Medical Assistant Secures Dream Job to Become a Silver Cross Superhero

Adriana Sanchez woke up especially early the day she was interviewing for a medical assistant position at the new Silver Cross Urgent Care in Mokena. Working for Silver Cross would be a “dream” for Sanchez. 

“So, I got up early that day for the interview to prepare. And when I walked through the doors of the clinic, I was just in awe that I might be able to work here…with these people.” 

Sanchez, who’s finishing her associate degree at Joliet Junior College, said she’s wanted to be a medical professional at Silver Cross since she was a tot. She’ll be transferring to the University of St. Francis to work toward becoming a Physician’s Assistant. 

Her parents – Abraham Sanchez and Claudia Martinez – opened SuperMercado La Loma on Walnut Street in 2004, just down the block from the former Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet. 

Superheroes Without Capes

From the time she was 4, Sanchez remembers seeing Silver Cross workers in their scrubs coming in for taco lunches and dinners, and later, helping to cater events at the hospital. She always admired them and their work. 

“They are superheroes without capes,” she said, adding that from age 6 on, she dreamed of becoming a healthcare professional.

Sanchez kept that focus as she attended A.O. Marshall and Joliet Central. At 15, she helped an elderly family friend who supported her parents when they opened the store, and was having health issues. 

“I like helping people. My parents are excellent customer service people, and they showed me how important it is,” she said. 

But a job she took as a certified nursing assistant at a Romeoville nursing facility tested both her medical and personal skills. 

“I was in the dementia unit. That was very different from caring for our family friend. You see the nurses giving them their insulin shots and whatever else they needed. And I learned to care for my patients there,” she explained. “It was so rewarding to help make their last days as comfortable and happy as possible. And their families appreciated that as well.” 

Celebrating 3 Months at Mokena

Sanchez, who recently celebrated three months at Silver Cross Urgent Care in Mokena, which opened Oct. 28, 2021, remembers her interview like it was yesterday. 

“I just spoke from my heart,” she said. “It all came pouring out, that this had been a dream of mine since I was young.” 

Tammy Dunn, Director of Silver Cross Medical Group, said they were impressed as soon as Sanchez walked in. “She is just so dedicated. I can see someone like Adriana being at Silver Cross for many, many years.” 

Sanchez officially began training at Silver Cross Urgent Care Center in New Lenox in August, but was transferred to the new Mokena location in October. The center is open seven days a week. 

Sanchez said the new facility is wonderful, and so is the staff. 

“You walk in there, and you can feel the vibe,” she added. “They are amazing and so dedicated and friendly. I am so happy to be working there!” 

Located at 21205 S. Owens Road, Silver Cross Urgent Care Center in Mokena is open seven days a week. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. 

For more information, visit www.silvercross.org/urgentcare