Meet Arquidalis (aka Kiki): The Heart of Our Office
Arquidalis (Kiki) is passionate about three things: caring for people, developing her professional skills, and constantly learning new things. She is a tremendous asset to our team with nine years of experience as a lab manager and surgical assistant.
As our practice manager, Kiki handles all aspects of our practice, including patient flow, scheduling, and staffing. Her expertise extends to her role as our lab technician, where she processes all surgical pathology tissue obtained from surgery. Her meticulous work is vital for Dr. Findley to interpret the results and provide accurate diagnoses. She has been an integral part of Dr. Findley’s care team for the past ten years and thoroughly enjoys providing our patients with excellent care.
In this blog, get to know Kiki better as we take you behind the scenes!
Q: Can you tell us a little about your role as the practice manager?
Kiki: As the practice manager, my main duty is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the practice. This involves managing staff, scheduling appointments, addressing patient inquiries, coordinating staff schedules, handling the clinical budget and financial aspects, billing, maintaining a seamless workflow, resolving any issues that arise, and implementing strategies to enhance efficiency and patient satisfaction. It is essential for me to guarantee that the practice follows all legal and regulatory requirements and is functioning smoothly and efficiently. My primary objective is to ensure that we deliver top-quality care to our patients while also running efficiently. My role is diverse and demands strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the capability to juggle multiple tasks effectively. I focus on three key strategies:
·Effective communication: Clear and concise communication between team members, as well as regular updates and feedback from management, help keep everyone on the same page.
Establishing clear roles and responsibilities: Clearly defining each team member's tasks and responsibilities and delegating tasks based on individual strengths and skill sets helps us be as efficient as possible!
Creating efficient workflows and processes: To streamline operations and implement time-saving tools and software, as well as identify and eliminate any unnecessary steps in the workflow, I’m always reviewing and updating our processes.
Q: What attracted you to work in the dermatology field?
Kiki: My first job as a Medical Assistant was in a Mohs unit, and it was a truly life-changing experience for me. I was immediately drawn to dermatology. I felt a strong connection with patient care and the procedures I assisted in. I am fortunate to have found my calling early on in my career. The valuable skills and knowledge I gained in that first job have had a lasting impact on how I approach my work and care for patients.
Q: After 9 years by Dr. Findley’s side, what do you enjoy most about working with her?
Kiki: Working with Dr. Findley has been a rewarding and fulfilling experience. One of the things I enjoy the most is her compassion and dedication to her patients. She truly cares about each and every person who walks through our doors. Dr. Findley goes above and beyond to ensure they receive the best care possible. Her kindness and empathy are truly remarkable, and her unwavering commitment to helping others constantly inspires me.
I am beyond grateful for the knowledge and wisdom that she has shared with me, as well as the unwavering support that she has provided. The bond that we have formed is unbreakable, and I am excited to continue growing and learning alongside her for many years to come. Besides being an exceptional physician, Dr. Findley is also a trusted confidant and a source of inspiration. While our shared memories are numerous, the memory that I will forever hold close to my heart is her surprise for my 30th birthday, whisking me away to my favorite place on earth, Paris. This unforgettable gesture resonates deeply with me. I appreciate her presence in my life, both as my best friend and an invaluable mentor.
Q: What qualities do you think are essential for someone to work in our office?
Kiki: To work in our office, it's essential to prioritize excellent patient care. We seek individuals dedicated to providing the highest level of care and passionate about improving patient well-being. This commitment helps create a positive and supportive environment, forming the foundation of our exceptional healthcare services.
Excellent communication skills are essential for collaboration and maintaining a positive work environment. We value adaptability and working well under pressure in our dynamic office. Teamwork and a strong work ethic are crucial for success. Dr. Findley and I also seek individuals with professionalism and integrity, as these qualities are fundamental to our office culture.
Q: You are also the Mohs Lab Histology Technician Manager; how do you balance this role with all the other hats you wear?
Kiki: My honest answer is that I love what I do. This has been the key to effectively managing multiple roles and wearing multiple hats while ensuring that everything runs efficiently and patient care remains top-notch. When you are passionate about your work, it fuels your determination to handle various responsibilities with enthusiasm and dedication. This passion translates into a genuine commitment to delivering exceptional care.
I rely on meticulous planning and organization, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance, and allocating time and resources to each role as needed. While balancing these responsibilities can be demanding, I find great fulfillment in knowing that my efforts contribute to the overall success of the practice and the well-being of our patients. This helps me stay motivated and focused, even when faced with challenges or a demanding workload. This positive attitude also positively influences our team and fosters a supportive and productive work environment. While it can be challenging at times, I find great satisfaction in successfully navigating these varying roles.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself outside of work?
Kiki: Outside of work, I prioritize spending quality time with my family. As a mother of three amazing kids, I enjoy the lively energy they bring to our home. We often play family games and enjoy conversing at dinner about our day. I have a passion for good music and appreciate a variety of genres. Additionally, my husband and I relish the experience of trying out new restaurants, particularly those that are family-owned, as it allows us to explore new cuisines while supporting small, family-owned businesses.
Q: What’s your favorite way to relax after a busy day at the office?
Kiki: After a busy day at the office, nothing beats the feeling of coming home and resting on the couch with all my kids. Their laughter and presence bring an instant sense of joy and fulfillment, making me feel like I can conquer anything. This precious time together recharges me. Later, I indulge in the company of a good book to further unwind and relax.
Q: What’s one fun fact about you that might surprise your colleagues and patients?
Kiki: One intriguing fact about me is that in 2007, I had an amazing opportunity to write a book while living in New York. I ended up winning first place, which was incredibly rewarding. The book was a deep dive into my personal journey of coming to the United States and the profound cultural shock I experienced during that time. Unfortunately, the limitations of technology meant that I lost the original copy of the book. However, I am grateful for all the recognition certificates that I received!
Q: What are your goals or aspirations for the future, both professionally and personally?
Kiki: Professionally, I aim to advance in my career and take on more challenging roles that allow me to make a positive impact in my field, particularly in patient care. I also aspire to continue learning and developing new skills to stay ahead in my profession. Continuously educating myself on what is best for our patients, staff, and our practice is a key priority for me.
On a personal level, I am keen on exploring new destinations and immersing myself in different cultures through travel. By venturing to various places, I hope to expand my understanding of the world, learn new languages, and create lasting memories with my loved ones. I would love to dedicate part of my time to supporting meaningful causes and actively participate in initiatives that aim to make a positive impact in the lives of others.