This month, we are shining a bright spotlight on Corina “Coco” Oxford, a leader in the healthcare industry who proves that no matter how high you climb the corporate ladder, there is always room to reach back and pull someone else up.
As Chief Operating Officer of PRN Medical Solutions, Coco leads clinical staffing for senior care facilities, medical clinics, hospital systems, and supports medical device companies testing at PRN’s Test House in Tustin, supporting training, usability studies, market research, and investing in new and emerging technologies in the medtech ecosystem. But when she isn’t overseeing clinical staffing for major hospital systems, she is on the ground with Vital Link, mentoring the next generation of professionals.
We sat down with Coco to discuss her journey, the "Joy Factor" of service, and why the mission of Vital Link is more critical today than ever.
At the Intersection of Innovation and People
Coco’s career is a masterclass in versatility. Starting as a consultant helping medical clinics transition to digital systems, she built a foundation in marketing, forensic accounting, and organizational scaling. Today, her work at PRN Medical Solutions sits at the heart of healthcare delivery. "My career has been built at the intersection of people, systems, healthcare delivery, and innovation," Coco says. "Whether it’s helping a hospital find qualified clinicians or supporting medtech companies in evaluating new products, it’s all about ensuring that both the operational and human sides of care are supported. Everyone deserves quality care."The Origin Story: Why Vital Link?
For Coco, volunteering wasn't just a box to check; it was a reflection of her own unconventional path. Having built her career through relentless curiosity—taking every free workshop and networking opportunity available—she recognized a kindred spirit in Vital Link’s mission. "What stood out to me was Vital Link's commitment to bridging the gap between education and the real world," she explains. "I know firsthand how powerful it can be when someone opens a door. My first day volunteering reinforced that this wasn't just about programs—it was about creating meaningful access for students who might not otherwise have it."The "Click" Moment: A Freshman with a Vision
When asked about the impact of her work, Coco recalls a specific moment at a local high school panel. While the room was filled with seniors nearing graduation, it was a lone freshman who caught her attention. "I asked the room who had a LinkedIn account to connect with leaders. Only one student raised their hand—that freshman. After the session, I offered to help students with their profiles. The very first person to reach out? That same student." For Coco, this is the "Why" behind the hours spent volunteering: "It only takes one person to make a difference in another person’s future."The Joy Factor: Moving Beyond the Screen
In an era of "doom scrolling" and AI-driven isolation, Coco finds the most reward in the moments when a student moves from skepticism to engagement. "You can watch their confidence build in real time," she shares. "Sometimes a student comes in guarded, but by the end, they are the ones staying behind to talk about the adult responsibilities they’re carrying—financial hardship or being a first-generation student. When they feel safe enough to ask for direction, that is powerful."Coco’s Advice to Emerging Professionals
For those looking to enter the vast world of healthcare, Coco offers a single, vital piece of advice: Stay curious.- Look beyond the title: Healthcare is a system of staffing, operations, research, and care. Understand how the whole machine works.
- Be dependable: Whether in a hospital or a research lab, being teachable and prepared is what opens doors.
- Be yourself: "Healthcare needs good people, and I truly believe there is space for you in it."
