Megan Husson, recent Goodwin College Medical Assisting graduate, was hired at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in the Hematology/Oncology Department exactly four years to the day of her discharge.
At just 16 years old, Husson had been diagnosed with superior mesenteric artery syndrome, a rare gastro-vascular disorder that affects the intestines. “It took eight months to be diagnosed,” Husson recalled. “I’m 5’7 and was 102 pounds and on 28 different medications a day.”
She was admitted to Children’s National Medical Center in D.C. three times for a total of 10 weeks for treatment.
Even though the outlook wasn’t good considering the one-in-three mortality rate with this syndrome, Husson’s experience wasn’t all negative. “I built phenomenal relationships with the nurses and doctors. I have great memories as a patient,” Husson said. “After going through that, I knew I wanted to get into the medical field.”
As for her recovery, Husson calls it a miracle. “They didn’t think I was going to make it to senior year of high school.”
When Husson learned that by enrolling in Goodwin’s Medical Assisting program she could be working in the field within a year, she knew it was the right decision. “It wasn’t this distant dream. It was attainable and Goodwin made that possible.”
Husson went through the Medical Assisting program with the same group of students, which she found comforting. “At Goodwin, I didn’t feel like I was just a student — I was part of a team.”
Husson completed her internship at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in the Ear Nose and Throat department. “I felt prepared,” Husson noted. “It felt like I was training for a career while I was still in the classroom.”
Husson spoke about the benefits of getting your foot in the door in the healthcare field. “Medical Assisting is a great way to learn about the administrative and clinical sides. It’s a great springboard.”
Husson worked with Goodwin’s Career Services team to hone her interviewing skills before she was offered a full-time position working with children with blood disorders and cancer. “The patients give my job meaning. The kids seem so happy and so hopeful,” Husson commented. “I can relate because I’ve been on the other side of the bed.”
As for transitioning from school to work, Husson said it was seamless. “I never questioned if I could do this.”
Husson will be returning to Goodwin to pursue a degree in Health Science.
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Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.