McGlumphy takes on a career in healthcare | News, sports, jobs

Abigail McGlumphy (center) works on an anatomy lesson.

For Abigail McGlumphy, the path to a career in the medical field began at an early age.

“When I first went to the (Washington County) Career Center in eighth grade, I loved it so much I knew it was where I wanted to be.” she said.

McGlumphy said that in the center's patient care program, you learn by seeing and doing, not just sitting in a classroom.

“In third grade, we learned all the basics of medicine.” she said. “We have a chance to go and see how nurses work and we get to see different areas. It's all related to medicine.”

McGlumphy said two people influenced her career choice.

Abigail McGlumphy is the head cheerleader for the Warren High School Warriors.

“I have been interested in this field for a long time. I was drawn to the medical world because I admired my sister who worked in the medical field.” She added that her family has been supportive.

“I was also inspired by my teacher at the Washington County Career Center, Heather Klingworth.” McGlumphy said. “She coached me towards it and didn't let me give up. I realized I could accomplish so much more than I ever thought I could.”

McGlumphy said the field is difficult.

“There were definitely times when I wanted to quit.” she said. “This is not an easy field to pursue tenaciously.” At Warren High School, he takes college credit courses in English and mathematics. Next semester, she plans to take two courses: Biology and Physiology. McGlumphy said biology is challenging.

She said one of the best parts of the program is learning all the medical terminology, along with anatomy and first aid.

Abigail McGlumphy is preparing for a career in the medical field at the Washington County Career Center

McGlumphy works on SkillsUSA, a program where students compete against other students from around the state and then test their medical knowledge against other students across the country.

“We don't get tested until the second half of our senior year.” she said. “I'm in a study group with other people, but I haven't taken the test yet.''

McGlumphy said the exam she is about to take will be based on medical terminology, not medical knowledge.

“It can be very confusing. There's a lot involved in it.” she said. “There's a lot to learn and a lot to memorize.”

McGlumphy's main non-academic involvement at Warren University is varsity cheerleading, which she began in kindergarten.

McGlumphy said he has been cheering with the same teammates ever since and enjoys working with a group that has been together for so long. Despite her patients' accomplishments in the medical field, McGlumphy said she has had to deal with the stereotype of cheerleaders who don't prioritize academics.

“That’s definitely a big stereotype.” she said. “It still makes sense when people see me cheering and know what I do at school.”

McGlumphy said her plans after high school are to attend college and earn a bachelor's degree in nursing.

“Next, I want to go to university.” she said, “I was accepted to Ohio University, but I haven't decided whether to go there or to Washington State University (Ohio University) to get my RN.”

McGlumphy said she wants to specialize in one field.

“It's between respiratory and trauma.” she said. “I'm very interested in both.”

I am interested in the specialty of respiratory care because of how the respiratory system works.

“In trauma, a lot of things come to light.” she said. “You have to be prepared for a lot of things.”

McGlumphy said if she could talk to her elementary school or middle school self, she would have advised her to try harder.

“I want you to do your best and not give up.” she said. “And don't let others steer her in the wrong direction. I want to tell her that she can accomplish more than she thinks.” McGlumphy said she has learned over the course of her life that she could have done more. Since she started attending the career center, her attitude towards her studies has changed.

“I just didn’t really care.” she said. “I went to the career center and teachers like Miss K (Clintworth) told me I could work harder…My grade point average for the past two years was 4.0.”

Because of her demanding job at the career center, McGlumphy said she doesn't participate in many activities at school. But last year, she and two of her friends held a hygiene activity at a high school.

“The whole school participated in this.” she said. “We asked students, teachers, and staff to donate items such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. I made it.”

McGlumphy said she was inspired by the connection between hygiene and overall health.