Marie Wilson's Advice: Stay Open to Learning

Marie Wilson is a Credentialing Coordinator, Medical Staff Services, at Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Schuylkill. She shares her story during Black History Month.

Black history is American history. It is a time to reflect on the achievements of Black and African American people, achievements that were not always celebrated or discussed. I am always learning something new because much of this history is not taught in school. That is a missed opportunity. 

My career journey began when I was in business school. I worked as a health career intern in the human resources department of a hospital system in central Pennsylvania. Then, I started my first job there in one of the hospital’s owned physician practices. It was while working at this office that I had my first experience with racism. It was subtle, but it led me to seek out other opportunities. My next position was as a clinical secretary in a patient care area at Lehigh Valley Health Network. I enjoyed this job tremendously and learned a lot, but it was only part time, and I was looking to advance to a full-time position. This would lead me next to my position as medical staff secretary, a position I held for 10 years before moving into my current role. In total, I have worked at LVHN for 32 years, and I am fortunate that racial biases have never been a barrier to my success throughout my career here.

My mother is biracial, and she taught me to never use the color of my skin as an excuse or allow it to prevent me from taking an opportunity to advance myself. 

Keep learning from all and stay open. Ask questions and continue to have the uncomfortable conversations.