Dr. Michael Kupferman introduced as new Penn State Health chief executive officer at May 28 town hall

A new chapter in Penn State Health’s history is underway. Dr. Michael Kupferman will join the Penn State Health family as its new chief executive officer on Monday, June 23. Interim CEO Deborah Addo introduced Kupferman to employees at the May 28 system town hall.

Kupferman comes to Penn State Health after serving as president of the Banner ─ University Medicine Division and senior vice president of the physician enterprise for Phoenix-based Banner Health, one of the largest health systems in the U.S. Prior to his time at Banner, he served as senior vice president of clinical and academic network development at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, working there from 2006 to 2022.

“Over the next few months, I plan to spend a great deal of time listening, learning and engaging with all of you and other teams across our collective enterprise,” Kupferman said. “I have a lot to learn, and I hope I can count on all of you for your support, insights and ideas.”

Kupferman is a fellowship-trained head and neck cancer surgeon and researcher. In addition to his administrative duties as CEO, he plans to continue caring for head and neck cancer patients, as well as training medical students, residents and fellows. Kupferman brings more than two decades of experience as a clinician, academic and administrator.

Penn State Health nears kickoff to its Epic transformation

On Tuesday, June 3, Penn State Health will celebrate the beginning of a 16-month transition to industry leader Epic as its electronic health record and revenue cycle management system.

Harry Padilla, vice president and chief nursing officer at Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, and Dr. Jim Leaming, vice president and chief medical officer at Hampden Medical Center, explained what employees can expect during the transition. Leading the effort are 55 workgroups focused on a range of areas, including clinical, research access and technical or analytical processes. These groups will work to integrate systems, streamline workflows and improve patient care across the entire health care organization, Leaming said.

“These workgroups are structured to ensure the decisions are made thoughtfully, collaboratively, and honestly, efficiently by those who know the work flows best,” Leaming said.

Health system facilities undergo security improvement assessments

Penn State Health is actively enhancing security across its system. In April, a pilot program launched with Canopy, a leader in wireless duress button technology, now supports more than 1,700 staff members at five locations. While initiated before a February security incident at UPMC Memorial Hospital, that event prompted a comprehensive security review. Some improvements, such as restricted public access and expanded training, are already underway.

Additionally, security firm IXP is completing site assessments at six hospitals and 37 medical group locations. Their upcoming recommendations may include weapon detection, armed security, expanded staffing and increased exterior protection, with further updates expected in the coming weeks.

Interim CEO Addo highlights groups and individuals for stellar work

With growing patient traffic across our hospitals, Penn State Health continues to emphasize quality and safety. The Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2025 Hospital Safety ratings reflect this commitment, with Hershey, Hampden and Lancaster medical centers all earning “A” grades. Hampden and Lancaster, described as “Rookies of the Year” by chief medical officer Dr. Ken Wood, are already performing at elite levels despite their relative youth. Holy Spirit and St. Joseph medical centers are also showing marked improvements and deserve recognition for their dedication to patient care, Wood added.

In a highlight of recent achievements, Life Lion emergency medical services (EMS) flight nurse Heather Heisley was featured in an abc27 story for flying with the Blue Angels during the Air DOT Show at Harrisburg International Airport on Memorial Day Weekend. Life Lion provided emergency support at the event, which drew more than 15,000 attendees each day. Fortunately, no incidents occurred, and the readiness and professionalism of the EMS team were crucial.

May was filled with celebrations, including Nurses Week, Hospital and Health System Week, and EMS Week. These events provided a meaningful opportunity to honor the staff’s dedication. Leaders encouraged all team members to reflect on their essential roles in the health system’s success.

Academic excellence was also on display at the College of Medicine’s commencement on May 10, when 263 students graduated. Ninety-nine percent matched with residency programs, and 28 will remain within Penn State Health. Dr. Alireza Mansouri and Dr. Sean Mahase, were congratulated for being named to the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Top Physicians Under 40 list.

Clinical milestones continued with the Heart and Vascular team completing its 600th heart transplant on May 18. Milton S. Hershey Medical Center earned the highest ratings possible from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons in three key categories and successfully performed two new complex cardiovascular procedures—solidifying its position as a regional leader in advanced medical care.

Other Penn State Health Town Hall highlights:

• Patient experience scores across the health system are below threshold as of the end of March. Leaders should encourage their teams to go the extra mile for patients to raise those scores.
• Final pulse surveys will be sent to staff and completed between June 2-20. Leaders should update their teams on employee engagement activities and regularly inform and involve them in the progress of improvement plan actions.
• Joan Hartman, a senior technologist, received the annual Positive Impact Award as the “Leader Winner.” Staff winners Manuel Isherwood, Mackenzie DeLawter and Michelle Spencer were also honored.
• Discounted Hersheypark tickets are available to purchase courtesy of Penn State Health’s Employee Appreciation Day. Tickets are more than 60% off their regular price and must be purchased on the Infonet page by Monday, June 16.
• Through the end of April, all Penn State Health’s inpatient and surgical financial figures are deemed favorable compared to budget, except its case mix index. Outpatient numbers are down, with the exception of telemedicine and observation cases.

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