Jessyka Wright,
Director of Biomedical Engineering at Christus Trinity Mother Frances, Texas
Shortly after high school, I attended the U.S. Army Reserve and received training as a Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET). During my first 10 months, I attended labs and lectures from Monday to Friday and worked on all the equipment – monitors, pumps, advanced breathing equipment, imaging equipment, and even sterilization equipment. After training, I was assigned to our warehouse where we repair and maintain equipment. However, I am trained to work in a base hospital if needed.
I have been in my current role for four years now and oversee a team of 21 full-time staff who maintain medical equipment in three hospitals and 50 clinics.
Since my military training is great, as a hiring manager, I believe that people who are trained in military biomedical have a step forward for other candidates. The flush rate (those who cannot pass the course material in the military) is 50%. So I know these candidates are eligible and have done the hard work.
Being a woman in the technology field can be challenging, but it gives me a sense of pride and a sense of accomplishment. In my military training class, there was only one woman out of 22 people, which was roughly the same proportion in the commercial labor force. But now, with nearly 15 years of industry knowledge as a Technician and leader, I have comprehensive skills and creative thinking skills This helped drive my career.
Women as mentors
After leaving the military service, I worked for Aramark and then joined Crothall in 2018 for ISE 2. I met Jennifer Defrancesco, who worked as a resident district manager at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
She is a whirlwind of energy and effort. I watched her change the dynamics of her work environment. It used to be a factory-like workplace with little interaction, but she kept it alive.
She became a mentor and played a big role in changing my career path. I have been promoted to Imaging Engineer and my five-year plan is to become a senior imaging engineer. But she encouraged me to take on a leadership role. She said I have strong administrative and communication skills and have a lot of hope. I accepted her advice and it changed my life. She obviously had a big impact on my development.
SR VP Sheila O’Donnell is also a huge mentor. When I need support, I can go find her. She has always been my cheerleader, promoted to others within the company and in the industry. When I need to bounce back any ideas or suggestions, I think about her and she is always there.
Women’s healthcare technology
I was lucky enough to enter a growing industry and in a company that provides a lot of support for my employees.
The combination of healthcare and technology provides a lot of job security. It also continues to develop, so further development will bring more opportunities. For women, here we can bring different perspectives and opportunities to work in the field of growth.
We also benefit from a wealth of training and other developments provided by Crothall Healthcare. I am now attending Taylor Junior College to earn a two-year degree in Business Management. Crothall is paying tuition and investments to my future. This is a difficult combination to beat.
Life outside the office
Life is centered on my family. I am married and have three children: Hana 15, Connor 13 and Jana 7. We also have two Australian Shepherds, Burrow and Chase. My husband is a big fan of Cincinnati Bengals.
I have always been an athlete, running, playing football, and participating in gymnastics and cheerleading in middle and high school. My husband and I stay healthy, exercise 4-5 days a week, and we often hike.
Food is also an interest. Our favorite family dish is homemade Skyline Chili, a unique Cincinnati restaurant that offers a choice of pasta, chili, beans, beans, cheese and onions for one. We have it almost every Friday night. Whenever we visit our family in Cincinnati, we always carry cars full of chili pots.
