At 180 Medical, our employees are at the heart of who we are. Their compassion, dedication, and genuine care for our customers help make a difference every day. That’s why we love taking time to spotlight the people behind the care. This month, we’re honored to feature Jessica, an Ostomy Specialist at 180 Medical.
Jessica brings both professional knowledge and personal experience to her role. As someone living with a permanent ileostomy, she understands how overwhelming life after ostomy surgery can feel. Today, she uses her own journey to help others feel less alone as they adjust to life with an ostomy.
Jessica, tell us about yourself and how you came to 180 Medical.
I have been married for 5 years and have 2 daughters, Ramsey, 6, and Edynn, 14. I enjoy spending time with them at home.
In 2013, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. After medication failed, I underwent surgery in 2016 and had my first temporary ileostomy, which gave me my life back. Years and multiple surgeries later, I now have a permanent ileostomy, which has saved my life and given me a purpose.
During that time, I worked as a certified pharmacy technician with a local grocery chain and just didn’t feel complete or satisfied. I had several friends of friends or relatives who would get in touch with me for their own ostomy situations. I felt fulfilled and had a purpose by talking to them, embracing the “bag life,” and helping them with any pouch problems that arose.
I started seeking out any career avenue that dealt with ostomies and found 180 Medical. 180 has been the biggest blessing! I get to work with such knowledgeable colleagues and speak with ostomy patients like myself.
I may not always share my ostomy journey, but I am so grateful and blessed to be able to take a call, speak with anxious and overwhelmed customers who are new to living with their ostomy, and reassure them that all will be ok. I get to truly touch others’ lives, making my life and journey so meaningful.
Tell us about your role as an Ostomy Specialist. What does a typical day look like?
I work the inbound part of our ostomy team. Our calls range from simply adding or changing products around, collecting insurance information, and going over what insurance covers, to getting to talk to people who are dealing with issues like ostomy leakage. I love encouraging them through the hard times and helping them get the correct products.
My favorite part is just being able to speak with our customers. Some are quick and to the point, strictly business. Some tell jokes, and we share a good laugh. We have several customers who are just a blessing. They appreciate and acknowledge the company and each employee’s hard work and dedication in providing their medical supplies.
Those are my favorite calls. Those are why I absolutely love my job.
What do you enjoy most about working at 180 Medical?
Not only having amazing, knowledgeable teammates and colleagues who have become great friends and feel like family, but also our customers. They make us possible. They touch my life just as much as we touch theirs.
Everyone is so knowledgeable here. They took me, even as a newbie, under their wing. Colleagues and teammates turn into close friends who feel like family. Anything I may not know, I can easily reach out to learn and get additional training on.
Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of the support you provided to a customer?
I had a specific customer we worked with to add different products to better suit their lifestyle. A few weeks later, I got a very touching email from them, in which they mentioned being able to enjoy a vacation with family, “didn’t even think about the ostomy pouch,” and felt “normal.”
That’s what we do. We turn a medical condition into the best we can and help people feel “normal” again.
What’s a quote or mindset that keeps you motivated on challenging days?
God will not bring you to it without getting you through it.
How has your own experience influenced how you connect with or support customers?
I feel so connected to so many of our customers. Some I’ve cried with. Others, we’ve laughed at the experiences.
This job, where I can share my experiences and be myself, has made me feel whole. I cannot think of another job where I am filling a need in myself while also meeting the needs of others. And for that, I am so grateful.
Thank you, Jessica, and all our amazing members of the Ostomy Specialist team!
We here at 180 Medical are so proud to have compassionate, knowledgeable team members like Jessica who help make a difference for our customers every day.
Our employees are an important part of the 180 Medical difference. Through their care, dedication, and commitment to service, they help create a supportive experience for customers and their families.
Check out more of our Employee Spotlights to learn more about the amazing people who make 180 Medical who we are.
