UPMC

It’s UPMC’s largest construction project ever and the largest current health care construction project in Pennsylvania. Now the new UPMC Presbyterian tower is one step closer to completion, as one of the final structural steel beams settled into place today on the top floor of the 17-story building. When construction completes in late 2026, the 1.2 million square foot project will house 636 private patient rooms, equipped with technological advances that support the exceptional experience of patients and staff. “Setting the last beam is a major milestone in the evolution of a building project,” said Sandy Rader, president, UPMC Presbyterian. “This patient care tower reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible work environment for our staff and life-changing medicine for our patients.” https://lnkd.in/efPnJsPR

Sandy Miller is a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, nurse, caregiver to two rescue dogs and two rescue cats, a UPMC employee, and a cancer patient. Being diagnosed with terminal cancer hasn't stopped Sandy from pursuing a full life. Her story is an inspiration during #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth. "Being diagnosed with terminal cancer did not stop my life. Instead, it enhanced how I see things, it gave me a chance to make time to do the things I always thought I was too busy for, and it reminded me that patience is a virtue (I needed this one). I have met some pretty amazing people along the way. I am busier than ever, and I embrace that; I never want to miss the important things or memories being made. Not every day is roses and rainbows, and believe me—there are dark days. But my mindset and determination have never let me down. I could spend all day telling you what and who I am thankful for: it takes a village of family and friends to keep me going. I have to stop and recognize my gratitude for UPMC. Even though I am no longer on the front lines of nursing, I remain steadfast in our members’ corner, upholding UPMC Health Plan’s mission of providing quality care. With 15 years of experience in the health plan industry, I was keenly aware of the forward-thinking approach that UPMC Health Plan promotes. Additionally, the prospect of having top-rated physicians and specialists as part of my health team motivated me to become a part of that professional world. I am thankful to not only receive treatment at the Hillman Cancer Center, but I am also thankful for my work network. The group I work alongside at UPMC Health Plan is an inspiration. The health plan as a whole promotes kindness in its culture, I witness it every day. Personally, I am the recipient of emails, texts, and messages just to ask how I am doing, they always seem to come at the right time. The act of kindness no matter the size goes a very long way. I am so thankful for my health care benefits, because, as you can imagine, the cost of cancer is not cheap. My immediate work family in UPMC Health Plan’s quality department is second to none, and my leaders have given me a lot of grace and understanding along the way. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what storms are all about. I know my life will never be 'normal', but I am rocking the 'abnormal' side of life and hopefully, with God’s grace, will continue to do so for a long while. I will end with a quote by Ann Davis that hangs in my office: 'Today is not a duty; it’s an honor. Today is not a challenge; it’s a chance. Today is not a race; it’s a gift.'”

UPMC leaders Chris Carmody (chief technology officer, UPMC), Dr. Rob Bart (chief medical information officer, UPMC), Aman Mahajan, MD, PhD, MBA (senior vice president, Health Innovation, UPMC Enterprises), and Srinivasan Suresh MD, MBA, FAAP (vice president, chief medical information officer, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh) will be featured speakers at Becker's Healthcare’s Health IT + Digital Health + RCM Conference. They will engage in discussions on medical technology, clinical informatics, diagnostics, and innovation. https://lnkd.in/e-8V56j2

Join the Institute for Precision Medicine for a virtual panel on how #AI is revolutionizing clinical trials. Experts from UPMC Enterprises, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, CSIRO’s Data 61, and Realyze Intelligence will discuss current applications, future opportunities, and challenges. Register now to learn about AI’s groundbreaking advancements in medical research. https://lnkd.in/expWHmvj

Verna Correll has been a dedicated volunteer at Easton Lycoming YMCA Physical Therapy for five years. Inspired by her own personal journey through physical therapy, she's passionate about giving back to the community. "After both knee replacement surgeries, the physical therapy staff members encouraged and pushed me to walking successfully and painlessly. Their kindness stayed with me until I retired." Verna enjoys helping patients feel more comfortable by offering friendly conversation, stocking linens, and assisting with various tasks. "I try to comfort or joke with the patients to help combat nerves or pain. I remember and empathize with them sometimes sharing my therapy experience." Beyond the YMCA, Verna's dedication extends to the James V. Brown Library and the Lycoming County SPCA. When she's not volunteering, you can find her traveling, reading, knitting, or baking. Her advice to potential volunteers? "Don’t sit at home feeling bored and old! Volunteering will make a difference for others and yourself!" Learn more about volunteering: https://lnkd.in/eAandi23

Dr. José-Alain Sahel, UPMC Vision Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology, and Eye & Ear Foundation of Pittsburgh, was the keynote speaker at the 33rd Biennial Center for Visual Science Symposium at the University of Rochester and was recently featured on a "Neuroscience Perspectives" podcast episode to talk about his #genetherapy research: https://lnkd.in/g-JHuR2Z

At UPMC, our team members are known for more than their job titles. Each day, they contribute their unique skills and expertise to their roles. But there’s more to their story! Our colleagues also explore their artistic, athletic, and creative passions. Whether they’re reigniting old hobbies or discovering new talents, our workplace is vibrant with creativity. Meet Christine Wnuk, manager, Enterprise Project Management Office, Corporate Services. Did you know that Christine is a freestyle rapper? That’s right! Christine has always had a passion for words, rhymes, and puns, and has been a writer and storyteller in various forms throughout her life. Her interest in freestyle rap was sparked when she discovered the musical Hamilton and learned that many of its stars were part of a freestyle rap group. At that time, the group had transitioned their physical school into an online program, allowing Christine to take a course on the basics of freestyle rap with people from all over the world. She says that while the work done at UPMC is meticulous and carefully planned, freestyle rap is the complete opposite. It has taught her to be present in the moment and to respond spontaneously to whatever comes her way.

This week's episode of UPMC NOW highlights Pitt’s Human Engineering Research Lab (HERL) as it celebrates its 30th anniversary and the team gave us a special look into what makes it so unique. Next up, music superstar Melissa Etheridge met with leadership from UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and Magee-Womens Research Institute before going on stage at the 7th annual Women Who Rock benefit concert and UPMC McKeesport cut the ribbon for their newly renovated Wound Care Center, nearly doubling their capacity to care for the community. Then, watch as UPMC Magee-Womens and UPMC Children’s in Central Pa. NICU patients reunited with UPMC nurses and staff at a NICU Reunion Pajama Party at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg, Pa.

Wyatt Aldenderfer, senior professional EMT, and Jacob Bellerillo, senior professional paramedic, Susquehanna Regional EMS, come from a long lineage of firefighters and first responders. Members of Wyatt’s family have been firefighters with Williamsport Bureau of Fire since the mid-1900s, and his father is a forest fire specialist, while Jacob’s father was also a firefighter. Each now are continuing their family traditions as volunteer firefighters and wildland firefighters. In July, Wyatt and Jacob were deployed by the Pennsylvania Wildland Fire Team to battle blazes at Sawlog Canyon in Montana. They were part of a 20-person crew of Pennsylvania and Maryland firefighters who were sent out for two weeks to stop and slow the spread of the wildfires. “I love hiking. I love being outside. I love fire. Those three things together, you get wildland firefighting,” Jacob said. Wyatt is a volunteer with the Trout Run Fire Company and a Pennsylvania State Forest fire warden, and Jacob is a volunteer with the Montoursville Fire Department. Both are Firefighter Type 2 certified and emergency firefighters, which allows them to go out west and fight forest fires when called upon. “I'm very fortunate having an employer like UPMC to allow me to go out and do these fire activities,” Wyatt said. “I know there's some other people that aren’t as lucky.” This trip was Wyatt’s first deployment and Jacob’s second; his first was also to Montana. Both are part of the hand crew, who go out to dig shorelines to prevent the fire from spreading. They’re also the mop-up crew, and they search for smoke spots and smother those. All their work is done with hand tools without water. Engine crews come along with small UTVs and water tanks, and even large planes fly overhead dousing the burning acreage with water and fire-retardant chemicals. Jacob and Wyatt also make up the medical team for the crew and do examinations and determine if another crew member needs to go to the hospital. During this trip, Wyatt and Jacob worked side-by-side with members of the Apsáalooke Nation (Crow Tribe) to protect the Crow Indian Reservation, a task they didn’t take lightly. They take great pride in protecting the United States’ land and wildlife and highly recommend becoming a wildland firefighter to join in on their amazing experiences. “We’d go into restaurants and the people would buy our meals. People are thanking us, coming up, shaking our hands. It really kind of gets emotional,” Wyatt said. “Not anybody can just go up there on that land, and I'm here protecting it because it's sacred to them. They were very thankful.” “That’s basically what Wyatt and I have dedicated our lives to; saving lives and land,” Jacob said. “It's something to be proud of.”

The March of Dimes honored UPMC Mercy Pavilion with the Building Project of the Year Award at its 14th Annual Pittsburgh Transportation, Building, & Construction Awards Luncheon on Sept. 10. Through this event, the March of Dimes raises critical funds for its mission to fight for the health of all moms, babies, and families. UPMC Mercy Pavilion opened in May 2023 and features state-of-the-art amenities for patients at the UPMC Vision Institute and UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, including a life skills apartment, street simulation lab, rooftop sensory garden, and accessible wayfinding and design elements. https://lnkd.in/e7bR6Fdr