LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Several wonderful guest lecturers from the Lake County medical community presented extensive teaching sessions during the month of November for the Lake County Office of Education Medical Assistant class.

The 16 adult continuing education students are studying to become future health care workers through a nine month course leading to national certification.

Each week the class is visited by well-known and respected medical professionals in the community who speak to a specific topic being covered in their medical course. 

Dr. Marlene Quilala, local pediatrician, spent a Saturday reviewing the important details of caring for sick children and ways to maintain good health in children from birth to 18 years of age.

Dr. Gary Maes, local family practice physician, shared information about what happens to the mind and body when people grow older.

Dr. Maes discussed heart disease, lung problems, strokes, bones (osteoporosis and fractures), Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. He also shared ways to cope with various other geriatric issues.

Sutter Lakeside Hospital staff and nurses delivered user-friendly lectures covering topics ranging from the importance of correct medical record documentation, women’s health, surgical methods and the workings of all the body’s systems.

The program offers a big thank you to Emile Castanchoa, RN, Jackie Rad, RN, Monique Redding, RN, Jason Winegarner, RN and Patti Smith-Hakin, medical records manager, for sharing their expertise and experience.

All of these health care professionals have donated their knowledge and time to enrich and support the efforts of the Lake County Office of Education’s Career Technical Education Program. Their generous gift of knowledge and their example of professionalism inspired the entire class.

The students are most thankful to them for such an outpouring of support from established and esteemed members of the Lake County health care community.