Ford takes on new role as MCC Surg Tech instructor, coordinator

Paul FordPaul Ford wears many hats. He's a businessman, a pastor, a student, a surgical assistant. He's also Meridian Community College’s new Surgical Technology Program coordinator and instructor. 

"Being here is the new chapter, the new journey, and I'm excited about that," Ford said.  

The College's Surgical Technology Program prepares an individual to serve as a surgical team member to assist the surgeon in providing optimum patient outcomes. The program includes all aspects of surgery, including the role of second assistant and circulator. 

Ford grew up on his grandfather's farm in Lena and went to high school in Morton. His parents worked outside the farm, and though Ford respected farming, he learned he didn't want to follow that path. He chose the medical field instead. 

“I've always liked exploring things, learning how things work, and asking questions," he said. Because science was a favorite discipline and he enjoyed fixing problems, Ford began studying Surgical Technology at East Central Community College and earned his associate of applied science degree. 

After graduating, Ford worked at Rush Health Systems, Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, and returned to East Central to study in the Associate Degree Nursing Program. However, he discovered he wasn't ready to take that plunge. "I was young, basically 21 years old," he said. So, he returned to Surgical Technology, working in Meridian's Anderson Regional Medical Center, working for seven years. “I grew up there, so to speak," Ford said. 

Nursing was still a career he wanted to pursue, and Ford began studying at MCC and earned his ADN degree. "Meanwhile, I kept working," he said, noting he teamed with a private physician in Newton's Pioneer Hospital, working in the office, helping with surgery. "It opened doors for me," he said. He learned how to do surgery pre-certifications, clinical pre-certifications for MRIs, set up physical therapy appointments, rescheduled doctor's appointments, and other tasks.  

"When I was in the clinical setting, I learned how to do casts and splints; I'd help the doctor so he could go on to the next thing," Ford said. 

After working with a few more physicians, Ford returned to Rush, where he continues to work with Dr. Lane Rush as a surgical assistant on weekends on an as-needed basis. 

As the College's Surgical Technology Program coordinator and instructor, Ford wants to empower his students to be the best they can be as surgical technologists. He said he's encouraging critical thinking skills. "You always have to be aware," he said.  

“You've got to be prepared. You can only help others as well as you can be prepared yourself," Ford said. 

Ford and his wife, Shanika, an MCC alumna who graduated from the College's ADN program in 2004, have three children, Braylen, Paulsen, and Kynslee. Together, the Fords have a scrubs uniform business, Scrubs Galore, in Marion. 

He also serves as the pastor of Porterville Zion Missionary Baptist Church, shepherding some 60 parishioners. "I consider this as a mission. I feel honored to serve Him," Ford said. 

Ford is pursuing his bachelor's degree in applied science at Mississippi State University. "I learn to dab a little here, dab a little there," he said. 

Noting forward movement is essential, Ford said, "I stay busy. I'm grateful and blessed."