Source - Education Management Corporation

BROWN MACKIE COLLEGE
Life changing: Carol Jerrell has been on both the
giving and receiving end of lifesaving medical care.
Three years ago, Carol was diagnosed with breast
cancer, which she confronted with the same steadfast
optimism she’s modeled to her students through their
life trials and detours. “We all have situations in
our lives that require us to rise above,” she says. “I
couldn’t have made it through without my students.
They kept me focused on the everyday and normal,
rather than on myself.”
Last year, Carol was named Volunteer of the Year
by the American Cancer Society for her efforts in
organizing Brown Mackie College - Merrillville
volunteers in support of the Relay for Life, a 24-hour
fund-raising event. She recalls a favorite moment
from the annual event, when luminaria bags,
decorated to honor loved ones, are set along the track
and the stadium lights go dark. “Standing there, you
really feel the outpouring of compassion,” Carol says.
“I’m reminded of the strong desire to help others that
draws me and my students to the medical field.”
Keeping pace: In a field as rapidly changing as healthcare,
the teacher must remain a lifelong student.
Carol’s vitae of continuing education training runs
the gamut, from allergies and bacterial resistance
issues to medical malpractice and HIPPA. “I do it all
for the students,” she says. “I can’t just talk the talk.
I have to demonstrate a commitment to providing
the best possible patient care. They will do as I do
as a medical professional, not what I say.”
Carol recognizes medical offices will continue
to evolve, spurred by new technology, treatment
protocols and the growing role of information in
patient diagnosis and care. “Every aspect of medical
care is growing more complex,” she says. As such
things as genetics and family history become more
integrated into care, and as research reaches the
bedside more quickly, all members of the care team
will need to respond.
Brown Mackie College schools pride themselves
on a change-oriented approach to curriculum,
giving students the most timely information and
exposure to new technology and treatment methods.
Brown Mackie College offers training in a full range
of health science specialties including Gerontology,
Occupational and Physical Therapy, Nursing and
Surgical Technology.
“Carol traces her instinct for teaching to her toddler years. She recalls
gathering her plush animals for a daily lesson in hygiene, using soap on
a mirror to substitute for chalk and blackboard. “The urge to teach has been
a part of me for as long as I can remember.” CAROL JERRELL ■ ”Carol
is determined to be a positive role model for her students. She will not allow
you to give in to negative thinking. Her attitude makes the difference. You
come away thinking, ‘yes, I can do this.’ MICHELLE WINKLER”
FINDING YOUR WAY – MAKING YOUR MARK • 2005 • P11