As Anesthesia Tech Week continues, we’re proud to spotlight Ashley McCorkle from UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. Ashley’s expertise, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit make her an essential part of the perioperative team. Her dedication to and leadership in supporting safe, effective anesthesia care is a true asset to our patients and providers.
What inspired you to pursue a career as an anesthesia technician, and how did that lead you to a management role at UPMC?
I've always has a passion for helping people, which initially led me to work as a lifeguard and EMT when I was younger. I considered going to law school, but when some family circumstances arose, I decided to stay closer to home and pursue a career in anesthesia by attending technical school. After I finished school, I got job offers from West Penn and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. I really liked the friendly team atmosphere at Magee, so I knew that's where I wanted to work.
I started on the night shift and had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Gordon Mandell for most of my career. Dr. Mandell would let me listen to his lectures and explained things in depth. He really took his time to train me. I would know what he wanted without hesitation. He really molded me into the tech I became. He and others here at Magee are huge advocates for techs being part of the team model and why it is such a great place to work.
As I gained experience and confidence in my role, I was eager to take on more responsibilities. When the opportunity for a management position arose, I knew I had to give it my best shot.
How did your training or education prepare you for a leadership position?
I worked nights for 15 years with a very limited staff, alone and with no one to call because we didn't have a call system yet. If something broke, I had to fix it or come up with a solution. If a task needed to be done, I knew it was up to me to handle it or find the right way to ask for help. Working alone makes you efficient; you have to think outside the box sometimes and be creative.
During those off-shift hours, I also had the opportunity to spend a lot of one-on-one time with higher trained providers (anesthesiologists, CRNAs, residents, surgeons) who taught me regularly. I could always ask them the “why” behind what they were asking me to do so I understood better, and I became a stronger, more capable tech. Their mentorship was truly a gift, and many of them continue to support and guide me to this day.
I took this knowledge with me when i took the leap to management. I am as transparent as I possibly can be with everyone. I am not a perfect boss, but every day I try to be better than the day before.
Every time I ask someone to do something, I let them know why I am asking and the importance of the task. I know I can’t make everyone happy all the time, but my goal is to create a positive environment for as many people as possible. I also make it a point never to ask anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself—a value that has been important to me long before I stepped into a leadership role.
What key qualities do you look for when building a team of anesthesia technicians?
Flexibility, willingness to learn, accountability, and work ethic.
How do you keep your team motivated and ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest anesthesia technologies and techniques?
Keeping the team motivated and informed can be challenging, especially since many activities were put on hold during COVID. Thankfully, we’re now starting to return to normal, and it’s great to have reps come in again for learning and teaching.
To keep morale high, we also like to incorporate fun and appreciation into the work environment. We’ve introduced Starbucks Fridays every now and then, host Christmas gift exchanges, and even surprise the team with a candy wheel from time to time. These little moments go a long way in boosting spirits and maintaining a positive atmosphere.
What do you enjoy most about working at UPMC and Magee-Womens Hospital specifically?
What I enjoy most is the supportive environment and the opportunity to work to our full scope of practice. From starting IVs to cell saving, we’re truly valued as part of the team. The anesthesia team knows our names, acknowledges our work, and takes the time to say thank you, which means a lot.
Magee’s anesthesia leaders - Dr. Joe Derenzo, Dr. Grace Lim, Dani Meholic, and Rachel Cellurale - and all the anesthesia staff at Magee are very supportive of the techs.
We’re also fortunate to have strong backing from our hospital’s administrative leadership, especially my manager Kristin Vitalone and Vice President Chris Vitsas, who recognize the value anesthesia techs bring to the hospital and to patient care. We are truly lucky and supported here.
Do you see collaboration across the anesthesia team between anesthesia technicians, CRNAs, and anesthesiologists as important to patient care?
Collaboration is essential, and while it may not seem as critical during routine, uncomplicated cases, building that trust and connection during those moments is key. When an emergency arises, having an established foundation of teamwork and communication can mean the difference between success and a potentially life-threatening situation. Without that trust, nerves and miscommunication can lead to critical errors.
Anesthesia techs bring a different perspective to the team, focusing on the technical aspects while anesthesiologists and CRNAs concentrate on patient care. We’re able to troubleshoot equipment, run for needed supplies, assist with patient positioning, and address other technical needs -supporting the clinical team so they can focus on the patient.
What skills do you think are most important for anesthesia technicians to succeed in this field?
I believe that the ability to anticipate the next step and engage in closed-loop communication are essential for success. Additionally, taking pride in your work and having empathy ensures that patients and colleagues alike feel supported and valued.
Outside of work, is there something unique about you that you'd like to share?
I have a loving family - my husband Seth of 20 years, bonus daughter Karina (24), and son Maddox (7). We try to travel and make as many memories as we possibly can. I can honestly say I have never loved anything more than traveling the world with these people 💜