ALL IN THE FAMILY

PIMA MEDICAL INSTITUTE IS FAMILY AFFAIR FOR FOUR SIBLINGS

When Connie Chee discovered an advertisement in the local newspaper about Pima Medical Institute’s Medical Lab Technician program she did not know she would be starting a family tradition – but she did. The oldest of four children, Connie was tired of working at unrewarding jobs and was seeking other opportunities to further her education. What began as one sister’s career journey turned into a path of success for Connie, her brother Tony Maese, sister Wanda Colton and youngest brother Samuel Maese.

It was 1987 and it was the Medical Lab Technician program that caught Connie’s eye. She enrolled in the first MLT class PMI offered at the Albuquerque campus.

“I started the program in 1987 and graduated in 1988. I became an employee of the laboratory where I completed my clinicals,” said Connie.

She continued working as a Lab Technician and decided to explore other job positions within the laboratory. She continued to work full time and attend a local university. Now she has two bachelor degrees, the first in administration and the other in management.

“Having attended Pima I was able to fulfill my goals of being someone with a place in society where I feel needed and can make a difference. Pima has given me the opportunity to grow within the healthcare setting where I can feel proud and never regret having to go to work.”

As Connie continued her success, one by one her siblings took note. Samuel Maese enrolled and graduated from the Radiology Program in 1990 and went on to graduate from the University of New Mexico’s Nuclear Medicine Technologist Program in 1991. He worked at Presbyterian Hospital as a part-time radiology tech while going through UNM’s Nuclear Medicine Technologist Program. After he graduated he worked in Presbyterian Hospital’s nuclear medicine department from 1991 to 1999. Since 1999 he has served as the technical director of the nuclear medicine operations at the Presbyterian Heart Group.

“I was drawn to PMI by the success of my sister Connie,” said Samuel. “It opened my eyes to the world of patient care and taught me the grounds of ethics and medicine which I still practice today as a nuclear medicine tech. The training at PMI qualified my acceptance into UNM’s Nuclear Medicine Technologist Program which has a very selective admittance policy.”
Samuel’s and Connie’s success caught the attention of their sister. Wanda had been employed at a check printing company, but she was laid off when the company closed down.

“I worked a few jobs, but could not find anything I wanted to do that felt fulfilling,” said Wanda. “I was searching for something where I could help people and make a difference in the lives.”

Wanda noted that her siblings Connie and Sam seemed happy in their careers and that they continued to expand their expertise in their respective fields. They encouraged her to sign up at PMI.

“I checked into it and decided to pursue a class as a Medical Secretary. I then decided to continue into the Medical Assistant class. When I finished, I got a job right away in a family practice office at Presbyterian Medical Group,” said Wanda.

While she worked as a Medical Assistant, Wanda continued her education and became a Licensed Practical Nurse.

“I have now worked more than 12 years for Presbyterian, and at the end of each day I know I’ve made a difference in many people’s lives. It’s a very rewarding job and there is always more to learn. Thanks to PMI I am in a professional career which I’m proud to be a part of.”

In 1995, Tony Maese was facing a career crisis. He had been working in the local bakery for seven years with no advancement opportunities.

“I was one layoff away from needing to change into another line of work, but I had no formal education and no specific skills. I knew the problem could become devastating to me and my family, and I knew I had to do something different to change my future.”

Tony knew attending school would involve serious sacrifices. After discussing the possibilities with his family, he enrolled in the Radiology Tech program at PMI. During his internship he was offered a job as a Radiology Tech with Presbyterian Hospital.

“This opened on e of many opportunities that has led me to my present position as a Cardiovascular Technologist, which requires a Radiological Degree.”

Tony and his family’s commitment and sacrifices paid off. He describes his position as a Radiographic Radiological Specialist in the Cardiovascular Lab at Presbyterian Hospital as a career that is well paying and satisfying.
Seventeen years have passed since that fateful day when Connie decided to do explore career options. She had no idea what effect it would have on her, her brothers and her sister.

“Once my siblings started at PMI there was no stopping them,” said Connie. “I am very thankful I saw the advertisement about PMI in the newspaper. We all enjoy our careers, we’re financially secure, and we are contributing to society. My siblings and I are very fortunate to have had Pima in our lives.”
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