Investing in Place Bound Potential: Career Advancement Program

Investing in Place Bound Potential: Career Advancement Program

As Director of Program Innovation and Education, Sara Egbert focuses on strengthening the workforce at Columbia Basin Hospital Family Medicine by creating opportunities for professional growth and lifelong learning. With this goal, Sara implemented an in-house Career Advancement Program and Learning Center designed to support employees seeking to advance their careers. The individualized program allows Sara to meet one-on-one with employees to identify professional goals, assist with academic planning, navigate college systems, understand prerequisites, and balance work, school, and personal responsibilities.

Currently, Sara supports ten CBH employees who are returning to school to advance their careers within the hospital. One participant, Nathalie Torres, is a medical assistant in the Family Medicine Clinic and a full time Behavioral Health bachelor’s program student. She has worked in the medical field for nine years, driven by a passion for helping others and making a positive impact. She explains, “I’m especially interested in understanding the brain and helping reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, so people feel more comfortable seeking support.”

Juggling work, school, and motherhood has brought a unique set of challenges for Nathalie. However, with support from Sara and the Career Advancement Program, Nathalie has established clear academic goals and secured financial assistance and scholarships. Nathalie shares, “Sara is always willing to offer support and guide me whether that be selecting courses, or navigating academic resources, I can always count on her help.”

Columbia Basin Hospital Family Medicine is committed to expanding efforts to support employees as they grow professionally. Sara adds, “I am proud to be part of that work.”