For Ikechukwu (Ike) Igboka, caring for patients has always been the priority. The difference today is that instead of working at the bedside, he’s ensuring the technology that health care teams depend on every day keeps running smoothly.
Now an IT support PC consultant at UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, Ikechukwu’s journey from patient care technician (PCT) to hospital IT was fueled by curiosity and a desire to make an even broader impact.
“My journey into IT started at the bedside,” Ikechukwu said. “As a nursing assistant, I worked directly with patients, and I noticed how deeply technology shaped patient care from documentation to communication within teams. That curiosity wouldn’t let me go.”
Although he didn’t come from a traditional hospital IT background, Ike committed himself to continuous learning, asking questions, and building his technical skills one step at a time. He credits supportive managers and teammates who encouraged his growth and invested in his development.
Today, that dedication allows him to combine firsthand clinical experience with technical expertise.
“I’m able to bring both worlds together,” he said. “I understand the clinical side, and now I can support patient care with my IT knowledge.”
A Unique Perspective
His clinical perspective has become an asset for the hospital IT team. Whether troubleshooting Outlook, supporting Epic-related technology, resolving printer issues, or preparing new computers for clinical staff, Ikechukwu understands how even small technical problems can affect caregivers and patients.
According to Andy Spears, senior manager, IT, at UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside, that perspective makes a meaningful difference.
“Ikechukwu’s role as a patient care technician adds a unique dynamic and a hands-on patient care perspective to our IT team,” Andy said. “He has helped reinforce our understanding of what bedside caregivers are challenged with and the importance of ensuring our IT systems are running smoothly to help provide efficient patient care.”
Andy also noted that Ikechukwu’s compassion has remained constant throughout his career transition.
“Ikechukwu is a great advocate for our frontline caregivers, and his kindness and compassion have carried over from bedside care to providing IT support.”
Jeana Colella, senior director, IT, UPMC Allegheny Region, added that clinical leaders across the organization have shared praise for Ikechukwu’s work, highlighting the positive impact he continues to make.
For health care professionals considering a nontraditional career path, Ikechukwu hopes his story encourages them to take the leap.
“You don’t need a hospital IT background,” he said. “You just need the consistency to take initiative and the willingness to keep learning.”
As he continues expanding his skills in cloud technologies, Ike remains focused on the same mission that first brought him into health care: helping deliver exceptional patient care — just from a different side of the hospital.
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