Meet Cassandra

Cassandra Adedipe is a Director of Operations Monitoring within our Fresenius Kidney Care division.  Not only has Cassandra had an impressive career with our company, but she also served our country as a Combat Medic in the US Army. Cassandra was able to leverage the skills she gained from her time in the military into her career, positioning her for success and career growth. Below is Cassandra’s story,  learn why she is a perfect example of how veterans can find success with Fresenius Medical Care North America.

LET’S HEAR WHAT CASSANDRA HAD TO SAY:

Q: Tell us about your military experience

A: I joined the US Army in 1990 and served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm as a Combat Medic. Shortly after returning to the United States, I was accepted into the FitzSimons Army Medical Center’s US Army practical nurse program. Upon graduation from nursing school, I worked as a nurse in military hospitals around the US before joining the Fresenius Medical Care team.

Q: What does it mean to bring your military experience to FMCNA?

A: The purpose of my joining the military in the late 80s was to “Be all you could be,” as that was the US Army’s slogan at the time. I quickly learned during my initial tour in Germany that meant to serve my country through selfless actions and protecting those in need. As a Registered Nurse working in the dialysis facilities, I was able to apply my knowledge gained in nursing school to our End-Stage Renal Disease patients. As an Area Manager and Director of Operations of Joint Ventures, I applied my acquired leadership skills to the multiple dialysis facilities and hospital accounts I managed. Now, in Corporate Compliance, I can apply my learned structural skills learned as a soldier to my daily operations as Director of Operations Monitoring.

Q: How do you see FMCNA leveraging your experience, how do you see your experience propelling your success?

A: Over the last 17 years employed by Fresenius Medical Care, I was given the opportunity to further my education utilizing FMC’s Tuition Assistance program. In recognizing my potential, FMC leadership provided me with the opportunity to grow professionally through offered professional development courses; I was able to continue to hone my leadership skills as it relates to the dialysis industry.

Q: How is FMCNA committed to supporting veterans?

A: FMCNA is committed to supporting veterans through their recognition of those who have served. The diverse and inclusive nature of FMCNA as it relates to veterans is an integral part of the Fresenius Medical Care culture.

Q: Why did you join the FMCNA team?

A: I joined Fresenius Medical Care initially to be able to spend more time with my family. The flexibility of facility hours allowed me to be home in time for family dinners and attend weekend events as most clinics are closed on Sundays the majority of the year. 

Q: How do you feel that your role is a “vital part” in supporting our patients and our company?

A: My role in policy and procedure review and monitoring has proven vital to those in leadership positions to the staff performing patient care. I am a resource to FMCNA staff, facilitating as a change agent in support of established policy and procedures.

Q: Describe an experience or feeling that stands out when thinking of your career with FMCNA.

A: There are many awesome experiences I can speak to as an employee of Fresenius Medical Care. One that stands out is regarding a Retired US Army Veteran that found himself having panic attacks during his dialysis treatments. During the patient’s Care Plan meeting, the facility’s Interdisciplinary team discussed strategies to help the patient complete his prescribed dialysis treatments. I was the Director of Operations at the time, though not directly involved in the patient’s care plan, I volunteered to visit the patient his next scheduled treatment.

As I entered the treatment floor, I paused for a bit because I immediately recognized this patient as my Command Sgt. Major while stationed in Germany. At the age of 18 and training to participate in Desert Storm, this patient needing my help in coping through his anxiety did the very same for me ten years earlier. The patient and I were able to work through some of his treatment anxiety. However, through our discussion, the patient suggested that the dialysis staff learn more about PTSD related anxiety. The staff, patient, and I collaborated with the local Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) for additional staff development. The in-person educational series hosted by the VA staff offered after-hours training to the dialysis staff aiding in the recognition and interventional techniques to ease PTSD related patient anxiety.

The End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) community is multicultural and of many demographics. As a former soldier and now member of the FMCNA team, I can continue to serve as a leader in the ESRD community and community partners, assisting in sharpening the skills of facility staff.

Q: Do you feel that you have a powerful effect in your role?  If so, how?

A: I feel I have a powerful effect in my current role. I am often sought after by leaders within FMCNA to clarify or assist in the development of policy, procedures as well as auditing and monitoring processes related to established policies and procedures.  

About Fresenius Medical Care

We have become a global leader in healthcare because of the unwavering dedication our people bring to work every day. Whether that means developing new-to-market dialysis technology or educating patients, our team touches the lives of more than 190,000 patients through innovative care and profound, personal connections.

With Fresenius Medical Care North America, you will “be the difference,” enabling patients to thrive, providing comfort to families, supporting coworkers so they can realize their goals, compelling our company to achieve through innovation and performance, and driving the development of your career.

Our team is made up of over 64,000 dedicated employees in North America, all of whom focus on being the difference and delivering the highest-quality care to people with kidney disease – helping them to lead longer, better, and healthier lives.

Why Join our team?

• Rated as one of Forbes’ US, Best Employers
• Paid one-on-one training
• Tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(K) and much more