My journey in the medical field began in 2018 while working as a call center representative. Although I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, I was drawn to opportunities that would allow me to contribute behind the scenes rather than in a direct patient-facing role. With a strong aptitude for computers and technology, I recognized medical billing and coding as an ideal combination of my technical skills and interest in healthcare. After obtaining my certification, I gained valuable experience in several roles, including Medical Biller and Coder, Claims Specialist, Ledger Poster, and Utilization Management (UM) Referral Coordinator, where I handled authorization requests, including approvals and denials. These experiences provided me with a strong foundation in healthcare operations, medical documentation, claims processing, and administrative coordination.
Over time, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career that extended beyond administrative responsibilities and allowed me to make a meaningful contribution to the community. Having experienced the impact of cancer-related losses within my family from a young age, I developed a personal connection to cancer awareness and community outreach. My family and I participated in events such as Relay For Life, which strengthened my appreciation for cancer advocacy and the importance of supporting individuals and families affected by the disease. Through a family friend, I was introduced to the field of Oncology Data Specialist (ODS), a profession I had not previously known existed. Learning about this career path sparked a strong interest in contributing to cancer care through accurate data collection, cancer registry management, and the advancement of cancer research and outcomes.
I attended Santa Barbara City College, where I earned my Cancer Information Management (CIM) certification in December 2025 and continued my professional development by pursuing the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA) credentialing examination in July 2026.
Now certified as an Oncology Data Specialist, I am eager to begin the next chapter of my career and apply my healthcare knowledge, technical expertise, and attention to detail in the cancer registry field. As a newly certified professional, I am committed to continuous learning, professional growth, and contributing to a collaborative team. I look forward to an opportunity where I can demonstrate my capabilities, build upon my existing experience, and make a meaningful contribution to cancer data quality, research, and the communities affected by cancer.
