Rheumatology Office Opens in Wexford

It's always good news when a PR grad can return to her roots in the job of her dreams, and for Pine Township native Jamie Piotrowski, 22, her career aspirations are all coming true. 

Piotrowski graduated from in 2007 and just graduated from Penn State in May with a bachelor's degree in health policy and administration and a minor in human resources.

She was hired just a week after graduation to coordinate and facilitate the opening of two rheumatology offices, one in Wexford and one in McKeesport. The Wexford office is called the UPMC Arthritis and Autoimmunity Center of Wexford.

“I’m so excited to have my first 'real' job and that it involves building two practices from the ground up,” says Piotrowski. “I’m from Pine Township and still live there and couldn’t see myself moving away. I’m so lucky to be able to stay in the area while doing a job I love.”

Piotrowski's title is office coordinator. She oversaw all aspects of setting up the office, and now her job is to oversee all operations of both offices, including coordinating schedules, purchasing, marketing and advertising.

Even though she’s a recent grad, Piotrowski does have hands-on experience in her field. Her degree was flexible, allowing her to take classes in a variety of areas so that she had experience in all phases of health office management. She also served an internship with Jeff Sarabok,  a Richland resident who is a division administrator for UPMC.

"I've been very impressed with her work since she first interned with me and was glad to be able to hire her right after she graduated," says Sarabok. "She's been working full bore ever since."

Rheumatologists serve patients with a variety of conditions, including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus and fibromyalgia, to name just a few. There will be three doctors working at the new facility.

Piotrowski admits that she's still learning, but credits her mentor, Sarabok, as well as other practice managers for being available for any questions that might arise.

"We're excited to start treating patients in the area and establish a relationship with the people out here," says Piotrowski.

UPMC Arthritis and Autoimmunity Center of Wexford opened Aug. 1.  The office currently takes same-day and next-day patients. The office address is 117 VIP Drive, Suite 20. Appointments can be made by calling 724-935-1130. (This number is a correction to the phone number previously posted, which was the FAX number.)