Giving back one patient at a time

Jennifer Ovechka
Certified Medical Assistant
Berks Cardiology

Jennifer Ovechka connects with patients in a way that few people can. Having spent her entire life in and out of hospitals due to complications related to cystic fibrosis, compassion and empathy come naturally to her.

“I love helping people,” says Jennifer, who joined Penn State Health Medical Group – Berks Cardiology as a certified medical assistant in 2022, just six months after surviving a double lung transplant. Now, with every patient she cares for, she finds herself giving back a piece of that gift. “You never know when that extra minute of attention or extra embrace could be the only thing carrying them throughout the day.”

Jennifer has always been driven by a desire to help others, a passion that has grown stronger through her own struggles. She knew early on that a career in health care was what she wanted. Becoming a certified medical assistant was a practical step while managing her health. Now that her lungs are functioning better than ever, she’s considering pursuing a degree in nursing.

“I’ve always been a go-getter. It’s what kept me alive,” she says. “Now that I have amazing health, I really want to just keep going.”

It’s stories like these that drive our purpose.