by Vickie Jenkins – Writer/Photographer
Dr. Michael Crawford, MD is an internal medicine specialist in Oklahoma City, OK and has been practicing for 33 years. He graduated from University Of Oklahoma / Health Sciences Center in 1983 and specializes in internal medicine. His office is located in N.W. Oklahoma City, OK.
Meet Alissa Westbrook, who enjoys her job as medical assistant at Dr. Crawford’s office. “I love my job here. I check in the patients and perform the different tests on them; EKG’s, Spirometry, stress tests, and assist Dr. Crawford with anything he needs help with,” she said.
Alissa has been in the medical field for several years as she worked in Home Health Care. “I prefer working in a doctor’s office much better,” she said. “I like working in a doctor’s office and getting to know the patients. There is such a variety of people and all of the patients are so nice,” she added.
Alissa’s favorite part of her job is interacting with the patients. “All of the patients are very interesting. This is a great place to work because I learn something new every day. I want to keep learning more so I can go farther with my medical career,” she said.
Asking what Alissa’s biggest challenge with her job was, she replied, “When we have new patients, I want to get a good flow going between us. I think it might be hard for some of the patients to open up about their medical problem. Most of the time, they will tell me but sometimes, they want to wait and talk to Dr. Crawford. I can understand them wanting to wait but sometimes, it can be a little difficult if they don’t want to tell me anything.”
What qualities do you think make a good medical assistant or nurse? “Definitely, they need to have empathy and be compassionate. They need to know what they are talking about and make sure the patient understands them. They need to be able to communicate with the doctor and the staff and be able to assist when needed,” she said.
Alissa is motivated by praise. “I think if someone is doing a good job, all they need is an encouraging word to make that person want to give it their all. I like to make people smile and I try to look on the bright side of things. I like to be happy and I try to make others happy,” she commented.
If Alissa was to give advice to someone in the medical field, she would tell them to work hard and not give up. “If they can get some hands-on experience, it is very helpful. Sometimes, there might be something that you don’t really want to do because you are scared that you might do it wrong. They should face their fears and learn from their experience.”
Describing herself, Alissa said, “I tend to be happy most of the time and I look on the bright side of things. I try to be positive and like to remember those special people that encouraged me with my wanting to be in the nursing field. It was one of my Science teachers in school that influenced me to keep on going! I always loved Science and it was always so interesting. My teacher took notice of my interest and kind of suggested I look into the medical field so I did. I am thankful for that Science teacher.”
On a personal note, Alissa enjoys spending time with her six year old daughter, Frankie. They love playing and caring for their pet hedgehog, Oliver.
Alissa’s hobbies include cooking, sewing and trying new restaurants. “I also like going to some concerts,” she said. “I just got back from The Beatles show and it was just awesome, “she added.
Asking Alissa to describe herself with one word. She said, “It will have to be the word, SILLY. I guess I am in such a positive mood all the time and it is nothing to catch me going around the office singing. Singing keeps me on my toes. I don’t think anyone minds and if they do, they need to let me know or join in on my singing,” she said with a laugh.
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