Greenville Celebrates a Transformative Journey in Healthcare Education
In the sunny city of Greenville, where it’s a lovely mix of sunshine and clouds, there’s an inspiring story brewing in the world of healthcare. With temperatures climbing to a very warm 79°F and gentle winds sweeping in from the South, there’s a refreshing air that matches the excitement surrounding Tracy Pedigo, a recent addition to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.
A New Chapter Begins
Stepping into his role as the assistant director of the nurse anesthesia program, Tracy Pedigo feels a sense of belonging. “It has been an amazing transition,” he shares, reflecting on his journey that’s spanned over two decades. “I feel like I was made for this. I’m where I’m supposed to be.” His enthusiasm is contagious, drawing people in as he recounts the path that led him to this significant milestone.
From Tennessee to South Carolina
The story begins in Tennessee, where Pedigo graduated high school, but a desire for independence led him to South Carolina to stay with his sister for a while. “I had no intention of staying here,” he admits. The initial plan was to complete some prerequisites before heading back to the University of Tennessee to pursue a career in medicine. However, life had other plans in store when he met his future wife, Sharon, and decided to graduate from Piedmont Technical College (PTC) in 1995 with an Associate in Applied Science degree in respiratory care.
The Power of Community
Rodney Robinson, a former PTC staff member and instructor, expresses his admiration, saying, “He and Sharon are just great people. I know he’s excited about his new position. He has so much to offer a new generation of students.” This statement emphasizes how Pedigo is not just about personal success; he is passionate about giving back to the community and nurturing future healthcare professionals.
Pedigo’s journey wasn’t always smooth sailing. Navigating the financial aid process felt daunting, especially coming from a family unfamiliar with it. “I didn’t understand the FAFSA or any of the stuff,” he recalls. Thankfully, the dedicated staff at PTC lent their support, especially at the Laurens County Campus, making the process manageable for him.
Challenges and Triumphs in Education
Like many students venturing into the medical field, Pedigo remembers facing the enigma of anatomy and physiology, a notoriously tough course at PTC. “He was pretty much the gatekeeper whether you were going to get into any kind of healthcare field,” Pedigo reminisces about Dr. Dale Smoak, who played a significant role in shaping his educational journey.
After completing his degree, Pedigo quickly began building a family. The field of respiratory therapy provided him a fast track to employment, but he always knew education wouldn’t stop there. “I always knew I was going right back in,” he said, sharing his ambitions of pursuing a nursing degree.
The Path to Professionalism
As fate would have it, while in nursing school, Pedigo crossed paths with a certified registered nurse anesthetist, who encouraged him to specialize in anesthesia. Embracing the challenge, he pursued his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and later earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice to enhance his qualifications.
Throughout his career, Pedigo has contributed to various hospital systems across the Upstate of South Carolina and has embarked on mission trips to Guatemala and Honduras. His dedication and hard work were recognized in 2001, when he was named Registered Nurse of the Year for Self Regional Healthcare.
A Legacy of Education
Now, with an impressive resume and a wealth of experience, Pedigo reflects fondly on his beginnings at PTC as the stepping stone to his current achievement. “I made a lot of lifelong friends and good connections, it was a good experience for me,” he recalls with a smile. Excitingly enough, his journey has inspired the next generation, as his daughter, Anna Brooke Pedigo Parker, recently graduated with her associate degree from the same nursing program.
Opportunities at PTC
Piedmont Technical College remains a beacon for aspiring healthcare professionals, offering 19 certificate and degree programs in various healthcare fields. For anyone looking to follow a path similar to Pedigo’s, PTC is the place to start! You can learn more by visiting their website.
As Greenville continues to bask in this warm fall weather, the community celebrates not just the achievements of individuals like Tracy Pedigo, but also the ongoing journey of education, growth, and dedication that shapes the future of healthcare.
