Elizabeth Simmons Cary (Medical Record Technology, ’95), made the Dean’s List several times before graduating from BMCC and going on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration from State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate, Brooklyn in 1999. Currently retired from working as a Health Information Administrator, she teaches at the New York Career Institute.
Q: What is your favorite memory of BMCC?
A: My favorite memory while attending BMCC was my first day in medical terminology class. My professor, Nancy Lee, asked the class who could spell “myocardial infarction,” which is a heart attack in everyday language. Prior to attending BMCC, I took a six-month course in medical records, which made me want to continue my education. I raised my hand, went up to the blackboard and wrote it correctly. Professor Lee became my mentor and we are friends to this day.
Q: How did BMCC help you get where you are today?
A: One day a classmate brought in the Amsterdam News, a weekly paper here in New York City. An article in the newspaper about CUNY two-year colleges offering a program to help students obtain degrees in various areas of study and one of them was medical records. I applied to the program and was accepted to BMCC in what was then called the Medical Record Technology program and is now called the Health Information Technology program. I landed my first medical record position two weeks after graduation at a health clinic in Brooklyn.
Q: What advice do you have for today’s BMCC students?
A: Continue with your education. BMCC gave me so much guidance and help — everything from tutoring, to the library and computer labs. Take advantage of all the programs at BMCC to help you. Don’t take it for granted that CUNY is one of the best college systems in the world and it’s located right here in NYC.
Q: Why is it important for alumni to stay involved with BMCC?
A: Everyone benefits when alumni stays i contact with the college. The students, the college and the alumni all contribute to the preparation of a newly graduated student. Keeping in contact with alumni helps students gain insightful knowledge about their career choices. It’s a wonderful situation for everyone involved.
