We are pleased to feature Joanne Rowland, Administrative Coordinator at UPMC Altoona, in this edition of our Administrative Staff Spotlight series.
Joanne joined Altoona Hospital in 1998 and witnessed the hospital’s evolution as it became part of Altoona Regional Health System in 2004 and later joined University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Health System to become UPMC Altoona in 2013. Throughout the hospital’s many changes, she has remained a vital team member and assistant to both the Chief Anesthesiologist and CRNA Clinical Director. Her responsibilities include managing scheduling for CRNAs, overseeing payroll, handling expense and payment requests, conducting and processing new hire and locum interviews, coordinating credentialing with the Medical Staff, supporting the OR and Block Utilization Committees, maintaining certifications and educational materials, and managing departmental communication and administrative tasks.
Joanne earned an associate’s degree from the Altoona School of Commerce, receiving hands-on training in medical billing, office administration, data entry and processing, coding, and insurance.
We invite you to get to know Joanne better through the Q&A below.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from?
I grew up in the area and have always lived within 45 minutes of Altoona. I enjoy gardening, cooking, and spending time outdoors.
Can you describe your current role and how it contributes to the overall success of the department?
I’m the go-to person who keeps things moving. My responsibilities range from payroll and scheduling to approving vacations, fixing a broken printer, ordering lunch, organizing committee meetings, addressing complaints, assisting with credentialing, and handling just about anything else that comes up.
How long have you been in your current role, and what initially drew you to this position?
I have been in my current position for 27 years, through three mergers and many transitions. I started part-time out of school and have remained on staff since.
Who or what inspires you in your professional journey, and how has that inspiration shaped your work?
My parents always taught me the importance of hard work and doing a good job. My mother emphasized time and time again the need for my siblings and me to always do the right thing.
Reflecting on your time in your current position, what has been your proudest professional accomplishment?
One of the proudest professional accomplishments was winning the UPMC Award for Commitment and Excellence in Service (ACES) in 2021. It was very unexpected and moving to receive this recognition.
Outside of work, what personal achievement are you most proud of, and how did it impact your life?
About five years ago, my husband and I purchased 40 acres and a house that needed renovation. The house had a terrible smell, and the property was very neglected. Now, the house is 90% complete, and while the property is still a work in progress, it looks much better. This experience has positively impacted my life because we worked as a team on various projects. Even though it was a lot of work, we can see the end result, and it has become my favorite place to be. We joke that we should have had a TV show on HGTV, as some of the process wasn't too pleasant!
Who have been your most significant mentors in your career or personal life, and what valuable lessons have you learned from them?
My grandmother was very inspirational to me. She was a strong woman but also very kind. She was the one who taught me about gardening. She was always creative, enjoying crafting, painting, quilting, and music.
What is something about you that might surprise your colleagues in the department?
In my spare time, I love to go antiquing.
What is a book, movie, or song that has had a significant impact on your life, and why does it resonate with you?
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett resonates with me because of my love of gardening, the feeling of being a kid again, and the magic of the story.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what draws you to that destination?
I would travel to England to look and walk through all the beautiful gardens.
What is a unique talent or hobby you have that most people in the department may not know about?
I have been a Master Gardener with Penn State Extension for over 17 years!
What is one life lesson you’ve learned that you believe everyone should know?
I feel like everyone focuses on money in life; for me, it’s about time. You can’t buy time or win it; we are all given the same amount each day, and the older you get, the faster it seems to go. People should appreciate time more—I know I often wish I had more of it each day.
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time, and how do they help you recharge?
After an extremely stressful day, or really any time I head outside, being in the fresh air and nature— even while pulling weeds—helps me relax and feel better.
How do you manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially in a demanding role like yours?
This is very difficult for me, especially now that we all have our phones and can be plugged in at all times. When I get home, I make a point of putting my phone on the table and walking away. I don’t take it outside with me or carry it around. If I'm in the house and hear a text, I’ll check and answer it, but I’m not constantly attached to it. On weekends, there may be hours before I even look at my phone.
What advice would you offer to new staff joining our department to help them succeed?
Be willing to step outside the box and go the extra mile to help someone. Whether it’s showing them how to complete a form or helping them find something, we are all new at some point or trying to figure out how to do things. A little help can go a long way.
Can you share a memorable experience or challenge you faced during your tenure here and how you overcame it?
I believe that in our work environment, there will always be challenges and, of course, deadlines with a heavy workload. You just have to determine what is most important, prioritize that, and then start working on the next task.