Become a Patient

Employee Spotlight: Sara, Lead Intake Coordinator

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Meet Sara, the Carling Adrenal Center's Lead Intake Coordinator

If you've had adrenal surgery at the Carling Adrenal Center, chances are Sara was your guide through the process. From initial intake conversations through post-op follow-up, Sara is a valuable member of the team who our patients know and adore. Get to know her better through the Q&A below!

1) Tell us about your background and how you ended up working in healthcare.

I chose to join the healthcare field after I had a scary experience delivering my first son. He went into distress during labor requiring an emergency c-section. The medical team that cared for us were quick to respond and delivered my baby safely. 

When I went back to work, my time away from my children had to be meaningful which is why I chose healthcare. I wanted to offer kindness, compassion, and knowledge to patients in their time of need.

2) What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy most about this job is the day-to-day interactions with our patients. Our practice is so unique in that we treat people from all over the country and the world. I love learning about their lives and how I can play a small role on their journey toward better health.  Whether that’s getting pregnant, going back to a job they love, or having more energy for their kids or grandkids—it’s meaningful to be a part of their journey.

3) When did you start working with the practices? What makes the practices and the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery special/unique?

I started working for the practice in 2014 as a receptionist. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of roles from intake to management for our parathyroid practice, scarless thyroid practice, and ultimately for Dr. Carling’s adrenal practice, which is where I found my niche.

We have the world’s best surgeons in their respective fields and people come from all over the globe for their expertise in endocrine surgery.

4) What is your favorite part of the patient process?

I love hearing from patients after surgery. They are so grateful for their surgeon and the entire team that helped them feel better.  Nothing is more rewarding than hearing how you helped a patient get back to living a meaningful, healthy life.

5) Can you tell me about a particularly rewarding patient experience you remember?

There are so many, but one that stands out is the patient that Dr. Carling operated on during pregnancy.  She was already set to have surgery to remove a pheochromocytoma when she found out she was pregnant. Dr. Carling was able to safely perform the operation during her 2nd trimester. Mom did great after surgery, her blood pressure was perfect after removing the tumor, and a healthy, baby boy was born in July.

Check out Dr. Carling's post on the top 5 things to know about adrenal tumors and pregnancy.

*Editor's note: In case you missed it, check out the video Q&A with the pregnant pheochromocytoma patient mentioned below. 

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Sara! 

Learn more about APRN Meredith, Lead Adrenal Surgery Tech Chrisnailil, and Scheduling Manager Angie. Our Carling Adrenal Center team is led by the world's foremost adrenal surgeon, Dr. Tobias Carling. Learn more about Dr. Carling.

Additional Resources: 

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Author

Dr. Tobias Carling MD, PhD, FACS

Dr. Carling is the most experienced adrenal surgeon in the United States, and by far the world's most knowledgeable surgeon-scientist when it comes to adrenal gland function and disease, adrenal tumors and cancer, and all forms of adrenal gland surgery. Dr. Carling has more experience with advanced minimally invasive adrenal and endocrine operations than any surgeon in the United States. A fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Carling is a significant member of both the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES) and the International Association of Endocrine Surgeons (IAES).