Reneya Gaskins, a registered medical assistant at the George Washington University (GW) Medical Faculty Associates (MFA), has seen the highs and lows that accompany a career in health care, yet she wakes up each morning eager to see how the day unfolds; the promise of who she’ll meet, what she’ll experience, and what she’ll learn gives her the bounce she needs. Here, she explains what she has learned at the GW MFA and what has inspired her along the way.
What is your role at GW, and what does it entail?
Gaskins: I am a registered medical assistant at the GW MFA. Here, I work in the podiatry division. My role consists of tackling the daily activities that come with a super busy clinic. Not only do I accommodate five physicians who are always in high demand, but I am also responsible for assisting each patient and making sure each exam room is stocked and cleaned. I do this all while being the lead for my other co-workers and assisting them with any questions, comments, or concerns they may have for the day.
How did you get started at GW?
Gaskins: As a young mother, I was looking for a career that would carry me and be a great financial support for my daughter and me. As a lover of medicine, I started out as a phlebotomist in December of 2000. Shortly thereafter, I moved to the clinic in the internal medicine division. During the year 2003, I started working in the podiatry clinic while also assisting in other specialty areas. Completely falling in love with podiatry, even on the not so good days, I decided I was where I wanted to be and have been there ever since.
What lessons have you learned while working here?
Gaskins: The experience I have gained, the people I have met, and the connections I have been able to create have been life changing. I have been given the opportunity to work with some great individuals who always feel they can be themselves in our work environment. Being around so many different personalities and cultures has helped me to acquire a whole new perspective on not just life, but also medicine. Even though some days are harder than others, I never miss the chance to see what the days bring on the 6th floor of the MFA. And that notion right there is what inspires me to keep going, just the pure thought of being able to start a new day, meet some new people, and create new experiences and memories.
Anything you’d like to add?
Gaskins: I would like to say thank you for this opportunity and thank you for everyone who has believed in me and taken a chance on me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of those special people.
