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Physician Assistant, Expert
UPMC Passavant Department of Anesthesia & Center
for Perioperative Care (CPC)
Surgery patients can sometimes suffer from nerves and even some angst. But rest assured, there are plenty of people working behind the scenes to ensure that day-to-day operations flow smoothly. One of those professionals is Megan Tomaino, MPAS, PA-C of UPMC Passavant Department of Anesthesia & Center for Perioperative Care (CPC).
With a career spanning 16 years, Megan has amassed a wealth of experience in various medical fields. Her journey as a physician assistant has taken her through anesthesia, orthopedic and neurosurgery, and pediatric intestinal failure. Her tenure at UPMC Passavant, which began in 2013, is a testament to her dedication and expertise.
Megan works on a team of Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) within the Department of Anesthesia at UPMC Passavant. “Within my role, I evaluate inpatients added on to the OR schedule to ensure they are prepared and optimized for anesthesia. Additionally, I evaluate outpatients scheduled for surgery in our Center for Perioperative Care (CPC). We focus on health optimization, such as nutrition and protein intake, smoking cessation, weight loss, cardio-pulmonary conditioning, and diabetes management, to improve post-operative outcomes,” Megan said.
Megan's leadership and organizational skills are demonstrated in her role in the APP Council. She is pivotal in coordinating philanthropic activities for APPs, fostering a sense of giving back to their patients, hospitals, and communities. Their partnership with the Passavant Hospital Foundation is instrumental in many of their events and activities.
Megan’s dedication to patient care and community involvement is evident in her active participation in the UPMC Minutes Matter initiative.
“In 2019, I attended a "Stop the Bleed" lecture by UPMC Presbyterian surgeon Dr. Raquel Forsythe. Her lecture moved me to become an STB trainer and advocate in the North Hills community. By partnering with the Passavant Hospital Foundation and connecting with fellow volunteers Donna Galbraith, RN, and Jeanmarie Dougherty, RN, we were able to collaborate with the UPMC Minutes Matter campaign to develop a free comprehensive community class teaching hands-only CPR, AED use, Heimlich, Stop the Bleed, Narcan and EpiPen use, stroke and seizure awareness, and more. We offer the class to various groups across the community, including churches, recreational sports teams, and general community education classes. Our goal is to empower community members with life-saving skills to support victims from injury/arrest until emergency response providers arrive," Megan added.
Megan was raised in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh. She graduated from Chatham University's Master of Physician Assistant Program in 2008 and has a Bachelor of Science from Allegheny College. She is pursuing a Doctor of Physician Assistant Studies (DPAS) degree from the University of Pittsburgh, with an anticipated graduation date of December 2024.
Megan resides in Hampton Township with her husband and two children. She previously coached Girls on the Run at Wyland Elementary and plans to continue this in the fall.
By Paula Green
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