Chelsey Dupont-McAlister
Chelsey Dupont-McAlister is a dedicated healthcare professional and Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) with extensive experience spanning over two decades. She currently serves as a Simulation Specialist at Oklahoma State University, where she operates advanced medical mannequins and robotic simulators to provide realistic, hands-on training for medical students. Her role encompasses managing the technical aspects of simulation equipment—including mechanics, wiring, and programming—preparing medical scenarios, troubleshooting issues, and voicing patient responses to create immersive learning experiences for students.
Before her current position, Chelsey worked as a CST at the Mayo Clinic for three years, where she honed her surgical expertise, and she spent sixteen years as a critical care paramedic with Fort Smith EMS, providing frontline emergency care. This blend of clinical and technical experience uniquely positions her to bridge the gap between hands-on medical care and simulation-based education, ensuring students are well-prepared for real-world medical situations. She has also demonstrated versatility in leadership and service, having managed roles such as Lead Bartender for a self-employed venture for nearly a decade.
Chelsey holds an Associate of Occupational Science in Surgical Technology from Community Care College and is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree at Oklahoma State University, with plans to enter a physician assistant program. She has been accepted into an AI in Healthcare program at Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering, reflecting her commitment to integrating technology and innovation into healthcare education. A member of the Honor Society and OSU alumni, Chelsey continues to focus on advancing medical education through simulation, technical proficiency, and mentorship.
• AI in Healthcare Programs Certificate
• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
• Community Care College (Tulsa) - AOS
• OSU alumni
• Honor Society
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong work ethic and a relentless commitment to excellence. I approach every task with dedication, giving my all until it is completed to the highest standard. Striving to do my best in every situation has been central to achieving the results I’m proud of today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always pursue work that I love. When you are passionate about what you do, it never feels like work, and you naturally invest your best effort. I’ve also learned that the results you achieve directly reflect the energy and dedication you put in—what you give is truly what you get out.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to aim high and pursue their goals relentlessly. Set ambitious targets, work diligently, and persevere even in the face of rejection or setbacks. Success comes to those who keep pushing forward and never give up on their vision.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the lack of public awareness about the complexity and effort involved in medical simulation. There are many moving parts behind the scenes that people often don’t realize. At the same time, advancements in AI present significant opportunities, as they have the potential to accelerate innovation and transform how we approach training and patient care over the next five to six years.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are family, faith, and pursuing genuine happiness. My family is my foundation, my religious faith guides my decisions and provides strength, and I strive to engage in work and activities that bring fulfillment and joy.
Locations
Oklahoma State University
Gore, OK 74435