William A. May, RN, MD

Name: William A. May, RN, MD
Major: Nursing
Class: 1983

• Why did you choose your major?  ?
  

  For my first year at ACM, I actually enrolled in general classes until I could decide my career path, since I wasn't certain. Nursing anesthesia seemed interesting, and this required a nursing degree, so I enrolled in the nursing program along with a few of my friends. I also worked as a nursing assistant at Memorial Hospital through school, alongside local physicians including Dr. Paul Snow, which planted the idea that would eventually lead me to apply for medical school. 

• What advice would you give to students interested in your career path?
  Pursue a career of interest (that will support you), and plan to be a lifelong learner if you choose nursing, since the field is ever-changing. Don't hesitate to challenge yourself - or make a career change - if that appeals to you. Having a mentor who can guide you at each point in your career is also important.
• What was your overall experience at ACM?
  I really enjoyed my time at ACM (it was Allegany Community College when I was there). The education was practical, well done, and I also made lifelong friends among my classmates.

• Who was your favorite ACM faculty/staff member?  Why?   
  Laura Maloof RN was one of the first nursing instructors with whom I worked, and made an early impression. She was a fantastic teacher, was attentive to details, and could relate materials in an easily understandable way. She would become a mentor to me.
• What is your greatest achievement in your career?
  A neonatal nurse at WVU's NICU prior to medical school enrollment at Marshall University, I was in nursing only briefly. I was privileged to be able to return to Cumberland as an emergency physician from 1994 to 2017 (Sacred Heart Hospital, Memorial Hospital, then WMHS after the merger), serving our community. A career achievement was becoming the Region 1 Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Medical Director. This volunteer role allowed me to teach and support the EMS community, improve pre-hospital care, and therefore doubly serve Western Maryland for most of my career.
• ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
  ACM was a really great place to get a cost-effective and practical education, and launched my career!