SHP almuni spotlight: Meredith Yount, PA-C

[Link]After graduating from The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth's PA program in 2008, Meredith Yount spent time in private practice before finding her passion for serving the uninsured community of Fort Worth at Mercy Clinic. Learn more about how HSC paved the way for Yount's current role at Mercy Clinic below.

Where were you born/raised?

Right here in Fort Worth! I went to All Saints Episcopal school, then studied Biomedical Science at Texas A&M.

What sparked your interest in health care/your field?

I grew up working at my father's veterinary practice. I loved seeing the practice of medicine, but I was always more interested in talking with the owners. One day, a client brought her dog in. She was a PA who loved her job, and she really encouraged me to look into the profession. I did and have never looked back.

Can you briefly describe your career post HSC?

I graduated from The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth's PA program in 2008. I spent my first 16 years as a PA working in a busy family medicine group. There were so many opportunities to learn and new things to see. I truly enjoyed my time there.

All the while, I was volunteering at an organization called Mercy Clinic of Fort Worth - a non-profit clinic that provides free medical and dental care to those who are uninsured and are close to the poverty line. Recently I made the decision to leave private practice and take on the role of assistant medical director at the Mercy Clinic. This has been an exciting change, where I am still able to help patients, but I also manage the medical team and the quality of care that we provide.

What have been the most rewarding/challenging parts of your career?

The patients are the reward. As a health care provider, you are invited into a special relationship with a patient - they share their lives with you, and you are privileged to walk alongside them in their journey to better health.

What were your biggest takeaways from HSC?

HSC taught me about the disparities in our health care system and how we can care for the underserved people of our community.

Did you feel prepared for your career after graduating?

I think all new providers feel a little nervous when seeing their first patients. But I quickly realized that HSC provided me with the knowledge I needed to succeed. I was also blessed with great mentors that helped me along my way.

Is there a nugget or pearl of wisdom you learned at HSC that keeps unexpectedly popping up in your practice?

We had a class on how to interview a patient. The lecturer really stressed the importance of listening, making eye contact, and allowing the patient to tell their story. This has come back to me time and time again. It is especially important in my new role at Mercy Clinic, where we see patients who may have never had the opportunity to visit with a health care provider before and are feeling anxious. I'm still so grateful for that lesson.

What would you say if you could go back and speak to yourself prior to year-one at HSC?

I'd tell myself that what I was about to do would be difficult, but more than worth it.

What else should people know about you?

I love talking to health care professionals about Mercy Clinic. If you want to learn more about it, or see how you might help, please email me! [email protected]

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