Born in the “Garden Parish” of St. Ann, Jamaica and raised in the vibrant culture of St. Mary, Jamaica, my journey to Canada has been shaped by a deep passion for healthcare and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world.
Growing up, I often heard my mom share the story of her ‘miracle baby’ — me. Her pregnancy journey was far from easy. For months, doctors couldn’t pinpoint the cause of her complications, and she endured countless tests in search of answers. Eventually, she was diagnosed with heart valve disease and a kidney infection. The prognosis? Her immobility & my unlikely survival. But despite the odds, and with the dedication of her medical team, both of us made it through, defying expectations. My birth story, and the incredible team that played a role in it, sparked something in me. I knew I wanted to be part of a system that changes lives the way theirs did for us. This drive led me to pursue a degree in Biomedical Sciences at the University of South Florida, where I built a solid foundation in the sciences.
Three years later, I sought out a new challenge! My academic journey continued at Centennial College in Canada, where I studied Health Studies and Communication Skills. Here, I became proficient with the tools to bridge the gap between science and patient care.
Professional Health Journey
My professional experience spans various roles in the healthcare field, beginning as a medical receptionist at an urgent care clinic in the United States during the peak of COVID-19. I was tasked with managing the overwhelming volume of typical urgent care patients, along with COVID-19 patients, often fielding panicked calls and coordinating care under immense pressure. The clinic was seeing more than 100 patients in a day with lines extending into traffic on the street. The environment was tense and chaotic, with constant changes in PPE protocols, strict screening processes, and the challenge of maintaining calm amid the uncertainty. This role gave me firsthand experience in patient interaction and the inner workings of a walk-in medical facility on its best and worst days. You can anticipate more on this in future blog posts.
Currently, I work as a medical secretary at a cardiology clinic, where I support both the medical team and the patients, ensuring that the clinic runs smoothly and that patients receive the care they need. Focused solely on cardiovascular health and operated by referrals and appointments only, the environment of this clinic greatly contrasts that of an urgent care. We can limit how many patients we see in a day and anticipate the exact time of day the clinic may have a high volume of patients; however, fielding panicked calls, sorting hundreds of faxes, and responding to emails remain the same. The needed reminder that the administrative role of all clinics is constant regardless of the specialty of the business being run.
My Role at BHPN
Here at BHPN, I proudly serve as the Healthcare Enterprise Outreach Coordinator; it’s a role that aligns with my life’s purpose – making a global impact in marginalized communities.
I am deeply passionate about mental health and particularly committed to making a difference in the Black and Caribbean communities. The stigma surrounding mental health in these communities is a challenge I am determined to address. Working as a medical secretary, I recognize the toll that administrative burnout can take on both medical admins and healthcare professionals, who are often burdened with the demands of patient care, paperwork, and system inefficiencies.
Administrative burnout takes a toll on both our well-being and the quality of care provided to patients. I can recall numerous days working front desk alone in the urgent care, from 8AM-8PM, forfeiting the hour lunch break to cater to the job after just being diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder a year prior. By addressing these issues, I hope to create a more supportive environment for both healthcare providers and the communities they serve. It was my community of medical assistants and the physicians who stepped in to ensure I was putting my needs first because if we don’t take care of ourselves, we cannot take care of the patients.
Through my work at BHPN, I aim to empower my colleagues, our healthcare professionals, our partners, and their teams by fostering meaningful relationships and breaking down the barriers to health care.
Where Are We Going
Welcome to a space where healthcare entrepreneurs can find solutions that truly make a difference. In my blog, you’ll discover strategies to streamline your clinic’s operations and handle those overwhelming administrative tasks that can impede your practice’s progress. My goal is to share with you valuable insights and tips. Together we will explore how partnering with me—and BHPN—can transform the way you manage your business, so you can focus on what you do best: providing exceptional care.
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, we offer tailored insights and practical tools that can make a real impact on your business.
My vision aligns with my belief that although we have one body, it is made of many parts. Your business is similar in the sense that it, too, is a composite of many parts. Customer Service, Business Development, Marketing, Payroll, it’s all related! One cannot function without the other.
If you’re reading this, consider me, Schamona, as your secret weapon.
If your team is falling short in any area, then your business is falling short as a whole. My purpose is to bridge that gap between the highest quality of care our clinicians could be providing and the weight of administrative tasks.
As a medical admin, in two countries, with almost a decade of experience, I see the highs and lows of our industry daily.
My passion for helping others fuels my goal to be a part of the initiative to make a change. I see your patients, as my patients. But I also see you (our healthcare entrepreneurs).
