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Iona Rone sings the National Anthem at UNMC’s May 13 commencement ceremony. |
On May 13, she was honored for both. Rone opened UNMC’s 2005 Commencement Program in Omaha by singing the National Anthem, then, 20 minutes later, returned to the stage to receive her bachelor’s of science degree in medical technology from the UNMC School of Allied Health Professions.
“I have wanted to be a health professional since I was a kid,” Rone said. “Most little girls in my childhood loved to play house, but I always loved playing doctor with my stuffed animals or friends as my ‘patients.’ ”
Rone still enjoys the funny look she gets whenever people ask her where she was born. Nobody expects to hear an African American say, “Okinawa, Japan.” But she was a “military brat” until age 7 when her father retired from the U.S. Air Force at Offutt Air Base and accepted a pastoral position in Omaha.
A 2000 graduate of Bellevue West High School, Rone was a National Honor Society member, captain of the competition cheer squad and a member of the school’s marching band. In addition, she played a vital role in the development of her father’s church by serving as president of the youth department and director of the children’s choir.
Rone, who wanted to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), chose
Xavier University in New Orleans, La. There, she was a member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta Premedical Honor Society, the Beta Beta Beta Biolological Honor Society and the Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society. She also tutored academically at-risk African American males in middle school, was resident assistant for campus housing and president of her resident hall. She graduated with a bachelor’s of science degree in pre-med biology in 2004.
Rone said a health care experience at age 8 stands out in her mind. “I had become really sick and my parents asked a family friend, Dr. Marvin Stancil, to come to the house and check on me,” she said. “I didn’t know at that time that Dr. Stancil was an OB/GYN. I was so impressed that he cared enough to actually come to our house. It really made me feel good. Dr. Stancil referred me to a family practice physician and I got better. But I always had the feeling that I would love to care for others and help them feel like I did when Dr. Stancil came over.”
As Rone journeyed through school, she enjoyed science classes, especially dissecting lab specimens and studying human anatomy. Her journey to UNMC was kismet. Rone’s mother, a teacher at Wilson Alternative Middle School, met Mary McNamee, Ph.D., assistant chancellor for academic affairs at UNMC, while on campus with members of Leadership Omaha. Mrs. Rone asked Dr. McNamee about summer research opportunities at UNMC for her daughter. Dr. McNamee later met the young science enthusiast and worked with Jing Ma, Ph.D., to obtain a National Institutes of Health research supplement award for her to work as a member of his research team.
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From left, Linda Fell, Iona Rone and Beverly Rone at UNMC’s May 11 Minority Graduate Reception. |
“I talked about my feelings with Dr. McNamee and she discussed a number of options available to me, including entering UNMC’s Medical Technology Education Program,” Rone said. “I met with Linda Fell, the program director for Medical Technology, toured their facilities and realized that this would be a great way to expand my knowledge in the clinical laboratory as opposed to the research laboratory. I hate to admit it, but those lab mice and I didn’t always get along during my summer internships.”
Medical technologists identify information about the internal workings of the body through analysis of body fluids for normal levels, microorganisms and toxins.
“During my year of studies in medical technology, I learned a lot about what really goes on behind the scenes to yield critical patient information for the physician,” Rone said. “I enjoyed every aspect of this program, especially the faculty and new student friends I made. Medical technology education has made me much more aware of things associated with medicine and I think I will become an even better physician because of it.”
Rone will take her board certification exams for medical technology in June, pursue her first job and start preparing for the next steps toward medical school. She will take her Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT) in August.
“I enjoy medical technology but I don’t feel it is where I am to stay,” Rone said. “I have to finish pursuing my dream to become a physician. I just need to work now, continue to study and wait to see what the Lord has in store for me next.”