Most people find the prospect of surgery stressful. While the procedure itself can be a source of anxiety, the “pre-op” process can feel overwhelming, too. We understand. Fortunately, Surgical Clearance Coordinator Elizabeth King keeps the pre-op stress to a minimum for patients of Blue Ridge Orthopaedic by making sure each surgery goes off without a hitch from an administrative standpoint. And there’s a lot to keep track of, as you might imagine. “I try to make our patient’s journey to be cleared as stress-free as possible, since many already are facing a possible stressful event with surgery,” she says. Scroll down for the complete Q&A with Elizabeth.

Q: How long have you been working at Blue Ridge Orthopaedic?

Almost 14 years, total.

Q: What is your job title?

Surgical Clearance Coordinator/Medical Transcriptionist

Q: What does your job entail?

Scheduling pre-op appointments, testing, making sure all documents get to the surgical site, transcription

Q: What do you like most about your job?

Helping patients get what they need to get better

Q: What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?

Do your best no matter what the circumstances are

Q: What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

Probably working for myself growing flowers

Q: What profession would you definitely NOT like to do?

Anything political

Q: What county do you live in?

Fauquier

Q: What do you like best about your county?

My neighbors

Q: What is your favorite local business?

Latitudes in town (Warrenton)

Q: What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

Hiking, kayaking, Civil War re-enactor, writing poetry, and music.

Q: What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I was a street car racer when I was younger. I won often, too :)

Q: Where’s your favorite place in the world?

Anywhere my children are

Q: What is your motto or personal mantra?

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Q: Three words to best describe you:

I have been told I am dedicated, caring, and hard working

Q: What is the one thing you can’t live without?

Love

Q: What is the most recent TV show you binge watched?

Intelligence on Netflix

Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be?

To fly

Q: What is one food that you cannot resist?

Cheeseburgers

Q: If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?

Relationships

Q: What’s the best advice you were ever given?

That I can start my day over anytime

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person (or neither)?

Both