Grace Ayara - "Why Not?"

In my wildest dreams, I never expected that I would become a Surgery Scheduler. In fact, I had never considered a career in healthcare. I thought it required too much specialized training.

It was a happy accident that I became a Surgery Scheduler. I was going through a few life changes (break up, move, and career change) when a friend asked if I could help her out with phones and other administrative duties at a surgery center. The center receptionist was out sick for several days. I was trying to establish myself as a real estate appraiser, so I thought “why not?”

After the receptionist returned, I continued working on administrative projects. I learned a lot about various aspects of the business and realized that my skills and experience were easily transferable to healthcare. A few months later, the receptionist resigned and I was offered a full time position. I took the job for several reasons but most importantly, because I enjoyed the work. It was rewarding.

Now, as a Surgery Scheduler most of my time is spent talking with the surgeons’ office staff and coordinating the schedule with the anesthesiologists and nursing team. Sometimes we have too many cases; then I have to find more staff. Or I am calling the office schedulers for more cases to fill the day. Almost every day, I am trying to fulfill a special request. You’d be surprised how many cases require something special!

I like working with people and solving problems. The work is more serious than other jobs that I’ve held. I am proud of how much I have learned and mastered over the last year or so. The courses offered by RUSH helped me set a good foundation. Now I am ready for another challenge. As luck would have it, the surgery center is being sold to a much larger organization. I am hoping the sale will mean new opportunities such as Hospital Scheduler, Department Coordinator—essentially a role that requires coordinating people and events.
In short, the best way to look for a new job, whether it’s in healthcare or another industry, is to start by telling your friends what you want to do. You’ll be surprised how many of them know someone who can help you. Be open to an opportunity, even if it’s not your ideal job. You just never know where it will take you.

Grace Ayara
Surgery Scheduler
Monterey Doctors Surgery Center