Bio
Hello, my name is Jeffrey Heuschkel, I’m a 29 year old Miami born native. I have been a nurse for nearly 5 years now at the University of Miami Hospital. While I normally work in the ICU, I am also one of the few research nurses that administer and study immunotherapy, as well as gene modification lines of treatment in hopes of finding the cure for a variety of different blood cancers.
My mother is now a retired nurse and my inspiration for pursuing a career in the medical field. On numerous occasions growing up I can remember my mom springing into action when a frantic neighbor came by or called for her help when their loved one was injured or in distress. In moments where I was frozen unsure of what to do, she would spring into motion and contain the situation, it felt like watching a superhero in action. Moreover, my father’s passing was an additional reason as to what groomed me to want to assist others. Seeing my mother take care of him and helping him in any way possible helped me become closer with patients as well, taking care of them as they were family.
Working during the pandemic was no small feat. I am very blessed to be an oncologic research nurse for South Florida’s only National Cancer Institute, The University of Miami Hospital. When I’m not working in the ICU, I am administering new clinical trial drugs and collecting data for FDA approval to replace current first line treatments for blood cancers. Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the United States, but numbers are beginning to decline, and with the progress I have seen first hand I am hopeful we will dramatically reduce, if not cure cancer within my lifetime.
When I’m not at work I have been collaborating with some friends to develop the Miramar Chess Club for the South Florida community. Everyone of all skill levels and ages are welcome to join. Aside from spreading the joy of chess to the community, our goal is to grow large enough to host nationally recognized prize tournaments and bring more attention to the beauty behind game of chess.
Thank you PLA for your consideration and nomination, this event truly speaks volumes in recognizing front of the line workers that may not always receive a recognition and we appreciate your organization for doing so. I look forward to being at the event and rooting along with other fellow nominees.