Penn State Health leaders highlight strategic planning, Epic readiness, safety investments and financial strength at spring town hall

Penn State Health leaders highlighted progress across the system during the May 27 town hall, focusing on strategic planning, patient experience, Epic implementation, workforce safety and strong financial performance. Leaders reinforced a shared commitment to improving access, advancing innovation and delivering high-quality care for patients and communities.

Strategic plan development underway

Dr. Michael Kupferman, Penn State Health chief executive officer, outlined progress on the organization’s next strategic plan, emphasizing the importance of employee input in shaping its direction.

Kupferman said the health system is about halfway through the planning process and is using data, market insights and staff feedback to define priorities.

“We are now at a point where we are starting to build the outlines and pillars of what we are going to evolve into as a health system,” Kupferman said.

The emerging strategy focuses on expanding access, strengthening core clinical programs, investing in advanced technologies and creating a consistent patient experience across all sites of care. Leaders plan to share additional details in the coming months as the framework is refined.

Kupferman encouraged employees to continue submitting ideas using the email address strategy@pennstatehealth.psu.edu to provide feedback in helping shape the system’s long-term direction.

Patient experience drives performance

Leaders reinforced that patient experience remains a central priority and a key measure of success across Penn State Health.

Kupferman highlighted recent improvements in patient experience scores, including gains of more than six percentage points at several locations, and recognized teams that are delivering compassionate, high-quality care.

He noted that how patients feel during their care experience is critical to outcomes and long-term trust in the health system.

Epic implementation progresses toward go-live

Penn State Health continues to make significant progress toward its Oct. 31 Epic go-live, with strong engagement from employees across the organization.

Leaders reported that more than a quarter of the workforce registered for training within the first week, demonstrating high levels of preparedness and commitment.

Scheduling training for super users and end users, along with readiness activities and workflow standardization, are underway to prepare teams for the transition. Super user training begins Monday, July 27, and end user training begins Monday, Aug. 31. The new system will consolidate multiple platforms into a single electronic health record system, improving efficiency and coordination of care.

Leaders also reminded employees of upcoming gray-out (Sept. 1-Oct. 15 and Nov. 16-30) and black-out (Oct. 16-Nov. 15) time-off periods to support a successful implementation.

Safety and workforce investments expand

Penn State Health continues to enhance workplace safety through the implementation of new technologies and systemwide initiatives.

David Swift, senior vice president and chief human resources officer, reported that the Ceia weapons detection system is already producing meaningful results during pilot testing at Lancaster Medical Center and Golisano Children’s Hospital.

On average, the system is identifying three prohibited items each day, helping prevent potential threats and improve safety for employees, patients and visitors.

Swift said Penn State Health plans to expand the technology to additional hospitals as part of its broader commitment to safety and security. He also highlighted the successful rollout of the Canopy duress system across all hospitals, further supporting rapid response to safety concerns.

Financial performance remains strong

Penn State Health continues to exceed financial expectations, positioning the organization for future investments.

Tracy Moyer, executive vice president and chief financial officer, reported that the system achieved a 2.3% operating margin through the first 10 months of the fiscal year, surpassing the 1.6% budget target.

“That is phenomenal,” Moyer said. “This is going to position us nicely to reinvest in our infrastructure and continue to invest in our people.”

Moyer noted that strong volumes, improved performance and disciplined cost management are contributing to the system’s financial stability. These results enable continued investment in major initiatives such as Epic, facility improvements and workforce support.

Mission and workforce impact

Leaders also highlighted Penn State Health’s broader impact on workforce development, education and community health.

Kupferman recognized recent events, including the graduation of 250 students from Penn State College of Medicine and the 28 who will continue their residency at Penn State Health. He also noted ongoing efforts to expand behavioral health services and improve access across the region. Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute’s inpatient services will move from Harrisburg to the third and fourth floors of Holy Spirit Medical Center, beginning July 13. Outpatient services will continue in Harrisburg, with the 3rd Street Outpatient Clinic and Partial Hospitalization Programs moving to 1521 N. 6th Street on Aug. 10 and the Advancement in Recovery Program moving to 100 N. Cameron Street on Sept. 8.

All psychiatric and behavioral health services will be unified under a single identity: Penn State Health Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. Kupferman praised the work of Leslyn Williamson, Holy Spirit and Hampden medical centers regional president, and Dr. Erika Saunders, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, for their work in the transition.

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