Latest News

Penn State Health surgeons discuss hernias at educational event
Penn State Health surgeons hosted free hernia education presentations and screenings on Saturday, Jan. 21, at Penn State Health Specialty Services.
Read MorePenn State Health and College of Medicine recognize achievements of faculty, staff and students
Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine have compiled the following list of appointments and awards to showcase accolades for faculty, staff and students.
Read MorePenn State Health welcomes first babies of 2023
As we flip our calendars to a new year, here’s a look at the first babies to be born across Penn State Health in 2023.
Read MoreOllie’s donates $25,000 to Penn State Health Children’s Hospital
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet managed to turn a range of sports memorabilia into a $25,000 donation for Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
Read MoreMid Penn Bank, Department of Urology shatter No-Shave November fundraising record
Mid Penn Bank and the Department of Urology at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center raised $241,000 for men’s health and cancer research.
Read MoreLatest Research

Penn State CTSI: Building the Foundation for Rural Health Equity
As a Clinical and Translational Science Award program with a rural focus, Penn State CTSI fosters collaborative research and provides resources to help discoveries reach people needing them most.
Read MoreRural hospital closures affect operations of surrounding hospitals
A study by Penn State College of Medicine researchers found that nearby hospitals see increased emergency department visits and admissions as a result of rural hospital closures.
Read MoreMany genes linked to alcohol and tobacco use are shared among diverse ancestries
Penn State researchers co-led a study that identified more than 2,300 genes predicting alcohol and tobacco use. They found many of these genes were similar among people with diverse ancestries.
Read MoreCancer Institute researcher awarded grant to increase diversity in clinical trials
Penn State Cancer Institute researcher Dr. Monali Vasekar has received the Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Award from the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation.
Read MoreNearly $50 million supports College of Medicine research, community outreach
Between July and September 2022, College of Medicine researchers received 177 grants and contracts totaling $49.9 million for research.
Read MoreLatest Medical Minutes

The Medical Minute: Could that breast pain be cancer? When to get a mammogram
Pain in your breast means you better get a mammogram, right? Not always, says a Penn State Health radiologist, who sounds off on when it’s best to get your screening in this week’s Medical Minute.
Read MoreThe Medical Minute: Hernia – the common, treatable condition no one is talking about
‘Tis the season for heart attacks shoveling snow – but don’t forget about hernias. A Penn State Health doctor discusses the ailment and when you should seek help.
Read MoreThe Medical Minute: Hamlin's cardiac arrest highlights need for equipment, training
The medical emergency suffered by Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills underscores the importance of speed when responding to cardiac arrest. Two Penn State Health physicians offer guidance.
Read MoreThe Medical Minute: Making a holiday present of being present
Last minute gift idea: Take a deep breath. Let it go. Repeat. A Penn State Health psychiatrist offers a remedy for holiday stress.
Read MoreThe Medical Minute: A healthy holiday includes giving gifts – and a good attitude
Giving and receiving aren’t just holiday traditions. They’re good for your brain, too. A Penn State Health counselor shares his perspective.
Read MoreLatest Education

Soni recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
Dr. Ajay Soni, a physician in the Department of Ophthalmology, is featured for February in the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program.
Read MoreAnesthesiology resident Vargo recognized for exceptional teaching
Dr. Trevor Vargo, an anesthesiology resident at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, was recognized in January as part of the Exceptional Moments in Teaching program of Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine.
Read MoreGilbert recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
Dr. Bernadatte Gilbert, a physician in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, is featured for January in the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program.
Read MoreOrthopaedic surgery resident Thomas recognized for exceptional teaching
Dr. Rachel Thomas, an orthopaedic surgery resident at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, was recognized in December 2022 as part of the Exceptional Moments in Teaching program […]
Read MoreKulaylat recognized for Exceptional Moments in Teaching
Dr. Afif Kulaylat, a physician in the Department of Surgery in the Division of Pediatric Surgery, is featured for December in the “Exceptional Moments in Teaching” program.
Read MoreLatest Patient Care

Morrell named December DAISY Award recipient by Holy Spirit Medical Center
Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center presented the December 2022 DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award to Jessica Morrell, a registered nurse in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit.
Read MoreThe first cry: Lancaster Medical Center staff almost as thrilled as parents at first new baby
They'd waited so long for the big day. And when Townsley Stetzler arrived as their first baby, the staff at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center was almost as thrilled as his parents.
Read MoreMiller, Smeltz recognized by Hampden Medical Center in touching DAISY Award ceremony
Hampden Medical Center presented the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award to two Women and Babies nurses who provided special care to a mother who lost her baby. Christy Miller and Kelly Smeltz, both registered nurses on the Women’s Health unit, provided care to the patient through a traumatic time and helped her begin a journey to healing.
Read MoreJim’s phantoms: Wounded veteran finds freedom from pain 56 years later thanks to Hershey Medical Center procedure
Veteran Jim Morton has been tortured by excruciating pain in limbs he lost during the Vietnam War half a century ago. Now, thanks to a procedure at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Morton is moving on.
Read MoreHeart patient goes extra mile, literally, while awaiting transplant
A former Marine is taking nearly 7-mile-long walks at Hershey Medical Center each day while he awaits a heart transplant.
Read MoreLatest Ask Us Anything About

Ask Us Anything About… RSV in Children
We’ve been hearing a lot about RSV -- or respiratory syncytial virus -- lately. While cases are reported every year, an early influx of cases -- and of hospitalizations, including among children -- is adding to concern this year. We find out what parents need to know from Dr. Jessica Ericson, a pediatric infectious diseases physician, and Dr. Duane Williams, a pediatric critical care physician -- both of Penn State Health Children's Hospital.
Read MoreAsk Us Anything About... Knee Problems
Approximately a quarter of all adults suffer from knee pain. We learn more about the causes of and treatments for a range of knee ailments from two Penn State Health orthopedic surgeons: Dr. Charles Davis and Dr. Aman Dhawan.
Read MoreAsk Us Anything About... Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is relatively common, with some 80,000 cases diagnosed each year in the U.S. Dr. Matthew Kaag, clinical vice chair in the Department of Urology at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, provides insights about risk factors, symptoms and treatments and answers viewers questions.
Read MoreAsk Us Anything About... Midwifery
A certified nurse midwife is a registered nurse with a master’s degree in midwifery and special certification and advanced training to offer personalized care during pregnancy and childbirth. In this interview, Certified Nurse Midwife Katie Watkins, of Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center, shares some important information for expectant mothers.
Read MoreAsk Us Anything About... Children’s Outdoor Injuries
It’s spring…and soon summer. And as our kids head outside to ride their bikes, climb trees and hit the playground, some dangers await. In this interview, we’re focused on safety and how to help your children avoid common outdoor injuries.
Read MoreLatest Community

Penn State Health Inclusion Week events bring participants together
Penn State Health’s 2023 Inclusion Week began on Jan. 16 with events recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The health system provided numerous opportunities to honor the work of Dr. King through collaborations with Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey, Hampden, Holy Spirit and St. Joseph medical centers.
Read MoreDrug Take-Back Day collects more than 415 pounds of medications
Penn State Health received 415.8 pounds of unwanted, unneeded or expired medications and more than 20 sharps containers for safe disposal during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Oct. 29.
Read MoreProject ECHO at Penn State awarded “Superhub” status
As a Superhub, Penn State is authorized to train new ECHO partners (called “hubs”) within the U.S. and across the globe – providing technical assistance and support to other ECHO partners as they grow their programs.
Read MorePenn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center partners with Highmark to support community health
Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center and Highmark jointly sponsor an Oct. 16 family health fair at The Giorgi Companies’ office in Blandon, Pa.
Read MoreCollege of Medicine, Nursing collaborate on community education series to help dementia caregivers
Penn State College of Medicine and the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing have launched a new community education series for dementia caregivers.
Read MoreLatest People

Penn State Health names Armstrong vice president and physician leader for orthopedic services
Penn State Health has named Dr. April Armstrong to the position of vice president for orthopedic services for Penn State Health Medical Group.
Read MoreHello, I’m Nathan. What’s your name? Autism is no match for Penn State Health St. Joseph Cancer Center ambassador
Nathan's ability to recall names, facts and numbers is startling. His diligence in even the smallest, most banal tasks is unwavering. He’s a medal-winning, multisport athlete. And then there's his compassion.
Read MorePenn State Health names Peter Ostasewski medical group CFO
Peter Ostasewski has been named vice president and chief financial officer for Penn State Health Medical Group, effective Dec. 19.
Read MoreRader recognized with DAISY Award by St. Joseph Medical Center
St. Joseph Medical Center presented the November DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award to Angela Rader, a registered nurse on 2 North.
Read MoreCirko joins Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center Nov. 21 as vice president of mission and ministry
Alexandria Cirko will join Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center on Monday, Nov. 21 as vice president of mission and ministry.
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