The MFM Manager at Sentara’s OBGYN clinic… Starring Jessica Dobel

Interviewee Introduction:

Name: Jessica Dobel

Position (job title), and where they are working: Nurse manager of the EVMS Maternal Fetal Medicine OBGYN clinic.

Education (what degrees or certifications they have): Associates Degree

Interview Q&A

  1. What inspired you to get into your current field? 

Jessica Dobel has always been interested in the medical field from a young age. She got her first experience of this arena at the age of 12 volunteering in a rescue squad. She then recieved her EMT at 16, and then her paramedic license at the age of 18. Furthermore post paramedic license she then decided to try out nursing,

  1. How did you get to this current job position? What path did you take? 

Previously worked at Norfolk General Hospital in Antepartum, then moved to labor and delivery for 6-7 years. She was looking for a career outside of the hospital so she decided to shift to the clinical setting. From her time in the clinical setting. She established herself to move up to the position of manager on the clinical side. 

  1. What are your basic roles and responsibilities?

Jessica manages the back staff (includes nurses, medical assistants in Urogynecology Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Low-Risk OBGYN, and the Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic). She is responsible for the day to day activities of the nursing staff along with managing the flow of the clinic. In addition she works hands on in the clinic as well (non-stress testing, referrals etc.). 

  1. What is your favorite (or most rewarding) aspect of the job? 

Educating. She loves being able to teach all of the staff members on site how they can become the best versions of themselves for their patients. 

  1. What is the most surprising aspect of your career?

The discussions within the clinic between women patients on their previous care experiences. 

  1. What is the most challenging aspect of your career?

Balancing multiple roles at once while trying to be a manager. 

  1. What advice would you give to someone getting into the health field?

You can start anywhere in the health field. You can volunteer somewhere. Seeing different aspects of everything that is available to them. You can start as easy as just a certification program all the way to a degree program. Look around and see what is available. 

BONUS:

Something you have learned/taken away from this interview?

One thing I learned is that being an advocate in the health field and getting started in this particular field of expertise can happen at any age… from 12 to however old you are. There are no limitations to this line of work, and there are so many diverse options to pick from as well. Getting involved can range from volunteer hours to a paid internship and degree programs. Lastly, I found it quite interesting how if an individual dips their toes in one area of the health field that they “might” be interested in, and it turns out they are no longer intrigued by it, they are not stuck in the corner. They have options and can test other clinical settings.