McGaha always wanted to work in healthcare

Chantell McGaha knew while attending Snyder High School that she wanted to work in healthcare.
The 2009 graduate started working at Cogdell Memorial Hospital while she was in high school and a member of the school’s DECA chapter.
“I always wanted to be a pediatrician,” she said. “There was a job opening here and I applied for it.”
She later worked at Cogdell Family Clinic as a receptionist, but returned to the hospital in the medical records department.
She earned an associate of applied sciences degree in health information technology from Texas State Technical College and hopes to one day return to school.
“I hope to go back to school one day to further my degree,” she said.
McGaha said each day is different because she does not know what she’ll be asked to do as part of her job or what will happen.
“Doctors and patients are always requesting records,” she said. “That can be an all-day process.”
But through it all, McGaha said the patients’ best interests come first.
“The patient is always No. 1. There are several complaints, but you have to grin and bear it,” she said.
She was part of the hospital’s transfer to electronic medical records.
“It was crazy to get adjusted,” she said of the new system.
Another reason McGaha enjoys her job is meeting different people and getting to know the doctors. She said she attended school with many co-workers’ children.
McGaha smiles when people talk about the new look at Cogdell Memorial Hospital.
“It took a lot of getting used to,” she said. “All of the changes are better for the hospital. There is more pride in the hospital. Everything is just more positive.”
McGaha said she plans to stay in the medical field and hopes to one day work from home.
She enjoys going to work and would recommend the healthcare field to current high school students.
“It is a good field to get into. There are always jobs,” she said. “I love it and I am glad I was able to get into it. You are always learning. It’s amazing.”