Career Profiles
When people think about careers in health care, they often picture doctors, nurses, therapists or other clinical professionals. But behind every patient success story is a team of people working in a variety of roles to support care, including health care communicators.
For Seth Akakpo-Lado, communications coordinator at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in St. Louis, a career in health care communications has allowed him to combine his passion for helping others with his creative talents.
Seth’s educational journey wasn’t a traditional communications path. He earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, psychology and philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis, along with a minor in anthropology focused on American culture. He also obtained his emergency medical technician (EMT) license.
While his academic interests varied, they shared a common theme.
“Ultimately, it all boils down to people,” Seth said. “I spent time learning about people so that I can better serve them.”
His interest in health care grew from years of volunteering with children who have special needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he felt called to contribute to work that made a difference in people’s lives. At the same time, he developed a passion for creative fields such as graphic design and photography.
Today, his role allows him to bring all those interests together.
As communications coordinator and social media manager for Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, Seth helps tell the stories of children overcoming significant medical challenges.
Ranken Jordan is a nonprofit pediatric post-acute hospital that serves children with complex medical needs. The hospital’s Care Beyond the Bedside® model emphasizes the connection between play and healing, helping children recover through engaging experiences and activities.
Seth’s responsibilities include managing internal communications, creating social media content, maintaining web content, supporting media relations and sharing patient success stories with the community.
A typical day may involve interviewing families, photographing therapy sessions, covering special events or creating content that highlights the hospital’s unique approach to care.
“No two days look the same,” Seth said. “I have a great time running around celebrating the milestones of our patients as they overcome their medical circumstances and transition home.”
While Seth’s work focuses on communications, the relationships he builds with patients and families are what make the role especially meaningful.
“The best part is definitely establishing relationships with the patients,” he said. “When they recognize me and excitedly share their progress with me, I know that our work is making an impact.”
He also witnesses moments that remind him why health care is such a rewarding field.
“Seeing the joy on their family’s faces as they finally leave after being told time and time again that the prognosis is grim,” Seth said. “I get to witness miracles happen.”
Like many health care professionals, Seth has faced challenges throughout his career. Working in a smaller hospital often means balancing multiple responsibilities and coordinating communication across departments.
To navigate those challenges, he has learned the importance of transparency, empathy and humility.
“I try to practice empathy, ask questions and own my mistakes,” he said. “My co-workers give me a lot of grace when I lead with humility and compassion.”
These skills are valuable in nearly every health care career, whether working directly with patients or supporting them behind the scenes.
For students and job seekers exploring health care careers, Seth encourages staying curious and remaining open to learning.
“I would tell them to approach the field like a sponge,” he said. “No matter how much you know, there is always more to learn.”
Health care is constantly evolving, from new treatments and technologies to changing communication platforms and digital tools. Adaptability, he says, is one of the most important skills anyone can develop.
“The only way to grow is to be adaptable and recognize that you do not always have all the answers.”
As technology and artificial intelligence continue to transform how organizations communicate, Seth believes health care communicators will play an increasingly important role in helping organizations stay connected to the people they serve.
But no matter how much technology changes, he believes the mission remains the same.
“We need to continue working to ensure that health care does not lose track of the human beings at the core of the work we do,” he said.
For students interested in combining creativity, storytelling and a passion for helping others, health care communications offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
At the end of the day, Seth says, success isn’t measured by social media posts or marketing campaigns. It’s measured by something much more important: helping patients heal and return home to the people who love them.