At Altru, every team member plays an important role in creating meaningful experiences for patients and families. For Emma Tong, CMA in Altru’s Neurology Clinic, that work is rooted in connection, compassion, and a desire to keep learning.
Originally from Williston, Emma moved to Grand Forks at the beginning of 2026. She joined Altru’s Neurology team in February as she continues building experience toward her future goal of becoming a physician. In 2027, Emma will begin her studies at the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences.
“I joined Altru’s Neurology team to gain hands-on experience and apply what I learned in the classroom to real-life patient care,” Emma says. “I truly enjoy connecting with people, and my role as a Certified Medical Assistant gives me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients while supporting them throughout their healthcare journey.”
Inspired to Serve Through Healthcare
Emma’s interest in healthcare began long before joining Altru. Her mother, an OB-GYN in Williston, has been one of her biggest inspirations.
“My mom’s dedication to women’s health and rural medicine has motivated me to make a meaningful impact,” Emma says.
Emma has always been drawn to medicine, but her decision to become a physician was strengthened through medical outreach trips to Peru, Ghana, and India. Those experiences helped her see the impact healthcare providers can have across communities and cultures.
“What I love most about my job is the opportunity to build relationships with patients and be a source of compassion and support during their healthcare journey,” she says.
Learning and Growing in Neurology
Although Emma has only been with Altru for a short time, she says her experience in the Neurology Clinic has already been incredibly rewarding.
“The Neurology Clinic has been so supportive and truly exemplifies what it means to be a team,” Emma says.
As a CMA, Emma works closely with patients and providers, helping support the care experience from the moment a patient arrives. Each day brings new opportunities to learn.
“I love being in an environment where I am constantly learning and growing as a future healthcare professional,” Emma says.
For Emma, being part of Altru’s Neurology team has provided valuable insight into patient care and the importance of teamwork in a clinical setting.
Building Relationships with Patients
One of the most meaningful aspects of Emma’s role is the opportunity to connect with patients from many different backgrounds and walks of life.
“In my role at Altru, I meet patients from many different backgrounds, each with their own experiences and stories,” Emma says. “I have learned the importance of listening, showing empathy and making people feel comfortable.”
Emma says even small interactions can make a difference in a patient’s day. Whether she is answering a question, offering reassurance or helping someone feel more comfortable, she sees each patient interaction as an opportunity to serve.
“As a CMA at Altru, I get to connect with patients, support our providers and be a part of their healthcare experience,” she says. “I love that even small interactions can make a difference.”
A Passion for Service
Emma’s passion for service extends beyond her role at Altru. Through her community service initiative, Heartbeat for Health, she advocates for heart disease prevention in partnership with the North Dakota American Heart Association.
The initiative is meaningful to Emma because it connects her future career in medicine with her family’s history of heart disease and her desire to care for North Dakotans.
“As a future North Dakota physician, I believe one of the greatest ways we can serve others is by empowering them with the knowledge and tools to take charge of their health,” Emma says.
Emma’s service work has also been shaped through her involvement in the Miss North Dakota Organization. Recently crowned Miss North Dakota, Emma has built friendships, developed leadership skills and earned scholarship support to continue her education through the Miss America Opportunity.
Carrying Altru’s Values Forward
As Emma continues her journey in healthcare, she says her time at Altru has helped reinforce values she will carry with her into medical school, her year of service as Miss North Dakota and her future career: kindness, preparation, and resilience.
“In healthcare, every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn, and I have seen the importance of approaching each situation with a positive attitude and a willingness to adapt,” Emma says. “Kindness can make a lasting impact, while preparation and resilience allow you to serve others and overcome challenges.”
Emma is grateful for the encouragement she has received from her family, friends, and the team at Altru as she balances work, service, and her future goals.
“Having a strong support system has been one of the biggest factors in helping me balance everything,” she says. “The team at Altru has encouraged me throughout this journey and given me people to lean on when I need it.”
For Emma, her role as a CMA is more than a step toward medical school. It is an opportunity to learn from patients, support a team, and continue growing in her purpose of serving others through healthcare.
We are proud to have Emma as part of the Altru team and look forward to seeing the impact she continues to make for patients, communities and the future of healthcare in North Dakota.
Inspired by Emma's story? Join a team where compassion, collaboration, and continuous learning are part of every day.
Explore careers at Altru and find an opportunity to make a difference.
Learn More >>