UPMC Pinnacle

Normal operations have fully resumed across UPMC West Shore and our Cumberland County outpatient locations following the water main break and outage on Friday. We are grateful to our dedicated staff for their commitment to caring for our community.

At UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa., we have physicians like Dr. Lai-Yet Lam who have specialty training in urogynecology. She along with other providers care for women with bladder and pelvic floor disorders. The pelvic floor can be weakened by a combination of factors such as childbirth, heavy lifting, the effects of menopause and aging, and other chronic medical and neurologic conditions. Wanting to help women with their conditions, Dr. Lam feels very happy when her patients share as if they have a new life after prolapse surgery.

When Dr. Lam is not seeing patients, she enjoys spending time with her grandson, family and friends. She is a foodie and loves to cook and travel to explore all different cultures and cuisines – including the good food from Taiwan. She was born and lived there until she was 12 years old.

For more information about bladder and pelvic health, visit https://www.upmc.com/services/south-central-pa/women/services/urogynecology.

As a result of the water main break affecting Cumberland County, UPMC West Shore continues to operate on a backup water supply. However, the hospital and Emergency Department are open and patient care continues. We want to assure the EMS community and the public that our Emergency Department continues to accept any ambulance arriving on site, including those with heart attack, stroke, and severe illness, and walk-in patients are always accepted.

As part of our contingency plan for this type of emergency, significant water supplies have been placed on the campus to support patients, staff, and care delivery systems. The leadership of UPMC West Shore remains on site to guide all of our actions and support the care teams. We are committed to serving our community and appreciate the fast action and support of the dedicated staff at UPMC West Shore.

As a result of the water main break affecting Cumberland County, UPMC West Shore is currently under temporary EMS diversion while operating on a backup water supply. We want to assure the EMS community and the public that our Emergency Department continues to accept any ambulance arriving on site, including those with heart attack, stroke, and severe illness, and walk-in patients are always accepted.

As part of our contingency plan for this type of emergency, significant water supplies have been placed on the campus to support patients, staff, and care delivery systems. The leadership of UPMC West Shore remains on site to guide all of our actions and support the care teams. We are committed to serving our community and appreciate the fast action and support of the dedicated staff at UPMC West Shore.

With the development of minimally invasive procedures to treat a wide variety of ailments, injuries, and chronic conditions, patients have options – and more health benefits.

Minimally invasive surgery results in less pain, fewer complications, a faster recovery, and a better overall health outcome for a wide range of procedures.

Read how three central Pa. surgeons use minimally invasive surgery for patients in their operating rooms – from cardiovascular surgery to surgical oncology to obstetrics and gynecology.

https://storystudio.wgal.com/discover-how-upmc-in-central-pa-surgeons-use-minimally-invasive-surgery-for-various-conditions/

Cancer is still most common in people older than 50. But recent research shows that several types of cancer are increasing in younger generations. See what the numbers are showing, and find out what preventive steps you can take to help yourself.

Why Are Cancer Cases Rising in People Under 50? | UPMC HealthBeat Lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and alcohol and to***co use are among the reasons why cancer is increasing worldwide in younger adults.

Five stars for UPMC Harrisburg! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

UPMC Harrisburg, which includes UPMC West Shore and UPMC Community Osteopathic under its license, achieved the prestigious five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the highest rating possible using data that evaluates outcomes, patient experience and process.

Of nearly 5,000 U.S. hospitals evaluated, roughly 8 percent earned the highest five-star rating. In total, there are 381 hospitals nationwide and only 22 hospitals in Pennsylvania that received five-star ratings for 2024. UPMC Carlisle, UPMC Hanover, UPMC Lititz, and UPMC Memorial also achieved a remarkable four-star rating.

"The five-star rating for UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC West Shore and UPMC Community Osteopathic is a testament to our hospitals’ culture of excellence, compassion, and innovation", said Elizabeth Ritter, president, UPMC Harrisburg. "It reflects our relentless pursuit of quality, safety, and patient satisfaction. This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the entire team, from our clinical staff to our support services. The team plays a vital role in delivering exceptional care, and I'm grateful for their commitment to our community.”

The UPMC Central Pa. Spine Care Program provides comprehensive treatment for patients of all ages. Our team collaborates to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals. We’re here to support you at every age and stage. A big thank you to our team for their dedication to a multidisciplinary approach!

To learn more visit UPMC.com/SpineCareCPA.

Sam describes herself as a "walking, talking, testifying miracle." Her health care experience over a six-month period can explain why.

After taking a trip to Florida with her husband and encountering long flight delays on the way home, Sam developed a bad cough.

A month later, the cough still hadn't gone away. Sam called her primary care physician, Charles Gerlach, MD. Dr. Gerlach looked at her scans and told her that in addition to her pneumonia, she had a mass in her lung. He referred her to Troy Allen Moritz, DO.

"A few days later, he gave me a call and asked me how I was doing after the biopsy," Sam says. "I told him I felt good. I'd been coughing up a lot of phlegm since the biopsy. My chest wasn't as tight.

“He said, 'I'm glad to hear that. But you have fourth-stage lung cancer that's spreading.'

"Right away, I asked him, 'Are you talking to the right person?' And he said, 'Yes, it's you, Sam.'"

Sam, a faith-based woman, says she prayed for guidance about what to do. She decided to keep her care at UPMC West Shore instead of going somewhere else.

“From the very beginning, I told all of my doctors, 'Just so you know, I'm going to be obedient, and I know God put the right people in my pathway,'" she says.

More scans showed that Sam had a mass in her brain. Worried that meant the cancer had spread to her brain, doctors scheduled her for emergency brain surgery. Scans also revealed she had problems with her spine and would need spinal surgery a week after her brain surgery.

Both the brain surgery and spinal surgery were successful. Sam went home the day after each procedure with no major complications. The tumor in her brain wasn't cancerous, confirming that her lung cancer was stage III — not stage IV.

After recovering from her two surgeries, Sam began chemotherapy for her lung cancer. She had a port placed in her chest and went through three months of extensive chemo.

The chemotherapy was effective, shrinking the tumor enough that doctors could perform a lobectomy. They removed the lobe of her left lung where the cancer was.

Today, Sam is cancer-free. She's thankful for the care she received across the board at UPMC in Central Pa.

Congratulations to the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute team at UPMC Harrisburg for making Money Magazine's list of best hospitals for cardiac care in the United States in 2024. Ranked number 20 out of 75 hospitals, UPMC Harrisburg is the only hospital in the region to make the list! This distinction recognizes our team’s history of delivering high-quality cardiac services and our commitment to advancing patient care. Thank you to our doctors, nurses, clinicians, and staff for your dedication to providing life-changing medicine to our patients. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit UPMC.com/Heart.

While spending more time outdoors in the sun can be fun, you can also increase the risk of exposing yourself to skin cancer. Watch Kent Zettel, MD, general surgeon, discuss the importance of sunscreen and tips for reducing your risk of skin cancer.

https://local21news.com/community/staying-aware/staying-aware-skin-cancer-risks-in-the-summer-sun

UPMC and the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation have partnered with Penn State College of Medicine and Dauphin County to launch a smart vending machine that provides free health, wellness and personal care items and connects users to community services.

The vending machine, among the first of its kind in Pennsylvania, is accessible to the public 24/7 and located outside the entrance of the emergency department at UPMC Harrisburg.

“UPMC Pinnacle Foundation strives to promote health and wellness in our communities and many folks lack of access to crucial health and hygiene necessities due to cost, societal pressures, unsafe living situations, or social stigma,” said Jessica Ritchie, president, UPMC Pinnacle Foundation. “We hope unimpeded access to these crucial resources will lead to better hygiene, reduced harms and improved health outcomes.”

Harrisburg health vending machine offers free naloxone, personal care items, anonymously - TheBurg A new device at UPMC Harrisburg brings healthcare to the community in a unique grab-and-go format. UPMC and Penn State College of Medicine officially launched a “Health to Go” vending machine, one of the first of its kind in the state, outside its emergency department. The vending machine, an in...

Did you know UPMC Magee-Womens delivers babies and more? We continue to deliver state-of-the-art medicine to women by offering gynecology, specialty services like minimally invasive gynecologic services, obstetrics, maternal fetal medicine, advanced fertility treatments, and midlife health resources.

Listen to Gretchen Makai, MD, FACOG, minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon for UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa., share what minimally invasive gynecologic surgery means and conditions that point women in this direction on her recent appearance with Michael Parks on WHP 580’s Taking Care of Business...

7.13.24 UPMC Magee-Womens Ctrl PA - Taking Care Of Business With Michael Parks | iHeart UPMC Magee-Womens in Central PA -world class care providing state-of-the-art medicine to women including minimally invasive surgery/Dr. Gretchen Makai, surgeon on staff is my guest/learn more at www.UPMC.com/CentralPaWomen

When Big Spring High School student Zaida suffered a complex knee injury during volleyball practice, UPMC Orthopaedic Care helped get her back to the sport she loves.

UPMC orthopaedic surgeon Nathan Wool, MD, who specializes in sports medicine and serves as the school’s team physician, repaired her knee and met with Zaida weekly during her recovery. These “Weekly Wool Sessions,” as her family called them, were at the foundation of her recovery. “Dr. Wool gave Zaida unwavering support and helped her set realistic goals as she eagerly awaited the all-clear to get back in the game,” says Zaida’s mother, Courtney. “I’d recommend UPMC Orthopaedic Care to everyone.”

https://go.upmc.com/2888mWlpT

UPMC’s Healthy Harrisburg initiative is launching its summer 2024 session to provide free, accessible fitness opportunities for the Harrisburg community. In preparation for the July session, Healthy Harrisburg hosted class demonstrations of African Dance and Soul Line Dancing this afternoon at their new location at 1000 Paxton St., Harrisburg. The program’s new location provides a larger exercise space as well as additional free parking.

Free classes are available each day through the program, including Yoga, African Dance, Soul Line Dancing, Xtreme Hip Hop Step, and Walk It Out, as well as health education, mental wellness sessions, and family fitness involvement.

Open House with refreshments and fitness assessments will be held Wednesday, July 24, and Thursday, July 25, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Fitness classes begin Monday, July 29

Registration is required for the summer cohort. Register online:https://go.upmc.com/2924FE4XE, attend an open house session, or email Candice Coleman at [email protected] to participate.

As a post-transplant coordinator at UPMC Harrisburg, Tabitha educates her patients and their care partners about care and responsibilities following a kidney transplant, including diet, medications, and follow-up care. She maintains open communication with kidney recipients throughout the life of their new kidney, assists with medication changes, and arranges post-transplant consultations and diagnostic testing that may be needed following a transplant.

“My favorite part of my role is the relationships that I have built with my patients and the trust that we have built over time. It is truly rewarding to see how well patients do after transplant and how they can get their quality of life back. A kidney transplant is life changing. I truly love my job!”

With so many options in the grocery stores, summertime festivities, and our busy lives, it may be hard to maintain a nutritious and healthy lifestyle. No matter your age, it’s important to consider what you’re putting in your body and how it impacts the body’s growth and health.

Watch Erica Hornung, RD, Outpatient Clinical Nutrition Manager, UPMC in Central Pa. share the importance of a balanced diet during her recent Good Day PA appearance on ABC27.

http://www.abc27.com/good-day-pa/balanced-diets-with-upmc/

UPMC’s women’s medical van visited Anchor Lancaster on Tuesday, launching a partnership that will provide Lancaster’s unhoused population with monthly preventive gynecological care.

Learn more: https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/upmc-van-provides-medical-treatment-for-unhoused-women-in-lancaster/article_881a0160-43a9-11ef-845d-0b4b68325fd7.html #:~:text=UPMC%20Pinnacle%20staff%20members%20will,Tuesday%2C%20July%2016%2C%202024.

UPMC van provides medical treatment for unhoused women in Lancaster The number of Stage 4 cervical cancer cases in the U.S. increases by 1.3% each year, according to a 2022 study from the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer.

An operating room nurse works in the hospital setting to attend to patients before, during, and after surgeries. “I’ve had the opportunity to observe a wide variety of surgical procedures and participate in many aspects of the surgical process, which sparked my fascination with surgery and inspired me to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse in the operating room,” said Kelsey Heimbaugh, BSN, RN, at UPMC Harrisburg.

“As a member of the robotic surgery team, I'm honored to work alongside phenomenal surgeons to provide life-changing care to patients every day.”

To learn more or to apply, visit https://go.upmc.com/2897mMpL9 or https://go.upmc.com/2898AktBM.

We are pleased to announce that UPMC has once again been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for excellence across many specialty areas of care in the newly released “Best Hospitals” rankings and ratings.

Most notably, UPMC is the only hospital system in the region to be nationally ranked in 9 specialties:

- UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside is the #1 hospital in the Pittsburgh metro area and is nationally ranked in 7 specialties and is high-performing in 3 specialties.

- UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital is ranked #24 in the nation for obstetrics and gynecology.

- UPMC Mercy is ranked #13 in the nation for rehabilitation.

- UPMC Harrisburg is once again ranked among the top 10 hospitals in Pennsylvania.

A sincere thank you to our doctors, nurses, clinicians, and staff for your commitment to providing life-changing medicine and quality care for each patient who walks through our doors. https://go.upmc.com/2884Q2x75

Get to know Dr. Kimberly Schlesinger, medical oncologist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in York!

Originally from Baltimore, Dr. Schlesinger moved to Pittsburgh with her family at a young age. She and her husband, who attended the same high school, met after college. They have two young adult children, one in high school and the other a recent college graduate.

Dr. Schlesinger enjoys outdoor activities such as gardening, running, cycling, and playing frisbee with the family dog. Her favorite moments are spent with her family, playing games, sharing meals, and laughing together. In her free time, she loves exploring antique stores and reading classic literature of all kinds.

To learn more or book an appointment, visit https://go.upmc.com/2895YvI7A.

Want to learn more about career opportunities with UPMC? We invite you to stop by one of our Talk to Us Tuesday events to meet with a recruiter to learn more about opportunities with UPMC and discover a new career waiting for you.

Talk to Us Tuesdays are held the second Tuesday of the month at each of our Central Pa. hospital lobbies from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Learn more: careers.upmc.com/event

Celebrating the fourth of July, this group of women joined together for UPMC Magee-Womens at UPMC Harrisburg Breastfeeding Support Group.

Lactating parents, whether they are breastfeeding or exclusively pumping, are welcome to join UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa. and mothers for support and encouragement. An IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) is available to answer questions and share information. An infant scale is also available to weigh your baby.

The support group meets regularly at two convenient locations. For more information, please visit https://go.upmc.com/2878VALgc, email [email protected], or call 717-231-8916.

Exciting news! Healthy Harrisburg, supported by the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, is moving to a new location at 1000 Paxton Street, Harrisburg. Their next eight-week cohort runs from July 29 through September 20, 2024. Assessments can be done online or in person during the week of July 22. They are hosting an open house on Tuesday, July 23rd, Wednesday, July 24th, and Thursday, July 25th, featuring healthy refreshments from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Theresa Sellers, Director of Community Health Initiatives for UPMC Central Pa., will be onsite to provide assessments on July 24th and 25th. Join us for exciting activities including Line Dancing, African Dance, Xtreme Hip Hop Step, Yoga, and Walking to Fitness!

UPMC sports physician will serve as Olympics doctor in Paris Mark Lavallee will serve as one of the International Weightlifting Federation's (IWF) chief medical officers.