In the intricate tapestry of healthcare, some unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes. They provide essential support and care to patients and medical professionals. Meet Sheilah and Cesar, two dedicated allied healthcare workers whose roles are indispensable to the healthcare system's functioning. Join us on this journey as we shine a spotlight on the champions of healthcare.

Sheilah Skinner, a Certified nursing assistant, started to venture into the healthcare field in 2007. She helps patients with their basic daily needs, collaborating with nurses to provide outstanding care.

Cesar Sauza is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at healthcanal.com. He has over 9 years of experience as an outpatient registered dietitian, providing nutritional consultations and patient evaluations. Here are some insights from two healthcare professionals with very different career backgrounds:

1) How did you get into the field?

**Sheilah:  *“*I became a CNA in 2007 when I graduated high school! My school had a

vocational training for 1 year to become a CNA…so I signed up, and I am

thankful I did!”

**Cesar: *“*I had an interest in nutrition after dealing with weight issues for most of

my childhood. I enjoyed all things nutrition, but I never thought I would be

able to make a career out of it. Coincidentally, the university I was

attending had a strong dietetics and nutrition program. After meeting with

a counselor, I decided to give nutrition a try. Fast forward to graduating

with honors and being accepted into the coordinated dietetics program, which

is a dual master's degree and dietetic internship program.”

2) What do you like and dislike most about the job?

**Sheilah: *“*What I liked about being a CNA was [that] when I was single and young, I worked

the evening shift, which was my favorite shift! When I worked with other CNAs

who had good work ethics, the patients/residents were well taken care of, which then made the entire shift a lot easier! When I first started out, I

was paid $8.76 an hour on the evening shift in 2008, which wasn’t a lot! I didn’t

like working with lazy nurses who would only pass meds and chart behind the

desk! I have my bachelor's degree and a minor in social work, but still

worked as a CNA; some who become nurses with 1 yr degree felt they were