When an assistant program director was needed for the new Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia (M.M.Sc.-A.) program, Brie Seekford, CAA, proved to be the perfect fit.
Seekford not only has a deep passion for the anesthesiology field but is equally passionate about her role as an educator and Northeast Ohio native.
Seekford was born and raised in Youngstown, where she stayed to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Youngstown State University, before heading to Quinnipiac University in Connecticut for training to become a Certified Anesthesiology Assistant (CAA).
She spent the next several years furthering the CAA profession through advocacy and working on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants. She is also a founding member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants.
An Excellent Opportunity
Joining NEOMED for the launch of the M.M.Sc.-A. program was a natural fit for Seekford.
“The program starting at NEOMED and the opportunity to get involved on the education side of things seemed like an excellent opportunity to help advocate and further the profession even more, while teaching future leaders to do the same,” Seekford says.
“More importantly, I felt that I truly understood NEOMED’s mission and dedication to the Northeast Ohio community. It is a great opportunity to establish a unique program and I just couldn't pass that up. Plus, after two years of working at the University of Toledo Medical Center, working at NEOMED gave me an option to come home and be closer to my family.”
Seekford had another connection to NEOMED prior to her arrival – working as a medical scribe for Chander Kohli, M.D., the longest-serving Board of Trustees member in NEOMED’s history, who has been instrumental in the growth and success of the University.
Seekford is thankful for her experience working alongside Dr. Kohli, especially how it helped lead a path to NEOMED.
“I enjoy every single thing about my job,” said Seekford. “The close-knit community here, as well as everyone’s willingness to help you. My colleagues are phenomenal providers and educators. I really cherish getting to be a part of the M.M.Sc.-A. program ‘family’ we’ve created and getting to watch my students learn and grow!”
Seekford spends a large amount of her free time advocating for the profession, sitting on several boards, regularly attending conferences and speaking with legislators. When she does have time to unwind, she enjoys relaxing in a rocking chair on her patio with her husband, reading or spending time with her two dogs, Sophia and Declan.