South University, Savannah graduate Amy Scroggin has two jobs. One is working as an anesthesiologist assistant in Savannah, Georgia. The other is as a professor in the Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia Science program at South University—the same program from which she graduated in 2014. It’s a balance that provides her with the best of two worlds she loves: the classroom and the operating room.
Studying Anesthesia Science
When Amy studied Anesthesia Science at South University, the helping and compassionate nature of the faculty was essential in making her experience a positive one. “Not only were they gifted practitioners and gifted anesthesiologist assistants themselves, but they also had a heart for students and a heart for teaching,” she says. “They always had my best interest in mind.”
The curriculum was also strong, with Amy learning complex concepts through repetition and practice. “Everything was laid out so intentionally,” she shares. “We learned something in the classroom. We practiced it in lab. We applied it in simulation, and so everything was just reinforced.”
Practicing in the Medical Field
After earning her master’s degree, Amy became a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant1 (CAA) and has worked in several healthcare organizations in Savannah.2 Her training and education equipped her well for the job. “When I graduated from South University, I was prepared to do this job. I was prepared for my first day as a clinical anesthesiologist assistant,” she says.
What Amy enjoys most about her clinical work is the variety of patients and surgical cases she sees. It is what drew her to the field in the first place. “Every day is different. Nothing is ever the same. I get to do peds and cardiac and OB and yet I'm still in anesthesia,” she says. “It's just such a challenging and dynamic specialty. No day is boring.”
Teaching at South University
While Amy enjoyed working full-time clinically, some of her favorite days were when she had the chance to work with Anesthesia Science students. “I really enjoyed helping them find ways to make concepts stick,” she says. “It’s such a wonderful thing to see the students grow.”
She knew working in the operating room was challenging and remembered what it was like to struggle with learning difficult concepts and technical skills. “When a position opened up at South University, I thought maybe that could be for me. Maybe I could make a difference,” she says. “I applied for the job and started here several years ago, and I love it. I've never looked back.”
Today, Amy is the Assistant Program Director of the Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia Science at South University, Savannah. She teaches students in the classroom, the hands-on simulation lab, and the clinic where she works every week. In 2023, Amy also became a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator. The Society for Simulation in Healthcare awards this prestigious designation to people who complete rigorous training and demonstrate expertise in healthcare simulation techniques.
“I had every opportunity to succeed here. Now as a faculty member, I try to continue to support that very strong legacy. Being able to be part of all of the aspects of their learning experience is very gratifying,” she says. “If you're looking for return on investment, you cannot go for a better profession or a better institution to get to that profession. South University is going to set you up for success.”2
1 Graduates are required to sit for and pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for program and state specific information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University. Students must pass the required licensure to work in their respective field.
2 South University does not promise or guarantee employment.
Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. This spotlight is based on video interviews with Amy Scroggin published in 2024.
