A Decade In, Melissa (Milich) O’Rourke ’15 Found Her Passions in Career and Life
By Judith Kelliher
When Melissa (Milich) O’Rourke ’15 graduated from Springfield College with an English degree, her idea of a career path looked something like this: law school, advocacy work, and maybe something rooted in policy. But ideas change.
Today, she’s in a career that blends all of her passions: writing, editing, compliance, law, mentorship, and creativity in her role as a managing senior medical editor at Synchrony Healthcare Communications, based in West Chester, Pa. For O’Rourke, it’s “dynamic, always evolving, and deeply fulfilling.”
“What’s made the biggest difference for me is staying open-minded. Some of the best opportunities I’ve had came from saying ‘yes’ to things that didn’t exactly fit the mold I imagined for myself,” she said. “I’ve learned that growth often happens in the unexpected—when you take a chance, follow a curiosity, or go down a path that feels unconventional.”
O’Rourke initially chose Communication Disorders as her major, but changed in her junior year to English with a Political Science minor. But it was the year before that she looked ahead and decided law school was in her future (she earned a Juris Doctor at Roger Williams University School of Law in 2018). The inspiration to pursue a law degree came after she spent a semester abroad in the Semester at Sea program living and learning alongside South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, an anti-apartheid and human rights activist.
“He taught me that true leadership is rooted in humility, joy, and an unwavering commitment to justice—and that even in the face of overwhelming injustice, compassion and laughter are powerful forms of resistance,” she said.
O’Rourke believed that majoring in English would serve her well for the reading, writing, and critical thinking that law school demands. From her classes, she learned skills she would come to rely on in her career, such as thoroughly analyzing material and clearly communicating.
In her heart and mind, O’Rourke feels the Department of English is “truly something special.”
“What makes it stand out is how deeply invested the professors are in your personal and academic growth. They take the time to get to know you—not just as a student, but as a whole person—and they help you shape your education in a way that reflects your passions and long-term goals,” she said.
O’Rourke credits the flexibility of the English program with providing students opportunities to choose from a host of courses that could meet their interests—from literature and creative writing to rhetoric and cultural studies, and more. What students could gain from these classes are many, including thinking critically, writing with clarity, and communicating in ways that would be needed in almost all professions.
“I’m incredibly grateful for how my English degree has served as a foundation for such a dynamic and evolving career. It opened doors to law school, nonprofit work, editorial leadership, and creative mentorship,” O’Rourke said. “Whether you’re passionate about storytelling, social justice, education, or any number of fields, the English program at Springfield gives you the skills—and the confidence—to pursue it.”
At Synchrony Healthcare Communications, O’Rourke loves the variety of her responsibilities. She oversees the editorial process for a wide range of materials—everything from patient brochures and training decks to healthcare practitioner slide kits and internal strategy documents. From reviewing a new launch deck for accuracy to tagging references for Medical Legal Review submission to helping her team navigate Food and Drug Administration expectations for promotional content, she needs to be on top of her game.
“It’s a fast-paced environment that requires sharp attention to detail, quick turnarounds, and a deep understanding of medical terminology, brand guidelines, and regulatory compliance,” she said. “The constant variety keeps me on my toes, and I really enjoy being part of a cross-functional team where legal, creative, strategy, and science all intersect.”
Now 10 years into her career, O’Rourke believes her accomplishments have shaped how she approaches life outside of work, most especially as a wife, mother to two young children, and mentor to young women navigating the early stages of their personal and professional journeys.
“I've learned to be intentional about how work fits into our lives, establishing firm boundaries between my professional and personal time,” she said. “I want my children to see that while I’m proud of the work I do and value working hard, life is about more than just your job. It’s about showing up for your family, your community, and your passions.”
