When Jorge joined Neighborhood Health Center (NHC) in 2013, he brought with him more than clinical skills – he brought a passion for community, a deep-rooted dedication to patient care, and an eagerness to grow.  Over the next decade, those qualities continued to guide Jorge in his career choices — and his decision to stay with NHC.

That choice reflects NHC’s commitment to growing leaders from within.

Planting the Seeds: Starting as an MA

Ever since graduating from medical assistant (MA) school in 2009, Jorge has been drawn to community health. He knows the field inside and out, having worked at a community health center his entire career. He knew he found the right clinic for him when he joined the team at NHC Milwaukie Medical Clinic in June 2013.

Within 18 months, Jorge’s leadership qualities began to shine. He was promoted to lead MA at both the Milwaukie and Canby medical clinics. He also helped to move the Milwaukie clinic to its current location and implement new standardized workflows.

A major success from Jorge’s time at Milwaukie was pioneering NHC’s first call center (originally called the phone cell), with one MA, one registered nurse, and one front desk staff member.  This three-person team could answer calls in real time and provide immediate support to patients and community members.

“We were constantly asking, ‘What’s working? What’s not?’ and improving from there,” Jorge recalls.

His involvement in process improvement efforts helped shape more efficient and supportive systems that continue to serve staff and patients today.  After assisting in the implementation of the organization’s first call center, Jorge joined the team as a call center supervisor.

Cultivating Growth Through Mentorship

That leap — encouraged by those around him — set the tone for the next phase of his career.  It cultivated a deeper understanding of the various clinical roles, appreciation for how much they do, and gratitude for their part in the larger clinical system.

“Every bit of knowledge you gain becomes a tool you can use to grow,” he says.

After a year in that role, an assistant clinic manager opportunity arose, and with it, the chance to return to a clinical setting. Once again, someone saw something in him and encouraged him to follow his heart.

That encouragement and belief in people is rooted in NHC culture. It’s how we retain passionate staff and help them grow into roles they might never have considered on their own.

“Someone told me, ‘Your heart is back in the clinic,’” he says.  “And they were right.”

Jorge Leon-Gonzalez, Assistant Clinic Manager at NHC Tanasbourne Medical Clinic

Rooted in Purpose, Growing with Intention

Jorge has now been in his current leadership role for two years. He helps shape not just workflows and schedules, but the culture and support systems for clinic teams. With guidance from mentors like clinic manager Alicia, he’s developing the skills that could one day make him a clinic manager.

That sense of shared purpose is what keeps Jorge inspired. Whether you’re an MA or a manager, what matters most at NHC is that you care.

“It doesn’t matter what your title is,” Jorge says. “We all have our hearts in the right place. Every location is a little different, but the commitment to our patients is the same.”

Why Jorge Stays — and Why It Matters

Jorge’s story is more than a career path — it’s a case study in how to build a workplace that keeps good people growing.

At NHC, employees are encouraged to grow roots, to stretch, to lean on mentors, and to mentor others in turn. As an organization, we’ve evolved from clinics where staff wore multiple hats just to get patients seen, to well-structured teams with systems that support excellent care. And yet, that heart — the deep care for community and for each other — remains unchanged.

In Jorge’s words:

“We’ve grown a lot, but what’s stayed the same is that we always try our best. We go above and beyond because we care.”

That’s what makes a career at NHC more than just a job. It’s a place to grow where you’re nurtured — and to help others do the same.