'IT FELT LIKE COMING HOME'

10 years ago, Galen Sincerny was a medical assistant at La Clinica. Today he serves patients as one of the organization's newest physicians.

In 2014, Galen Sincerny began his healthcare career as a medical assistant at La Clinica. Ten years later, he has returned to La Clinica's Wellness Center—not as an assistant, but as a doctor, caring for patients in a whole new way. 

“I’m thrilled to work with Galen again, now as a physician,” said Family Physician Justin Adams, who mentored him when he was a medical assistant. “We worked closely for three years while he was preparing for medical school. Supporting him through that process was a privilege. Watching him succeed in medical school and residency—and now return to serve patients here—is incredibly rewarding.” 

Galen's journey reflects La Clinica's commitment to nurturing careers and helping employees achieve positions that align with their goals. In the past five years, 58 La Clinica employees have moved into new organizational roles thanks to structured mentorship, training programs, and leadership opportunities. These programs, including a medical assistant apprenticeship, dental assistant training, and Advanced Practitioner Residency, provide team members with hands-on experience and pathways to advance in their careers and ensure La Clinica has staff to serve patients.

For Galen, mentorship was instrumental. He recalls how daily guidance from Justin and his team and mock medical school interviews prepared him to take the next step in his career. Mentorship and collaboration also influenced how Galen views patient care.  

“The support I received at La Clinica gave me the confidence to pursue my goals,” he said.  “Each time I shadowed in different settings, I compared it to the whole-person care I saw at La Clinica. Having worked at several organizations, I’ve seen how well La Clinica’s teams collaborate to provide effective, patient-centered care.” 

Galen’s path wasn’t easy. He navigated multiple medical school application cycles, served in the Peace Corps in Uganda, and worked tirelessly before finally earning acceptance to Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.

Jillian Robinette, Galen's former practice manager and now director of The Learning Well, a La Clinica education and support service, sees both their journeys as proof of the organization's investment in its people. “We believe in fostering education and promoting from within,” she said. “Galen’s growth from an MA to an MD, like my own career progression, shows what’s possible when potential is nurtured.” 

In spring 2020, Galen returned to La Clinica for a family medicine rotation, reaffirming his desire to build his career with his former employer. “When I came back, it felt right,” he said. “It felt like coming home.” He completed a residency in Klamath Falls and then joined La Clinica in October as a physician, ready to give back.  

“Medicine is lifelong learning, and I’m excited to mentor our residents just as I was mentored,” he said. “La Clinica’s values and its focus on collaboration and growth make it the perfect place to continue my journey.”