1.

What brought you to Mayo Clinic, and how long have you worked here?

I came to the organization nearly eight years ago as part of a salesforce expansion for the cardiovascular sales team for Mayo Clinic Laboratories. At that time, we were responsible for selling CV diagnostic testing to community hospitals and educating cardiologists on our next-generation sequencing testing. We sold diagnostic testing for long QT syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and others.

Tamara Staley

2.

What’s your current role and what does a typical workday look like for you?

Currently, I am the regional director of sales for the Hematology and Oncology Central Region. I manage a team of experienced sales professionals who sell our hematology and oncology diagnostic testing. A typical day can consist of being out in the field on a co-ride with my team members to meet clients and learn about their business. During co-rides, we discover challenges faced by our clients, address their needs, and identify gaps in testing and service. We demonstrate Mayo Clinic values and build upon collaborative efforts by working together to meet the needs of patients. My workday may also consist of regional and divisional leadership team meetings to learn about new testing as well as strategic planning to gain a better understanding of what’s on the horizon. Every day has its own set of challenges, wins, and opportunities. No two days look the same!

3.

How do you think your work benefits providers and patients?  

My work benefits patients because we provide answers to very difficult cases. Behind every specimen is a patient. Every patient wants and deserves information about their disease, the tests performed, and treatment they may receive. The work we do is important because physicians and patients are waiting on results from the Mayo Clinic! We are considered the gold standard and people look to us for our expertise and experience. This provides me a sense of worth and value and reminds me that I am making a difference.

4.

Is there anything about you or your job that others may find surprising?  

That’s a great question, and I have more of a personal story. I have a sorority sister who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. We were driving in my car when she got the call from her doctor sharing her diagnosis. I will never forget that call. He told her that the tumor was malignant, and she had stage 2B breast cancer. I’ll never forget the emotion that was shared between us in that moment. At the time, it was scary, but now we can rejoice in the fact that today she’s OK. So, it’s by no surprise that I’m working in this area with Mayo Clinic. Additionally, I volunteer with various organizations in my local community. In fact, I’m supporting the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk on Sunday, Oct. 29. I support this walk and participate in the Susan G. Komen cancer walk that happens every year in May. It is an honor to uplift, support, and encourage other women.

5.

How does your role support breast cancer awareness?

We offer a wide variety of oncology solid tumor testing that includes breast cancer testing. Esoteric testing that is not available at the local hospital level may be ordered at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. The work that we do includes providing education on our test offerings to our clients and serving as a resource when needed. We act as a conduit between Mayo Clinic consultants and clients and their patients across the country with respect to cancer diagnostic testing.

6.

Which part(s) of your job is the most challenging, and why?  

The hematology and oncology space is a very clinically driven and fast-paced environment. Things are always evolving, and you must stay abreast of what’s happening to stay ahead. The learning curve has been great, but the journey has been awesome. I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s been a stretch assignment for me thus far, but I’m up for the challenge and remain steadfast in being a lifelong learner. I learn something new every day.  

7.

What gives you meaning and purpose in your work?  

I’m a servant leader in all that I do, whether that’s at work, within my family life, or in my local community. Serving and helping others as well as being solution-focused gives me meaning and purpose every day.