Healthcare Heroes | Ryan Medema, COA
May 14, 2021
What is your official Title?
I am a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant at the Center for Eye Care. After people check-in for their appointment, I’m the first person they see when they come to the back. I complete the prep-work and get the patient ready to see the doctor.
How long have you been at Watertown Regional Medical Center? Have you always been in the same position?
I’ve been with Watertown Regional Medical Center for a little over six years and have always been in the same role, just working with different doctors. I primarily assist Dr. Sullivan but on Wednesday’s I assist our Retina Specialist, Dr. Met and on Friday’s I assist Dr. Drake.
What do you enjoy most about working at Watertown Regional Medical Center?
First and foremost, I enjoy doing something that directly helps people, it makes going to work every day exciting. I also enjoy all of the opportunities I have to learn and getting to work with great doctors and friendly patients.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I had an eye condition that led me to wanting to learn more about it. While doing my research, I learned about the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant program at Madison College which I thought would be a great fit. The program consists of one-year of in-class work and then 1 to 3 months of clinical work in the field. Once this is complete, you are able to take the certification test.
What would you say to somebody wanting to get into your profession?
I encourage you to dive right in, the program at Madison College is a wonderful program to take that prepares you for becoming a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant. You learn and acquire a lot of skills and knowledge that you can use while working with patients every day.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at work?
I enjoy outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking with my dog (lab/pit mix), and riding my BMW Adventure style motorcycle when the weather is nice.
What is your favorite place in the Watertown area?
I frequently go for dog walks on the nature trails of Brandt Quirk Park.
What does working for a CMS “Five-Star” Hospital mean to you?
It gives me a sense of pride and makes me want to continue to uphold the standards that our patients and the community expect from us.
Why do you believe patients can Count on Watertown Regional Medical Center for quality care?
We hold ourselves accountable to be able to provide a high-level of service to every patient. In addition, most positions that work hands-on with patients, including my own, require us to stay up-to-date with the newest information by completing continuing education. This helps us give patients the best care possible.
What is one thing you’re doing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
I continue to avoiding crowded situations.