January 22, 2024
Meet Christina Hoy
Medical Assistant
Where are you from? 
I was born and raised here in Saint Louis. Something interesting I recently learned is that St. Louis is known to consume more BBQ sauce per capita than any other American city – which I have multiple kinds in my kitchen!
What brought you to Washington University Orthopedics?
What brought me to Washington University is my former co-worker, Hannah Poddig. I have always wanted to be employed here because of the standard of excellence, the success stories, the positive patient reviews, the family atmosphere, and the teamwork. Hannah kept telling me how much she loved bring a part of WashU, and how great things were going. She helped me with the application and onboarding process along the way. I ended up in the perfect fit – orthopedics.
How do you support the department?
I work as a Registered Medical Assistant for Dr. Nathan Olafsen in Psyiatry. I room patients, schedule injections, assist in some procedures, and anything that needs to be done to support my physician and take great care of our patients. I am extremely grateful for everything I have learned and continue to learn from being in this department.
What aspect of your work do you find most interesting or rewarding?
This work is extremely close to my heart because in December of 2015, I shattered my tibia and fibula and fractured my talus. I had 5 ankle surgeries in 5 years (starting when I was 21 years old) until we finally decided to do a total ankle replacement in October of 2020. I was one of the youngest people that they did a total ankle replacement surgery on. I have had countless x-rays, injections, MRIs, and had to see numerous surgeons to get to the final end goal of a total ankle replacement. It was the longest and toughest road of my life. I thought there was nothing out there to help me. From being unable to walk at all in my young adult life to now being able to hike and workout, I want to take part in helping other people be able to do the same. I completely understand having chronic pain and severe arthritis and how it can make life absolutely miserable. No one should have to live like that. Seeing our patients feel better and get more out of life is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever been a part of.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy reading, working out, being outdoors – hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming. I also enjoy cleaning, organizing and decorating my house, doing anything with my husband and 3 dogs, and of course – relaxing when I can.
What's the best advice you ever received?
There are a few pieces of advice that stuck with me over the years - not to sound so cliché, but the most useful one is to remember to stop and smell the roses. I try to make it a point every day in this busy adult life to just stop and really just take in the surroundings. Breaking the day-to-day routine of “going through the motions.” I like to sit outside during lunch and just inhale the fresh air and just pause for a few minutes. I have been focusing on being more present this year, not missing the little things because of a text or a news article – because the most important things are around me.
Another piece of advice I want to share is: “When you put love out in the world it travels, and it can touch and reach people in ways that we never even expected.” — Laverne Cox
This really resonates with me and the message is simple – just be kind. It is incredible how it may radiate and really how many lives can be touched just by something kind you said or did.
If you weren't in health care, what would you like to be doing?
If I wasn’t in health care, I would love to be doing something with interior design. One of my main hobbies is picking out things that go well together and styling them in my home or wherever I’m able. I love the “science” behind it and how satisfying it is to make a space comfortable as well as beautiful.
Anything else you would like to share?
I got married to my husband, Jonathan, in December of 2022. We spent our one-year wedding anniversary this on Oahu, Hawaii! I had two dogs when we met: my German shepherd mix, Archer and my mini-pit bull, Louie. I also acquired a bonus dog, Abby, who is a long hair golden retriever. They are my absolute babies that bring me so much joy. I recently lost my father in March of 2023 to cancer. This loss has brought the rest of my family and I much closer together and I don’t know where I would be without their love and support during all these new changes in my life.
Learn why patient's choose Washington University Orthopedics, request an appointment online or call (314) 514-3500.