We’re kicking off our celebration of Anesthesia Tech Week with a spotlight on Mithila Bedekar from UPMC Presbyterian. Mithila is known for her reliability, professionalism, and strong support of the anesthesia team. Her behind-the-scenes work plays a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient patient care every day, and helps strengthen teamwork across the anesthesia tech staff at UPMC Presbyterian.
What inspired you to pursue a career as an anesthesia technician?
Although my interests and career were in art and graphic design, I had always been passionate about the medical field. Once an opportunity for change came along, I realized that becoming an anesthesia tech could be my way to reconnect with that long-lost passion - so I took the leap.
How did your anesthesia tech program prepare you for the role, and what aspects of the training did you enjoy the most?
The anesthesia tech program at CCAC is very thorough and focuses more on practical knowledge than purely book-based courses. Theory and practical education are intertwined to create an active learning environment. The clinical training not only reinforced what I had learned, but also allowed to me to enjoy working in the field.
Can you describe your journey to becoming an anesthesia tech and how you found your way to your current position? What advice would you give to people wanting to enter the field?
As my kids began to grow up, I wanted to pursue a different passion and decided to apply for the anesthesia tech program at CCAC. I was offered a job at the same hospital where I was doing my clinical experience during my last semester, so the transition from study to work was seamless. I gained valuable initial experience there for a few years there before applying for a more challenging position at UPMC, where I started as a Senior Anesthesia Technician and eventually worked my way up to my current role as a Lead Technician. I was also given the responsibility of educating entrants. As someone who began her education at the age of 37, after previously working as a graphic designer and then as a housewife, I want to say that your background or age really doesn’t matter. What matters is the amount of time and dedication you put into entering this field.
What do you enjoy most about working as an anesthesia technician at UPMC?
Working at a world class institute for medicine is something I would have never thought about almost 30 years ago as a fresh graduate out of college as a graphic designer. But now, I realize it is everything I have ever wanted. I love the fast-paced environment, and I enjoy being a vital member of the anesthesia team.
What skills do you think are most important to succeed in this field?
Diligence and teamwork are not only critical to succeed in this field, but also to promote a productive work environment for all.
Why did you decide to work at UPMC, and what stood out about the opportunity?
After working in the field for a couple of years, I wanted to pursue bigger goals and realized that UPMC stood out as the place where I could continue learning and acquire new skills. I was eager to work with UPMC’s world-renowned medical staff, so I decided to apply!
Outside of work, is there something interesting or unique about you that you'd like to share?
I enjoy adventurous outdoor activities with my family, whether it's hiking, camping, or traveling the world.
I have also rechanneled my dormant artist to create medical-themed art, from diagrams to badge reels! This role has allowed me to strike a great work-life balance, where my professional and personal lives have become synergetic.