UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Hires B.F.A. Photography Grad Lindsey Palmer as Ophthalmic Technician Student Profile
Meet Lindsey Palmer
- Job Title & Employer
- Ophthalmic Technician 1, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Ophthalmology Department
- Job Title & Employer
- Part-Time Instructor, School of Communication, Point Park University
- Major/Program
- Photography
- Minor
- Creative Writing
- Graduation
- April 2015
- College Activities
- Photography Collective, Cross Country, Cheerleading Club, The Globe
- Scholarships
- School of Communication, Academic and Athletic
- Hometown
- Rochester, N.Y.
- High School
- Eastridge Senior High School
- Now Living In
- Bellevue, Pa.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Photography, reading, knitting and camping. Spending time with my family, my fiancé and our cats.
"I had a really strong desire to leave my hometown and live in a city. I decided Pittsburgh was where I’d like to move because it was close enough to my family that I could travel home, but far enough that I could be more independent. Point Park appealed to me because it offered a city campus, smaller class sizes and a more traditional (darkroom) photography program."
Why did you choose Point Park University’s B.F.A. in photography program?
I had a really strong desire to leave my hometown and live in a city. I decided Pittsburgh was where I’d like to move because it was close enough to my family that I could travel home, but far enough that I could be more independent. Point Park appealed to me because it offered a city campus, smaller class sizes and a more traditional (darkroom) photography program.
In what ways did the B.F.A. program prepare a pathway to your career?
Admittedly, I was very lost until the current program coordinator April Friges, M.F.A., came to Point Park, along with two part-time instructors, Jess Steigerwald '08, M.A., and Matt Adams '07, M.A. They helped me decide to apply to grad school and ultimately became my references. Both April and Jess have also served as professional references for jobs I’ve held such as; museum teaching artist, part-time instructor, and now ophthalmic technician — where I actually work alongside Jess.
What are your key responsibilities as an ophthalmic technician at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh?
My responsibilities include using imaging equipment with pediatric patients, uploading and documenting images from eye surgeries and exams that are performed under anesthesia and scheduling.
What do you enjoy most about your job and why?
While the imaging was a large draw to the position, I really enjoy working with children. The day is almost never monotonous, and even though I get more and more familiar with the imaging I do every day the kids we see really keep me on my toes. Being able to complete testing with a kid in the most fun and least scary way possible is always my goal. I get to be goofy and help them relax, especially when the doctor has ordered three or four different types of imaging — as an imaging tech you walk them through all of it.
You’ve recently returned to Point Park as a part-time photography instructor. What’s it like teaching the next generation of artists?
It’s honestly very surreal and I see so much of myself in many of my students. Undergrad was really very hard for me, so I do my best to be the educator I needed (and thankfully did have!) as a student. As a professor I make a point to be transparent with students about the reality of being an artist, and how important self-care is. My students continually amaze me with the work they make, their determination and their willingness to learn.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
To any students reading this: take a break, get some fresh air, do a craft, make a photo, dance around, eat a vegetable, stretch, hug a friend and take a deep breath — it’s all going to be ok!
Connect with Lindsey Palmer
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