Each spring, the American Heart Association nominates women in the medical field to help raise money and awareness for women’s heart health through the Go Red for Women campaign. One of those nominated this year is Ellie (Yahner) Woomer, Class of 2016.
The valedictorian and Monsignor Faber J. Malloy award recipient for her class, Ellie has charted a remarkable path in the medical field. She attended Duquesne University’s accelerated five year physician assistant program and graduated with her master’s degree in 2021. She completed her didactic education and clinical rotations during the turbulent Covid pandemic. After passing her boards, she began her career working in family medicine and primary care. She has spent the last two years working in cardiology, which has been a life goal of hers.
Ellie works as a cardiology PA specializing in advanced heart failure and transplants at the UPMC Altoona Heart and Vascular Institute. She is involved in taking care of patients with heart failure, managing them before and after heart transplants, and helping care for patients with LVADs (left ventricular assist devices), which are machines that mechanically pump the heart to keep the patient alive. She commented, “I am so fortunate to work with an incredible team of physicians, APPs, and nurses. Seeing our patients’ quality of life improve is so fulfilling.
As mentioned, the Go Red for Women is a campaign through the AHA to fundraise money for women’s heart health awareness and research. Ellie adds, “Unfortunately, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women. In my job, advancements in clinical research make a direct impact on how we take care of our patients. All the women in our lives deserve to have the best medical care possible, which is why fundraising for this campaign is so meaningful. I felt honored to be nominated to help fundraise this year and I hope I can represent my family and community well!”
She has great advice for our current students looking for a career in medicine while at the same time trying to balance their faith. She said, “Working in medicine is both rewarding and challenging. It feels so special when you’re able to make a positive impact on a patient’s life and witness their health improve! This field also involves carrying a particular cross; one which includes responsibility for another person’s wellbeing. Faith is necessary no matter what vocation or career one may pursue, but when faced with hardships unique to healthcare, it becomes even more vital to lean on God for strength and support. I would encourage students interested in medicine to study hard, shadow medical professionals for experience, and still make time to enjoy hobbies/interests outside of school! Remember that ultimately, our identity is not found in our achievements, degrees, or jobs, but in our relationship with Christ!”
Ellie is very grateful for her time at Bishop Carroll, which she believes was so foundational for her.
Reflecting on her time at Bishop Carroll, Ellie said, “I was well-prepared from my time at Bishop Carroll and was entering college with a quality, well-rounded education. The values of faith, family, service, and work ethic instilled to students on Husky Hill have a long-lasting impact for which I am so grateful. Upon graduating, I was prepared not only academically to pursue my career, but also spiritually with all the tools needed to continue to live out my Catholic faith, especially within my vocation now as a wife and mom!
After college, Ellie married her high school sweetheart and fellow BC classmate Jordan Woomer, who also works in health care as a registered nurse. They are blessed with a beautiful two-year-old daughter who will someday be a Bishop Carroll Husky.
Ellie commented about the Go Red for Women Campaign, “I am so thankful for Bishop Carroll giving me the opportunity to share and shine a spotlight on the Go Red for Women campaign. Together, we can all help make a difference to improve women’s heart health. The American Heart Association has many upcoming events on their website to show support for the campaign.
To make a contribution in Ellie’s name to the Go Red for Women Campaign, please visit www2.heart.org/goto/woomer. We are proud of Ellie, and look forward to her work in the campaign, her work in medicine, and her work in the community for years to come!