ENT clinical supervisor Tara Koste shares her love for family, friends, travel, her dog Blaney, and her side gig – marrying people.
What is your current role in the department?
I have been with the Department of Otolaryngology at Washington University since June, 2006. I started as the float medical assistant in the pediatric division and I now serve as clinical supervisor for the CAM. Prior to working at Wash U I worked for a pediatrician’s office in Illinois, and at Saint Louis Children’s Hospital prior to that.
What do you like most about your work here?
It is always changing. I love that there is always something new to learn. I think our department is great. There is always room to grow.
What influenced you to want to work in a healthcare setting?
I took a health occupations class in high school and obtained my CNA license. I started working in a nursing home at 16 and never left the healthcare industry. It is all I know!
What spare time activity brings you the most joy?
I love my family and friends. If I am not at work, I am usually spending time with both. I have two wonderful God daughters, Kayla who is 25, and Maple, who is just 2 years old. I love them both dearly. I also LOVE my dog Blaney. She keeps me busy with fetch.
Is there a special something at the top of your bucket list, and why?
Travel, travel and more travel! I am always ready to go someplace new. So far Costa Rica has been my favorite destination. The island is so safe you can venture out and see the whole country – beach, mountains and jungle. Curacao is probably a close second. It is so beautiful. I have also been to Belize, Roatan, a couple of places in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. As you can tell, I am quite the beach bum!
What is your favorite indulgence?
My one true indulgence has to be Mexican food. I have a group of friends that meet most Sundays at our local Mexican restaurant.
What would most surprise your colleagues to learn about you?
I am an ordained minister and have performed eight wedding ceremonies to date, even though I have never been married myself! I was blessed to officiate at my oldest God daughter’s wedding.