I like working with the doctors and I have become more comfortable with them ... getting to know them on a more personal level has been very nice.

I help organize patients' appointments, schedule tests they need completed prior to appointments, check them in and direct them where to go. I make sure patients flow through their appointments, so they know where to go or what to expect while they are here. This involves phone and computer work. It is becoming much more computer-oriented since Mayo's goal is a paperless environment. I work 10-hour days beginning at 7 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m.

Mayo Clinic provides a six-week paid training program that involves classroom work and on-the-job training. Training is based on getting to know Mayo, maintaining the chart (medical record), knowing what forms to look for and what papers are necessary for different procedures. Someone interested in this role needs good customer service skills because you deal with a diverse group of staff and patients.

This occupation offers advancement opportunities; I see people move to jobs as appointment coordinators, clinical assistants, assistant desk supervisors and supervisor. Many advancement opportunities are based on experience and training you can get here at Mayo. That is a big benefit at Mayo -- they put a lot of emphasis on education.

There is a lot of pride that comes with working at Mayo. There is a sense of accomplishment knowing that in some small way you help to make things a little easier for patients.