At Living for Zachary, we’re passionate about placing more professionals in the field of cardiac echocardiography in order to save hearts far into the future. This month, we sat down with Isabella Mead, a recipient of the Baylor Scott & White Health – Living for Zachary Adult Echocardiography Tuition Scholarship to hear about her path to the field of heart health.
Hi, Isabella. Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I am from a small town called Ivanhoe, Texas. I graduated from Sam Rayburn High School and got my Associate’s Degree in General Studies at Grayson College in Denison, Texas.
What first got you interested in the field of echocardiography?
My first job in healthcare was at a small town hospital as an ER registration clerk. There, I was introduced to many different cardiac issues. I was very interested in everything I was exposed to there and asked one of the nurses, Lisa, many questions. She actually recommended echocardiography as a career path to me! I did more research and was amazed that one could see inside a patient’s heart and diagnose abnormalities non-invasively. I found the Baylor Heart Hospital’s CVI Echo program through my research and decided to become a cardiology medical assistant/scribe at a local cardiology office while I finished my prerequisites for the program. I worked with incredible physicians who taught me so much about echocardiography and cardiology in general. I worked there for a little over a year and a half when I was finally able to apply for this program.
What was the process like applying for Baylor’s program?
The application process was pretty simple, I just had to submit my resume, an essay, and letters of recommendation. My biggest fear was being rejected from this program, so I did everything in my power to make my application stand out. I had no doubt that this career was my passion. I was chosen for an interview and was then accepted into the program!
What made you decide to apply for Living for Zachary’s Scholarship?
Although I had saved money while working, I did not have enough for the tuition. My parents offered to help with it as long as I pay them back after I graduate. After setting up a payment plan with them, I was informed of the Living for Zachary Scholarship. I decided to apply to help lessen the financial burden on my parents and was awarded the scholarship!
How did you feel when you learned you had received the scholarship? How will it help you over the next year?
When I received the news, I was so excited. The scholarship money helped me to pay for a program that would allow me to pursue my passion!
Having learned about Living for Zachary’s mission, how does it tie in with the work you are pursuing in echocardiography?
L4Z’s mission of preventing SCA and other cardiac related issues in children is so important. I look forward to one day participating in screening events by performing echocardiograms! I started the program on September 3, 2024 and have already learned so much. To the Living for Zachary’s supporters who made this scholarship possible, I want to thank you from the apex of my heart!
