My First Day

When I initially applied for the position at Wheaton I thought what a cool job. I had no idea exactly what it involved but I knew I would be good at it. At that point all I had seen about the surgery was what I knew about Al Rocker. What is that only a knowledge of him losing a lot of weight quickly. It would seem like a magical cure to those who do not know better. To be honest most people do not, even when I say what I do to people they almost judge me. Like I am promoting a way out for people who can control themselves. As I first started on my journey I came in knowing two things 1. I am working with one of the best surgeons in the country who performs this surgery and 2. there is not a group of people who will work harder to get someone approved. I felt like I was surrounded by the right group of people to finally get two things I have been working towards my entire adult life. When I was in college I always saw myself working at a hospital no real reason just a goal. However since I am not a genius or any kind of science or math whiz I figured that may not happen ever. I started my first job after college in retail in the same scope of a position that I worked to get through college...great four years of work down the drain. As I struggled with making this position work I wanted more there had to be someway to have an effect on peoples lives. Shortly after that I was offered a position in long term care marketing. While I enjoyed what I did it was superficial I felt like I couldn't really have relationships because at the end of the day something happens I replace a room that is my only focus. Stay full that was my job day in and out...which led me to go searching again how can I have an impact on peoples lives. I happened to be on a job app and the position at Wheaton popped up. I hurriedly applied! Two days after I received a denial email I shook it off I figured it was not met to be. Two weeks later I got called to set up my phone interview. When I took that interview I babbled non-stop about how motivational I was...Didn't figure it went well especially because I have hardly any experience to back that up. I got called shortly after for a second interview. I figured I bombed that one too and I was told to prepare for my third interview with the Medical Director of the program. BOOM that hit me like a bag of bricks the who? This is my second real interview after graduating college I am interviewing with who? Well I did my research and prepared some things that I would fix with the program as it stands. I got offered the job that next Monday. I debated it for awhile is this really that different from what I do at what point do you leave behind good sense and what you know for something you have always wanted. This position combines my two life work goals. Working in public relations for a hospital and having the opportunity to take part in a life changing program. I started and researched for weeks what this surgery is, what it takes, who can help, who helps our patients, how we relay that information just everything. Once I reached my information overload and felt like I had a grasp on what I would be doing I ventured off to the office. As a "younger" energetic public relations girl I rushed into the office with all of these ideas. Needless to say as I am sure everyone had their own experience with the same type of unjadded new person all of these ideas and possibly even me were not warmly received. I had prepared myself for that coming from a job where I implemented big changes and was not a favorite I was ready to be hated. After a couple weeks of being "that girl" I was becoming a bit depressed about my decision to leave my last job. I felt lost I kept asking myself why I would have left somewhere I was well liked for somewhere I was hated. A couple of months have gone by since that low point and I am happy to say I have found my place in the office. At the end of the day everyone in that office (myself included) want the same thing to help change peoples lives. This surgery is a tool to change your life. Along with other tools eating changes, exercise and complete lifestyle change that process is made possible by that team. The Midwest Institute of Advanced Laparoscopic is here to play an active role in changing lives. I am honored to have been selected to be apart of this team and find ways for patients to find success and support. -Hanna