Working in the United States is a lifelong dream for many healthcare professionals. For Johanna Padilla, a dedicated medical laboratory technologist, that dream was nearly seven years in the making—a journey filled with challenges, setbacks, and, ultimately, triumph. Many times, she questioned whether it was worth the effort. But now, as she builds her new life in Overland Park, Kansas, she knows the answer is a resounding “Yes!”
The Beginning of a Roller Coaster Journey
Johanna’s dream of a U.S. healthcare career began in 2017 when she started working toward her ASCPi credentials. She applied to MedPro International two years later and entered the H-1B visa lottery. However, despite multiple attempts, she didn’t secure a position. Refusing to give up, she sought guidance from her Advancement Guide and decided to pursue an EB-3 visa path that would take longer but ultimately lead to permanent residency in the US.
Still, there were hurdles to overcome, and one of her biggest was passing the IELTS English proficiency test. “I worked so hard on my English, but I just couldn’t pass. I was on the verge of giving up, thinking that maybe a U.S. healthcare career just wasn’t meant for me,” said Johanna. But on her fourth attempt, she finally succeeded. Her next challenge, the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) or “Labor Certification,” would be a test of patience. Johanna waited for approval and her priority date. Then, in what felt like a stroke of fate, her moment finally arrived—within just three months, she was able to schedule her U.S. Embassy interview.
While many from Joanna’s batch—Explorers who came to the US and went through MedProU together, struggled to find a facility that matched their skills, Johanna was lucky. She secured a position, a moment she describes as nothing short of shocking. “It’s so difficult to find a facility nowadays. But I got lucky—they accepted my application, and that was it. I was finally heading to the US to live my dream!”
Adjustment Period
Now, Johanna is adjusting to her new reality. “The transition from the Philippines to the US has been tough. I’m not used to the snow and cold.” Beyond the weather, she’s also navigating the cultural differences between Filipino and American life. But she’s confident she’ll find her rhythm with time. Her Employee Relations Manager, Natacha Oscar, has been a big help. “She calls weekly, or when I have a question, or just to check in on me.”
Johanna is part of a close-knit Filipino community of healthcare professionals in Overland Park who gather outside of work for support, connection, and camaraderie.
On weekends, Johanna balances errands with relaxation, often treating herself to her favorite matcha latte from Starbucks. She also discovered the Church of the Holy Cross, just a 10-minute drive from her apartment. “I learned about it through a fellow Filipino here in Kansas because the parish priest is also Filipino. From the moment I stepped in, I felt a warm and welcoming community.” However, when she can’t attend in person, she livestreams mass from churches in the Philippines. “I still miss the familiar vibe of home,” she shares.
Johanna isn’t limiting herself to Kansas. She’s making the most of her U.S. adventure with some exciting travel plans. At the end of March, she’ll be heading to New York to reunite with her college friend and former workmate—and to finally see one of her favorite artists live.
“I’ve been a fan of TJ Monterde since 2016, but I never got the chance to see him perform in the Philippines. Like me, he never gave up on his dreams. Now, he’s the most streamed Filipino artist on Spotify!”
Beyond New York, Johanna is planning a reunion with her batchmates in Orlando and has California and Texas on her must-visit list.
Perseverance Pays off
Like many Explorers, Johanna’s journey is driven by her deep love for her family. ” Leaving my family behind was incredibly hard, but I wanted to give them a better life. Despite having a stable government job for 10 years, Johanna knew she wanted more. “This is my ultimate dream. I always believed that my job at the Philippine government hospital was a stepping stone to getting here.”
That dream took seven years, but she has no regrets. “Sometimes, life tests your faith to the point where you want to give up. But the universe kept telling me to hold on. I trusted in Him, and my hard work was rewarded.”
Johanna encourages others who dream of new opportunities to stay persistent, keep their faith, and trust the journey. “It will all be worth it if you believe—not just in God, but in yourself. You will make it!”
Johanna’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance, faith, and resilience. For those still fighting for their dreams, she is proof that the struggle is temporary, but the rewards are life-long.