As a child, Anton Teehankee’s mother was diagnosed with a severe case of rheumatoid arthritis. Growing up with a disabled parent meant Anton was introduced to healthcare in a very personal way.
“I grew up in hospitals. I remember doing homework and sleeping in hospitals because she was in and out,” he said. “At a young age, I had to be an advocate for my mom.”
That experience led him to a career in healthcare, where he could be an advocate for all patients. He decided to go back to school to learn more about public health and in early 2020, Teehankee enrolled in the online Master of Public Health (MPH) program at West Coast University.
“I feel very humbled and grateful that amid the pandemic I chose to study public health,” he said. “It really amplified the need.”
The MPH program gave him the tools he needed to make an impact. After graduating in December, Teehankee spoke highly of his experience.
“The experience WCU provides is world class,” he said. “It was not only accessible but also interactive and it engages the community.”
Teehankee currently works as a specialist in patient and employee experience for a hospital in Newport Beach. He plans to continue the knowledge he has gained to create change in the healthcare industry.
“What I need to do is just keep learning every day and using my voice,” he said. “Because I have such high engagement with the people, it really opens my eyes to what needs to be changed.”
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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