What Brings You in Today Ep. 59 | Kourtney Mizell, RRT, Kristi Stewart, RT/CVT & Angela Griffin, PCT

Curious about what it’s really like to work in healthcare? In this episode, we take you behind the scenes with three dedicated team members at SGMC Health—Kourtney Mizell, Kristi Stewart, and Angela Griffin—who share what it means to care for patients at every stage of life. From helping patients breathe during critical moments to supporting recovery after surgery and providing hands-on, compassionate care each day, these healthcare professionals offer a firsthand look at the roles that keep patients moving forward. They discuss the skills it takes to succeed in healthcare, the teamwork that drives patient outcomes, and the meaningful moments that remind them why they chose this path. You’ll hear powerful stories about guiding patients through fear and uncertainty, building trust with families, and celebrating the small victories that make a lasting impact. Whether you’re considering a career in healthcare or simply want to better understand the people behind the care, this episode highlights the heart, dedication, and connection at the center of what SGMC Health does every day. Learn more about a career at SGMC Health: https://www.sgmc.org/careers-at-sgmc/ Submit questions and follow us at: health.sgmc.org/podcast Learn more about SGMC Health at: www.sgmc.org The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content presented reflects the opinions of the hosts and guests, and it may not necessarily represent the views of the health system. 00:00 Intro: respiratory care & episode overview 00:27 Meet Courtney Mizell, RRT 01:08 What respiratory therapists do (conditions & care) 01:48 Treating patients across all ages 03:08 Why Courtney chose respiratory therapy 04:00 Patient impact: from ICU to extubation 04:49 Day-to-day: ER, ICU & floor responsibilities 06:09 Career growth & team culture at SGMC Health 07:00 Working with interdisciplinary teams 08:06 New technology & advancements in respiratory care 09:10 Skills needed to become a respiratory therapist 09:47 Education & training path 10:10 Why respiratory therapy is meaningful 11:05 Closing + careers callout 11:30 Intro: patient recovery & surgical care 11:48 Meet Angela Griffin, PCT 12:14 Why Angela chose healthcare 13:16 Role of a patient care tech (mobility & recovery) 14:03 Encouraging patients after surgery 15:20 Patient story: supporting families in critical moments 17:45 Emotional support & patient/family reassurance 18:08 What Angela loves most about her role 20:02 Team culture & working environment 21:35 Advice for entering healthcare careers 23:01 Overcoming fear & starting a new career 24:00 Treating patients like family 25:03 Creating positive patient experiences 27:21 Closing remarks 27:36 Intro: heart care & cardiovascular team 27:55 Meet Kristi Stewart, CVT 28:03 Path into cardiovascular technology 29:42 What happens in the cath lab 30:35 Role in procedures & patient care 32:07 Advancements in cardiac care 33:09 Comforting patients during procedures 34:17 Memorable patient experiences 35:04 Skills needed for cardiovascular techs 36:08 Career growth & specialty areas (Cath Lab, EP, Hybrid OR) 37:34 Seeing patient outcomes & long-term impact 39:05 Why cardiac care is rewarding (and challenging) 40:10 Mental/emotional aspects of healthcare 41:02 Closing