Rustler Spotlight: MacDowell (Mac) Whittington

MacDowell (Mac) Whittington decided to change course in his future by attending CWC for a degree in nursing. The Hailey, Idaho native who has already earned a bachelor’s degree decided to take a new career path.

I’ve always been interested in the medical profession and CWC was such a good option ”

Mac Whittington

Whittington who has lived in Lander for about five years will graduate this May and plans to move to Laramie and work as a nurse while his wife attends the University of Wyoming. Ultimately Whittington plans to work internationally with the goal to work in tropical medicine. Until then, he hopes to work in the ER or ICU. Whittington will get first-hand experience in international medicine when he goes to Haiti with CWC nursing professor Terry Wilson. 

The trip is for CWC nursing students to experience cultural and service where they will perform health assessments side-by-side with Haitian healthcare providers.

“I hope the Haiti program can really gain momentum,” Whittington said. “The community has been supportive and it’s cool to be part of an early version.” 

Whittington said he can’t wait to see what the program will be like in 10 years. Whittington was nominated by nursing instructor Chris Kube.

“I have had the pleasure of being an instructor and clinical instructor for Mac over 3 semesters, and it has been fantastic to watch him develop,” Kube said. “He will be a great nurse. Why do I say this? Mac exemplifies the qualities many will never TRULY demonstrate in this profession. A true sincerity to help the patient, compassion without any bias to the patient's background or situation, and unerring patience for any situation. Which can be hard to achieve in today's hyper-critical and judgmental world. Mac sees each patient as a human with value. Mac is just as kind and professional in the classroom. He treats his colleagues as an equal and with respect at all times."

“I’m humbled by this,” Whittington said. “There are a lot of people who work really hard including the professors.”