We are pleased to feature Carly Zandarski, MBA, RDMS, Project Director in our department, in this edition of our Administrative Staff Spotlight series.
Carly has a clinical background in diagnostic medical sonography. Originally from Erie, PA, she has lived in Pittsburgh for 13 years. Carly trained at the Great Lakes Institute of Technology and is a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS) certified in OB/GYN and Breast Ultrasound; she maintains her credentials though she no longer practices clinically.
While working as an OB/GYN sonographer at Magee, Carly earned a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Leadership and an MBA from Clarion University. She has completed project management coursework and finished a course on "Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Fundamentals and Applications" through MIT's professional development platform MIT xPRO.
We invite you to get to know Carly better through the Q&A below.
Describe your current role as Project Director and explain how your responsibilities advance the department’s strategic goals and project outcomes.
As I joined the team only a few months ago, my role is continuing to grow and evolve. I have been spending time shadowing different teams and workflows to gain an understanding of how the department functions. I also have been working on numerous and varied projects with the administration team on the 13th floor. The work I do is always changing, and two days are never the same. I am really enjoying learning more about the department every day!
What motivated you to take on this position?
While I loved the role I had with the Department of Radiology, I was ready for a growth opportunity and a new challenge. I had been working in healthcare for going on 14 years and all that time has been in Imaging, in various roles from technologists to leadership to quality. During all my interactions in my interview process, from initial phone call, to being greeted by Jen, to learning more about the department and role from Bill it felt like a great fit for me both culturally and from the work I would be doing. When offered the position, I was excited for the opportunity to challenge myself by using my experiences and knowledge outside of the service line I knew.
Who or what has most influenced your professional development, and how has that shaped your leadership, decision-making, or project management style?
There have been many people and experiences that have shaped my professional journey. When asked a question like this, I always go back to my first 6-month review at UPMC. I was working in the OB Ultrasound Department when Dr. Isabelle Wilkins provided feedback to my supervisor that I should consider a leadership role in the department one day. While I had been in leadership roles prior to healthcare, this is not something I was considering 1.5 years into my sonography career. Thanks to Dr. Wilkins encouragement, and further discussion with my supervisor, I enrolled to complete my bachelor's degree and then my MBA.
Outside of your professional life, which personal achievement are you most proud of, and what impact has it had on you?
The achievement I am most proud of is my family. My husband and I get to watch our daughter grow into a kind, thoughtful, and goofy person. We are so proud of the little person she is becoming, and I am lucky to have him as such a supportive partner. Being a mom and watching your child grow and learn is so much fun!
Who have been the most important mentors in your career or personal life, and what key lessons did you learn from them?
I have been lucky to work with so many great people over my career, and many who I would call a mentor. The most impactful person I have had the pleasure of working with is Dr. Rita Zuley. I had the opportunity to work with her for 5 years. The lessons learned could fill a book! She shared insight on how to navigate being a woman in leadership both through discussion and her actions, she taught me how to refine a bigger picture to ensure you are delivering a clear message, and how to bring a group of people together with differing opinions to achieve a common goal, even when you thought that might not have been possible. I will be forever grateful for these lessons, and many, many, more!
If given the opportunity to travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what attracts you to that destination?
I have many places that I would love to travel to, but if given the opportunity to travel anywhere I would go to Greece. I have wanted to go to Greece as long as I can remember! I did see Mamma Mia! on Broadway in elementary school so perhaps it started then but it is so beautiful and picturesque. We will definitely travel there one day!
Which hobbies or activities do you pursue in your free time, and how do they contribute to your wellbeing?
In my free time, which is limited with an almost 4.5-year-old, I like to crochet! I started crocheting in the evenings as I wanted to make plushies for my daughter when she was little. I soon learned that crocheting would become an important part of my well-being as a way of stress relief. I have found that while I not only find it to be enjoyable to do and it is fun to make things for someone else, or myself, it quiets a busy brain and helps me relax at the end of a busy day.
How do you sustain a healthy work–life balance while managing multiple projects and the demands of a Project Director role?
I have always been a proponent for work-life balance. While I love my job, family will always come first. I work hard when I am at work and try my best to leave work at work at the end of the day. Balancing multiple projects with varying deadlines is something I have always done well and is something I actually enjoy – I suppose I chose a great role in that sense! I start each day by reviewing what needs to be done and prioritizing those tasks or projects. When new things inevitably come in, I quickly re-evaluate and pivot. I set realistic goals and timelines for tasks and projects, and if something alters those, I communicate that as soon as I am aware. I find that this works well for me keeping that balance and maintaining a sense of control of that balance.
What practical advice would you offer to new staff joining the department to help them integrate quickly and succeed on projects?
The advice I always give to anyone when starting a new role, project, or task is never to be afraid to ask questions. I think people are often nervous about being the person that doesn’t know something, but you will never know if you don’t ask! A specific piece of advice for the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine is not to be shy. Everyone here is so kind and willing to lend a hand – take the time to get to know your colleagues and you will quickly feel like part of the team!