Faculty Highlight
WINTER PARK TECH
Highlight of a Winter Park Tech Faculty Member
Name:
Deborah Wolfe, CMT, AHDI-F
Campus Location:
Winter Park Tech
Position/Title:
Instructor. Certified Medical Transcriptionist (CMT), Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity – Fellow (AHDI-F).
Program or coursework you teach or assist:
Medical Record Transcribing
How many years have you been at OCPS CTE?
10 years
Childhood Dream Job:I had a few "dream" jobs as I was growing up. I have always, ever since I can remember, wanted to be a doctor, a veterinarian, or provide a home for neglected or abused children. My husband calls me his "Statue of Liberty" — "give me your tired, your poor…send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed…to me."
Previous jobs or career path (if any):The county where I lived in Alabama didn’t have an animal shelter. A friend and I who recognized the need, joined forces and with the support of the public officials soon opened the Dekalb County S.P.C.A., of which I was appointed Director. The animal shelter is still in operation today — 29 years later!
What do you like most about working at OCPS CTE?It is the feeling I get when my students graduate and succeed. I have such empathy for them. Seventeen years ago I was looking for a new start — I know what they’re going through. Through the opportunity provided by OCPS CTE, I have seen lives change; enormously rewarding. Many new students don’t believe in themselves and they are inspired by someone who does.
What's something "unexpected" that you discovered during your time at OCPS CTE?
What I wasn’t expecting is the lifelong friends I have made since beginning my career at Winter Park Tech. I have developed a deep bond with my colleagues.
How do you stay on the cutting edge of your field?
In numerous ways. I became a member of my local industry organization not long after starting at Winter Park Tech. As I became more involved with the chapter, I was elected Secretary and later President. This year I was elected President of the State Association — AHDI-FL. I attend many educational and leadership conferences. I was deeply involved in developing an online curriculum for the Medical Record Transcribing program at Winter Park Tech. I am in the process of submitting our program to our national organization for certification. I am a member of the national AHDI Educational Approval Committee.
What are your hobbies or what do you do for fun?
What I do for fun goes back to my shelter days — we own 5 poodles! Two of them are standard poodles — twin brothers, which I recently rescued from a puppy mill in Alabama.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself continuing my career at Winter Park Tech and expanding the transcription program.
Source of Inspiration:
Without a doubt — my husband. He is the one who has believed in me since we met and who has encouraged me all along the way. He is so supportive of all that I do — even down to the poodles! Not only is he my husband — he’s my best friend!
Words of wisdom:
It is important to have a passion for what you do. When that passion exists in your career, it becomes contagious and brings out the best in both you as the instructor and your students. Your students "catch" your enthusiasm!
If you would like to highlight an OCPS CTE faculty member, simply fill out the online questionnaire and submit.