As a child, Fernando Villegas experienced a lot of health problems and spent most of his young life visiting doctors. The experience inspired him to become a physician so he could help others. But after graduating from medical school in Mexico, Villegas soon discovered that he would not be able to provide a good life for his family. So he decided to immigrate to the United States.

“Even as a physician in Mexico you have no financial security,” said Villegas who adds that many doctors in the country make the same wage as field workers.

Initially, Villegas decided to pursue work as a physician in the United States, but even after mastering the English language, he encountered many challenges.

“I soon realized that it would take me some time to obtain a medical license in this country, so I decided to pursue another career that would still allow me to work in the medical field and enable me to support my family,” said Villegas, who still hopes to someday work as a physician in the United States.

What Villegas discovered was not only a way to provide a great life for his wife and two girls, but also a career that he has thrived in and thoroughly enjoys. For the past five years, he has worked as an ultrasound technician at Central Valley General Hospital and Hanford Community Medical Center (HCMC).

“My favorite part of the job is helping people. I love interacting with patients,” said Villegas, adding that his ability to speak Spanish has come in handy because of the high percentage of Hispanics in Central California.

In a country full of people who never seem to have enough, Villegas counts himself lucky and truly appreciates the American dream.

“Adventist Health has given me an incredible opportunity, and I am so thankful the people here took a chance with me," said Villegas. "I am making a good living, which has enabled me to support my family and provide my girls with the opportunity to have an education.”

Making a Difference

David Giangrande, nuclear medicine supervisor at HCMC, spends his days performing numerous diagnostic tests that assist physicians in determining the best treatment options for patients. It is a job he loves doing.

“I wanted to go into an honorable profession,” recalled Giangrande of his career choice. “Something where I could make a difference in people’s lives and be proud of what I do.”

Giangrande grew up in New York and spent summers working with his father, an x-ray technician at a local hospital. It was his first exposure to the diagnostic side of health care and he loved it. He decided to pursue a career in nuclear medicine and has been working in the field all his life.

“Nuclear medicine is such a great profession,” asserted Giangrande. “It allows you to constantly use your mind and be on the cutting-edge of medical technology. I also get great satisfaction from knowing that I am performing a valuable service for both patients and physicians.”

After moving to California to be near family, Giangrande was happy when he discovered an employment opportunity at HCMC. As a Seventh-day Adventist, he also was excited about working in a Christian environment.

“I really appreciate the distinctive atmosphere at Adventist Health,” said Giangrande. “I love having the opportunity to minister to the spiritual side of patients and point them toward the ultimate healer — Jesus Christ.”