How long have you been with UTMB?
I have been with UTMB for one year and three months.
How do you describe your role to others?
My role is an administrative coordinator for the department. I am the first voice and face of Patient Services. On a daily basis, I triage callers and walk-in visitors to assess their concerns/issues or even complaints, enter their cases into RL Datix and assign them to the appropriate advocate based on location, whether that be inpatient or outpatient. I multi-task phones, walk-ins, voicemails, emails, extended parking passes, parking validation for Pastoral Care and Volunteers and other UTMB staff with grace, poise, compassion and empathy. I am always looking to “make you smile or laugh out loud when possible.” I say quite often, “Laughter is my medicine.”
Best part of your job?
The best part of my job is being able to use my critical-thinking skills while bringing positive energy and perspective to any situation and de-escalating patients and family members in order to help them.
Most challenging part?
The most challenging part of my job is having to say, “I’m sorry, we cannot do that, but we can do this.”
Who are your heroes and why?
My heroes were my late parents, Pastor Rev. Eddie B. and Clara Coppage. They truly exemplified, “all things are possible to them that believe.” They lived their lives to the fullest while serving others unselfishly through their ministry, marriage and family while modeling compassion. They imparted much wisdom to all they encountered across the globe!
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I love hanging out with my family and friends, traveling, being a “basketball mom,” cooking, singing/dancing, and being a vocal mentor/coach.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I have the coolest nickname: “Ziggy.” I was born in Germany, and Sigrid is Scandinavian/German. Sigi is the German nickname, but Ziggy is the American version of the nickname.
