For many UAB Department of Surgery employees, when they think of the administrative knowledge and “glue” of all surgical internal operations, Director of Administrative & Financial Affairs Pamela “Pam” Holtkamp immediately comes to mind.
Known for her quick wit and ability to juggle complex budgetary streams of income, revenue, and processing expenditures, Holtkamp has been an indispensable part of the department’s operations for over two decades.
Changing Course
Holtkamp wasn’t always destined for a path in finance, however.
Initially, her career began in the world of governmental operations – filled with meetings with Congressional representatives and lobbying on Capitol Hill.
It wasn’t until Holtkamp paused and reflected on her career trajectory that she remembered an accounting class she had taken with a sorority sister in her undergraduate coursework. A change in her path forward, she thought, may be the welcome addition she needed.
And take a new direction, she did. After completing an accounting certification and her CPA licensure, she was ready for her new role as an auditor. Holtkamp began her new chapter at Arthur Young, which was renowned as one of the major financial institutions in the country. The hectic pace of her new work reminded her of her days in Washington, D.C.
“I loved visiting clients and learning about their organizations. Sometimes, they would joke with me that I was a teacher stopping by to ‘check their work,’” Holtkamp reminisced with a laugh.
However, the hours were long and arduous during the demanding months of tax season, and, as a mother to two boys, she sought a greater balance in both spheres of her busy life.
Arriving at the UAB Department of Surgery
“I had met friends through my role as an auditor who had begun careers at UAB and were really enjoying their new jobs. After talking with them, I landed a part-time position helping with the set-up of what would become the Kirklin Clinic,” adds Holtkamp. “I’m pretty sure I was in almost every room of the Clinic checking-in and categorizing all of the new equipment.”
Word of her exceptional work ethic and auditing acumen quickly spread. Soon, she received a call from then-Department of Surgery Chair Dr. Arnold Diethelm’s team to recruit her. With the opportunity presented, Holtkamp decided to take the chance.
Upon her welcome arrival in Surgery, Pam quickly assumed financial duties for the department and became an integral administrator in helping facilitate key initiatives and goals.
In reflecting on her tenure, Holtkamp has worked with three department chairs, helped to achieve institutional missions – like establishing one of the foremost transplantation departments in the country, and led financial initiatives to create UAB’s surgical research infrastructure.
Entering the Next Chapter with Words of Wisdom
After a fulfilling career, Holktamp is about to report for her next big role – retiree.
In looking back over her dynamic, multi-industry career, Holtkamp shares with her colleagues: “Be open to change. Embrace the uncomfortable experiences, because, while it may not feel like it at the moment, those are the opportunities that truly transform you and pay off.”
She also encourages her fellow UAB employees to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them.
“You absolutely can try a new path and go back to school. I admire busy working adults, many also balancing parenthood, who take on that next degree or are learning something new,” Holtkamp adds.
As her new journey quickly approaches, Holtkamp looks forward to traveling, spending time with family, and participating in her monthly book club with friends.
“Working with Pam has been an absolute joy,” says long-time colleague, UAB Department of Surgery Administrative Director Mitch Nelson. “We are so excited for her to enjoy retirement and to keep up with her travels, but she will most certainly be missed in the office each day.”