Since February 2019, Ann Martin has been an essential part of our team. In her role as UPMC Medical Education Program Academic Manager, she oversees our Regional Anesthesiology & Acute Pain Medicine and Obstetric Anesthesiology fellowship programs. Ann’s day-to-day responsibilities are wide-ranging and challenging, including accreditation management, recruitment, onboarding and offboarding fellows, coordinating didactics, and maintaining essential communication with various internal and external agencies. She is known for her ability to promptly tackle diverse challenges in daily work, while always pursuing ways to improve efficiencies and staying updated on the latest trends in medical education.
In May 2024, Ann was recognized with the UPMC Medical Education Administrator Award. This accolade celebrates her outstanding contributions to our fellowship programs and her unwavering commitment to graduate medical education. Ann’s deep knowledge, attention to detail, and exceptional communication were acknowledged as key assets to the UPMC Medical Education team.
Ann brings a rich background to her role, holding an MS in Community Leadership, Conflict Resolution, and Global Peace Studies and a BS in Communication and Leadership from Duquesne University. She has also completed additional coursework in Legal Studies at California University and holds a paralegal degree. Before joining UPMC, Ann worked at Duquesne University as an Academic Advisor and Coordinator for Military and Veteran Students. Her diverse career includes experience in education, legal, real estate, construction, and even roles as a Lamaze instructor and doula. Outside of work, Ann is a dedicated community member, contributing volunteer hours to worthy causes and serving as a poll worker for the Allegheny County Board of Elections. She is a member of the National Society of Academic Medical Administrators and the Association of Anesthesiology Program Administrators and Educators, which operates under the Society of Academic Associations of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine.
Let's get to know Ann better through the Q&A below!
Where are you from? (Hometown)
I’m from a small suburb south of Pittsburgh. I am a true “homebody” and still live within three blocks of where I grew up.
Who or what inspires you, and why?
Many people inspire me, especially those who I see helping all living things and alleviating suffering whenever possible. I am inspired by my children; one is a humane officer, seeing the worst that humans can inflict on animals and works hard every day to stop cruelty. Another is a pharmacist working in cancer care and hospice. Another keeps items in her car to distribute to homeless individuals and their pets, and another would take trips to New York City to just give to give away cash to those in need. I have been lucky to have spent time working with the individuals who produced the widely released documentary “Project 22” (trailer), which raised awareness of the issue of veteran suicide and fostered hope among the veteran community. I am honored to have organized a group of supporters who built a community playground in the manner of an old-fashioned barn-raising. The project brought together hundreds of community volunteers, each of whom was inspiring. There are so many who do so much for others who we may never notice. Many “behind the scenes” folks who make lives better for many inspire me.
What has been your proudest professional accomplishment so far in your career?
While my career path has covered a wide variety areas, what has been consistent and what I am most proud of is helping others achieve their goals. My career has been a continuum of providing what was needed for each to grow and achieve. In my previous roles, I helped military personnel transition to civilian higher education, mentored college freshmen as they acclimated to life away from home, educated and supported expectant parents through childbirth, and guided litigants working through conflict to agreement. Currently, I provide support and encouragement to fellows pursuing the challenges of specialization in their chosen medical fields.
What has been your proudest personal accomplishment?
So far, my proudest personal accomplishments are parenting successful and engaged adult children and successfully juggling all of life’s opportunities and challenges. I have navigated many twists and turns while staying open-minded and compassionate. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worthwhile!
Who have been your most significant mentors throughout your career and/or life and why?
I cannot think of just one individual. I have learned valuable lessons from each of the kind people who I have met throughout my life and career. Almost everyone has shared some valuable perspective and wisdom.
Are there any professional or personal skills you’re currently working on that you can tell us about?
I am continuing to study and practice mindfulness in all aspects of my life, both professional and personal. I began about a dozen years ago, and this practice has enhanced my ability to focus and appreciate being in the present.
What might the department be surprised to know about you?
I hold dual citizenship as a first-generation Irish American. As a small of stature teen, I aspired to be a jockey. I graduated from high school early and entered college on the path to becoming a veterinarian. I switched to a legal degree and through a few “plot twists,” I now work in graduate medical education!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy rehabbing and maintaining my 115-year-old house, spending time with my three English Springer Spaniels (Shenanigans, Malarkey, and Mary Margaret), photography, continuing education through online courses on platforms such as Coursera and edX, and enjoying my growing family (five kids and soon to be seven grandkids 😊).
How do you balance your work and personal life?
It can be challenging! It is hard to say “no” when there are things to be done, but setting and maintaining boundaries on time and attention are paramount. It is still a work in progress and probably always will be.
What advice would you give to new administrative staff joining our department? Be kind to yourself as you learn new vocabulary and skills and build a new network. It takes time, patience, and effort, but as my father said, “if it is worth having, it is worth working for!”