From Sandwiches to Science: How One Associate Found His Purpose in the Laboratory

Christian Rodriguez made sandwiches for a living in the cafeteria at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital - Tyler. 

It was 2015. He had worked at the cafeteria for about a year while studying psychology in college. However, he did not know what he really wanted to do for a living and didn't have much direction.

So, he focused on doing his job well.

His eye for detail caught the attention of Patusa Mayfield, the laboratory director at CHRISTUS in Tyler.

“He was remarkable at making a sandwich,” Patusa said. “He knew everyone’s order, every detail. And every day, I kept thinking, ‘wow, he needs to come to the lab.’”

One day, Patusa asked about Christian’s career plans, and he didn’t know what to say.

“I just shook my head because I wasn’t sure how to answer,” Christian said. “Then she asked if I’d be interested in seeing the lab.”

A Conversation That Opened Doors

Christian stepped into the lab despite his apprehension, and a spark ignited. The whirring of analyzers, the meticulous handling of samples, the quiet focus of the technicians—it captivated him. He saw a purpose, a way to contribute to health care in a tangible way.

"I was terrified," Christian admits. "The lab seemed like a whole other world, filled with machines and technology I didn't understand."

Recognizing Christian's potential, Patusa offered him an entry-level position as a lab assistant. Though he had no prior experience, he quickly learned to process samples with care, ensuring their integrity before handing them off to the technicians.

"It was a huge change from the cafeteria to the lab," Christian said. “But I am very appreciative of Patusa making that choice to bring me into the lab. She really changed my life.”

Finding Purpose in the Precision of the Lab

The laboratory plays a vital role in health care. After patients have blood drawn or complete their annual physicals, their samples go directly to the lab. There, Christian and his team carefully process each one, ensuring accurate results that guide patient care.

They run the samples through analyzers, maintain the instruments, and make sure everything is functioning properly. The lab handles a wide range of tests, from blood counts to microbiology, and during the pandemic, they conducted a significant amount of COVID testing.

"It’s an intense job at times, but it’s all about ensuring accurate, reliable results for patient care," Christian said.

From Lab Assistant to Skilled Technician

When Christian started as a lab assistant, his highest level of education was a high school diploma, which is still the required education for the role.

After gaining lab experience, Christian pursued an associate degree in medical laboratory technology. "I also got help from CHRISTUS by using their tuition reimbursement program during that time, where they would reimburse me for tuition after completing a semester," Christian said.

After earning his degree, Christian moved into a medical laboratory technician role, taking on more responsibility and growing his career in the lab.

A Future in Health Care for Everyone

The medical field offers a wide range of career opportunities. Christian’s fiancée, for example, works in diagnostic imaging.

"I really do think there’s a place for everyone in this field," Christian said. "I believe almost anyone can find success in one of the many opportunities available."

Christian’s journey from the cafeteria to the lab shows what’s possible when someone recognizes and invests in another person’s potential.

Patusa saw more in Christian than the sandwiches he made—she recognized his kindness, attention to detail, and eagerness to learn. By taking a chance on him, she opened the door to a new career and helped him discover a true sense of purpose.

Today, Christian is enrolled in a medical lab science program through CHRISTUS Health’s education assistance program. He’s working toward earning his bachelor’s degree, which will qualify him to become a clinical lab scientist and take on more advanced responsibilities in the lab.

"If someone hadn’t believed in me, I don’t know where I’d be," Christian said.