Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Joiner.
Hi Tiffany, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I took a career assessment in high school and based on the results, healthcare, social work and teaching were recommended paths for me. At the time, I didn’t see myself in any of those roles, but it’s interesting that today I’ve built a career that reflect two of them. I was born in a small town in Mississippi called Tupelo. I spent time working different jobs while trying to figure out my direction. In 2000, I decided to enroll in a nursing assistant course at a community college, which became the starting journey in healthcare, a field I’ve now been a part of for 26 yrs. I moved to Memphis in 2011, and in 2016 I pursued medical assisting at Concorde Career College. After graduating, I was hired directly from my extern. In 2019 I returned to school to earn my associate of applied Science degree, driven by my goal of becoming an educator. Today, I am proud to serve as a medical assistant and phlebotomy Instructor. My journey has come full circle, allowing me to combine my passion for healthcare with my desire to teach and inspire others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has not always been easy. One of my biggest challenges was building confidence in myself and truly believing that I could succeed, even when things felt overwhelming. Earning my associate degree was especially difficult, there were moments when I felt like giving up. College algebra in particular, was a major obstacle for me. However, I was raised by a strong mother who taught me perseverance, and I refused to give up. I sought help by working with a tutor stayed committed and ultimately passed the class. That experience taught me an important lesson that I now share with my students: just because something is difficult does not mean it is impossible. I emphasize to my students that success requires effort, preparation, and determination. One of the key principles I live by and teach is, ” Poor preparation leads to a poor Performance.” While the journey has had its challenges, those struggles have shaped me into the person I am today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am employed at West Cancer Center and Research Institute, where I serve as a Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy Tainer. In this role, I train new employees entering the clinic and support patient care by starting IV’s, accessing ports and performing blood draws. I truly love what I do, our team operates like a family, united by shared commitment to providing exceptional care and improving the lives of our patients. Being a part of a team that fights cancer and helps save lives is incredibly rewarding. In addition, I serve as a weekend Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy instructor at Professional Allied Health. I have the privilege of teaching and mentoring students as they prepare for careers in the medical field. My leadership team values my creativity in the classroom, which allows me to create a meaningful learning experience. I strive to equip my students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in a clinical setting.
What sets me apart in my opinion is my passion for both patient care and education. I’m deeply invested in the success of those I serve whether patients or students. I take pride pouring into my students and watching them gain confidence and achieve their goals. Their success feels personal and it is one of my greatest accomplishments. I am proud to be Tiffany Joiner A.A.S, NCMA, NCPT and dedicated Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy Instructor.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for networking is to connect with everyone you encounter. There are many successful and inspiring individuals in Memphis, and your greatest opportunity can come from a simple conversation. I make it a point to engage with others by asking about their lives and careers, while also looking for ways to support and uplift those around me. I believe in treating people with kindness and respect, because you never know who is observing your character and work ethic. Many of the opportunities I’ve received in life have come from people who saw potential in me that I had yet to recognize in myself.
