Corporate Work Study Program Partner Helps Grow CTK Student's Passion for Health Care

When encountering Anthony ‘24, you can count on receiving a smile and a positive message. The CTK senior goes out of his way to make connections, as he says, “I try to find something I have in common with the other person. I try to be there for them. I always come with my best self, and strive to be positive and nice.”

During his three years working at Advocate Lutheran General hospital as part of the Corporate Work Study program, Anthony strived to make positive impressions on co-workers and patients. His assignments in the GI (gastrointestinal) - sophomore and junior year - and Guest Services senior year - units were patient-focused which fit well with his upbeat personality. In his current role as part of the Guest Services team, he helps to create a positive experience for incoming patients as one of the first to greet them when entering the facility and to help guide and escort them to where they need to go. Advocate’s leaders saw this important non-clinical role as an ideal opportunity for CTK students to get initial exposure to working in a hospital.

In his GI experience under the supervision of Ashley Faulkner, Manager of GI Lab and Julia Babula, Assistant General Manager, Anthony collaborated closely with the team and nurses to provide care to patients. In recovery after a procedure, Anthony’s smiling face was often the first one a patient saw. He would talk to the patients and make sure they were recovering well, or if they needed a nurse’s attention. He would then wheel them out to their cars.  According to Ashley, “Anthony’s a top performer. He works hard, communicates effectively, and we’ve seen his confidence and knowledge grow over time. We love to see and contribute to his success.”

Anthony appreciates the guidance and support his co-workers have provided, and describes them as “nice, genuine, caring people who love what they do.” They in return value Anthony’s contributions and positive attitude. As shared by Marie Hoszkiewicz, Manager of Patient Support Services, “Anthony’s a rock star. He works hard and does an excellent job. I’ve heard nothing but positive things about his patient interaction, including a recent email praising him for going above and beyond in helping a patient in need of assistance.”

The work experience at Advocate reinforced Anthony’s desire to help others by pursuing a career in health care as a doctor. “I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. My favorite classes at CTK are Biology and Human Anatomy taught by Mr. David Kim, who makes it interesting to learn how the human body works.” Working at Advocate has increased his passion for the medical field, but also made him aware of how hard health care professionals work at their jobs. Ms. Babula says, “Anthony asked questions to understand better. He always showed initiative and was a go getter. It’s nice to be able to help the next generation to get their start in health care.”

Anthony will be the first person in his family to attend college when he enrolls at Loyola University Chicago this fall. He will do so on a full scholarship having been awarded a highly selective Cristo Rey scholarship, Anthony said, “Getting the Cristo Rey scholarship gives me hope and courage to want to stay in school and pursue my dreams. It also takes a lot of pressure off of my family and me to have college paid for.” He plans to major in biology and pursue a Pre-Med track. He also will continue his on-the-job health care training in a paid Guest Services role at Lutheran General this summer after he graduates. “It’s nice to be able to give students the opportunity to pursue positions in health care. We all needed to get a start someplace,” said Ms. Hoszkiewicz. “We tried to put him in a position to be successful, but it was his hard work and willingness to learn, that earned him the opportunity.”