Sometimes your career path takes a few turns. For Ryan Teheng, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Coordinator at Quincy Medical Group, it led from the kitchen to the operating room. In this Q&A, Ryan talks about the influences and experiences that shaped his work today.
Q: What’s your job here at QMG?
A: CRNA Coordinator
Q: What first sparked your interest in healthcare, and what inspired you to become an Advanced Practice Provider?
A: Employment in healthcare runs throughout my family. My father is a physician, my mother is a nurse, my eldest brother and my wife are both also CRNAs, and my middle brother is a Physical Therapist. I was inspired to become an APP by my wife, brother, and aunt and uncle whom are all CRNA’s. During job shadowing it was the only position where each and every one consistently stated they loved their jobs and would not do anything else.
Q: Was there a person or experience that influenced your career path?
A: I credit my parents for pushing me in that direction. Originally, I wanted to become an Orthodontist, and before becoming nurse I actually attended culinary school and worked as a chef for years.
Q: What do you find most meaningful about the work you do each day?
A: I consider it an honor and great responsibility to be trusted with peoples’ loved ones safety as they undergo surgery. I probably am most rewarded by dealing with our pediatric population — being able to make their day of surgery just a little bit less scary is something that is very precious to me, especially now having children of my own.
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned from your patients?
A: Listening means a lot. In this day and age, we’re so accustomed to being as fast-paced and efficient as possible — many times patients feel like they are not truly heard. If we can slow down just a bit and provide that, it goes a long way.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work, or what’s your favorite way to recharge?
A: I still very much enjoy cooking, and trying restaurants wherever my family and I are lucky enough to travel. I enjoy all sports, but mostly golf and tennis when my children allow these days. I’m a die-hard University of Georgia football fan, so most Saturdays in Fall are occupied by me yelling at our television.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: Most people eventually find out about my culinary background, but it still certainly surprises most when they find out.
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