Lydia Clark

As an Immediate Treatment Technician at Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, I played an integral role in the rapid identification and management of stroke patients. I initiated emergency stroke protocols and coordinated closely with the stroke team to facilitate timely evaluation and intervention. I monitored patients’ vital signs and neurological status, documented care in the electronic medical record, and supported patients with daily activities, all while maintaining strict adherence to infection control standards. I also provided education to patients and families on stroke risk factors, prevention, and recovery, and worked alongside physical, occupational, and speech therapists to reinforce individualized care plans. This experience deepened my appreciation for the urgency, coordination, and compassion required in acute neurological care, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to patients’ recovery during such critical moments.

Transitioning to the emergency department broadened my clinical perspective and responsibilities. In this fast-paced environment, I provided direct patient care, prepared treatment areas, and ensured consistent compliance with infection control and sanitation protocols. I contributed to process improvements that streamlined workflow under pressure, trained new hires on equipment usage and safety procedures, and mentored junior staff in both clinical skills and patient-centered communication. I maintained detailed patient records to support effective interdisciplinary collaboration and built strong rapport with patients and families through clear, empathetic communication. These experiences strengthened my ability to adapt, lead, and remain composed in high-stress situations, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me to support both patients and my team in delivering high-quality care.

As a Supervisory Medical Technician and Noncommissioned Officer in the Air Force Reserves, I have led medical support operations across clinical and field environments over the past six years. In my role as NCO in charge of immunizations for the 914th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, I oversee all vaccination operations, including safe vaccine handling, cold chain storage and management, and ensuring proper clinical indications for immunization. I supervise three junior Airmen, providing training, oversight, and mentorship to maintain compliance with medical standards, mission readiness, and patient safety.

My supervisory experience is complemented by extensive training in trauma care, emergency response, and high-stress patient assessment. Each year, I participate, facilitate, and learn from focused training exercises based on disaster preparedness, trauma simulations, and aeromedical evacuation operations, which strengthen my ability to perform rapid assessments and maintain clinical proficiency in austere and time-sensitive environments. These recurring training experiences have reinforced the importance of precision, adaptability, and teamwork in delivering safe and effective care under pressure.

Throughout my service, I have remained actively involved in clinical and operational medical support, including patient intake, documentation, and coordination of care. I have worked closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care, adherence to safety protocols, and effective communication across providers. In addition to clinical responsibilities, I have contributed to workflow improvements, supported mission readiness through equipment and inventory management, and trained junior technicians and EMTs on proper procedures and patient-centered care. Across all roles, I have maintained a strong commitment to leadership, continuous learning, and the delivery of safe, high-quality care in both routine and high-acuity settings.

As an undergraduate researcher, I provided ethical care and handling of research rats to ensure experimental integrity and adherence to institutional standards. I conducted precise RNA sample analyses to support studies on neuroplasticity and rehabilitation, and maintained vestibular cell cultures to further research into neural function and regeneration. I also assisted in data collection and analysis using statistical software for research studies to contribute to our outcomes. My skill set includes advanced molecular biology methods such as PCR and nanospectrophotometry, which I applied to generate accurate, data-driven insights in a collaborative research environment.

I presented research findings at Perry Poster Day through the following academic posters:

• Effect of Mn Fumes Inhalation on Inflammation Resolution in Microglia — Recipient of the SUNY Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Award (April 2025)
• Modulatory Effects of Cannabidiol on Anxiety and Motor Outcomes Post-Blast TBI
• Integration of ICF Framework in Occupational Hazards to Predict Fall Risk

As an Intern on the Veterans Admissions Team at the University at Buffalo, I supported veteran students by assisting them in navigating the admissions and benefits process. I regularly attended conferences, seminars, and meetings focused on veteran affairs to stay informed on relevant policies and resources. My responsibilities included helping veterans prepare essential forms, documents, and applications for benefit claims, and ensuring accuracy and timely submission. I developed and distributed educational materials on veteran rights and entitlements at public events and meetings, contributing to greater awareness and accessibility. Additionally, I responded to inquiries from veterans, their families, and stakeholders regarding benefits, and conducted outreach activities to inform the veteran community about available services and support systems. I facilitated workshops to educate veterans, children of veterans, active duty, guard, reserves, and their spouses on available services and resources by obtaining every base education office and personally setting up appointments for my supervisor to attend their base and provide information on advancing the servicemembers career. I improved communication with veterans by providing empathetic listening and clear explanations of benefits, procedures, and tours of the campus to familiarize the servicemembers and their family with the community that is provided here at The University at Buffalo.

During deployment, I supported large-scale aeromedical and expeditionary medical operations in a high-tempo, high-acuity environment. I supported aeromedical operations that directly impacted patient outcomes, contributing to the evacuation of over 500 patients to higher echelons of care and assisting in the coordination of 110 safe aeromedical evacuations under austere and operationally demanding conditions. I oversaw trauma care for U.S. personnel injured in attacks on forward operating bases, ensuring rapid stabilization and advanced medical treatment under austere conditions.

During this time, I received a “Good Catch” award for patient safety, recognizing my attention to detail and commitment to preventing clinical error in a high-risk setting. My responsibilities included assisting physicians and nurses with diagnostic and procedural support, conducting medical evaluations for aircrew to ensure aerospace medical standards, maintaining sterile environments in accordance with infection control standards, and responding to emergency and pre-hospital care situations, including patient stabilization and transport. I participated in disaster preparedness drills involving simulated aircraft emergencies and contributed to maintaining mission readiness across the unit.

In addition, I helped lead the planning and execution of aeromedical evacuation missions, coordinating patient transfers from aircraft to hospital facilities to maintain continuity of care. I also supported humanitarian medical outreach operations in partnership with Army units, delivering essential healthcare services in austere environments. I served as an instructor for Ability to Survive and Operate (ATSO) training, where I trained 138 personnel in radio etiquette, litter carries, and proper use of joint first aid kits, strengthening unit readiness and field medical proficiency. Across these missions, I demonstrated strong operational planning, adaptability, and cross-functional collaboration while working alongside joint-service medical teams to deliver safe and effective care under pressure.

My performance in this role was recognized with a United States Air Force Commendation Medal, an Air and Space Achievement Medal, a Navy Foreign Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (FLOSM), and a Squadron of the Quarter award, reflecting sustained dedication to patient care, mission execution, and excellence in a complex operational environment.

At VKP Medical, an interventional pain management practice, I obtained comprehensive patient histories, assisted with clinical procedures, and maintained efficient patient flow in a fast-paced outpatient setting. I supported the launch of a new physician-owned practice, contributed to the transition to a new electronic health record system, and built strong rapport with patients managing chronic pain. I also handled key administrative responsibilities, including prior authorizations for advanced procedures and diagnostic testing, ensuring timely access to care.

In addition to direct patient support, I monitored vital signs, documented health histories, prepared patients for examinations, and assisted physicians with minor surgical procedures by setting up rooms and sterilizing instruments. I coordinated scheduling, managed medical records, and streamlined office operations through improved digital filing systems and EHR integration. I trained new staff on clinical workflows, patient interaction, and office protocols, while also maintaining inventory and ensuring exam rooms were properly sanitized, stocked, and organized. These efforts improved operational efficiency, reduced wait times, and supported continuity of care through thorough discharge instructions and follow-up coordination.