Workforce Development: Cardiac Ultrasonographer Sam Kellogg Finds Home in the Cardiac Care Center

Sam Kellogg found her “home away from home” at Crouse.

Crouse is a special place in Sam’s eyes: her mother has been employed here for the last 35 years, it’s where she met her husband of four years and it’s an environment she feels is always filled with kind people.

Sam has always been familiar with Crouse since her childhood. Her mother, a nursing assistant, would occasionally bring Sam in on “Take Your Child to Work” days.

After working in retail, Sam followed in her mother’s footsteps and joined the Crouse family. Sam began her journey working in Environmental Services, then Jazzman’s, Nutritional Services and later became a Health Unit Coordinator on 5 South and 6 South.

It was then that she began job-shadowing different areas of medical imaging. After some observation time, Sam realized that her heart was drawn towards cardiac echo.

With support from the hospital, she enrolled in a cardiac sonography program while continuing to work at Crouse as a Health Unit Coordinator in the ICU for more educational opportunities and experience.  With assistance from 1199SEIU, Sam was able to receive tuition reimbursement for her program. “The union and Human Resources have been very, very helpful,” she notes.

Recently, Sam transitioned into her new role as a cardiac ultrasonographer in the Cardiac Care Center.

“I’ve stayed at Crouse because it’s like a family here,” Sam says.

Being able to work as a cardiac ultrasonographer resonates with her because of her family’s history with different cardiac issues.

“I want to help other families and hopefully help them avoid cardiac issues,” she says.

Sam truly enjoys her new role. “Every day is different. You see new patients, new stories and personalities. It’s a lot of fun and it’s what I look forward to.”

Learn more about Workforce Development at Crouse by visiting crouse.org/workforcedevelopment.

Ashton Laird is the Communications Apprentice at Crouse Health.