Elizabeth Alcantar, CCMA
ST. MARYS, Georgia: August 25, 2022 – It takes a special talent to work with pediatric patients, especially when a child is sick, hurt or scared of needles. Elizabeth “Liz” Alcantar, CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant), possesses that talent. She works as a medical support assistant at Southeast Georgia Physician Associates-Pediatrics in St. Marys.
“I have experience working with children from babysitting, volunteering, coaching and working in an afterschool program. I chose pediatrics because I love kids and am comfortable communicating and interacting with them,” Alcantar says. Alcantar is the smiling face who greets patients and parents when a child arrives for their appointment. “Whether they’re here for a well or sick visit, a routine vaccination, or treatment for an injury, I get patients ready to see the doctor,” Alcantar says. “I complete the doctor’s orders, such as vaccinations, in-office tests and referrals, and I ensure the exam rooms are clean and safe.” Oftentimes, working with children can mean keeping them calm even when they’re scared or in pain. Alcantar takes on such challenges with patience and grace. “I speak at the child’s level and empathize with them. I explain to the family what will happen, what measurements I need and how I will collect samples before I complete the task. Being informed and prepared puts patients more at ease.” Taking a child to the pediatrician can be stressful for parents, too. “I sympathize with the parents nearly as much as the children,” Alcantar says. “I try to give patients and their families a good experience, which is doubly rewarding—my efforts help the Health System maintain its reputation and community trust.” This August marks Alcantar’s second year as a Health System team member. Despite pressures brought on by the pandemic, Alcantar knows she picked the right career path. “I’ve always been interested in the medical field. After several years of searching for a good fit, I finally found it here at the Health System. Being a medical assistant satisfies my deep desire to help others.” Alcantar doesn’t just help families; her efforts are appreciated by her fellow team members as well. “Liz is very dedicated to her job and works well with everyone in the office,” says Ella Turner, practice manager, Southeast Georgia Physician Associates. “She always steps up to help whenever and wherever she’s needed, making her a great team player. We are blessed to have her.” Alcantar brings her best self to the job by rising early, getting in a workout and greeting the day with a coffee in hand. During her down time, she relaxes by reading, watching TV and coloring. She is proud of becoming a medical assistant, and looks forward to furthering her career by obtaining a college degree. She’s able to juggle work, home and school, thanks to her husband. “I am most grateful for my husband and all of his support.” Born in Peru, Alcantar dreams of visiting Europe one day. “I enjoy history, and there is so much of it to see and experience there,” says Alcantar. Until then, Alcantar will make her own kind of history in the lives of Camden County children thanks to her warmth, patience and desire to serve.
About Southeast Georgia Health System
Southeast Georgia Health System is a not-for-profit health system comprised of two acute care hospitals, two long term care facilities, two comprehensive Cancer Care Centers and multiple specialty care centers, including orthopedic and spine care, joint replacement, breast care, maternity, outpatient rehabilitation, sleep management and wound care. The Brunswick Campus Cancer Care Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and offers the only CyberKnife® M6 with MLC technology in Georgia. Additionally, the Southeast Georgia Physician Associates medical group includes more than 140 providers working in 20 different medical specialties at more than 50 locations. The Health System is part of Coastal Community Health, a regional affiliation between Baptist Health and Southeast Georgia Health System forming a highly integrated hospital network focused on significant initiatives designed to enhance the quality and value of care provided to our contiguous communities. For more information, visit sghs.org.
