Yeline Cespedes, known by ‘Yay’ to her friends, started her first year in the Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia (M.M.Sc.A.) program in January. She recently shared her story with The Pulse.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Havana, Cuba. My family and I moved to Miami, Florida when I was six months old and I grew up there. I currently live in Kent.
Where did you go for your undergraduate degree?
I graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Bachelor of Arts in natural and applied sciences.
What led you to NEOMED?
I was lured by NEOMED’s class size and early clinical start. Since our class size is only 14 students, it’s a great environment for people to voice their opinions, ask questions and be heard. The quality of education is more personalized because there’s more time to dedicate to each isolated student. In addition, simulation labs are open for students to practice clinical skills at any time of the day. But most importantly to me, being able to start clinicals one month in the program played a huge role for me. Our first month of school, we start a rigorous training called Anesthesia Bootcamp along with simulation lab, where we are taught absolutely everything you need to know about anesthesia. After the month is over, we are sent to clinicals along with didactic classes throughout the week. As a person that learns best by applying concepts and learning didactically, in a hands-on setting, this has been very helpful.
What is your favorite thing about the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA) program?
My favorite thing about this CAA program would have to be the culture and how close we are as a class. I love knowing that I can count on any of my classmates for anything. Maybe people hear that, and it doesn’t mean much to them, but when you leave the city where you lived your entire life, to a new town with no family or friends, you realize the magnitude of the blessing you’ve been gifted. Not to mention, also having program directors that not only care about you succeeding academically but also take the time to care about how you are doing mentally and emotionally. Studying in such a caring and uplifting environment has made this experience, one I wouldn’t trade for the world.
What do you hope to accomplish in your future as a CAA?
I hope to be a CAA every patient can fully trust before being rolled into the OR. Whether it’s being able to provide a warm blanket or sharing a heartfelt laugh with my patient, I hope that the greatest skill I get to learn is to always find different ways to comfort patients before undergoing anesthesia.
Do you have any ideas where you want to work after graduation?
I hope to be a part of transitional hire program with Western Anesthesiology Associates, Inc. in St Louis. This program will allow me to start working immediately upon graduation as I wait for my licensure to get approved, which usually takes a couple months.
If you could live a day as any animal, what would you choose and why?
Being a bird would be awesome because you get to fly anywhere you want, live in every continent and in every climate. Also, I’d be able to fly hundreds of miles to migrate without ever having to stop. What more is there to want?
If you could eat only one type of food for a year, what would you choose?
Easiest question, sushi!
How do you blow off steam/relax?
Working out and running help me reset my body.
What makes you feel old?
Clinical days. All I want to do after the day is over is eat, sleep and when I wake up, I would like to sleep some more.