A Michiana Life in the Spotlight: Dulce Mayorga

In a world of impersonal communications, robotic phone operators, spam-like mass text messages, and the litany of fishy-sounding emails, the human on the other side of the device matters. Their cadence, voice, and overall disposition can offer insight into what might otherwise be considered life-or-death decisions.

Dulce Mayorga, a medical scheduler and coding specialist for Goshen Health, offers the empathic human touch we all pray to hear during times of grave uncertainty. For times when information overload paired with medical ambiguity require extra patience and care, Mayorga is there every step of the way.

Mayorga is the proud product of an immigrant family. She was relocated from her home country of Mexico when she was only 4 years old. Her parents embarked on the journey of self-actualization, in search of a better life, more opportunities, and securities that simply were not available.

“In Mexico, it was very poor, and unfortunately, if you did not have a career, you really were not going to make it. There were times my parents struggled just to be able to feed me, and there were nights where they themselves couldn’t eat,” said Mayorga. “My mom’s siblings were already here for the same reasons, and my grandpa had moved to Chicago when they were very young. He already had an established business, and he was slowly bringing his kids just to give them a better life.”

Mayorga’s parents settled in Elgin, Illinois, but wanted better for their children and eventually headed east to the Goshen area.

“We moved to Napanee, but it was a very small town. It is very hard to adjust when there’s not very much ethnicity in the county, so my parents decided to move to Goshen, where there were more Hispanic people, a more diverse culture, and I want to say that was probably the best move that they ever made,” said Mayorga. “For a really long time, it was hard from an identity standpoint figuring out who I was, where I came from, and where I belonged. That was a really great move by my parents to bring me closer to people that I could be friends with and relate to and who spoke my language, to be able to have that connection.”

Mayorga worked diligently to prove to herself and her family that the move to America was not taken for granted.  At 34, Mayorga’s ability to move between languages has proven to be an invaluable asset in medical scheduling and coding.

“Goshen has a large Hispanic community,” said Mayorga. “Immediately, I was taking these exams in order for me to use my Spanish with my patients. Now, it’s a really great thing for the patients who need a bilingual speaker.”

Mayorga earned her degree through a rigorous self-taught online curriculum through Ultimate Medical Academy. She graduated in 2022 and has served her community at Goshen Health for the past four years. Mayoraga is ambitious and continues to raise the standard of patient care.

Most recently, Mayorga received the Gardener Award for her outstanding support, empathic presence, and sheer dedication to the profession. Mayorga turned a routine scheduling call into a moment of true compassion for patients Paul and Darla Ammerman, who described her as “wonderful,” “welcoming,” and “an angel.”

“They’re amazing people,” said Mayorga. “Every time they call to schedule an appointment, it’s like you’re talking to a friend.”

By coordinating appointments with care and offering encouragement, she made the couple feel seen and supported. Dulce’s kindness and personal touch embody Goshen Health’s mission of cultivating compassion, making her an inspiring example of the values celebrated by the Gardener Award.

“I honestly was very shocked and was not expecting it at all,” said Mayorga. “They had the meeting, we had everyone up, and I was excited to see who was going to get it. Then, they mentioned calling Dulce, and I was shocked. I knew it was a big deal, but it just didn’t click until after I got home.”

Mayorga celebrated her accomplishments with her loving and supportive husband, Nabor, who intends to frame the award and proudly display it in their home for all to see. Mayorga’s empathetic presence and compassion will continue to care for the community at Goshen Health.

“In medical scheduling, we talk people through the details,” said Mayorga. “We have the opportunity to talk people through the exams, explaining step by step, how everything is, and any questions they have. That’s the thing I like most – being able to help calm them down – because it’s reassuring to know what the exams are and it helps ease their mind. “

In her free time, Mayorga enjoys being a homebody and spending time with family. Whether she is cozying up to a good murder-mystery book, book clubbing with her friends, or volunteering and participating in community service initiatives through her husband’s work, she has a growing and supportive community around her, something she fosters both on and off the job.