Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System

Congratulations to Nobel Prize Laureates Katalin Karikó, PhD, and Drew Weissman, MD, PhD! Penn Medicine scientists Dr. Karikó and Dr. Weissman have been awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their development of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The Nobel Prize is awarded to those whose contributions “have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” Rarely has the work of an honoree had such an immediate relevance to so many. We are so proud of these scientists and their groundbreaking discoveries, which have not only met the challenge of a global pandemic, but will have a profound impact on the treatment and prevention of many other diseases in the decades to come. Together, Dr. Karikó and Dr. Weissman have been recognized with multiple national and international commendations, including the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, the Breakthrough Prize, the Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research, the VinFuture Grand Prize, and the Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science. Learn more: http://spr.ly/6040uJxMq

We’re thrilled to celebrate two Penn Medicine visionaries named among Philadelphia magazine’s Most Influential Philadelphians: UPHS CEO Kevin Mahoney and CAR T cell therapy pioneer Carl June, MD. Mahoney’s leadership is driving new growth for our health system, including expanding outpatient care delivered virtually and in patients' homes. June, whose revolutionary work in CAR T has earned him the 2024 Breakthrough Prize, continues advancing its potential to treat more cancers and autoimmune diseases. Also recognized was J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD, whose legacy as former EVP and Dean, and current interim President at the University of Pennsylvania reflects his strong dedication to Penn Medicine’s mission. We’re proud of their contributions that are shaping the future of health care in Philadelphia and beyond! http://spr.ly/6044SG2pn

We're proud to announce that six Penn Medicine experts—Zoltan Pierre Arany, MD, PhD; Kathryn H. Bowles, PhD, RN; Scott D. Halpern, MD, PhD; Eugenia South, MD; Alexis A. Thompson, MD, MPH; and E. John Wherry, PhD—have been elected to the National Academy of Medicine. This prestigious honor recognizes their exceptional contributions to advancing medical science, health care, and public health. They are among 100 new members elected this year, raising Penn's total membership to 119.

mRNA vaccines saved millions from COVID-19. Now, they have the potential to fight a host of diseases, from norovirus and malaria and to ALS and cancer. In this clip, mRNA vaccine pioneer and 2023 Nobel Prize Laureate Drew Weissman, MD, PhD explains exciting future of mRNA. "The potential is unbelievable," he says. "We haven't thought of everything that can be done." Learn more: http://spr.ly/6041qg0nU The Nobel Prize #mrnavaccines #mrnaresearch

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating disease. But hope may be on the horizon. CAR T cell therapy trailblazer Carl June, MD, shares how the revolutionary therapy has showed promise in recent trials involving GBM patients.

Huge thank you to Dan Slagen who joined us at Penn Medicine to share how his organization Tomorrow.io is leaning into AI to achieve remarkable results and maximize human productivity.

The Philadelphia Sixers' 2024 draft picks, Jared McCain and Adem Bona, are stepping up to make a difference in the community ahead of their rookie season through the team’s Assists for Safe Communities partnership. Collaborating with Penn Medicine, the Sixers are joining forces with six organizations committed to violence prevention: Young Chances Foundation, New Leash on Life, Power of Paint, Center for Family Services-Cure4Camden, Shoot Basketballs Not People, and ACHIEVEability. The Sixers will donate $76 for every assist recorded during the season to these partner organizations. Through this collaboration, the team is giving back to the community ahead of their debut season, making a lasting impact both on and off the court.

Thought-controlled prosthetics could soon restore independence for some patients with paralysis. Listen as Dr. Iahn Cajigas and his colleagues discuss their research on the advanced neurosurgical techniques and high-resolution brain mapping that could bring hope to millions of patients and revolutionize our understanding of the human brain.

A new AI tool is providing a new level of precision to physicians reviewing images of patients' livers, spleens, kidneys, and more. This technology will help determine with some exactitude if a patient is showing any abnormal traits that could shorten their life. “We have had conversations about getting this into developing countries where AI support would be incredibly valuable,” said Walter Witschey, PhD, an associate professor Radiology. http://spr.ly/6047qjxL9

From standing on center court at a Philadelphia 76ers game to lending a hand at a community cancer screening, Penn Medicine employees are all in on the health system’s partnerships with local professional sports teams. It’s a win-win for everyone: the community benefits from having Penn Medicine and its partners teaming up to promote healthy living, while staff get a chance to volunteer for a good cause. The partnerships also provide multiple ways to recognize Penn Medicine employees for their hard work. Penn Presbyterian Medical Center injury prevention coordinator Sunny Jackson, who received a “once-in-a-lifetime" chance to make a special appearance at a Sixers game, said, “It was exciting to be there. But what stands out most in my mind about the experience is the great time I had with my amazing co-workers, who came to the game to support me.” Read the full story: http://spr.ly/6045UA3K3