Betty Siegfried went from being behind a microscope to in front of a computer screen during her nearly three decades at Akron Children’s. Her journey began with a 16-week summer job in the virology lab while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in medical technology. After her experience in the lab, Betty knew she wanted to continue her work here and applied for a medical technology internship.
“It was the opportunity of a lifetime to be selected for work in the virus lab and then to be accepted into the medical technology school,” Betty said.
After a year of interning side by side in the lab with experienced techs, and passing her boards, Betty started a second-shift position as a generalist. Later, she would specialize in microbiology.
In a preview of her second career path, laboratory administration asked Betty to help develop a computer program that would work in the microbiology lab. “Lab computers were designed for numeric chemistry and hematology numbers, not microbiology words,” Betty remembers. “It was different and challenging and paved the way for future endeavors in information services.”
After a stint with another hospital, Betty came back to Akron Children’s to help implement Epic. She initially started on the interface team, then moved to the security team. Currently, her team designs access and provisions users who need Epic access.
“A common thread through my working years has been teaching and training others,” Betty said.
In her free time, Betty combines her love of teaching with her passion for music by giving piano lessons. In fact, she has not one, but two pianos at her home. She and her husband, Joel, love live music and subscribe to Akron Symphony and Tuesday Musical, attending other concerts as often as possible.
On April 19, Betty’s journey at Akron Children’s will come to an end. In her new chapter, she’s looking forward to traveling; spending more time with her husband; enjoying local parks; taking day trips to gardens, museums, and historical sites; and working on home improvement projects.
What gave you the most satisfaction at work?
Knowing my own job well and working as a team member with dedicated employees in the lab and ISD. The camaraderie, support, and understanding of working as a team is essential, especially when situations are tough.
What’s your most memorable moment at Akron Children’s?
The most memorable moments are thinking about the strong personal friendships that were formed at Akron Children’s while working in the lab. These close relationships have lasted through happy and sad times. Karen Kleinfeld became a traveling companion, Trauda Gilbert and her husband, Harry, introduced me to my husband of 35 years, and Ingrid Hershey, Marvin Platt, and Rick Thome have been great friends for my entire adult life. I have so many great memories of time spent with them. All of them have enriched my life in so many ways, and I am grateful to Akron Children’s for bringing them into my life.
With so many children here, did someone or something especially touch your heart?
When I first started working in the lab, medical technologists went to the nursing units and drew the patient’s blood before performing the lab test. We saw the same kids over several days and developed relationships with them. I am always amazed with how the kids handle procedures and being hospitalized. I am impressed with how brave kids are in general. I am always touched when reading the stories of the kids who have bonded with their nurses and maintain relationships over many years. It is a reminder of the mission, and why we work in healthcare.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
I like to spend time with husband, play the piano, read (my book list is long enough for two lifetimes already and it keeps growing), travel, be outside, garden, cook, bake, and enjoy the company of family and friends.
What music do you like?
My favorite is classical, but my musical taste is eclectic. I also enjoy jazz, swing, big band, rhythm and blues, opera, and rock and roll.
Do you have any advice for people just starting at Children’s?
Do the best job you can do every day. Take every opportunity to learn and grow. Listen to others and learn from their professional experience. Gain as much knowledge as you can.