Howard County STEM

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Mrs. Kampert, Healthcare Worker at St. Joseph’s Medical Center

Published 25 May 2020

Tags: healthcare, science, women-in-stem

Why did you choose to pursue this career? What made you certain this was the right path?

It was different, interesting, unique, had a pre-med curriculum, and the starting salary was good. I was never certain, but it seemed appropriate.

What schooling, education, and/or certifications did you complete to prepare you for this career?

B.S. in perfusion technology, Masters in Health Administration, and Certified Clinical Perfusionist.

How did you make the best use of your time in both your education and career?

A good balance of both family and career life.

What advice would you give to a high school or college student interested in pursuing this field of work?

I think it is a great career to balance your work and family life. Keep studying and take as many science classes as you can.

What opportunities would you suggest high school students participate in?

Volunteering and shadowing.

What opportunities did you take as a student that helped advance your career (research, internships, etc.)?

Research, internships, and lots of exposure in the cardiac area.

What do you wish you had done differently with regards to your career/education?

I wondered if I should have gotten my MBA instead of my MHA.

What does a typical day at your job look like?

Involved in a team of cardiac surgery to keep the patient alive during the operation.

What was a surprising aspect of your job?

Having to deal with possible death of the patient. Also working with difficult people during a surgery.

What qualities are necessary to be successful in your field of work, and why?

Patience, able to listen, and mentally strong.