Office Manager Laura King is a key player in making the department of Otolaryngology run smoothly. Here she talks about her love for traveling with family and why she’s learning a new language.
How long have you been with the Department of Otolaryngology?
I started in Otolaryngology in April, 2022 as office manager and head and neck fellowship coordinator. I started at Washington University in September 1994 with the Department of Cardiology. Prior to that, I worked at St. Louis Orthopedic Institute.
What do you like most about your work here?
Transferring to a new department after so long in my previous job was a little unnerving, but everyone in Oto has been very welcoming and kind. I have the pleasure of serving as manager for a great group of administrative assistants and our wonderful mail person. I am also the coordinator for the Head & Neck Fellowship Program.
Is Oto different from other departments you’ve worked in?
The biggest and certainly most obvious difference coming to Oto has been learning new terminology. After 27 years in Cardiology, I can still easily explain treatment options for a chronic total occlusion or aortic valve stenosis. Now I feel like I’m learning a whole new language.
What spare time activity brings you the most joy?
Spending time with family and friends is most important to me. My immediate family of four – husband Jim, sons Nick (22) and Blake (19), and Cockapoo Riley (7) – enjoy traveling as much as possible. When our kids were little, we went to the beach a couple times a year. However, in the past five years, we’ve enjoyed summer trips to Colorado where we love to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park; go biking in Keystone and Breckenridge; and go white water rafting in Buena Vista. My husband and I recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary and took a few smaller trips to Scottsdale, San Diego, and most recently Maine, where we hiked in Acadia National Park.
Is there a special something at the top of your bucket list?
Returning to Europe would be on the top of my list. My husband has not traveled abroad and has always wanted to visit Ireland, so we are hoping to add that to our list in the very near future.
What is your favorite indulgence?
Oh boy. My favorite indulgence is definitely ice cream! I try not to indulge too much, but its soooo hard to resist.
What would most surprise your colleagues to learn about you?
While traveling in Innsbruck, Austria, I participated in an archery competition and won a William Tell Bow & Arrow competition. Thankfully, I did not have to shoot an arrow through an apple on someone’s head, but I did find the bull’s eye on my first shot. My kids still enjoy reminding me it was pure luck.