Life Changing Is … Dedication to Your Community

Laura Duncan, Executive Administrator, Division of Endocrinology and Coordinator of UPMC Community Vaccinations

“I can make a difference and save lives in a very distinct and measurable way.”

Laura Duncan’s work goes beyond just her title of executive administrator. She strives to help others in whatever way possible.

After she received the COVID-19 vaccine in early 2021, she wanted to do her part to help people in the community get the vaccine. She especially wanted to help people who couldn’t drive to the doctor’s office or take off a day from work to get vaccinated.

UPMC was looking for employees to go out in the community to help manage events, logistics, and getting the word out. Laura quickly volunteered.

“I asked some of my team, ‘Does anybody want to partner with me on this?’” she remembers. “And a lot of people raised their hand and said, ‘Yes, let’s go, let’s do this!’”

At their first event in March 2021, the team helped dispense 980 vaccines in a day.

“It was like a carnival,” Laura says. “It was the most fun thing we could do.”

Since that day, Laura has helped thousands of people receive vaccines, helping protect the most vulnerable members of the community in many locations. Laura says people are still getting vaccines for the first time, more than a year after that March 2021 day. It’s that kind of impact that continues to drive her.

“I can make a difference and save lives in a very distinct and measurable way,” she says.

At UPMC, Life Changing Medicine means taking action to help others.

Twitter: Laura Duncan photographed at a UPMC vaccination clinic in partnership with SisTers PGH.

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