Landon Richardson currently works as a Medical Assistant at the Hey Clinic. He is in the process of applying to medical school.
His interest in medicine and the Hey Clinic came after his younger brother underwent spine surgery in high school.
“I’ve learned what it looks like to just have compassion and be passionate about what you do as a physician,” Landon said. “Dr. Hey’s been an incredible mentor when it comes to treating patients with dignity.”
Joining the Hey Clinic Family
Landon grew up dreaming about pursuing medicine, but working at Hey Clinic made it a reality. He helps with Hey Clinic patients everyday as a medical assistant. He said they are quick to jump in to fix complications patients face. Landon said that working at the Hey Clinic is all about showing up ready to work hard and be a part of a team.
“I can think of countless examples of patients who have really become family here at Hey Clinic because of our accessibility and willingness to come together as a team and do what the patient needs first and foremost,” Landon said.
Dr. Hey uses the position of medical assistant to hire recent college graduates that are looking to go into healthcare. While the constant training is difficult, Dr. Hey believes it’s worth it in order to encourage the next generation of compassionate caregivers.
He created his own non-profit called Careguard that takes summer interns in the clinic to shadow, write articles and listen to lectures.
Landon felt that Careguard reinvigorated his desire to work hard in the middle of the difficulties of filling out medical school applications.
“I think the mentorship particularly in medicine is hugely important to see,” Landon said. “The foremost example right now in my life is Dr. Hey.”
Landon explained that he wants to multiply mentorship whether that’s as a resident helping pre-meds or eventually as a doctor.
“Dr. Hey comes to work every day and he’s excited and I think that that really rubs off on someone my age,” Landon said. “I think that 30 years from now his example will still be burning bright in my mind as I go to work each and every day.”
