability to interact successfully with others. ...My artistic and creative abilities have really helped me as a dentist. Being good with your hands and being compassionate are also necessary skills in good dental practice. "
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Dietetic Technician, Registered - Antoinette Colbert (9/23/2003) "When I was 16, my mother took me to a nursing home to seek a job and explore the field of nursing. There were no openings as a nurse’s assistant, but there was an available position in the nutrition department. While working with the dietician there, I became very interested in the field."
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Dietitian and Nutritionist - Gloria Stables (11/12/2003) "Currently I help review and synthesize the latest research to determine which interventions are effective in increasing vegetable and fruit consumption, to ultimately decrease cancer risk."
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Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic - Darryl Lowery (7/20/2005) "I chose to become an emergency medical technician because of a great volunteer experience. When I was 16, I volunteered at the local fire department along with three of my best friends from high school. Early on, I took the necessary classes and became certified in cardiovascular pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and advanced first aid. I continued working there while I finished high school. Many times I would go to the firehouse after school on Friday and stay there most of the weekend through Sunday. "
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Epidemiologist - Victoria Cargill (7/9/2004) "My typical workday varies based upon the duties I need to accomplish for the day. I work as a medical officer on policy issues. As a doctor, I also have a private practice in a southeast clinic in Washington D.C. At the NIH, I don’t fit into any single niche. For example, I am a researcher, but I don’t work in a typical NIH laboratory. My lab is the inner city where my practice is located. Listening to my patients is as important as the diagnostic tests that are conducted. Working in the inner city environment requires an understanding of gangs, drugs, rap music, urban hip-hop, and people struggling to maintain their dignity."
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Epidemiologist - W Tun (9/24/2004) "I chose to become an epidemiologist because I have always been interested in international development. After graduating from college, I spent a year as a volunteer in India teaching English to Tibetan refugees. This experience influenced my decision to focus on public health problems in developing countries."
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Fitness Trainer and Aerobics Instructor - Barry Weidner (6/24/2003) "There is a lot of variety in my day. I’m always moving around doing different things. I couldn’t stand the idea of sitting behind a desk all day."
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Forensic Science Technician - Angi M. Christensen (8/15/2005) "What I like best about my work is that almost every day is different and rewarding. Every case is unique and presents new challenges, which keeps me thinking and stimulated. The idea that everything I do is helping to solve a crime and/or provide closure for loved ones is very rewarding."
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Genetic Counselor - Barbara Biesecker (10/17/2005) "My career goals are to complete my doctoral degree and continue my work. My initial career goals were to direct a graduate program and conduct research, and I am doing both. I suppose once I complete my doctoral degree there will be new options to consider."
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Government Service Executive - Steven Hausman (1/12/2004) "I have long had an interest in science that began in elementary school. One of my elementary school teachers fostered that interest. I still remember receiving an 'A' on a paper I wrote on weather patterns. My interest in science continued throughout my education."
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Health and Medical Science Museum Curator - Manon Parry (4/8/2003) "I had a wonderful mentor in England. She was an American professor, and she encouraged me to apply for a Ph.D. in the history of medicine."
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Health Educator - Frank GrayShield (4/30/2003) "One of the reasons I took this position with NIH is because the projects could have a national impact and create positive change for all American Indian and Alaska Natives. "
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Internist - Elise Kohn (3/1/2005) "I mentor anyone who will let me. Learning is such a dynamic process. I am constantly learning... . "
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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist - Chris King (10/20/2003) "What I like best about my work is the fact that I am really helping people. If you think about how doctors make diagnostic decisions, they order lab tests. It’s the primary way doctors figure out what’s wrong with a patient."
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Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologist - Vivian Morales (7/24/2007) "During high school, I started to look for possibilities in the healthcare system. I discovered the Post Bachelor program for Medical Technology at the University of Puerto Rico. I liked the curriculum; it was a short but intense program that would allow me to have a professional career in a few years. It was also very competitive to get into the program. In order to meet the prerequisite courses necessary to apply, I worked towards a degree in Biology. "
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Medical and Health Services Manager - Wade Atkins (4/11/2003) "There is no other field that directly affects 12 million lives each year like blood banking. Someone in this country is transfused every 3 seconds. This work is fascinating because each clinical case is like a mystery. You get to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and come up with creative solutions to solve the mystery."
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Medical and Health Services Manager - Ron DeClerck (5/17/2004) I have a detail-oriented personality and prefer organization. My interests, counseling, and research, all pointed me to this field. Through the U.S. Department of Labor, I discovered it was one of the fastest growing industries in which to work due to the aging American population. It was also exciting to consider being part of an industry undergoing the technological change from paper to electronics."
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Medical Appliance Technician - Ron Dickey (1/23/2006) "After graduating from high school, I worked for a number of years in the repair and manufacture of boats. ... I wanted a career in a science and health related field that would combine my skills and interests. While researching career possibilities, I found a philosophical similarity between the mechanics of boat building and the making of prostheses and orthoses. ... I knew if I could apply my experience with the right education, I might be able to make a difference by helping people who are physically challenged continue with their normal everyday lives."
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Medical Assistant - Phyllis Shipper (10/20/2004) "I chose to become a medical assistant because of a wonderful and rewarding experience I had as a youth. I volunteered as a Candy Striper at the Hebrew Home for the Aged in Maryland. The enjoyment and overwhelming satisfaction I felt by helping others was incredible! Ever since then, I knew I wanted to work with people in a meaningful way and make a positive impact in this world."
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Medical Illustrator - Don Bliss (3/11/2004) Understanding the scientific content is what separates medical illustrators from other artists."
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Medical Librarian - Robin Meckley (5/28/2004) "I work in a scientific research library, helping researchers who work in basic science. Other medical librarians work in clinical settings such as hospitals or medical schools, helping physicians, nurses, and even patients. Still other medical librarians work at biotechnology or drug companies. For greater job flexibility, I recommend pursuing a Master of Library Science degree from a program that is approved by the American Library Association (ALA)."
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Medical Library Technician - Crystal Smith (10/17/2003) "What I like best about my work is interacting with people. I also enjoy tracking down information to answer questions. I feel instant gratification when I find the answers to customers' inquiries."
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Medical Records and Health Information Technician - Maritza Sinclair (5/10/2006) "I lucked out when I was accepted into my current position. Initially, I was hired on a part-time basis. Within six months, I was working full-time. At first, I had to learn the Terminal Digital Order, which is the system for numbering our patient records. I learned the system quickly, and it is one of those things – like riding a bike – that you never forget."
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Medical Scientist - Byron Ford (4/11/2003) "Through research, I hope we can learn ways to protect the brain from stroke, repair the brain following stroke, and develop effective treatments."
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Medical Scientist - Milton English (7/10/2007) "I grew up with my grandparents in Guyana, South America. We had a lot of livestock including cows, chickens, pigs, and donkeys. My chores included taking care of the animals. I even witnessed some of them giving birth. I was awed by the experience and it made me curious about what was going on inside of them. I always wanted to learn more."
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Microbiologist - Patricia Diaz (3/28/2005) "The talents necessary for this kind of job are patience, enthusiasm, critical thinking, persistence, intuition and creativity. Researchers can focus on a very small question for a long period of time... . They know that if they are patient enough, there is a reward at the end of the road."
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Social Worker, Medical - Tina Levin (7/8/2005) "My mother is a Holocaust survivor, and my father was an emotionally repressed man. I believe I was left to figure out feelings on my own. I learned early on to treat my mother gently and to take care of her because she had suffered enough in her past. Later in my life, I saw a therapist who helped me continue my quest to figure out feelings and who encouraged me to study social work. It was my own process of learning to become myself that created a passion in me to be genuine and, in turn, to help others in a similar discovery."
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Nurse, Registered - Keisha Potter (1/20/2004) "Nursing is a wonderful profession that allows many opportunities and career paths. I am proud of what I have accomplished and how I touch the lives of others. I meet interesting people everyday and am able to leave work with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment."
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Nurse, Registered - Jean Jenkins (12/15/2008) "What I like best about my work is the opportunity to learn new things. In genetics, there is always a new discovery and its potential application to improve our lives. I also enjoy working with my colleagues. They are innovative and focused on making a difference."
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Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Matrice Browne (2/10/2004) "What I like best about my work is the diversity of my workday. No two days are exactly alike. I especially enjoy interacting with the families as they bring a new life into the world."
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Occupational Health and Safety Specialist - Greg Tate (3/21/2005) "While in college, I came upon the safety science field. I was curious about the laws that protect workers, since one of my friends had lost a foot during a work-related accident. I began taking classes and enjoyed the coursework."
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Occupational Therapist - Hanna Hildenbrand (11/29/2004) "As a teenager, I became a camp counselor with the United Cerebral Palsy organization. ... The work was physically and emotionally challenging, but I completely enjoyed the experience. The campers and their families were so appreciative of, and satisfied with, the camp experience. They taught me about how much you can achieve with motivation, perseverance, adaptability and a little support. Experiences at the UCP summer camps strongly influenced my choice of academic and professional study."
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Occupational Therapist - Karoline Harvey (4/18/2005) "I chose to become an occupational therapist because I always liked science. I began to consider occupational therapy (OT) as a career when my identical twin sister fell-off a horse and broke her arm. She required OT during her recovery. "
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Occupational Therapy Assistant - Nancy Bernier (3/1/2005) "I chose to become an occupational therapy (OT) assistant because 12 years ago I had breast cancer and saw first-hand the benefit that the OT assistant gave to the patient."
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Orthodontist - Sunil Wadhwa (4/9/2003) "I don’t like putting people in pain. In orthodontics, it’s just the opposite. People want to see me, and there is nothing I do that causes them pain."
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Orthotist and Prosthetist - Ralph Urgolities (7/7/2005) "The advice I have given my children and grandchildren and would give to any young person thinking about the future is: Study all kinds of subjects – don't rule anything out – and try your best at each one so that you get a feel for what you really like and what you're good at. Think about what's really important in life. What will bring you satisfaction, not only when you get your paycheck but also when you look back on your life and the difference you have made on the planet?"
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Orthotist and Prosthetist - Joseph Miller (2/13/2006) "Since we use computer driven means to duplicate a patient’s stump, I have a digital record of all patient care. This allows me to participate in research projects that use the record of decisions made during production of a prosthesis, the record of changes in techniques, and the introduction of new technology. Much of my research is supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. This agency has successfully funded research that has resulted in advanced materials used in medicine, the Internet, and the Global Positioning System (or GPS, a tracking and navigation device). Currently, DARPA is supporting research in a new technology called Brain Machine Interfacing, which will result in more useful, versatile and life-like prosthetics."
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Patent Lawyer - Malka Scher (1/9/2004) "At the time I went to high school and college, it was unusual to be a woman interested in science. I liked asking questions and the challenge of finding answers in the laboratory."
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Pediatrician - Lynne Haverkos (5/13/2005) "A pediatrician encompasses qualities of a medical detective, a counselor, and a healer. There is an element of intrigue in searching for signs and symptoms of diseases and solving diagnostic dilemmas. "
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Pharmacist - Leslie Adams (11/12/2003) "Pharmacy has a number of specialties from which to choose, like veterinary sciences, infectious diseases, critical care, psychology, and ambulatory care. I am a clinical research pharmacist, and spend a lot of time working with investigational drugs that may eventually be considered for approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)."
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Physical Therapist - Matthew Scherer (10/22/2004) What I like best about my work is to see the patients make progress toward their goals and improve their level of functional activity. As the patient progresses toward independence, I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment and a justification of my career choice. Fitness and wellness is important to me, and I know it will be part of my patients’ lives throughout their rehabilitation."
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Physical Therapist Assistant - Chris Weaver (1/10/2005) "I chose to become a physical therapy assistant because all of my life I have had an interest in health and science. My favorite subjects in high school were anatomy and physiology."
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Program Analyst - Dennis Askwith (9/12/2008) "When I’m not working, I like to teach line dancing. I founded a Country Western Line Dance Club at NIH in 1995, which meets every Tuesday at noon in the NIH Clinical Center gymnasium."
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Prosthodontist - Mary Walker (9/10/2004) "Becoming more involved with complex patient treatments, like the use of dental implants and comprehensive intra-oral reconstruction, prompted me to further my education. I decided to pursue a specialty in prosthodontics while working towards a Ph.D. in biomaterials."
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Psychiatrist - David T. George (9/12/2003) "There is always something new to learn. It’s something like a treasure hunt or finding the next missing piece of the puzzle. "
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Public Relations Specialist - Geoff Spencer (1/22/2008) "My typical workday is never really typical, which is great. ...One minute you may be trying to set up an interview for a reporter from the New York Times who is on a tight deadline, while simultaneously having to manage logistics for an exhibit at a scientific meeting, or setting up a major press conference downtown."
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Public Relations Specialist - Kelli Carrington (3/26/2008) "For about eight years, I worked as a health educator focusing on health communications and community research related to arthritic diseases. As I saw how these programs empowered people to take charge of their own health, I became interested in how such programs might transition to broader health challenges and populations."
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Dietetic Technician, Registered - Antoinette Colbert (9/23/2003) "When I was 16, my mother took me to a nursing home to seek a job and explore the field of nursing. There were no openings as a nurse’s assistant, but there was an available position in the nutrition department. While working with the dietician there, I became very interested in the field."
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Radiation Therapist - Karen Lynne Ullman (10/28/2005) "The goal of radiation therapy is to kill the cancer cells with as little risk as possible to normal cells. Members of our radiation oncology department work together to treat our patients. This collaborative effort is seen and felt by all, including the patient, family members, and friends. "
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Radiologic Technologist - Dennis Johnson (10/12/2005) "In our department, we see approximately 60 to 80 patients a day. Most of our work revolves around the use of our computer tomography (CT) scanners. A CT scanner is a tubular-shaped machine that generates multiple X-ray images simultaneously. The images are digitized and processed by the computer to display them as two-dimensional pictures on a monitor. CT scans provide physicians with detailed images of a patient’s internal body that aids them in diagnosis and treatment planning. "
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Recreational Therapist - Julie Hoehl (4/2/2003) "I enjoy the creative aspect of my work. You cannot resort to identical intervention plans. You have to find what works best for each patient."
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Respiratory Therapist - Dennis Brown (1/20/2004) "The respiratory therapist is technically skilled and can operate and maintain lots of different devices. Some of the equipment is used for life support such as mechanical ventilators, bronchoscopy systems, non-invasive ventilators, laboratory blood gas analyzers, high flow and low flow oxygen delivery devices, portable monitoring systems, EKG, non invasive ventilators, and the list goes on and on."
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Respiratory Therapist - Kevilin Prah (4/27/2006) "My career goals are to go to medical school and specialize in pulmonology. I think that being a respiratory therapist is preparing me for that step. ... In 5-10 years from now, I hope to be in medical school, if everything goes as planned."
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Science Writer - Alisa Machalek (4/8/2003) "Calling-up Nobel prize-winners and asking them to explain their work is just part of my job. How cool is that!"
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Social Worker, Medical - Tina Levin (7/8/2005) "My mother is a Holocaust survivor, and my father was an emotionally repressed man. I believe I was left to figure out feelings on my own. I learned early on to treat my mother gently and to take care of her because she had suffered enough in her past. Later in my life, I saw a therapist who helped me continue my quest to figure out feelings and who encouraged me to study social work. It was my own process of learning to become myself that created a passion in me to be genuine and, in turn, to help others in a similar discovery."
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Social Worker, Mental Health and Substance Abuse - Linda Doty (4/15/2004) "If you are a recent high school graduate, it is quite acceptable to be uncertain about what you want to do with the rest of your life. Many of us change majors more than once. I feel it is advantageous to blend more than one profession or field of study. Ultimately, you make yourself more marketable."
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Social Worker, Mental Health and Substance Abuse - Debby Hill (5/27/2004) "I chose to become a social worker, because of two interests that I developed. In grade school, I became very interested in medicine. At the time, I wanted to be a doctor or a nurse. When I grew older, I decided that it was not practical for me to pursue that dream, since I am blind. (Later, I discovered that there are doctors who are blind and nurses with partial vision.) But despite that decision, my interest in medicine remained."
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Sonographer, Diagnostic Medical - Diane Johnson (6/28/2007) "Radiology and sonography are wonderful careers. They offer many employment opportunities and many different certifications. They give you many options for expertise that will keep your career interesting and rewarding. "
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Speech-Language Pathologist - Christy Ludlow (8/12/2005) "My immediate goal involves a new project to help patients with chronic dysphagia as a result of a stroke, brain injury or a brain tumor. These patients can’t eat solid foods or feed themselves and often must be tube feed. I would like to develop a new treatment to help these patients."
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Surgeon - Derrick Cox (10/22/2004) "I began residency with an open mind to discover what specialty would best utilize my personal attributes, and also be rewarding and challenging. I am very enthusiastic and confident in my decision to pursue a career in surgical oncology. I aspire to be a leader in public health by being an advocate for reducing cancer health disparities through cancer prevention coupled with early diagnosis and treatment."
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Surgical Technologist - Lisa Brown (7/8/2005) "After working most of my career in a community hospital, I find it interesting to work in the NIH research environment. I have worked on surgical cases that I never knew existed."
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Veterinarian - Tanya B (3/12/2004) "I chose to become a veterinarian because it allows me to combine my love of animals with my equal passion for science, problem solving and teaching."
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Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers - Maurice B (4/9/2003) "While I was feeding a nonhuman primate, another animal nearby stole the work keys that were attached to my scrubs. He started jiggling the keys and jumping around, almost as if he was bragging."
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Veterinary Technologist and Technician - Katherine L (3/25/2004) "I was raised on a mini-farm, and we had chickens, goats, dogs, cats, cows, pigs, and horses. They were all my friends. Dr. Donna Brown, a traveling veterinarian, inspired me. She came to our house to give the animals immunizations and to provide health care when they were ill. She used to let me help her. These early experiences inspired me to pursue a career in the field."
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