The One Question That Will Change Your Healthcare Journey Forever | MAP Intro

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Discover why finding your "why" is the compass that guides every healthcare professional toward success, confidence, and lasting purpose in medicine.

Before you can truly map your path forward in healthcare, you need to understand where that map comes from, and what it really represents.

In this episode, we're diving deep into the foundation of your medical journey: your WHY. Whether you're just starting school, studying for certification, or already working in the field, understanding your purpose is what separates those who burn out from those who thrive.

In This Episode, You'll Discover:

• Why your "why" is more powerful than any certification or degree
• How to identify and articulate your true purpose in healthcare
• The connection between knowing your why and building unshakeable confidence
• Real stories from medical professionals who found their direction
• Practical steps to reconnect with your purpose when you feel lost

About MAP:
MAP stands for Medical Associate Pathways - recognizing that healthcare is built by many medical associates working side by side. From medical assistants to phlebotomists, pharmacy techs to nursing assistants, every pathway leads to purpose in medicine.

This podcast exists to give you the guidance, motivation, and tools to navigate your journey with confidence, one step at a time.

My Recommended Stethoscope
I still use my Littmann from 2011 because it lasts. This is the modern version of the one I carry.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

💙 Love this episode? Follow. and share MAP with someone chasing their healthcare dreams! | 📧 Questions, ideas, or story to share? [e-mail] | 📱 Follow @MAPpodcastofficial on Instagram & Facebook | MAP: Medical Pathways for Success — Your roadmap to a thriving medical career.

Episode Transcript

(00:08):
Welcome to Map Your MedicalPathway for Success.
I'm Fred Nazario, andI'm so glad you're here
because this podcast isn'tjust about healthcare.
It's about you, your goals,your growth, and your
journey towards becoming theprofessional you're meant to be.
Whether you're just startingschool, studying for your
certification, or alreadyworking in the field.

(00:30):
This is your space to learn,to grow and to stay inspired
along the way, each episodewill dive into real stories,
practical advice and strategiesto help you build confidence,
sharpen your skills, and takereal steps towards the career
you've been dreaming of.
But before we jump into allof that, I want to take a step

(00:50):
back because before you cantruly map your path forward,
you need to understand wherethat map comes from and
what it really represents.
When you first step into theworld of healthcare, it's
completely normal to feela mix of emotions such as
excitement and uncertainty.
It's a new world fullof opportunity, but

(01:11):
also full of questions.
You might be wondering,how do I get certified?
What career optionsare out there?
And maybe even canI really do this?
If you've ever foundyourself asking those
questions, you're not alone.
That's exactly why MAP exists.
MAP stands for MedicalAssociate Pathways, and it's
more than just a podcast name.

(01:32):
It's a mindset becausethe healthcare world
isn't made up of justone type of professional.
It's built by many medicalassociates working side by
side to make a difference.
We're talking about medicalassistants, phlebotomists,
pharmacy techs, nursingassistants, and so many
others, each one playing avital role in patient care.

(01:52):
Every person in this field,no matter their title.
Contribute to somethingbigger, helping people
heal, grow, and feel seen.
That's the heart of map.
It's about recognizing everypathway that leads to the
purpose in medicine, andgiving you the guidance,
motivation, and tools tonavigate yours with confidence.

(02:13):
Because no matter whereyou are on your journey,
there is a way forwardand you're already on it.
Map is here to be your guideto help you find direction.
Build your confidence andkeep moving towards your
goals one step at a time.
And the reason I know thisjourney matters, the reason
I believe in MAP is becauseI've been right where you are

(02:36):
Now that you knowwhat MAP stands for.
Let me tell you why itmatters to me because this
podcast isn't just somethingI created, it's something I
lived my own medical journey.
Started in 2008 when I joinedthe United States Navy and
became a hospital corpsman.
Over the years, I workedacross different specialties
from catching babies in laborand delivery to assisting

(02:58):
with anesthesia and evenpracticing emergency medicine
while deployed to Afghanistan.
Those experiences shaped whoI am, not just as a medical
professional, but as a person.
They taught me discipline,compassion, and what it really
means to show up for otherseven when things get tough.
But when I left the militaryin 2006, I'll be honest, I

(03:21):
felt lost for the first time.
I wasn't sure where I belonged.
Then one day after afrustrating conversation with
my head coach at Chick-fil-A,something just clicked.
I realized I couldn'tkeep standing still.
I needed to find my wayback to what I loved helping
people through medicine.
So I walked into the firstmedical assisting school I

(03:41):
could find and signed up,and that one simple step,
that one decision to moveforward changed everything.
Even though I already knewmuch of the material, I
still needed to go throughthe process to show up,
to learn, and to earn it.
And through that I rediscoveredsomething powerful.
The importance ofhumility, growth.

(04:03):
And starting where you are,not where you wish you were.
Since then, I've worked in oneof the largest hospital systems
in the state of New Jersey.
Taught as a medical assistantinstructor and now serve as
an assistant director at amedical assistant school.
And every step alongthe way has reminded me
why this field matters.

(04:24):
Because every life we touch,every student we teach, and
every patient we help ispart of something bigger.
That's what MAP is really about.
It's not just about finding ajob, it's about finding your
direction, your confidence,and your purpose in healthcare.
And if my story provesanything, it's this.
Your path doesn'thave to be perfect.

(04:45):
You just have to take thatfirst step because once
you understand your why.
You can start building your HowMap isn't just my story, it's
a community built for you, thestudents, the future healthcare
professionals, the peoplechasing purpose, and trying
to figure out what comes next.
And that's exactly what thispodcast is here to help you do.

(05:08):
So now that you know alittle bit about my journey,
let's talk about yours.
So what can you expect from MapMedical Pathways for Success?
Every week we're going todive into real conversations
about what it takes to build alasting career in healthcare.
We'll talk about the things thatmatter most, how to prepare for
certification, how to build yourconfidence in the classroom and

(05:30):
beyond, and how to turn whatyou're learning today into the
career you've always wanted.
Some episodes will bejust you and me, breaking
down topics that help youstay focused and grow as a
student and a professional.
Other times I'll be joinedby incredible guests.
Students, instructors, programdirectors, and healthcare
professionals who startedexactly where you are and built

(05:52):
something amazing, they'llshare their experiences,
challenges, and the lessonsthat help shape their success.
Because sometimes the bestway to learn where you're
going is to hear from someonewho's already walked the
road and through it all.
My goal is simple to help youbuild confidence, find clarity,
and remind you that yourgoals aren't just possible.

(06:14):
They're already within reachbecause here's the truth.
Success in healthcare isn'tjust about passing a test
or landing your first job.
It's about becoming the kindof professional who makes a
difference for your patients,for your team, but most
importantly for yourself.
So wherever you are on yourjourney, whether you're

(06:35):
studying for an exam, startingyour first class, or already
out there making an impact,this podcast is here to
guide you, encourage you.
And help you follow your ownmedical pathway for success.
Before we wrap up today'sepisode, I wanna leave you with
something special, something Ilike to call your map moment.
This is your time to pause,reflect, and reconnect

(06:58):
with why you started thisjourney in the first place.
Because success isn'thappened all at once.
It happens moment by moment,choice by choice, step by step.
It is time for your moment.

(07:22):
A quick little pushto keep you going.
Stay focused.
Keep strong.
Each week, I'll give you aquick challenge to help you stay
inspired, focused, and confidentas you navigate your journey

(07:43):
towards becoming a successfulhealthcare professional.
So here's yourchallenge for this week.
Take five quiet minutes todayand write down your why.
Why did you choose toenter the medical field?
Maybe it's to help othersto create a better life
for your family, or toprove to yourself that you
can do something amazing.
Whatever your reason, writeit down, keep it somewhere.

(08:05):
You'll see it every day.
On your desk, your notebook,or even your bathroom mirror.
I tend to take a photo of itand place it as a wallpaper on
my phone so I always see it.
Your why is your compass.
It keeps you grounded whenthings get tough and reminds you
that you're not just learningskills, you're building a
future that changes lives.

(08:26):
And if you'd like to shareyour why with me and the MAP
community, I'd love to hear it.
Send me an email at [e-mail].
Because your story mightbe the spark that inspires
someone else to keep going.
Remember, your journeydoesn't have to be perfect.
It just has to keep movingforward, and every time you
show up, study or take that nextstep you're proving to yourself.

(08:48):
You have what it takes.
That's it for today'sepisode of Map Medical
Pathways for Success.
I hope you're walkingaway feeling a little more
inspired and a little morecertain that you're exactly
where you're meant to be.
Remember, success in healthcareisn't just about books,
grades, or certifications.
It's about growth, personal,professional, and emotional.

(09:13):
Every challenge you face isshaping you into the healthcare
professional you're becoming.
If you enjoy today's episode,make sure to follow map wherever
you listen to podcasts andshare it with classmates, a
friend, or anyone who's ontheir journey towards success.
Join us on Facebookand Instagram.
Just search up at MAP podcastofficial for motivation,

(09:36):
inspiration, and a communitythat understands your journey.
And remember, no matter whereyou are on your path, keep
learning, keep growing, andkeep following your map, your
medical pathway for success.