WHAT IS YOUR INSPIRING STORY?

At ACE Surgical Assisting, we’ve collected countless powerful testimonials from experiences in the lab and the online portion of our program. Yet, two areas remain untapped and they are likely a treasure trove: 1) pivotal stories of your clinical internship and 2) your surgical career afterward. These stories can trace the journey from training to real surgery, revealing the impact of your skills on your career and the opportunities that opened up because of your ACE education.

Why Your Story Matters

These stories are more than just the heart and soul of our alumni network. They are a source of inspiration, a way to share triumphs, challenges, and our own unique journey. The ACE Alumni Society should keep its members motivated, ready for new challenges, and excited about the road ahead. So, while your story may inspire fellow graduates, here are a few other treasures we hope to add to our trove:

  • How ACE Prepared You For The Challenges Of Assisting
    Remember the day you walked into your first case of the clinical internship? How much of an edge did your ACE training give you? Did your newly acquired surgeon-level skills set you apart? Did your surgeons take notice? Were you given opportunities that would have been out of reach without that foundation? How did your readiness compare to others from different programs or from those who may have just been trained on the job?

  • The Responsibilities You Now Hold
    Surgical Assisting requires trust, a steady hand, and skill – often at the level of a surgeon’s. What kinds of responsibilities are you now entrusted with that you once thought were reserved for surgeons alone? Perhaps you were given tasks typically considered advanced, or maybe you stepped in during a crucial moment. Your role in the OR is unique and earned; how has it evolved since completing your ACE training?

  • Enhanced Confidence And Respect In The OR
    Surgeon-level skills don’t just elevate your technical ability – they transform your confidence, giving you the assurance to face the unknown and adapt to the unexpected. How has this confidence shaped your interactions with surgeons and the rest of the surgical team? Did your enhanced skills and readiness result in new opportunities, increased status and respect from peers, or a stronger professional presence? Share the moments that truly reflect how far you’ve come.

  • Financial Growth And Stability
    It’s no secret that high-level skills lead to better earning potential, and many Surgical Assistants with ACE training report significant income growth. Did this career move bring you closer to financial independence? Perhaps you’re now earning more than you ever thought possible without becoming a surgeon, or you’re on a path toward your own surgical assisting business, where you can set your own rates and earning goals. How has ACE training impacted your financial future and security?

Example Stories From My Own Experience

To help spark ideas, here are a few memorable stories of my own:

I remember once getting called to assist on a C-section. When I arrived, it turned out to be much more serious: a potential post-C-section hysterectomy. The surgeon was visibly tense, massaging the uterus and injecting medications, but the uterus wasn’t contracting properly and the bleeding was severe. These conventional methods weren’t working, so I suggested we try something I’d seen before – a Penrose drain. We wrapped it around the base of the uterus like a tourniquet. The purpose was to slow the bleeding enough to allow the medications to hang around longer and have their intended effect. Thanks to a little quick thinking and recalling experiences I’ve had with other surgeons, the patient kept her life and her uterus. Now she could look forward to a joyful future with her newborn with the possibility of more to come. Talk about the impact an assistant can have on a patient’s outcome.

Another time, I was assisting on a small bowel resection. Just as we were preparing for the anastomosis, the surgeon fell ill and had to step away. He was heading for the stool in the corner so he could sit down for a while, when he turned around and said, “You know how to suture as well as I do. Go ahead and do that anastomosis.” It was a surreal moment, but because of my training, I didn’t hesitate. Moments like these are defining; they underscore the level of trust and responsibility that come when you have surgeon-level skills.

Finally, I looked back to the life-changing financial impact of my training. Back in the ‘80s, as a Surgical Tech, I made around $35,000 a year working 50-60 hours a week and taking extra calls whenever available. But as a Surgical Assistant, my income jumped to $105,000 a year because I billed the patients’ health insurance – and I only had to work less than half the hours. That transformation inspired me to help others achieve surgeon-level skills and a surgeon-level income. I hope it inspires you, as well.

Share Your Memorable Moments With Fellow Alumni

If you have a story, big or small, that you think might inspire our community, we’d love to hear it. Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, just send us a rough draft. Our team is here to help polish your words and bring your story to life. Your experiences can encourage alumni to reach further, face challenges, and embrace new opportunities. Plus, your story could be featured as a blog post, in the ACE Alumni Society Newsletter, or as testimonial excerpts on our website/literature, inspiring those who aspire to a career as impactful as yours.

Please send your stories to dan.bump@acesatraining.com. Your words might be the catalyst that drives a future Surgical Assistant to reach their highest potential. Let’s keep inspiring each other and build a stronger, more empowered community.