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Mom continues medical career by joining Guard

WILLOUGHBY, Ohio — After hanging up her stethoscope five years ago, Maita Jarkewicz thought her career as a doctor was complete.

On Monday, the Willoughby woman recharged her medical career.

Instead of patients, the mother of three boys will care for soldiers in the Ohio Army National Guard.

"I think I've had the desire to serve whether it be the military or the public," she said.

During her swear-in ceremony, Capt. Brian K. McGinniss asked her to raise her right hand as an American flag and Christmas tree stood in the background.

Immediately after the ceremony, Jarkewicz saluted her son James, a private first class in the Ohio Army National Guard. It was James who had urged his mother to consider a career in the military.

"I started and she went in after me. Usually it's the other way around," he said.

In November 2008, McGinniss got a call from Maita Jarkewicz, who asked if she could serve in the military as a doctor.

"We have a need for medical professionals in the Army National Guard," McGinniss said.

"If I can get six or seven like her, the National Guard would be elated. We're basically bringing these guys on for their knowledge and their skills."

During her commission ceremony, Jarkewicz was made a captain in the Ohio Army National Guard.

Only medical professionals, attorneys, chaplains or Judge Advocate General attorneys can receive a direct commission, McGinniss said. McGinniss said there has been an increasing trend of those particular professionals entering the military.

Jarkewicz had run a private practice in Willoughby for 14 years before closing it in 2004 because of the high cost of medical malpractice insurance.

Before her career in medicine, the 56-year-old had worked as a paramedic/firefighter for five years in Willoughby Hills, located northeast of Cleveland.

Jarkewicz said she's more nervous about restarting in medicine than her new path in the military.

"I'm more apprehensive about returning to practice. It's like getting on a bicycle after not riding it," said Jarkewicz, adding that her license was renewed in June. "I know I can do it. It's just getting comfortable."

Jarkewicz will go through a three-week training period, McGinniss said.

While Jarkewicz has been keeping in shape, the training will focus more on field exercises, regulations and military procedures.

"I truly am grateful for people like Maita who are willing to step out and serve their fellow citizens above and beyond," McGinniss said.

Gary Jarkewicz throws his unconditional support behind his wife.

"Once she sets her mind to something, she just goes and gets it done," he said. "I'm just really proud of her."