Get to know your new coworker through his answers to fun and goofy questions!
And keep reading for a special ‘throwback’!
Debashish “Deb” Sasmal
Product Manager at Digital Solutions
How did you get into the industry? Are you a Pittsburgh local or did you grow up elsewhere?
I am from India. I grew up in eastern state of Odisha and spent most of my professional career at Hyderabad. I worked as an engineer for eight and a half years before I transitioned to Product Management and completed my masters program at Carnegie Mellon.
My introduction to health care in the United States, specifically at Enterprises, happened during my capstone project with Enterprises in 2019. I must have done something right during my capstone project that led me to receive a full time opportunity; there was no turning back after that.
What is your perfect meal?
Being a foodie, it isn’t easy to have just one favorite meal. I love to explore different cuisines and have multiple favorites. However, my comfort food is Indian cuisine. Since the options for Indian food is limited in Pittsburgh, I prefer to cook when I have time. In case you want to taste authentic “Chicken Tikka Masala,” you know whom to reach.
Which is better: board games or video games?
I used to play a lot of PS3 games. They were a great avenue of relaxation and fun. However, I prefer board games in group settings because anyone and everyone can play.
Fun Fact (especially for those who missed the February All Hands meeting):
I love to take road trips, both planned and ad hoc. I have driven across the most dangerous roads and highest passes across the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. I am also a Honda certified high-performance driver. You would assume that I am good at driving, but the state of Pennsylvania will disagree with you. I failed my drivers test at the Penn Hills center (I hit the curb while parallel parking). I just scheduled my driver’s test again. Wish me luck!
‘Throwback’ fun facts!
Justin Celo
Scrum Master at UPMC Enterprises
How did you get into the industry? I got into Information Technology through a friend who owned his own contracting company almost 20 years ago.
How long have you been working at UPMC Enterprises? I have been with UPMC for about 16 years, 6 of which have been with Enterprises.
Thinking about your work, what is the funniest thing you used to use tech-wise that you don’t use anymore? When I started in IT, my job was desktop to desktop support. We were in charge of flashing hard drives in the entire office for Y2K. I would have to say that the use of 3.5 inch floppy disks and CRT monitors were the things we used regularly which are now considered old technology. Some computers we worked on didn’t even have CD-Rom drives.
As technology has evolved throughout the years, what stands out to you the most? The innovation and how quickly things are advancing. Technology has come so far since I started in this industry. The use of AI and NLP are creating a new direction of innovation not only in health care but in our daily lives.
What’s your favorite part about working here? My favorite part about working here is being a part of such great innovation and seeing tech become such a valued part of health care. I enjoy the people I work with daily and the collaborative nature in which we function as teams.
Do you have an unusual talent or hobby? Above all else, I am the father of 3 girls. I feel that alone is a talent. Some people may not be aware but I sing. I’ve loved music and singing since I was young.
Share any fun fact! I have performed multiple times on The Benedum Center stage through high school performances.
