Q&A with Jaimie Raymond—World Travel Advice & Empowerment in Health Care
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Interview featuring: Jaimie Raymond
Editor: Jeni Fjelstad
Creative Direction: Catie Menke
Jaimie Raymond is an every day life saver—who moves every three months to a new location. So, while she’s healing hearts, she’s also being a world traveler, getting in with the locals, and exploring countries like Switzerland, Iceland, and Italy.
A piece of Jaimie’s sage advice: “Write a list of things you want to accomplish. Place it in a place you often see. Create a vision board. Constant reminders plant inspiration in us to continue toward what we want for ourselves.”
We can’t wait to hear her favorite world travel tips and spots, how she feels empowered by travel health care, and her most innovative daily habit.
Health Care Traveler in the Cardiovascular Cath Lab
Currently in California
How has travel impacted your life? What inspired you to start traveling in the first place?
Travel has transformed my life. It has always been one of those things that makes me feel most alive. From a young age I have dreamt of seeing the world, being spontaneous, and doing the unexpected. My passion and curiosity for travel stems from my love for food, culture, and language. Traveling to different places is an opportunity for me to learn more about others and ways of life different from my own.
I was first inspired to travel when I went on my first flight and on my first mission trip. I went to the Dominican Republic to fulfill a church mission. Once I arrived I realized how little I knew about other cultures, and how much I wanted to become fluid in Spanish to be able to communicate with others. It sparked my addiction to discovering new places and connecting with people.
Image of Jaimie Raymond.
What are your top 3 favorite spots? Places you’d go back to? What travel adventures have you been on lately?
My top favorite spots are:
Switzerland
Netherlands
Iceland
Greece
Italy
I couldn't decide on just 3.
Places I would definitely go back to:
Netherlands
England
Iceland
Switzerland
I just went to Alaska in May and did a five-week Eurotrip over the summer. I would definitely do a Eurotrip again, just in a different season of the year. Being that it was during the first summer of travel bans being lifted, and it was summer—It was far too busy for my liking. And hot. I would love to do a backpacking trip through Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, Croatia, and a couple other countries next year during the earlier months. So we shall see!
How do you build your itinerary? Do you focus on more well-known stops or try to get in with the locals? What tips do you have?
I typically build my itinerary by affordable/efficient travel. For example I just spent five weeks touring Europe and went to six different countries and only took a flight twice. It was more affordable to travel by train, plus I was able to see more countryside and have conversations with people on the trains. This trip there were some very touristy places we went to, but I prefer the off the grid more intimate experiences. The once in a lifetime kind of moments in places most people haven't seen. I prefer to live like a local when I travel.
My biggest tip is do not be afraid of backpacking. Soooo much can be discovered by taking the long way to places. Pack less, and experience more.
What travel habits have been your go-to lately?
My travel habits are trying a signature drink and traditional meal. This brings me closure to the culture I am wanting to experience. I also tend to spark conversations with strangers just to learn something new about someone else different than me.
Other habits are visual journalism. I take far too many photos, but it is photography that brings me back to that moment in time. It helps me remember what I was thinking, feeling, and experiencing in that moment.
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Photograph by Jaimie Raymond.
What advice do you have for adjusting and settling into a new place?
Oh this is a hard one for me because I am still trying to figure this one out. Typically by the time I get adjusted to a new place that is when I move onto my next work assignment in a new city. As for traveling leisurely I love to look up local traditions, hot spots, must-have food items, or places to get drinks. Here I find I connect with the culture more or I meet other people doing the same thing from different countries. I have met some extraordinary people by getting out and about. Making friends can be hard as an adult at work or solo travel internationally. It can often feel lonely, but finding a common activity to do with someone you both enjoy creates an opportunity for connection and potentially a new friendship/relationship.
What’s in your bag? What are your go-to items or products?
In my travel cosmetic bag I must have sunscreen (spf 50 or higher) for my face and body. My favorite is the hydrating sunscreen by Bondi Sands. Absolute game changer! I also must have a hydrating serum for my face that I can use in the morning or night time. My favorite is the Buffet serum by The Ordinary. Other go-tos are mascara by Laura Mercier, tinted lip gloss by Summer Fridays, blush by Fenty, and skin tint and concealer by Kosas. These are my must-haves for an easy natural look and to keep my face protected from the sun.
Other travel essentials include a sleeping eye mask, jewelry organizer, external battery, water bottle, and ear plugs.
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What’s your most innovative/unusual daily habit? And how has it helped you?
This is probably my favorite question. My most innovative daily habit is my water bottle. I used to be horrible at consuming water because we are not allowed to have food or beverages near our work space because it’s near surgical suites. Anyway, so I went and purchased a timed water bottle with encouraging statements at each timed mark. This has helped me keep track of my water intake and ensure I am timing it out throughout the day versus just chugging a bunch of water. This has helped me have more energy, curb unnecessary hunger cravings, and stay hydrated making my skin happy.
What’s your daily routine? Take us through a “day in the life” of a healthcare traveler.
My daily routine starts at about 05:30 every morning. I wake up, wash my face, brush my teeth, brew coffee, put makeup on, pack my lunch, throw on sweats and then walk to the hospital. Once at the hospital I have to change into procedural scrubs. From there I head to my department (cardiovascular cath lab), and our team briefs on what cases we have for the day. I am then assigned to a procedural room where I will set up for the first procedure. From there we complete the number of patients for the day. Depending if I am on call or not determines if I am off for the day or have to keep my pager on. If done for the day I head home, hit the gym, make dinner with my husband, then decompress over a book and cup of tea, or a new movie with my husband.
Given we move to a new city every 13 weeks, we will sometimes go out for date nights on the weekdays. Or on the weekends we explore the city or areas around us. For example, most recently we drove up to northern California where we rented a cabin and went hiking at a nearby national park. It was a perfect little weekend getaway.
Why is self development important as a traveler/health care?
How do you feel empowered by traveling/health care?
Self development is so important to be the best version of yourself. Regardless of profession or hobbies, constantly setting goals, challenges, or bucket lists allows for the opportunity to learn and transform in the process. Ultimately, self improvement can lead to greater opportunities and constant growth.
I feel empowered by my role because it requires a very critical and specific set of skills to perform everyday. Most days can be routine, but in the instance of saving someone's life I have to move quickly and think critically to ensure a positive outcome. Everyday I assist cardiologists in procedures that look at the vessels surrounding the heart. In the instance of a heart attack, I am right there with the physician opening the vessel that is blocked, and that is the most rewarding part of my job. I quite literally save lives for a living. The days I am able to watch a family member hug and love on someone they thought they were going to lose is the most empowering feeling.
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What’s the best advice that you’ve ever received? What did you do with it?
My best advice that I have ever received... never stop chasing your dreams. Whether that be a place you've always wanted to visit or a job you've always wanted to have. Anything is possible! It may not happen right away... but it will. That vision was planted in your mind for a reason. Others may say it is not possible, but that is because they do not share that vision. It was planted for you to see and achieve!
For me, I have done just that. My journey has been a long time coming, and still so far to go. I thought I would be somewhere completely different five years ago, but where I am now is far beyond greater than I could have planned. Write a list of things you want to accomplish. Place it in a place you often see. Create a vision board. Constant reminders plant inspiration in us to continue toward what we want for ourselves.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for considering me for this! I love everything you create!
Do you know a powerful woman who’s an inspiration? (We see you, powerful woman.) Share yours or a friend’s story with us & get involved as a Contributor or future Q&A guest.
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