Her Story
About Andrea
Andrea Siddall is a Patient Coordinator at Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, serving at the Abramson Cancer Center in Valley Forge. In her role, she helps create a welcoming and organized experience for patients, managing check-in and guiding them through the center’s range of services, including laboratory testing, clinical appointments, radiology, and infusion. Her ability to communicate clearly and connect with people allows her to provide compassionate, practical support to patients and families as they navigate the healthcare environment.
Andrea’s transition into healthcare was inspired by her personal experience with breast cancer in 2023 while she was working as a teacher. That experience gave her firsthand insight into the challenges patients encounter and motivated her to pursue a career focused on helping others through similar journeys. Although she does not have a clinical healthcare background, Andrea has intentionally developed expertise in patient support, earning Advanced Breast Cancer and Patient Navigator Certificates through the American Cancer Society. Before entering healthcare, she spent more than two decades as an educator and previously worked as a personal trainer and aerobics instructor. She holds a BA in Elementary Education from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, following earlier studies at Penn State University.
Andrea’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional role through her involvement with Unite for HER, The Breathing Room, and the American Cancer Society. Her personal experience, educational background, and dedication to helping others have shaped her approach to patient coordination and advocacy. She is particularly passionate about strengthening non-clinical patient navigation and ensuring that individuals have access to clear information, appropriate resources, and compassionate guidance throughout their healthcare journeys. Through her work and community involvement, Andrea strives to help patients feel more informed, supported, and confident as they navigate complex healthcare experiences.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Andrea
01What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my professional and personal life are empathy, compassion, resilience, and service to others. My experience with breast cancer in 2023, while I was working as a teacher, gave me a deeper understanding of the patient experience and inspired me to pursue patient coordination in healthcare. Although I did not come from a traditional healthcare background and have always been uncomfortable with blood, my experience as a personal trainer and my natural ability to connect with and understand people have helped me transition into patient navigation and coordination. I value being able to support others, listen to their needs, and help make their healthcare journey a little easier.
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