Over the summer, I had the opportunity to shadow Colonel Angela Howell, the Deputy Director of Clinical Support Services at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. I gained firsthand experience in the operating room (OR) and watched multiple surgical procedures.
One of the things that I learned during my time at the hospital was that to enter the Operating room, you must adhere to the sterility protocols. These include wearing scrubs, a hairnet, gloves, shoe covers, and a mask to maintain a clean environment and protect patients and surgical staff from potential bacteria. Before entering the OR, I always had to put these on, which became a routine.
After shadowing Colonel Howell, I interviewed her about her hospital role and experience in the medical field. She went to Stony Brook University, where she earned a degree in respiratory therapy. After earning her degree, she realized she wanted to do more in patient care. So she then pursued nursing, later becoming a registered nurse. She rotated through bedside care, operating room nursing, and hospital administration. Today, Colonel Howell serves as the Deputy Director for Clinical Support Services at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Her responsibilities now go beyond direct patient care. Some departments she supervises are pharmacy, pathology, radiology, and public health. She ensures that the departments she oversees get the support they need.
Colonel Howell believes that collaboration and flexibility are two essential things for success. Succeeding in healthcare leadership is not just about having strong medical expertise but also about having strong communication and teamwork. When I asked for her advice for aspiring healthcare professionals, she said, “Find what brings you joy.” She believes true happiness comes from servant leadership, when you desire to serve others and give back to your community. For Colonel Howell, servant leadership is one of her drives for what she does, because she finds fulfillment within it. Nursing is not just a career for her; it is a calling that allows her to serve others.
I aspire to have the same drive as Colonel Howell because I also find fulfillment in serving and helping others. Knowing that I can positively impact someone’s life gives me joy. Experiencing some aspects of Colonel Howell’s job has been a meaningful opportunity for which I am genuinely grateful. I have learned skills that I can take and use throughout my life. I enjoyed my time with her and am now more knowledgeable about the medical field. My experience with Colonel Howell has now reinforced my desire to pursue a career in healthcare, and I look forward to the journey ahead of me.
