From serving meals with a smile to drawing blood with precision, Jacoby F.’s journey from line cook to phlebotomist is a true testament to resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of purpose.
Jacoby started his career at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital as a line cook in 2021, but despite his role in food services, he found himself becoming increasingly interested in the field of phlebotomy. Motivated by a desire for more career opportunities to help him support his young family and encouraged by the health care careers other members of his family had built, Jacoby decided to learn more. “It was something I always had an interest in,” Jacoby said. “My aunt and cousin started in phlebotomy before becoming nurses, and their stories stuck with me. When I had the chance to talk to Amy about it, I knew I had to try.”
Amy C., supervisor of Phlebotomy at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, first heard about Jacoby through his cafeteria supervisor. “He told me Jacoby wanted to move into a more clinical role,” Amy recalled. “I said absolutely, bring him in for a job shadow.”
Jacoby’s unwavering determination to advance his career stemmed from his devotion to providing stability for his son. Jacoby is originally from Peoria, Ill., and his son is the only blood relative he has with him in Pittsburgh.
“I get emotional just talking about him. I want him to see that good people can do great things and no matter where you start, you can change your path,” Jacoby shared.
“As a mom and grandma, that hit my heart,” Amy said. “I could feel how sincere he was about doing better not only for himself, but especially for his child. That struck a chord with me.”
"I want him to see that good people can do great things and no matter where you start, you can change your path."
Though the environment was unfamiliar, Jacoby leaned into the challenge with an open heart and a steady resolve, aware that each day would bring new opportunities to learn and grow into the professional and the father figure he aspired to become. “I didn’t know anything about drawing blood,” Jacoby said. “But Amy and the whole lab team supported me. They were patient, encouraging, and made me feel like I belonged.”
At UPMC Magee-Womens hospital, the outpatient lab sees 100 to 150 patients a day, including newborns, seniors, and pregnant patients. Each population has unique challenges associated with phlebotomy.
“Jacoby had to learn every patient population — and he did it quickly,” said Courtney W., manager of Phlebotomy Services at UPMC Presbyterian, who also oversees the team at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. “What takes some people years, he picked up in months.”
Jacoby, like countless others starting fresh, wrestled with uncertainty as he navigated the early days of his new role. “I was nervous,” he said. “I didn’t want to hurt anyone or mess up. But every day, I got more comfortable. Now, I can step into any situation.”
Amy and many of Jacoby’s coworkers gave high praise for his work and accomplishments over the course of his transition from line cook to full-time phlebotomist. “Jacoby is a natural,” Amy said. “He’s gone from mentee to mentor in less than a year. He was meant to do this.”
"Jacoby is a natural. He's gone from mentee to mentor in less than a year. He was meant to do this."
Jacoby’s professional and personal development didn’t just stop with fulfilling his aspirations of being a phlebotomist. Thanks to Amy’s encouragement, he is also enrolled at Capella University, studying Human Resource Management, with an eye on HR or even nursing in the future.
“I just want to keep growing. I want to be the person people can count on — at work and in life,” Jacoby shared. “This opportunity changed my life and I’m thankful Amy believed in me. I’m doing this for my son — and I’m proud of who I’m becoming.”
