People

Q&A with Assistant to the Chair Emily Harvey

photo of the Harvey family
The Harvey family - Emily, Brooklyn and James - on a recent trip to Savannah, Georgia.

Emily Harvey serves as front person to Lindburg Professor and Chair Craig Buchman, MD. Here she shares her thoughts on work and family and how her love for travel is reaching new heights.

What is your current title?

I am the assistant to the chair, and I have been working with Dr. Buchman for six years. I came to ENT from Anesthesiology, where I worked eight years as assistant to the vice chair and executive director and as a back up to the assistant to the chair.

photo of Harvey with admin assistants
Harvey hosts a girls night out for the other administrative assistants, from left: Laura King, Carole Prier, Ann Chanitz, Maria Harrington, Patty Tampow, Carolyn Carbery, Harvey, Jana Richardson, Deb Thompson and Candi Kidd.

Prior to working at Washington University, I worked as a legal secretary at a law firm. The job was really interesting, but there was no opportunity for growth. A friend told me about a position at WashU and honestly, the benefits were too good to ignore. I made the move and haven’t had a single regret! I hope to be one of those people who receives the 30 year service award someday —I’m halfway there!

What do you like most about your work here?

I like that my work changes every day, and I am always busy.  It makes me feel productive and makes the day fly by (sometimes too fast!).  My favorite thing about working in this department are the people I work with. It sounds corny, but I’ve truly never worked with a group that I love so much.

What spare time activity brings you the most joy?

photo of Harvey with dad
Harvey and her father on a recent daddy/daughter trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.

I most enjoy spending time with my family. My husband, James, is my high school sweetheart and we have been married for 19 years. We have a 15-year-old daughter, Brooklyn, who keeps us super busy, and I love every minute! I also love traveling! My whole family travels together every summer. Some of my favorite trips have been to Hawaii, Aruba, Colorado, and upstate New York. This year we are headed to Savannah/Hilton Head/Tybee Island. We try to go to new places each year, but my favorite “regulars” are Daytona Beach, FL, and Table Rock Lake/Branson, MO. I also love exploring state and national parks!

Is there a special something at the top of your bucket list?

I have always wanted to take a hot air balloon ride. My husband recently gifted this to me for my birthday, so we are planning to go soon!

What is your favorite indulgence?

I have a huge sweet tooth! My daughter and I love to watch baking shows and bake together. I eat everything we bake; she eats none of it.

What would most surprise your colleagues to learn about you?

I volunteer at the USO located in Lambert airport. My dad is a Vietnam veteran, which is the inspiration behind my passion for supporting our troops. It’s a very rewarding experience. My dream is to work with a military organization on a more regular basis someday when I’m not working full time.