Healing, From the Inside First Offic manager moved from general practice to addiction treatment After Mike Robinson founded All Joshua Outpatient Treatment Center in 2015, one of the first persons he hired was office manager and medical assistant Rosemary Porter. A native of Manchester, Jamaica who emigrated to the U.S. with her family 14 years ago, Porter first met Robinson about six years ago when both were employed by an inpatient treatment center in Rockville.
“It’s a matter of learning to understand folks, and appreciate and know them for who they are.” – Rosemary Porter, office manager, All Joshua
Medical career Porter didn’t start her healthcare career in the treatment field. After earning her degree as a medical assistant at Americare Allied Health in Wheaton, Md., she worked for a Family Practice physician in Prince Georges County. At that point, the opiate problem was just starting to develop into what would become a national epidemic. “I didn’t realize opiate addiction was such a big problem until I saw it for myself, interacting with all of the addicted patients who came to the clinic,” she recalls. “Many of the clients became addicted to pain medication and then street drugs. Some got on pain medication because one of their family members was using it.” Although she didn’t start her career in the addiction treatment
they wouldn’t have jobs, or would have lost their kids, without the help of suboxone.” A career in the helping field She notes that founder Mike Robinson’s experience in the field is one of the treatment center’s major assets in helping clients. “I know his history in terms of where he started. Because he has experience (in the addiction and recovery field), a lot of clients can relate to him much better. It does make a difference when talking to someone who can relate to you. And, he’s a very likable person; whenever he speaks they all listen.”
field, Porter says she had no trouble making the switch from a general practice medical clinic. “I’ve always liked working with people. Working with addiction is no different. It’s just a matter of learning to understand folks, and appreciate and know them for who they are, no matter what situation they may be in.” One of the most important, recent developments in addiction treatment has been the introduction of suboxone, an FDA-approved medication which helps addicts who are trying to quit using by blocking the effects of withdrawal, and reducing cravings. Porter became a believer in the benefits of prescribing suboxone “after listening to patients talk about how much it has changed their lives and their family’s lives. Some have said
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