GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Staff Sgt. Megan McCarthy, 17th Healthcare Operations Squadron section chief of women’s health and pediatrics, was selected as the 17th Training Wing Spotlight, November 30. She was recognized for the performance of her duties in the women’s health and pediatric clinics.
1. How does your job support the 17th Training Wing's mission?
My job is the section chief of women’s health and pediatrics. Our women’s health team supports the mission through caring for our active duty, retired and dependent women for all women’s needs to include gynecologic care and referrals for off-base obstetric care. Our pediatric team cares for all dependent children, ages 2 months through 17 years old. The care we provide enables our permanent party, deployed members, instructors and students to focus on their mission set, knowing that their family members are cared for each day.
2. What do you find most rewarding about your work?
The most rewarding part of my patient care role is seeing parents’ minds put at ease when their child receives the care they need. The most rewarding part of my non-commissioned officer role is seeing those around me achieve their goals.
3. What has been your biggest challenge in the military, and how did you overcome that challenge?
My biggest challenge in the military was learning the difference between managing people and leading them. Often, when you manage people, you get membership-level commitment from them. When you lead people, you get involvement level commitment. Learning to lead is an ongoing life lesson.
4. What has been your most memorable experience in the military?
I was the NCO in charge of COVID Operations for my last six months at Aviano Air Base, Italy. While it was the hardest I have ever had to work in my career, it was the most rewarding. Every person on our team worked hard and cared for each other through trials (i.e., 14 hour days) and celebrations (i.e., group and wing level awards). The people I worked with during that time became family.
5. What is one piece of information or advice you would like to pass on?
“The measure of a person is not what he or she says in the staff meeting, but rather what he or she does when the meeting is over.” – Unknown
Pay more attention to the actions of those around you, not their words.