January Mentor Spotlight featuring Lucero Sanchez
Background and Introduction
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your current role?
My Lucero, and I have been in Health Care my whole life, I started in high school where I was an athletic trainer and went on to be a CNA while I was in community College. I went on to pursue my bachelors from UHD Downtown in Health and Behavioral Science and eventually my MBA Texas Woman’s University.
I have worked at HCA for 2 amazing years with the Medical Staff as a Credentialer. Currently, I serve as the Team lead Coordinator for Reappointments in the Gulf Coast. I work with an amazing team of women that are passionate about helping others and come together and get things done.
What inspired you to pursue this career?
I grew up watching television series about what it was like to serve the community and give back. I would watch videos of doctors performing surgeries, nurses explaining their routine and the administration working behind the scenes. It was just so fascinating to me, and then I know that is what I wanted to do.
Career Journey
What was your first job, and how did it lead to where you are today?
My very first job was working front Desk at Super 8 Motel which was across the street from where I lived. I had experience in customer service as a teenager working with my father in the food industry at our restaurant, so working in hospitality was not a big deal for me. This role eventually led me to work in various retail roles later throughout high school. Soon after that, I felt the need to do more than customer service which later led to being inspired to be an athletic trainer in high school.
Can you share a defining moment or turning point in your career?
While I was in community college, I was pursuing nursing for 3 years. After receiving rejection letter after rejection letter, I knew I could not stay there, I had to pivot. There was absolutely nothing else I saw myself doing, and that was when I knew there had to be another extended branch within the same field where I could be a part of. I decided to go to Graduate school and get my MBA with a Healthcare concentration to pursue working in Healthcare operations.
Daily Life and Skills
What skills do you consider essential for success in your field?
Organization, listening, communication skills, problem-solving and critical thinking and most importantly being adaptable in a constant changing environment
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in your industry?
I like to read and educate myself in healthcare credentialing, governance, hospital by laws and staying on top of Medical knowledge.
Advice and Inspiration
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in your field?
Be open to learn and observe, write down and ask questions and if you cannot find the answer Google is a good friend. Welcome a little stress in your life, as it will only refine your skills.
Are there any mentors or role models who have significantly influenced your career?
Yes, my good friend Ashia is a wonderful person that has challenged me throughout my career at HCA. That extra push in uncertainty has brought more confidence in my abilities. Another role model for me is Jenny Wood. Her newsletters and podcasts have helped elevate my career in how to approach my higher ups and not being shy, but being clear about a request for example. Sometimes writing it down and reading it out loud helps before meeting.
Life Outside of Work
How do you manage work and life responsibilities, especially during busy or stressful periods?
For work, I keep notes on upcoming deadlines so I do not miss anything and when it comes to life, I go for a run or a swim to shut my mind off of work. This helps me feel rejuvenated like a breath of fresh air. During stressful times, I exercise and come back and write down everything that is urgent that needs attention whether it is work, my personal life and go from there.
Looking Ahead
How do you see your industry evolving in the next 5-10 years?
Healthcare is constantly evolving, new technology is here to stay such as virtual care and telemedicine and I have to stay on top to acquire new skills. Pretty soon there is going to be a rise of Home Health care due to the aging population that will need attention. There will be a need for administrators to take this role.
Personal Insights
What has been your proudest professional achievement so far?
Learning to create and implement processes and facilitate new ideas with our amazing team has been one of my proudest accomplishments that will lead to bigger things.
If you could change one thing about your career journey, what would it be and why?
I would not skip out on acquiring new knowledge in my early 20’s and reading more. There is so much to gather and learn such as improving communication skills.
What personal values or principles guide you in your professional life?
Being compassionate drives me as an individual and I am not afraid of transparency and taking accountability when I am wrong. I do not lose, I only learn.
Fun and Light-hearted
If you could have any superpower to help you in your career, what would it be and why?
I would go for a Photographic memory.
Can you share a fun fact or interesting anecdote about yourself that most people don’t know?
I play piano and I like to do ballet with a mix of yoga
Closing
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I recommend the book, “Hold the Calm” by Hesha Abrams, a great book to learn more about emotional intelligence.
Read, learn, network and invest in yourself and have fun!
Where can our readers follow your work or connect with you?
Sure thing, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucero-sanchez/
Feel free to connect with me and message me!