One of the things that sets Ross Medical Education Center apart and provides our students with another opportunity to succeed is our instructors that are experienced in their fields and able to offer a wealth of knowledge and real life experiences to their students. Some of our instructors have been with Ross for many years and in the field for even longer. Our Ross campus in Kentwood, Michigan has a well-loved instructor for the Medical Assistant program that they have had the pleasure of learning from for over 10 years in various capacities. Ann Delzell is a Medical Assistant instructor and Registered Medical Assistant in Kentwood. We decided to interview her to learn a little more about her experience as a Ross instructor and Medical Assistant in the field. Read her responses to learn more!
How long have you been at Ross as an instructor?
I have been an instructor, teacher assistant, and substitute teacher for over 10 and a half years at Ross.
How did you get your start in teaching and why is it important to you?
I worked as a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) for 13 years in a Pediatrics office, and I wanted a change. I knew teaching future Medical Assistants would be a great opportunity to share my knowledge and experience.
What’s your favorite thing about being an instructor at Ross?
My favorite thing about being an instructor at Ross is getting to know all of the students personally and being a part of their journey to become the best Medical Assistant they can.
What piece of advice to you try to convey to all of your students to help them succeed?
I try and tell the students to be who they are; have a passion for the healthcare field, and have compassion for their patients. Success comes from believing and achieving.
What are you passionate about personally?
My personal passion is to be the best person I can be helping others and making them laugh along the way. Sharing my experiences in the field with the students is a huge joy for me.
Who inspires you to be great?
My family, co-workers, and students all inspire me to be great.
Share a positive memory about your experiences at Ross that stands out to you. Why is that memory special to you?
I had a student who had to leave classes here at Ross because his job and going to school got to be too overwhelming for him. A few years later he returned; he received fantastic grades and awards for perfect attendance. I told him how proud of him I was, and he thanked me for being there for him and helping him along the way. He is now working full time as an RMA for Mercy Health. It is a special memory that will stick with me.
When did you first enter the medical assisting field? What inspired you to pursue this career?
I became a Registered Medical Assistant in 1992. I always wanted to work in the healthcare field from the time I was a child. I love helping and caring for others.
What is something most people don’t know about working as a Medical Assistant?
Back in the early 1990s, a lot of people didn’t know what a Medical Assistant was or what we could do. Now Medical Assistants are very sought after as part of the healthcare team because of our versatility and skills.
What advice would you give to a student who is looking to become a Medical Assistant, but hasn’t quite made up their mind yet?
Students who want to become Medical Assistants should love to work with people and have a passion for helping others. It is a very rewarding career choice.
What is the most rewarding part of being a Medical Assistant instructor?
The most rewarding part of being a Medical Assistant instructor is watching students grow in their knowledge and professionalism and to see them leaving the classroom well prepared. I love knowing that I had a small part in that.
Thank you to Ann Delzell and all of our wonderful instructors for inspiring our students daily to work hard and get out there into the field with excellence! Interested in checking out the Ross programs for yourself? Learn more here: rosseducation.edu/programs/.