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Jennifer Crozier |
Then, she wanted to impact the lives of doctors.
Now, UNMC’s residency program coordinator in general surgery is impacting their lives in ways she never planned.
Her workplace accomplishments, recognized this month when she received the Chancellor’s Gold ‘U’ Award, are impressive on their own. She, in part, manages the day-to-day needs of 30 residents, works on departmental accreditation issues and schedules interviews with resident candidates and faculty members.
But, for the past nine months, the 34-year-old also has been juggling her job responsibilities with a breast cancer diagnosis and the chemotherapy and surgery that have followed.
“I’ve been very driven to get in and work the days I can,” Crozier said. “The position needs 100 percent attention and dedication so it’s been important to still do a good job while I’m sick. It meant a lot to see that my hard work was being recognized.”
The Missouri Valley, Iowa, native, joined UNMC in October 2005 as an administrative assistant and then moved into her current position in November 2006.
Her long-term goal is to become a physician assistant – a dream aided by being the first Chancellor’s Gold ‘U’ recipient to receive the Career Development Award, a $2,500 stipend for education/conference/job development.
“I love it (here),” she said. “I influence the lives of the residents and they, in turn, have influenced my life.”
Said a general surgery resident: “She helps residents perform their duties so that patient care is the top priority.
“However, it is since being diagnosed with breast cancer that Jennifer has really demonstrated her commitment. Although being drained by chemotherapy, she has consistently been at work and working hard for others. She has taught each of her residents what it is like to undergo chemo and given us a personal face (with which) to relate to our patients.”
Crozier manages the day-to-day tasks for more than 30 general surgery residents — some of whom spend up to five years on campus. She coordinates a trainee’s residency requirements, work hours and licensing needs, as well as sews buttons, lends lunch money and, even adopts their fish.
“They call me their mom,” she said.
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“She has made an impression on our residents (and on many of our departmental staff) that they can now personalize and hopefully use to provide more meaningful care to our patients. They now know how this diagnosis turns a person’s life into turmoil and can significantly alter someone’s financial and emotional health, not just their physical health.”
Crozier also makes individuals aware of breast cancer and raises money for cancer research. She recently organized an awareness walk through UNMC’s Center for Healthy Living and was awarded $1,000 by WOWT (Channel 6 and First National Bank) in their “Pay it Forward” campaign.
“Her upbeat attitude and willingness to fight (the cancer) is truly an inspiration to all around her,” said another nominator. “Never once have I witnessed a negative attitude on her part and she continues her commitment to working in the surgery department despite the way she feels physically.”
New resident applications are now being accepted, which creates an especially busy time in Crozier’s department. She works with physician’s schedules to coordinate interviews for 60 to 80 applicants — all within three dates.
“Interview season is a well-orchestrated dance,” she said, as each candidate visit includes interviews with four faculty members, the program director and the program chair.
“Through the residents, I see all of our accomplishments and how they have come into fruition,” Crozier said. “Watching the residents do well and succeed is a complement to the program and a reflection of how well we do.”
The mother of an almost 6-year-old daughter, Crozier is grateful for the support she’s been given by the residents and departmental faculty and staff.
“They see me through my ups and downs and care so much about me. It is truly the best place I’ve ever worked. I know that sounds cliche, but it’s like a family unit here.”
She, in turn, has shown everyone around her — including dozens of physician trainees — how a diagnosis changes all aspects of one’s life.
“I took this job for the challenge and work and fulfillment, but it’s important that I’ve also impacted the lives of others.”