Kim Ivory
Kim Ivory is a dedicated healthcare professional with over 30 years of experience in the medical field, currently serving as a Mobile Phlebotomist with American Health Associates, with the majority of her career focused on phlebotomy and patient-centered care. Her journey began when she enrolled in medical assistant training, driven by a natural passion for helping others. During her clinical internship, she gained exposure across multiple specialties including orthopedics, urology, ophthalmology, general surgery, and general medicine. It was during her first experience drawing blood that she discovered her true calling in phlebotomy. A meaningful interaction with a patient diagnosed with HIV deeply shaped her perspective, reinforcing her belief that compassion, patience, and professionalism can ease fear and build trust. Early in her hospital career, she worked with medically complex patients, including individuals with long-term IV drug use, where her persistence and skill earned her the nickname “Sure Shot,” given by a patient who recognized her accuracy and calm approach even in the most difficult cases.
Throughout her career, Kim learned the emotional depth of healthcare, especially through long-term patient relationships that reinforced both the rewards and challenges of the profession. While she initially believed she could remain emotionally detached, she found that the connections she formed with recurring patients left a lasting impact on her heart and strengthened her commitment to compassionate care. In 2015, after a life-changing accident, she began exploring baking as a form of healing and stress relief, reigniting skills she first learned in high school culinary arts. With encouragement from her husband, she pursued formal training in pastry arts, and they both eventually graduated as pastry chefs. Kim was diagnosed with CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) in 2008, and during her treatment journey, she began baking cookies, brownies, and candies for fellow patients, nurses, and physicians, noticing how comfort foods often helped patients regain appetite and emotional strength during treatment. This experience inspired her long-term vision of opening a bakery near cancer treatment centers to give back to patients in both nourishment and care.
Kim’s dedication to growth and service is reflected in her continued academic and professional achievements. She earned her Associate’s degree in Health and Human Services with honors while navigating both cancer treatment and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating resilience and commitment to education. She also trained as a massage therapist, graduating at the top of her class, further expanding her ability to support healing and wellness. Alongside her professional responsibilities, she is actively pursuing her bachelor’s degree, expected to be completed by May 2027. Outside of her work and studies, Kim enjoys baking, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her family, all of which bring balance and joy to her life while reflecting her nurturing and compassionate nature.
• Massage Therapist Certification
• Diploma of Education, Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef
• Ultimate Medical Academy - AAHHS
• Honors student for Associate's degree
• Provided baked goods to cancer patients during treatment
• Volunteered with Zeta Sorority
What do you attribute your success to?
I think somebody just knowing my story will see that it's not impossible to keep going, even when you're going through something difficult. I've always been told that you don't look like what you've been through, but you can always push past it - it doesn't mean that it's the end, it can be the beginning. I didn't always have the best relationship with my dad, and a lot of women and girls don't think that they can do more because they've been told that you'll never amount to anything or you're not going to succeed. That has always been the focus for me to push forward and to keep going. For somebody to tell me that you can't do it makes me want to prove that I can. I think that's what we need to know as women - regardless of what we've been told, we can do it. There's nothing that we can't do. Even when somebody says no, you're not good enough, it can't happen for you, even when you feel like I can't do this, keep going. I think that's just my ultimate goal - to help somebody see that if I can do it, they can reach their full potential too.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never give up and to always follow my dreams. That simple reminder has carried me through every stage of my journey, especially during the most challenging times in my career and personal life. It has taught me to stay persistent, trust the process, and keep moving forward even when things feel uncertain. Following my dreams has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, and it continues to motivate me to pursue new goals and opportunities with confidence and purpose.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You can do anything you put your mind to, and I truly believe it is never too late to try something new or pursue a different path. In healthcare, I’ve learned that success is built on patience, compassion, and a commitment to continuous learning, no matter how long you’ve been in the field. My advice to young women entering this industry is to trust your abilities and stay dedicated, even when challenges arise, because every experience contributes to your growth both personally and professionally. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, as that is often where your greatest strengths are discovered. Most importantly, always remember that kindness and compassion are just as important as technical skill, and the care you provide to patients can make a lasting and meaningful difference in their lives.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Professionalism is definitely important to me professionally. I go into some of these nursing homes and it breaks my heart because nurses are in there sleeping. I went in a room and this little old man had fallen in the bathroom, and he's laying on the floor calling out for help, but they're not responding because they're sleeping. These people are suffering because the staff isn't doing their job. It's sad - who's suffering because of your actions? I just think that something has to change. There's got to be a better way.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Personally, the most important values in my life are God first and family. My faith keeps me grounded, guides my decisions, and strengthens me in both my personal and professional life, while my family remains my foundation and greatest source of motivation and support. Professionally, I place a strong emphasis on professionalism, integrity, and accountability in everything I do. I take pride in providing compassionate, consistent, and respectful care to every patient I serve. It is difficult for me to witness situations where patients are not receiving the attention and care they deserve, especially in vulnerable environments, as I believe every individual should be treated with dignity, safety, and compassion. These experiences reinforce my commitment to being part of raising the standard of care and ensuring that patients are always prioritized.