In honor of Patient Care Associate (PCA), Medical Assistant (MA) and Emergency Services Assistant (ESA) Week (June 16–22) at the Brigham, we spoke with some of our team members to learn what drew them to health care and what is most rewarding about their roles.

Desmond Cornetta

Desmond Cornetta
Medical Assistant, Urgent Care Center – Foxborough

“I have worked as a medical assistant at the Brigham’s Urgent Care Center in Foxboro for four years now. I was originally a scribe and was then hired per diem as a medical assistant a few months later. I love that I have the chance to work with so many different patients across all age groups and from all around Massachusetts and even some neighboring states. It is very rewarding to help solve patients’ wide range of struggles—from orthopedic injuries to cardiac problems—and it helps me obtain a wealth of knowledge in many different specialties. I also get to work closely with nurses, PAs and physicians, and we have all become a family. We’re a very convenient stop for many patients, so I appreciate that we can help them out when other places can’t. I love working in healthcare because I want to make a difference in people’s lives. I like interacting with a lot of people and doing hands on work, and health care is the best way for me to do this.”

Kecheline Beaubrun Dujour

Kecheline Beaubrun Dujour
Patient Care Associate, Braunwald Tower 11ABD, Thoracic Care

“I have been at the Brigham since September 2018. The most rewarding aspect of my role is the opportunity to help people during some of the most challenging times in their lives. Making a difference in other people’s lives drew me to health care.”

 

 

Nicole Joseph

Nicole Joseph
Patient Care Associate, Braunwald Tower 6B, Oncology

“I’ve been working at the Brigham as a PCA for 19 years on the same floor  — 6B! I received PCA of the Year for Dana-Farber May 2019. What I find most rewarding is being a role model for other PCAs, new and experienced. I love to be an example by working hard and taking care of patients like my own family. I chose to work in health care because I love taking care of sick people and getting them through hard times. I’ve been doing it since June 1986!”

 

Nazek Nugdallah

Nazek Nugdallah
Patient Care Associate, Braunwald Tower 11ABD, Thoracic Care

“I’ve worked here since October 2021. I enjoy helping people, and the pandemic inspired me to enter health care. I have my MBA and am currently pursuing nursing school. I would like to thank all for making the Brigham my second home.”

 

 

Yari Torres

Yajaira “Yari” Torres
Lead Certified Medical Assistant, Phyllis Jen Center for Primary Care

“I started working at Brigham and Women’s Hospital back in 1995. I was part of the summer program at the Tobin Middle School. The Jen Center was my first summer job. I moved to Florida for five years and came back to the Jen Center. I’ve been a medical assistant for 23 years and a lead for three years. What drew me to health care is my passion to help others in need and one day become a nurse. Taking vitals, reconciling medications and advocating for my patients are the things I find most rewarding in my role. As lead medical assistant, I also enjoy teaching new medical assistants and supporting my team.”