Putting His Heart into His Work
While studying to become an X-ray technician, Alan Charukajornjinda discovered the experience of a cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab) during his clinical rotations with Pasadena City College. “I was exposed to different departments, and didn’t know it was an option at first,” said Alan, who chose to specialize in this area. “But I knew this is what I liked doing.”
In 2014, Alan joined the Emanate Health Heart Care Center’s cath lab team because he was drawn to the organization’s “family-oriented” culture. Alan, who lived in Thailand for most of his childhood, describes the department as a “family that works hard and enjoys helping each other.” He recalled a recent patient for whom the team had to perform CPR. “We worked together as a team and that patient walked away from our hospital with their family… that’s what we do.”
Given Inter-Community Hospital’s designation as a STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) Receiving Center, Alan noted that the cath lab is often a fast-paced environment where an emergency patient can arrive at any time. He recently treated a patient who was suffering from a heart attack with a completely blocked coronary artery. “I could see the emotions on their face when they came, and within 30 minutes, they were feeling better. That makes my day.”
In addition to his contributions to the Heart Care Center, Alan also gives back through the Emanate Health Employee Giving Program via payroll deduction. “It’s a little amount, but I know it helps the hospital succeed for the next generation,” commented Alan, a father of two young children. “With innovation and new technology, our entire community can be better, and my small contribution can help make a big difference.”
Learn more about the Emanate Health Employee Giving Program at www.emanatehealth.org/employee.