Meet Alicia Samuel | The Medical Assistant Expert | Lead Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Samuel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
You know, the idea of starting my own business came from a really personal place. Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a pediatrician. But life had other plans. At 21, I was a single mom of three, and I had to put my dreams on hold to support my family. So, I decided to go to trade school for medical assisting because it was a practical choice that would help me provide for my kids.

Over the years, I worked hard and climbed the ranks in the healthcare field. But I saw a big problem: medical assistants like me were struggling to advance in their careers. The lack of opportunities was causing high turnover rates, and it was heartbreaking to see so much untapped potential go to waste. This realization lit a fire in me. I wanted to create something that would help others who were in the same boat I was in.

Starting Relentless Health Specialists was about giving back and making a difference. I knew firsthand the struggles of raising a family on a medical assistant’s salary. I wanted to build a business that would provide better opportunities for people like me—single parents, underprivileged individuals, anyone who needed a hand up. My goal was to empower medical assistants by offering them the resources and support they needed to grow and succeed.

I also wanted to address the systemic issues in healthcare that I had seen throughout my career. Many organizations didn’t understand the value of investing in their staff’s professional development. This oversight led to low employee retention and disengagement. By founding Relentless Health Specialists, I aimed to fill this gap. We provide essential services like DOT drug testing, but our heart lies in uplifting our community. We’re committed to helping underprivileged individuals, high school seniors, and single parents in Georgia get access to skills training and professional development resources.

At the end of the day, my decision to start this business was about making a positive impact. It’s not just a business to me; it’s a mission to empower, educate, and elevate those around us. I want people to know that no matter where you start, with determination and support, you can achieve great things. Relentless Health Specialists is here to help make that happen.

What should our readers know about your business?
Relentless Health Specialists is more than just a business; it’s my heart and soul poured into creating something meaningful. Our mission is to revolutionize health and wellness by creating healthier workplaces and elevating screening standards within the employee drug testing industry. We understand the pivotal role a drug-free workplace plays in maintaining safety, productivity, and a positive work environment. Our comprehensive employee drug screening services are designed to support employers in fostering a culture of health and accountability.

But beyond that, we’re all about uplifting and empowering underprivileged individuals, high school seniors, and single parents in Georgia. We provide access to skills training and professional development because everyone deserves a shot at a better future. Our expertise spans across health, onboarding, retention, and community, making us a unique force in this industry.

What really sets us apart is our dual focus on innovative health services and community empowerment. We offer top-notch DOT, employee drug testing, DNA, and phlebotomy services. But our heart lies in our philanthropic efforts. We’re dedicated to being a beacon of hope and opportunity, creating pathways for individuals to develop skills, earn income, and build successful careers. We aim to establish a network of qualified DOT collectors and medical assistants, providing them with employment opportunities and collaborating with allied healthcare training programs to bridge the gap between education and real-world experience.

Getting to where we are today was anything but easy. There were significant hurdles, especially securing adequate funding for a physical location and the necessary supplies and equipment. As a single mother who recently lost her job due to departmental cuts, personal financial constraints added another layer of complexity. But these obstacles only fueled my determination. The name “Relentless” reflects my unwavering commitment and tenacity. A big source of my strength to push through those tough times came from my faith in God. Believing in a higher purpose and knowing that I was meant to make a difference kept me going, no matter how challenging the journey became.

Along the way, I’ve learned some valuable lessons. One of the most important is the power of community and support. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision and are willing to stand by you makes all the difference. I’ve also learned that perseverance and adaptability are crucial. When faced with setbacks, it’s essential to stay focused on your goals and be willing to adjust your approach as needed.

What I want the world to know about Relentless Health Specialists is that we are driven by a relentless spirit to empower, educate, and elevate those around us. Our story is one of overcoming adversity, embracing challenges, and transforming them into opportunities for growth and impact. We’re here to make a difference, and we’re passionate about creating a brighter future for our community.

In every step we take, our commitment remains unwavering. We’re not just another health services provider; we’re a force for positive change, dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. Join us on this journey, and together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend Ashley Tart were visiting, I’d make sure she had the best week ever in Atlanta! We’d kick off with some classic fun activities like roller skating and bowling. On the first day, we’d hit up Cascade Family Skating, a staple in Atlanta for some nostalgic roller skating vibes. It’s a great place to start the trip with a lot of energy and excitement.

Next, we’d spend a day at Midtown Bowl, where we can enjoy some friendly competition and great food. Midtown Bowl has that perfect blend of retro charm and modern amenities.

For dining, since Ashley loves soul food, we’d have to visit Busy Bee Cafe, a legendary spot in Atlanta for authentic Southern comfort food. Their fried chicken and collard greens are to die for! Another must-visit for soul food is Mary Mac’s Tea Room, a historic restaurant that has been serving up delicious meals for over 70 years.

When it comes to brunch, we’d start our mornings at some of Atlanta’s best spots. I’d take Ashley to The Atlanta Breakfast Club, known for its amazing chicken and waffles. We’d also visit Sun in My Belly in Decatur for their delightful brunch menu, including the best waffles in town.

Ashley loves reggae music, so we’d definitely explore some Caribbean vibes. For dining, we’d go to Negril Village, a fantastic Caribbean restaurant with a lively atmosphere and delicious jerk chicken. During the summer, we’d head to the Underground Atlanta area, where there’s always a food or music festival happening. The vibes there are unbeatable!

Another highlight would be attending the Atlanta Reggae in the Park festival if it’s happening during her visit. It’s a fantastic event with live reggae music, food vendors, and a great community atmosphere. If the timing doesn’t line up, Irie Mon Cafe in Decatur is another great spot for some reggae tunes and tasty Caribbean dishes.

For a bit of history and culture, we’d visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. It’s a moving experience to walk through the home and church of Dr. King, and it’s an essential stop to understand Atlanta’s rich civil rights history.

Lastly, we’d have to spend a day exploring Piedmont Park. It’s perfect for a relaxing picnic, a stroll around the lake, or even catching an outdoor concert if we’re lucky. Plus, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is right next door, and it’s a beautiful place to explore.

This week-long itinerary would give Ashley a mix of fun, relaxation, great food, and vibrant music, perfectly capturing the essence of Atlanta.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, there are a few shoutouts I’d love to give. First and foremost, I have to dedicate this to my incredible children: Alexander, Anaya, Antwan, and little Tristan. They’ve been my rock, my motivation, and my inspiration through every step of this journey. Being a mom of three by 21 and then welcoming Tristan at 38 was a huge blessing. My kids are the reason I push myself every day to create a better life for us all.

I also want to give a big shoutout to all the single parents out there who are juggling multiple roles and still finding the strength to chase their dreams. Your resilience is truly inspiring, and I see you.

Another group that deserves recognition is my team at Relentless Health Specialists. Their dedication and hard work have been crucial in turning this vision into reality. We’ve faced our share of challenges, but their commitment has never wavered.

Lastly, I’d like to acknowledge my amazing friend group of 24 years: Sheena Dickerson, Shavon Parker, and Ashley Tart. They have motivated and supported me throughout this journey. I also want to give a heartfelt shoutout to my fellow medical assistants. You have allowed me to be your voice of reason, and your voice of strength, and have empowered me on my journey. Your support and encouragement helped me see the potential within myself and pushed me to aim higher. Without you, I wouldn’t be The Medical Assistant Expert.

This journey has been a collective effort, and I’m grateful for every person who has played a part in it. Thank you for believing in me and for being part of this incredible adventure.

Website: https://www.rhspecialists.com/themaexpert

Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamthemaexpert

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhspecialists

Facebook: https://facebook.com/rhspecialists

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/relentless-health-specialists-douglasville-2

Image Credits
Vernon Ray Jr. (All MoneyShots in Philadelphia)

Relentless Health Specialists