UPMC

The Center for Connected Medicine at UPMC released its 8th annual “Top of Mind for Top Health Systems” survey. This survey collects insights from senior leaders at health systems, acting as a barometer for priorities and concerns regarding digital innovation. For the second year in a row, AI has been highlighted as the most exciting and improved technology by surveyed leaders. In response to the survey, Dr. Robert Bart, Chief Medical Information Officer at UPMC, acknowledges the enthusiasm for AI’s potential to revolutionize health care by automating labor-intensive tasks. However, he stresses the importance of maintaining a balance and prioritizing high-quality patient care and robust data protection measures. 📥 Download the survey for key findings. https://lnkd.in/eUfmRjyE

Much gratitude to UPMC Lititz Employee Experience Committee for their efforts in gathering 56 backpacks stuffed with essential school supplies benefitting the students at the Warwick School District!

Through its clinical affiliation with UPMC, Washington County Ambulance and Chair became one of the first EMS organizations in the region to be trained and equipped to carry and administer blood to patients in the field. “Our ability to administer blood before a patient arrives at the hospital is increasing access to rapid, life-saving care,” said Larry Pollock, executive director, Ambulance and Chair EMS. “This is especially important for our predominantly rural communities that are a greater distance from the nearest hospital or trauma center.” The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services made a change to protocols, allowing for specially trained paramedics to administer blood in the field. “This program has required a substantial investment of time, equipment, and training hours for all involved in taking this next step in combating morbidity and mortality related to significant blood loss,” said Larry Pantuso, vice president of Strategy and Clinical Services, UPMC Washington, and board chair, Ambulance and Chair EMS. “Ambulance and Chair EMS is thrilled to be a part of making history in the evolution of advancing emergency medical response.” “At UPMC, when we see a need in the community, we look to see how we can make a difference,” said Vincent Mosesso, M.D., medical director, UPMC Prehospital Care, and chief medical officer, Ambulance and Chair EMS. “We are grateful for the opportunity to help make a difference for people in Washington County and surrounding communities before they get inside a hospital.”

We're excited to share that UPMC Williamsport has once again achieved Level II Trauma Center accreditation by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation. “Since our Level II Trauma Center designation in 2021, our care teams have been instrumental in saving thousands of lives,” stated Ronen Elefant, MD, trauma surgeon and medical director of trauma services, UPMC in North Central Pa. “On average, we have cared for over 1,300 individuals annually with a remarkable 98% survival rate. While these statistics highlight our clinical expertise, the true measure of our success is seen in the lives we impact. Every life saved reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional, high-level clinical care here in Williamsport.” The PTSF accredits Pennsylvania trauma centers at four levels. UPMC Williamsport has been awarded the maximum three-year reaccreditation, highlighting the program’s exceptional clinical care, performance improvement, patient safety, and commitment. This achievement reflects a comprehensive review process that confirmed these high standards by independent surveyors and the board of the PTSF. UPMC Williamsport stands out as one of only three trauma centers serving the 12-county region of north central Pa. “In 2021, we set a new standard for care in the region, and three years later, we proudly celebrate a program that has grown significantly and continues to deliver life-saving benefits to our patients and the community,” said Patti Jackson-Gehris, president, UPMC Williamsport and UPMC in North Central Pa. Delivering advanced trauma care demands a collaborative team effort across various hospital departments, ensuring 24-hour availability for severely injured patients. Trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, cardiac surgeons, radiologists, nurses, and support staff all bring specialized training and expertise to the treatment of traumatic injuries. Beyond their clinical responsibilities, UPMC’s trauma experts also engage in community education and outreach, with a focus on injury prevention.

In July 2024, the UPMC Vision Institute treated its first patient with the #genetherapy Luxturna® for inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD) caused by biallelic mutations in the RPE65 gene. “While IRDs in general are rare diseases and the biallelic RPE65 mutation variants even more so, Luxturna’s demonstrated efficacy provides our patient population the ability to halt the progression of their disease and hopefully maintain their remaining functional vision capacity,” says Joseph Martel, MD, assistant professor of Ophthalmology in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Continue reading ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eCJfe-CK

At 15 years old, Matt Berwick sustained a spinal cord injury. He found support in a wheelchair rugby league and met others with disabilities who he could look up to. Today, he serves as a role model himself, dedicating his time to raising awareness and providing representation for the disability community. Matt, now senior program manager for Disability Accommodations at UPMC, hosts a monthly segment at UPMC Children’s Hospital's Dream Big Studio, where he educates patients and their families about disabilities. His goal is to normalize disabilities and ensure children feel less alone. He aims to be positive and entertaining while teaching about disability, showing it’s not “bad” or “scary.” Matt uses familiar resources and concepts to reach patients of all ages. By discussing topics like sign language, service animals, and Autism Acceptance Month, he helps create an inclusive environment. Matt has also been an active part of the electronic health record disability documentation project, which was carried out by UPMC's Information Technology staff. Having navigated the medical system with a disability, he is passionate about improving access and ensuring patients receive necessary accommodations. He emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions to ensure accurate documentation and tailored support for each patient. "In order to get the right information to best support our patients' needs, we need to ask the right questions,” he says.

At UPMC, our team members are defined by 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 rekindling old hobbies or discovering new talents, our workplace is alive with creativity. Meet Dr. Barry Coutinho, family physician at UPMC Shadyside. Not only is he a family physician but also an accomplished pianist! Dr. Coutinho’s greatest influence is undoubtedly his father- who was a family doctor in Kent, England as well as a self-taught amateur concert pianist. He says that he’s appreciative of the hospital’s administration for providing a venue and piano that has brought him an opportunity to give his yearly concerts for the Shoulder to Shoulder Pittsburgh-San Jose charity. All funds raised are used to provide medical care, medications, and local staff salaries to patients at the Clinic in Honduras. Bravo, Dr. Coutinho!

This week's episode of UPMC NOW spotlights a partnership between UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC Magee-Womens that saw their first patient receive a groundbreaking vaccination targeting pre-invasive breast cancer. Next, we highlight how UPMC in Central Pa. and Girls on the Run are teaming up to teach young girls skills so that they can boldly and joyfully pursue their dreams and a University of Pittsburgh and UPMC summer camp for high school students teaching them about medical imaging informatics through the use of AI. Finally, Penn State, UPMC and Dauphin County are collaborating to produce a healthcare vending machine for low-barrier access to Narcan, lifesaving items and connect patients to service. Check it all out here!

📢 Attention, nursing students! Applications for the 2025 UPMC Student Nurse Internship (SNI) are now open! This 10-week, paid internship provides hands-on experience for nursing students and personalized support from our dedicated nurse preceptors. Apply today: https://lnkd.in/eaqu-FA4

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh is nationally recognized for its exceptional care and clinical expertise. This week, our UPMC Magee nurses were named among the best in the nation. The American Nurses Credentialing Center again awarded UPMC Magee the prestigious Magnet® designation, recognizing the hospital's nursing excellence and outstanding patient care. Only 10% of hospitals nationwide receive this coveted distinction. It is considered the "gold standard" of nursing practice. UPMC Magee is home to an exceptional nursing team led by Chief Nursing Officer Dawndra Jones DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. Together, they've fostered a collaborative, patient-first environment. The Magnet re-designation is a testament to their hard work, and I'm so happy the team had the chance to celebrate this achievement yesterday. Of course, UPMC Magee is a special place. I had the privilege of serving as its president for 13 years. Today, I remain immensely proud of the Magee community and everything the team has accomplished. To our Magee nurses: Thank you for your commitment to excellence, and congratulations on another well-earned honor.