This December, the Ross Medical Education Center campus in Port Huron, Michigan had the honor of having Debbie Seifert, Executive Director of Human Resources at Lake Huron Medical Center speak to their students. Debbie not only spoke to the morning classes, she also came back to campus to speak with the evening class as well. Ms. Seifert expressed that it is a pleasure to partner with Ross Medical Education Center as her organization hosts students as externs and has also employed many Ross graduates throughout the years.
Lake Huron Medical Center, formerly St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, is a 119 bed facility which includes services in the areas of Nursing, Rehabilitation Services, Radiology, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Emergency Services, and Mercy Physician Partners. They were established in August 1954 and employ 788 allied health professionals.
While on campus, Ms. Seifert discussed several professional development topics with the students; the application process at Lake Huron Medical Center, the qualities and skills her organization looks for in a candidate, and tips for securing a position. Debbie explained that networking is a very powerful tool when completing any job search, and that using their resources by connecting with other professionals in their chosen field can make a significant difference for applicants. An interesting statistic that she shared was, “600 people apply a month on an average, 17 of those candidates are hired which makes that percent 2.83%. Therefore, all stages of the hiring process are important from applying with an error free resume, completing a detailed yet concise cover letter, supplying the correct type of references – business not personal or family members, and neatness really does count and is noticed.” Out of all the important qualities that Debbie reviewed, she emphasized that good attendance is of the utmost importance, “An employee can have the best direct skills; however, if they don’t show up or are consistently late, the job cannot get done.”
Ms. Seifert also focused on the importance of professional clothing and the powerful impact a candidate’s interview attire can make on their success. Debbie shared a story of a gentleman who attended his interview for a dishwashing position wearing a full suit and tie and how years later she still remembers this candidate and his commitment to obtaining employment with the hospital. Debbie shared that this man still continues to work at Lake Huron Medical Center and has since been promoted into other positions.
Students were very involved and interactive in the presentation with Ms. Seifert. She commented on how well-thought out and detailed the student’s questions were. Megan Barnhart, at student in the Medical Assistant program, asked, “do you see opportunities and advancement for new Medical Assistants starting out in the field?” Debbie answered by sharing, “there are a lot of opportunities within this field and profession. LHMC is always looking to add new Physicians, in turn bringing more positions to this field.” Ms. Seifert attributes some of the growth she is witnessing to the new credentials now being mandated or highly recommended, one of which is the Medical Assistant field. The Port Huron campus plans to continually work closely with Ms. Seifert and Lake Huron Medical Center in an effort to develop student’s professional skills. Debbie and her team offer a phenomenal experience for Ross students and graduates, which is a relationship the campus values immensely.
For more information on Lake Huron Medical Center visit www.mylakehuron.com.