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How One Staff Member is Saving Lives
Caption: Patrick, blood collection specialist, with the San Diego Blood Bank
For the past 20 years, Patrick has been a blood collection specialist with the San Diego Blood Bank. In his time with us, he has coordinated check-in registration as well as screened and drawn blood, like apheresis, for blood donors. As a staff leader, he has trained new employees and has seen some develop into more leadership roles, which he says is a gratifying aspect of his job.
Patrick’s career as a medical assistant began after witnessing an orthopedic technician take care of two of his daughters. In 1994, after his three-year-old daughter fell off of a swing, an orthopedic technician took care of her and had the ability to calm her nerves. Later, when another daughter—12 at the time—fell and broke her wrist, Patrick was yet again impressed by the quality of care the same orthopedic technician gave to his child. The idea of becoming an orthopedic technician was sparked. However, given the amount of time it would take to complete his education and the fact that he had children to take care of, Patrick opted for a medical assistant path because of its accelerated learning program instead.
SD Blood Bank's mission has a personal meaning to Patrick. His father used 19 pints of blood in 11 years before he passed away. Patrick's mother, Patricia, was working for the San Diego Chargers for 36 years before she retired. According to Patrick, Patricia and a few colleagues helped to coordinate the first Chargers Drive, San Diego Blood Bank's signature and largest blood drive of the year, with Rolf Benirschke, who is the reason Chargers Drive began in the first place.
When it comes to saving lives professionally, Patrick believes, “Donors give us their time, comfort (or discomfort), and we only have a smile to offer them.” Family, on the other hand, is another important part of Patrick’s life. He has five children, four grandchildren—with one on the way—and has been married for an impressive 38 years. Balancing work and life is difficult but not impossible. When it’s time to enjoy life outside of work, he loves traveling to places with mountains, lakes, and streams with his family. Riding ATVs along sand dunes is a favorite family past time.
Patrick, who is also a 9.5 Gallon Donor, represents our mission of saving lives today and improving life tomorrow. Look for his friendly face the next time you’re donating blood at our East County Donor Center. Patrick may be the very reason why you come back to donate blood and save lives again and again.
Published 12/21/2016
