Meet Leslie Tran – Epic Ambulatory and Beacon Analyst
Meet Leslie Tran, an Optimum CareerPath Apprentice and an Epic Ambulatory and Beacon Analyst at Northeast Georgia Health System. Leslie’s path to this role was anything but conventional. Her remarkable journey from a science-focused background to a thriving career in healthcare IT demonstrates how transitions often come alongside impactful meaning making.
Leslie’s early career aspirations leaned toward traditional healthcare. "I always envisioned myself as a Physician Assistant," she confesses, reflecting on her initial goals. However, life had a different plan in store for her. Leslie earned a degree in Nutrition from the University of Georgia. After graduation, she worked closely with PAs at an orthopedic clinic for two years. There, she had an awakening - the conventional medical path might not be her true calling. This realization led her to explore other healthcare-related professions, ultimately landing her a spot in the Optimum CareerPath program.
Leslie's transition into IT was not without its doubts. "I knew nothing about IT," she admits. Yet, Dani Garcia, a program mentor, changed her perspective. "Dani reached out to me, and she was so enthusiastic. She made me feel so welcomed and put me at ease," Leslie recalls. "Giving IT a try has been the best decision I've ever made," she affirms. In the CareerPath program, Leslie earned her Epic certifications and became a Certified Associate in Project Management.
Then, Leslie was placed with her first client, Northeast Georgia Health System. Despite her early tenure, she was assigned a significant project: the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology project. The project's aim was to provide much-needed supportive care to individuals aged 16 to 39 who had recently received a cancer diagnosis. Leslie took on the challenge of designing and building the project from scratch, and it was no small feat. Collaborating extensively with social workers, oncology physicians, and provider care teams, she conducted 12 different surveys with several subject matter experts and spent over six months working on the design and build. Leslie's passion for the project is evident. "I feel like that project really contributed to that population," she states. Her dedication helped overcome longstanding barriers. "The Nursing Manager who led the project was very grateful that I worked on this for her because it's been a goal to have this in place for several years now," Leslie reveals. Not only is Leslie doing work that fits her talent, but she’s also finding significant meaning-making in the impact of her daily work.
Leslie values her team at Northeast Georgia Health System. "Everyone here is amazing. We have a very experienced team," she says. “I love this profession so much. I get to build relationships with so many different doctors, so many different clinicians, healthcare leadership." Additionally, Leslie has found unwavering support from her manager and her team. She credits a senior analyst with a critical life lesson: the day you stop learning is the day this job is not for you.
Looking to the future, Leslie aspires to grow in her field. As she continues learning, she hopes to grow into a senior analyst and, eventually, reach the summit as a Chief Information Officer (CIO). Her advice to those contemplating a career change like hers is to embrace the unknown and seize opportunities like the CareerPath program. "You have to keep learning, researching, and never be afraid to ask for help because everyone on your team is there for a reason," Leslie passionately advises.
Outside of her career, Leslie enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, hiking, and even crocheting stuffed animals. Her recent adventure to Banff National Park in Canada was a memorable highlight, despite the hair-raising moments involving bear roars.
Leslie's journey from a science background to a thriving career in healthcare IT serves as a testament to embracing change and seizing opportunities. Her commitment to improving patient care through innovative IT solutions makes her an invaluable asset to the healthcare industry. As Leslie continues to evolve in her role, her influence on healthcare IT and patient support is sure to expand, making her a name to watch in the field.
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The Optimum CareerPath Spotlight series showcases the talents and backgrounds of CareerPath graduates. Optimum CareerPath is a targeted recruiting, training, and placement program that identifies and trains high-aptitude, early-career employees. After a 12-week, paid training program, CareerPath graduates are placed at client partner sites for rewarding careers in healthcare IT. Learn who the people are behind this innovative talent program.
