When a childhood dirt bike accident resulted in a trip to the pharmacy, Caitlyn Eseman never imagined the experience would later launch her health care career.
Inspired by the kindness of the pharmacist who helped her that day, she knew she didn’t just want to race through life; she wanted to learn about the intricate world of medicine and offer the same comfort and care she had received.
"I saw a little bit of what pharmacists do, and I thought that was really cool," she said.
Despite setbacks getting into pharmacy school, Eseman eventually enrolled at a faith-based educational institution that deepened her faith and clarified her calling in clinical pharmacy.
After graduation, she commissioned into uniformed service as a clinical pharmacist, serving for the Indian Health Service stationed in Gallup, New Mexico.
But barely a year in, life had other plans: her husband was diagnosed with cancer.
Balancing the demands of military service and caregiving became overwhelming, leading Eseman to make the difficult decision to resign from the military and move to Florida to be closer to Patricia, her mother-in-law, who provided support during this challenging time.
“She's my hero, my everything,” Eseman said of Patricia.
Eseman’s husband eventually went into remission, but a new challenge arose when Patricia suffered a brain bleed. Patricia’s care at the health care facility where Eseman then worked as a pharmacist left her concerned.
“I had no idea what was really happening,” she said. “No one introduced themselves or took the time to explain the situation. As a health care provider, I was uncomfortable. I can only imagine how my mother-in-law, who had little health care literacy, felt.”
Determined to find the best care for Patricia, Eseman searched “hospital near me” online and discovered AdventHealth Waterman. “I found that they had the best rating in the area,” she said.
The contrast in care was striking – a compassionate, patient-centered approach that felt like a warm embrace. "They delivered the essential care Patricia really needed,” she said. “And that was very important to me.”
Among the dedicated team, nurse Steven Atipo Kom stood out. Eseman said his attentiveness and genuine concern touched her deeply.
Encouraged by the collaborative spirit, she made a bold decision. Right there, in Patricia’s hospital room, Eseman applied for an open pharmacist position at AdventHealth Waterman.
Days later, while awaiting Patricia’s discharge, she received a call and interviewed for the position.
Eseman eventually received the job offer, which solidified her belief that this was divine intervention. It felt more than just a career move; it was the chance to join a place where her passion for healing aligned with a culture of compassion.
Now, with Patricia’s name on her AdventHealth heart badge pull, Eseman walks down familiar hallways, not as a worried family member, but as a valued team member. Since joining the team at AdventHealth Waterman, she has formed a close bond with Atipo Kom, who works on her same floor.
"Steven remembered me on my first day, asking, ‘How is your mom?’,” she said. “Little did I know that he would be one of my favorite colleagues.”
For Atipo Kom, it’s experiences like this that make serving in health care worthwhile. “Knowing that I played a part in saving Patricia’s life is a feeling that’s hard to describe,” he said. “Our patients are real people, not just names on a chart.”
Eseman is proud of the relationships she has built and continues to thrive in a supportive environment.
Within her first month, she embraced the role of an AdventHealth Health Champion, drawing inspiration from her military background to promote well-being initiatives within her team. She leads step challenges and creative healthy eating initiatives with energy and heart.
“This place feels like a home base,” she said. “If I were to get a flat tire on the side of the road, I’d call my work colleagues. I know they’d show up as I would.”
