Staff Spotlight: Erika Benedetti

Name: Erika Benedetti

Role: Medical Assistant (MA)

Joined NWWC: July 2018

Personal Life: Erika was raised on Orcas Island and has also lived in Texas. Her husband is from Canada. She has four children (3 sons, 1 daughter) and one grandson. Her three sons are in the US military; 2 in the Marines and 1 in the Air Force.

Life before NWWC: Erika has been an MA for 5 years. Prior to that, she was a preschool teacher for 10 years, a midwife assistant, a court reporter, a medical transcriptionist and scribe, and a campground manager.

A Day in her Job: Erika has worn multiple hats at NWWC. Currently she supports the team as an MA by getting patients ready for their appointments with the surgeons or advanced practice providers. She measures vital signs, assists patients with FMLA paperwork after surgery, and communicates with outside providers to support patient care. She has also served as a Patient Care Coordinator (PCC). In that role, Erika helped patients navigate their pre-op journey. She would meet with patients during their surgical consults, schedule their pre-operative appointments, follow up on pre-surgical test results with patients and providers, and made sure paperwork gets to the right people within NWWC and beyond. She attends information seminars to meet new patients and answer their questions about the pre-operative journey. She enjoys being able to help people on their journey to change their lives.

What Else to Know about Erika:

• Erika can relate to the patient journey on a personal level. She is celebrating her 4-year bariatric surgiversary on March 25^th. “There were so many years of playing food games but now it’s about life, having other things to focus on besides food. Now I’ve got a lap for my grandson and that was one of my goals.”
• She probably knows your dog’s name! She likes to learn about her patients’ families (including furry members) so she can make her patients feel comfortable. “We want to have a family environment. We’re your home away from home.”
• She understands that the pre-operative journey can be frustrating and wants to support you. “I can identify with that on a personal basis. It’s not always easy or fun. I’m a cheerleader for those who need support. I can help patients with the things they wish someone had told them.”
• She is full of positivity and an inspiration to her team members and patients. “I feel blessed to be here so I can share hope with others because life is good. It’s not just a t-shirt.”