Douglas Education Center’s Medical Program Graduate: Wendee Dudeck
Wendee Dudeck
Medical Program Graduate
When Wendee Dudeck’s friend was graduating from Douglas Education Center, she went as a show of support for her friend and her accomplishment. Little did Wendee know that she would enjoy the environment and feel drawn to Douglas to the point of inquiring about the programs offered in the medical field. Shortly thereafter, Wendee enrolled and started furthering her education in the Medical Business Program, which she graduated from in 2011. Currently, she is a student in the Medical Assistant Program at DEC.
The path in getting to this point in her life wasn’t an easy one. Unfortunately, both of Wendee’s parents have suffered medical issues. As a result, Wendee had to spend a lot of time in hospitals and around medical professionals. Seeing what they do inspired Wendee to receive the schooling and training needed to enter the medical field. “When my mom was battling her illness and seeing nurses in hospice caring for my dad, I felt that this was something that I wanted to do. My son really motivated me as well. I wanted to show him that you can do whatever you set your mind to!” Wendee admits that she didn’t always have that mind-set. “There was a time when I just didn’t have a lot of confidence in myself. I didn’t have a good perspective of who I was or who I wanted to be. Getting through the programs at Douglas, being by the side of both my parents as they battled illnesses and raising my son have all played a part in showing me that I “can” do anything I set my mind to. Despite all of the adversity in my life, I am proud of whom I am today and I’m very happy, I’m really happy!”
During her time at DEC, Wendee was the *DMEDS Program president for three semesters. The group helped the community by donating items, food and money and made it a mission to stay in touch with the community and keep medical aspects human. This helped to create bonds with instructors and other students. A particular favorite among the instructors was Ms. Pritchard. “She was very understanding while I was going through caring for my father, and until he eventually passed away. She was supportive during that time. She was also very knowledgeable and was willing to do whatever she could to explain any situation until you fully understood.”
In addition to being a student at DEC where she takes classes 2 days/week as well as online classes, Wendee currently works at an office specializing in Urology. She has been a full-time employee for one year and loves it. Prior to that, she worked in a physician’s office for 4 years. When asked about future plans she states, “I can see furthering my education and becoming a nurse and working in a hospital setting.”
Undoubtedly, Wendee has the motivation to set goals and attain them. She offers advice to others that may be thinking about attending DEC by saying, “Don’t wait, go for it, you can do it. The instructors will help you, it will get done. So much can be done online and there’s so much flexibility that even if you don’t think you can fit it in your schedule, you can!” Wendee is set to graduate from Douglas in February, 2017. Good luck, Wendee!
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