Guest: JJ Valdez, MSRC, RRT-ACCS

Respiratory Therapist and Board Member

Respiratory Care Foundation of Texas

Before JJ Valdez became “JJ the RT,” his family was teaching him how to care for people.

We close out Hispanic Heritage Month with this episode of Voices of Vital Care, where the respiratory therapist and educator shares how his Mexican roots, family traditions and personal loss shaped the way he treats patients and supports their families.

Joining host Nohelani Graf, JJ reflects on growing up between English-speaking and Spanish-speaking households, the hesitation he sometimes feels speaking Spanish, and the connection that comes from helping someone feel understood.

He shares how losing his father changed his approach to patient care and recalls a pediatric emergency that has stayed with him throughout his career.

From grandparents who gave Christmas gifts in paper sacks to an emotional reflection on what he hopes to pass to the next generation, this conversation explores Hispanic heritage, cultural identity, empathy in healthcare and the meaning of legacy.

In this episode:

• Growing up in a Hispanic family and reconnecting with the Spanish language

• Understanding cultural differences in patient and family care

• Finding belonging in respiratory therapy and allied healthcare

• How grief can change the way healthcare professionals care for others

• Becoming a role model for young Hispanic people considering healthcare careers

• Carrying family traditions and values into the next generation

“Well, I’m a human taking care of a human.” — JJ Valdez

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for conversations about healthcare careers, education and the people behind patient care.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#VoicesOfVitalCare #JJtheRT #HispanicHeritageMonth #RespiratoryTherapist #HispanicHeritage #HealthcareCareers #PatientCare #alliedhealthcourses

Guest: Michele Poulos, MEd

Director of Online Education

Pima Medical Institute

Ready for your next step in healthcare, but worried about fitting school around work and family?

Explore how online education can help you pursue healthcare administration and leadership while continuing to work.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf talks with Michele Poulos, Director of Online Education at Pima Medical Institute, about returning to school, building on your healthcare experience, and preparing to lead a team.

Michele explains what a typical week of online learning looks like, how students access tutoring and academic support, and why healthcare administration plays a critical role in patient care.

She also walks through Pima Medical Institute’s online education pathways, from the Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA) certificate to the Health Care Administration (HCA) associate degree, Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHA), and Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL).

In this conversation:

• Balancing online learning with work and family responsibilities

• Establishing habits that help students stay on track

• Understanding healthcare administration careers and their impact on patients

• Exploring transfer credits and building on previous education

• Developing communication, listening, and leadership skills

• Recognizing the value of the experience you already bring

Whether you’re a medical assistant, an administrative professional, a clinician considering leadership, or someone exploring a healthcare career change, this episode helps you understand your options and consider your next step.

As Michele reminds us: “There is no just in healthcare.”

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for conversations about healthcare careers, education, and the people who make patient care possible.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#HealthcareCareers #OnlineEducation #HealthcareAdministration #HealthcareLeadership #PimaMedicalInstitute #VoicesOfVitalCare

Guest: Dr. Leticia Archuleta, Ed.D LCSW LISW LSSW

Executive Director at Health Leadership High School

What if students could get paid to explore healthcare careers before graduating high school?

At Health Leadership High School in Albuquerque, hands-on learning, paid internships, and certifications help students turn “I’m not sure I can do this” into real possibilities.

In this episode of Voices of Vital Care, host Nohelani Graf talks with Dr. Leticia Archuleta, Executive Director of Health Leadership High School, about connecting high school students to healthcare training, further education, and their communities.

She shares stories of students gaining confidence through certified nursing assistant (CNA) training, patient interactions, and opportunities to use their bilingual skills.

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the conversation explores how representation, language, cultural understanding, and family support help Hispanic students see themselves as future healthcare professionals.

You’ll hear about:

• Paid internships and healthcare career exploration in high school

• CNA certifications, dual credit, and learning through real-world experience

• Bilingual communication and Hispanic representation in healthcare

• Financial barriers and helping families understand education options

• The growing partnership with Pima Medical Institute

• Supporting students’ emotional well-being as they explore patient care.

For students, parents, educators, and healthcare employers, this episode explores what it takes to build a clearer path from high school to healthcare, while giving young people room to discover what fits.

Subscribe to Voices of Vital Care for more conversations about allied health careers, healthcare education, and the people shaping the future of care.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, stance, or position of Pima Medical Institute.

#HealthcareCareers #HighSchoolToHealthcare #HispanicHeritageMonth #AlliedHealth #HealthcareEducation #PaidInternships #BilingualHealthcare #VoicesOfVitalCare