For Ivan Goranov, caring for others isn’t just a career, it’s a calling shaped first by his military service experience, now carried through his work as a patient care associate (PCA) at Northwell’s Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH). Today, Ivan is finding new ways to make an impact at Northwell by using the skills he gained while serving in the U.S. Army Reserves.

In 2017, Ivan enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves as a combat medic/healthcare specialist (68W). After completing his training at the U.S. Army Reserves Medical Center of Excellence, he was stationed at Fort Totten, NY, where he built his medical skills through hands-on training. When the pandemic hit, Ivan was called to help develop and implement new safety protocols to protect soldiers and the communities surrounding his base. That experience opened the door for one of the most defining chapters of his career: a nine-month deployment to Africa as a civil affairs team medic.

As the team’s medic, Ivan worked alongside U.S. Embassies and host nation governments who were developing humanitarian aid projects that supported hospitals, schools and underserved communities in areas where resources were scarce.

This deployment was more than just a job to Ivan. It gave him a sense of purpose and recognition that reaffirmed why he had chosen to serve. Inspired by the impact he made abroad, he decided to transition into civil affairs upon his return home. Over the years that followed, he reclassified as a civil affairs specialist (38B) and earned the position of team sergeant, taking on greater leadership and responsibility within the U.S. Army Reserves.

Serving in the U.S. Army Reserves for eight years, Ivan wanted to bring his skills into a civilian setting where he could care for people closer to home. In 2022, he joined Northwell Health.

Today, while still active in the U.S. Army Reserves, Ivan is a PCA in the oncology unit at SIUH, and spends his day assisting patients with daily activities, monitoring vital signs and supporting families through some of their most difficult moments. It’s demanding work, but to Ivan, it’s deeply personal. “The gratitude and recognition I receive from patients and their families, after providing the same level of care I would to my own family, is what keeps me going.”

Ivan also shared that the lessons he learned in the military are a part of everything he does at Northwell. From teamwork to situational awareness, from paying attention to the smallest details to staying focused on infection prevention, he’s found that his training translates seamlessly into his current role. Those skills allow him to deliver care with confidence and compassion, making every patient feel seen and supported.

Adding a civilian career to his military life seemed overwhelming at first, but Ivan says Northwell made the process easy from the very beginning. Before he joined the team, he connected with our Military Liaison Services department. They helped him review his resume, translate his military experience into civilian terms and prepare for the role he wanted. That support continued once he was hired. For Ivan, it wasn’t just about landing a job, it was about knowing there was a team at Northwell dedicated to helping service members thrive. “In my opinion, having a dedicated group of people who are knowledgeable, accessible and passionate about helping service members speaks to the culture at Northwell overall,” he explains.

“My biggest piece of advice to any veteran who joins our team is to make use of the programs that Northwell has to offer.”

For Ivan, his mission evolved. Whether he was supporting humanitarian efforts overseas, leading his Army team, or now caring for oncology patients at SIUH, each step has been about showing up for others. His journey is proof that the skills you carry with you—discipline, teamwork, compassion—can create impact in more than one chapter of your life. At Northwell, there’s space for your skills and your story to thrive.

Learn more about how Northwell Health supports veterans and military service members.