Congratulations to Sarah Copanzzi, a CRNA at UPMC Shadyside, who was selected to receive UPMC Physician Services Division’s “You are a Star” Award for the 3rd quarter of fiscal year 2020 (January 1 through March 31, 2020). The Star Award recognizes staff members who deserve a special “thank you” for efforts such as going above and beyond to solve problems, assisting with UPMC goals, or maintaining high morale through a kind word, positive outlook, or initiative.
Sarah was recognized for her extraordinary work during the COVID-19 pandemic. When information regarding the virus started to break, Sarah took it upon herself to become trained in the management of these specific patients, including in the use of the specialty equipment needed to protect anesthesia providers and operating room (OR) staff. Within days of UPMC’s COIVID-19 preparatory efforts, she attended training at UPMC Mercy during her personal time before reporting for duty at Shadyside. She volunteered to serve as a team leader to train and prepare other anesthesiologists and CRNAs in managing COVID-19 patients. In less than a week, she trained other CRNA trainers and nearly 50 colleagues on how to don and doff personal protective equipment in the OR and in airway management of the COVID-19 patient. When UPMC Shadyside faced their first presumed COVID-19 positive case, she volunteered to care for the patient and helped debrief staff and OR personnel for future cases.