SHELTON, WA – Medical Assistant Alexander Cruz is known for his upbeat attitude, attention to detail and hardworking nature at Mason Clinic-Primary Care. Recognized for his exceptional dedication, skill, and compassionate care, Cruz embodies Mason Health’s commitment to providing outstanding patient-centered care in the Pacific Northwest. For this reason, Mason Health is proud to announce that Alexander Cruz, MA-C, has been nominated and selected by his coworkers as Employee of the Month for October 2024.

Cruz grew up in a military family and moved to Washington more than a decade ago, graduating from Tacoma’s Foss Henry High School. He worked for years as a barback in a brewery, in customer service for an appliance chain store and as a truck packer at a warehouse before health issues prompted his doctor to encourage him to look at other lines of work. In fact, his cardiologist suggested he look into becoming a certified medical assistant.

“That was the first time I even thought about the health care field,” Cruz recalled. “I had never seen it as an option. I assumed most people became nurses, and for that you might need a bachelor’s degree.”

Cruz completed internships in Centralia and at Mason Clinic, where he fell in love with the culture of the District. He came to work full-time for Mason Clinic in February 2023. He works as a medical assistant to David Anderson, MD, in Mason Clinic-Primary Care.

“I wish I had started this journey sooner,” he said. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to help people in this way, and the community here at Mason Health is unlike anything I’ve experienced. The sense of unity and support is amazing.”

Dr. Anderson shared several powerful examples of Cruz’ dedication to the job, including an instance where Cruz expedited a patient’s biopsy results by immediately contacting pathology, allowing the patient to receive critical information without delay. In another case, Cruz’ quick assessment of a patient identified a life-threatening heart condition. Thanks to his swift actions, the patient was transferred urgently to St. Peter’s Hospital in Olympia, where they received a pacemaker within hours — a decision that Dr. Anderson noted likely saved the patient’s life.

“Alexander’s focus, empathy, and resourcefulness are hallmarks of the Mason Health way,” Dr. Anderson said. “His commitment to ensuring our patients receive the best care possible is evident in everything he does.”

When not working, Cruz enjoys collecting books on medicine and mythology, hiking, and baking. He can often be found exploring bookstores from Seattle to Olympia or creating new recipes in the kitchen.

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County is ISO 9001 Quality Management System certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. Mason General Hospital and Mason Clinic are ENERGY STAR® certified and Mason Health is the recipient of three Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Partner for Change Awards, two Greening the Operating Room Awards and the Making Medicine Mercury Free Award. To learn more about Mason Health’s sustainability efforts, visit https://www.masonhealth.com/about/sustainability-environmental-stewardship. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information or to find a health care provider, visit www.masongeneral.com. To learn more about DNV, visit www.dnv.com/healthcare.

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