Temple TUFF: Women's Volleyball Alum Dr. Zenzile Johnson-Mendoza

There were many reasons that Temple Volleyball Alum ('97), Dr. Zenzile Johnson-Mendoza entered the field of medicine. However, the largest driver was mystery.
Johnson-Mendoza compared the medical profession to a mystery novel. "I love the mystery of science. It's like reading a great mystery novel. Throughout the entire book, you're picking up subtle clues that in the end, if you're astute enough, will be able to use to solve the mystery" she explained. "At the end of a 'science mystery' however, your answer is helping another person, perhaps even saving their life."

In addition to her love of solving challenges, Johnson-Mendoza points to her mother's guidance toward the field. "While my mother never mentioned the idea of me pursuing a career in medicine, she certainly had an influence in it" said Johnson-Mendoza. "She gave birth to me on a Wednesday, and graduated from PA (Physician Assistant) school the following Monday, so I've been around medicine my entire life."

In her current capacity, Johnson-Mendoza, who works primarily at ProMedica Bixby Hospital in Adrian Mich. and also a few shifts per month at John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit, is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and a fellow of the American College of Emergency Medicine. She explained that she is the physician you will see when you get to the emergency room. "I am trained to diagnose and treat medical illnesses that occur unexpectedly requiring immediate action or intervention" said Johnson-Mendoza.

The former volleyball star reflected on her time as a student athlete in discussing how teamwork can drive success in the emergency room. "As an EM physician, you're the team leader," explained Johnson-Mendoza, "You identify the problem and design a plan for the solution."

The ability to delegate tasks is one of the most important functions of operating a coherent team in the ER. This is similar to the team dynamic in athletics, everyone must perform their role. "A good example of this would be the serve-receive formation in volleyball, each player knows which area of the court she is responsible for" said Johnson-Mendoza.

America's healthcare workers are on the front lines of COVID-19 and they are having to adjust the way they go about their standard work. Johnson-Mendoza went into detail in explaining how she has had to adjust to the change.

"I wear the proper PPE (personal protective equipment) with every patient I see - even with the ones who don't have respiratory or infectious symptoms. It's the people who are asymptomatic (have no symptoms or complaints) that unknowingly infect dozens of others. I only remove my PPE once per shift to use the restroom and drink water. I hydrate, and eat a large meal before my shift, so that I don't have to eat while I'm in the hospital. Patients' conditions can deteriorate so quickly and become life-threatening within minutes."

"As a nation we will get through this, but we need to be vigilant" said Johnson-Mendoza. The medical community continues to put their own safety on the line in order to prevent the spread and flatten the curve. The bravery of those such as Dr. Johnson-Mendoza allows others to ride out the storm from the safety of their homes.

Temple University Athletics

Temple TUFF: Women's Volleyball Alum Dr. Zenzile Johnson-Mendoza

Related News

Related Videos