In a Word: Carol Jaquith on listening well, helping people find their way at Mayo, more

By In the Loop • March 17, 2022
Carol Jaquith

This column spotlights the kinds of people you think about when you think about Mayo Clinic. They've answered questions, serious and otherwise, so you can know them better.

You see them at bedsides. Behind desks. You may spot them walking down a hall or sprinting across a lobby, making every effort to look like they're walking. You see them talking quietly with a patient and family, or sitting down with you at a meeting. They may be friends, teammates or someone you know only by sight. But you're glad they're here. And it's reassuring to know that the health of our patients, our colleagues and the institution itself rests in their capable, friendly, earnest, caring and compassionate hands.

It's been a few years — 39 to be precise — since Carol Jaquith left her job selling movie tickets and popcorn at the Oakview Theater in Rochester to start working at Mayo Clinic.

Although Jaquith, a systems analyst and media technician in Architectural and Engineering Design Services, does not directly care for patients, she spends her time helping patients in other ways. As a member of the Wayfinding Subcommittee, Jaquith helps provide information for patients, visitors and staff that allows them to navigate their way around Mayo Clinic. She also is responsible for maintaining Mayo's Work Area Reference System database that catalogs all the buildings Mayo Clinic owns, rents or leases.

"What really helped me excel at Mayo was I went back to school and received my four-year degree and master's degree," she says. "Mayo has been very good to me and my career."

One of my favorite things about Mayo Clinic: There are so many good things about Mayo Clinic, it is hard to select just one. But if I had to, I would say being able to serve others. It is a gratifying feeling to know that I make a difference here at Mayo.

The single most important thing I did at work yesterday (or expect to do tomorrow): Mayo is ever-changing. One thing I did recently was learn a new application that will upgrade the Work Area Reference System. This new system will be an enhancement over the system we have used for years. I am excited to see such a user-friendly, robust and high-tech program will be rolled out next year.

A book I would recommend, or one I want to read (and why): "The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown. It's about nine Americans and their epic quest for the gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Mayo Clinic has taught me: To really listen so that I understand what others need for them to be successful. To clear obstacles so my colleagues can focus on taking care of the patient or other nonclinical and administrative work.

Most treasured or best advice from a colleague at Mayo: Back in the early days in Medical Records, a co-worker told me to "give 110% and don't expect anything back." I have loved all the various jobs I have worked here at Mayo. They were all so satisfying.

Most memorable Mayo moment: When I worked in Phlebotomy at Saint Marys Hospital, I had the opportunity to meet so many patients, including VIP patients that I was honored to meet.

I play the bagpipes. Our band, The Rochester Caledonian Pipe Band, had the honor of playing at Sister Generose's memorial. We played "Amazing Grace" as the Plummer Building doors closed. It was such a serene moment. 

I met Sister Generose when I worked at Saint Marys and talked with her often when she was in her office or walking around the campus. She was so kind and personable, and always had a kind word to everyone. And she made the best sugar cookies. I even got her recipe.

If I could choose the "hold" music for Mayo Clinic: Bagpipe music played by The Rochester Caledonian Pipe Band. I only say this because I'm in this band.

Favorite space on campus this month: Feith Family Statuary Park with statues of Sister Mother Alfred, Dr. Will Mayo and Dr. Charlie Mayo. I just love the setting with the Gonda and Mayo buildings in the background. It is an inviting outdoor space for our patients to see when they drive up.

People who inspire me: My parents. They instilled a good work ethic that I carry on to this day. I'm very lucky. They are still around at 87, and they enjoy seeing me excel in my work.

The most fun I've had at work this year: I am a remote worker. However, I do go on campus a couple of days a month. Last August, I was on campus to do some wayfinding work, and I saw an elderly couple walking around the subway. They had that lost look. I walked up to them and asked them if they needed help. They said, "We are trying to find the Proton Beam building," which I knew was the Jacobson Building. I walked them to the Jacobson Building and had a nice conversation with them and found out they had been coming to Mayo Clinic for more than 60 years. And they are always in awe when they visit Mayo, seeing how big we are growing. They raved about how nice everyone is at Mayo. It just made my day to help them and hear they appreciate Mayo each time they visit.

Team Dr. Charlie or Team Dr. Will? Or Team Mother Alfred or Team Dr. W.W. Why? Mother Alfred. The sisters were — and are still — amazing here at Mayo. They gave so much and never asked for anything in return. Their unspoken words and actions are huge around Mayo.

When patients recall their visit to Mayo Clinic, I hope they remember: How easy it was for them to navigate around the campus due to the amazing wayfinding signage.

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