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In the Spotlight: Joseph Andrie ’12

Joe Andrie, MD ’12, set himself up for success when he majored in biology with dual minors in chemistry and Spanish while a student at Lycoming College. Those academic skillsets, combined with his broader liberal arts experience and passion for healthcare, led to his current role as assistant professor for the Departments of Family & Community Medicine and Orthopedics & Rehabilitation at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health.

You were a biology (anatomy and physiology) major at Lycoming and then went on to medical school at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. How did Lycoming prepare you for continuing your education? 

Beyond providing me with the knowledge to succeed in the medical profession, Lycoming taught me all of the intangible skills that are so necessary in today’s healthcare environment. These include being a team player, forming meaningful relationships with colleagues, appreciating different points of view, and learning how to work and learn in a diverse environment.

You were a member of the swim team all four years at Lycoming and were named to the Hall of Fame in 2017. How did being a student athlete shape your College experience? 

The sport of swimming, and athletics in general, really shaped a lot of my professional and personal life after college. It forced me to get good at time management early on and provided a blueprint for the cultivation of hard work, determination, and perseverance amidst adversity. Most importantly, I met many of my best friends, whom I still interact with today. In fact, I recently went swimming at our local YMCA with another swimming alumnus.

Among the list of your professional accomplishments since your graduation in 2012, you serve as the team doctor for the Harrisburg Senators during their home games. Tell us about that experience and what it has meant for your family. 

I love my job, but this part of my job in particular is really rewarding. It affords me the ability to practice medicine outside of the hospital or clinic and interact with high-level professional athletes, helping them achieve their goals and overcome injury. It also has been great to have my wife, Laura, and our two kids come to many of the games throughout the baseball season. Definitely quickly becoming a favorite-family activity.

You were a student leader during your time at Lycoming, participating in several clubs and organizations, and culminating in being named Chieftain your senior year. Why is giving back to Lycoming important to you? 

Lycoming is a gem. With the many challenges facing higher education, it is essential to preserve the vitality of the true liberal arts college, such as Lycoming. Supporting Lycoming — its mission and its students — is a great way to achieve this.

What is your favorite Lycoming College memory? 

There are truly so many to choose from, but one that sticks out is my freshman year when we constructed a massive slip-’n-slide out of duct tape and garbage bags that stretched from the hill near East Hall down onto The Quad.

 

In the Spotlight recognizes members of our alumni community who are doing great things that have been influenced by their time at Lycoming College. Alumni Spotlight submissions are used at the discretion of the College and may be included in the monthly eNews as space and time permit. To participate, submit an Alumni Spotlight questionnaire.