We’re proud of the ambitions and accomplishments of our students and alumni – learn some of their stories in our monthly feature:
Student Spotlight
Allison Steele ’22
Student, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program
Poised to graduate from our Diagnostic Medical Sonography program in August, Allison Steele is ready to help save lives. Motivated by personal loss, she is driven by her strong faith to make a difference for those in her care. “After my aunt lost her battle with addiction in 2017, I knew that I wanted to have a career in health care,” Allison explains. “There is not a day that goes by that my family does not think of her. It has been my faith that has guided me through college, and I plan to continue to be a light to those around me as I go into the field of ultrasound. You never know what someone else is facing behind closed doors. With a smiling face and a simple kindness, I know that my small part can make a difference.”
Allison first enrolled in PA College as part of our high school dual enrollment program, staying busy with clubs, volunteerism and part time work. These experiences prepared her for working with the public and helped Allison step out of her comfort zone. She adds: “Helping the community is something that I will always be passionate about and will venture into more in the years to come after graduation.” Allison currently works as a customer service specialist at a Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health outpatient site, which allows to her take advantage of the health system’s tuition reimbursement program. In addition to this incentive, Allison chose to attend PA College for our guaranteed clinical placements, small class sizes and one-on-one time with her instructors. She finds working with children especially rewarding and aspires to work in pediatric ultrasound. “I feel that God has led me this direction for a reason,” Allison shares.
Allison lives in rural Lancaster County, and has a passion for journaling, traveling, four-wheeling, hiking, kayaking, fitness and spending time with the ones I love. “Juggling work, being a full-time student, family time, having a social life, and finding time for myself has been a struggle throughout these past two years and I could not have done it without the love and support of my friends and family,” shares Allison. While she does not believe that earning a college degree is the only way to be successful in life, she is proud to be the first generation of her family to go to college. She is grateful to her parents for helping her reach this milestone, and shares: “I only hope that one day I can live up to the potential that they see in me. I am trying my very best to make my family proud and to prove true something that my dad has always said to me: ‘You can do anything you put your mind to.’” Her boyfriend of nearly five years is also one of Allison’s biggest supporters and has been a shoulder to lean on, especially during the past two years.
Alumni Spotlight
Stewart Sampsel ’21, MHA
Physician Recruiter, WellSpan Health
Ever since his undergraduate days playing Division I football for the SUNY Buffalo Bulls, Stew Sampsel has loved a competitive challenge. These days, his playing field is health care, and Stew works as a physician recruiter with WellSpan Health. “My profession has always faced significant challenges, especially considering the aging workforce and complex economics of the health care industry,” he shares. “With the growing physician shortage in the United States, the recruitment landscape is highly competitive, but I love the challenge. I take great pride in identifying the perfect fit for each practice I represent. I have the unique opportunity to work with some of the most talented providers in the country. It’s always gratifying to hear success stories associated with someone you helped hire.”
Stew supports the service lines of Medicine, Primary Care and Orthopedic Surgery and is responsible for developing comprehensive recruitment plans that align with WellSpan Health’s strategic goals. His department helps meet the clinical needs of communities the health system serves throughout south central Pennsylvania. “I am keenly aware that my work has an impact on friends and neighbors who rely on WellSpan for high-quality specialty care,” notes Stew.
A 2021 graduate of our Master of Healthcare Administration program, Stew credits his PA College education with helping him to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to communicate effectively with his internal and external customers. He offers this advise to our current students: “If you have questions or feel like you’re struggling, do not hesitate to reach out to the faculty and staff. They want to see you succeed! I was always impressed by their commitment to each individual student.”
A member of the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment as well as the Mid-Atlantic Physician Recruiter Alliance, Stew lives in York, PA with his wife Lauren and their two boys, ages seven and four. As a family, they enjoy camping, attending sporting events and going out for ice cream.
Seeking People of PA College
Do you know an exceptional current student or alumnus whose experiences and accomplishments would help tell the PA College story? Or someone who has overcome an obstacle or reached a challenging milestone during their PA College experience? Please email your suggested names (and identify them in one of these categories) to Karen Jenkins. Self-nominations are also welcome!
