As a medical assistant for our Cardiology clinic, Kaitlyn Goodson walks the same corridors and sees the same doctors who once cared for her when she was a patient at the Heart Center. Every morning, she goes to work with a clear purpose: support patients along a journey she knows by heart.
“Going through my heart journey showed me what it feels like to be vulnerable, scared and hopeful all at once,” Kaitlyn said. “That experience changed how I see healthcare. It’s not just about medicine, it’s about people, connections and making those patients feel seen and cared for.”
Kaitlyn was born with tetralogy of Fallot, a rare, congenital heart condition involving four different heart defects: ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, an overriding aorta and right ventricular hypertrophy.
She underwent her first surgery at Texas Children’s at just 3 weeks old, followed by more than a dozen operations before she turned 20.
Kaitlyn began her career in adult cardiology, but her medical history inspired her to pursue a career in pediatrics. She returned to Texas Children’s to work specifically with children facing the same fears and uncertainties she once carried. “I took the leap, and I absolutely love it,” Kaitlyn said.
As a medical assistant, Kaitlyn coordinates each patient’s visit. She escorts them to their echocardiogram, electrocardiogram, stress test or chest X-ray. She also comforts them during the parts of the day that can feel overwhelming.
“My most memorable moments while working here in the Heart Center have been watching these patients come in at the start of their heart journey and watching them grow and thrive throughout their visits,” Kaitlyn said.
Manager of Outpatient Nursing Dominique Villarin has watched Kaitlyn succeed as both a caregiver and colleague. “Kaitlyn is a very hard worker and a great resource for our newer medical assistants,” Dominique shared.
“She always goes above and beyond for our patients and ensures she provides them the best care,” she said. “Kaitlyn shows a lot of compassion for our families since she has gone through some of the very same things our patients have gone through. Our patients and team are lucky to have her.”
Although Kaitlyn has overcome many battles from her heart condition, she remains a patient at Texas Children’s, which she calls home. She receives care in the Adult Congenital Heart Program. The unique program transitions pediatric heart patients into lifelong, specialized adult treatment.
Kaitlyn’s heart health journey, from infancy to adulthood, has shaped not only her relationships with colleagues but also the way she connects with and cares for her patients.
“What makes me most proud of my role as a medical assistant is knowing I have come full circle from being a patient who once needed care to being someone who now helps provide it,” Kaitlyn said. “I’m proud to say that I can use my story to help comfort others and show them that healing and hope is possible.”
