Weekly Quick Hits — Friday, Dec. 13, 2019

Weekly Quick Hits recaps announcements and events from The Daily Brief email. Check your email inbox for more.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Follow Progress on Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center Construction

Work continues on the new Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center after the steel structure was completed at the “topping off” ceremony on Nov. 8. Construction crews are now pouring the concrete floors and will start framing the exterior walls at the end of January. The 300,000-square-foot, three-story acute care hospital is on target to be completed in summer 2021. Follow its progress with our construction camera.

Medical Minute: Challenges of Treating Pancreatic Cancer

In the Medical Minute, Dr. Niraj Gusani, director of the program for liver, pancreas and foregut tumors at Penn State Cancer Institute, discusses the challenges of treating pancreatic cancer. There is no effective screening test, and its symptoms often mimic other maladies, making it difficult to diagnose. Once it develops, pancreatic cancer is very aggressive. Fewer than 10% of people who develop it survive five years after they are diagnosed. Read the full story.

Hershey Gift Shop Offers 25% Off Jewelry

Enjoy 25% off all jewelry at the Gift Shop and Penn State store at Hershey Medical Center daily through Sunday, Dec. 15, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

45,650 Teddy Bears Tossed During Hockey Game

Employees from throughout Hershey Medical Center and Children’s Miracle Network helped count and sort the record 45,650 teddy bears tossed on the ice during the Hershey Bears Teddy Bear Toss hockey game on Dec. 1. The stuffed animals are given to area charities. The Sweigart Family Foundation also donated $1 to Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital for every animal thrown. Community Aid also made a donation per plush, bringing the donation total to $57,062.50. Participating departments included Pediatric Care Management, Pediatric Orthopedics, Pediatric Neurology, Food Services, Information Technology, Pediatric Perioperative, Surgical Services, Informatics and Penn State Health Medical Group.

Researchers Receive $5 million For Opioid Addiction Study

Penn State College of Medicine researchers received nearly $5 million for a two-year project to investigate if a drug already approved for treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes can be used to reduce cravings and prevent relapse in those struggling with opioid addiction. It’s one of many projects that Penn State researchers from across the commonwealth discussed at the Penn State Addiction Center for Translation’s 5th Annual Addiction Symposium.

Apply For I-Corps Innovations Training

Discover what it takes to move your ideas beyond the lab or clinic. Apply by Monday, Jan. 13 for I-Corps Innovations training, which offers a methodology to discover the commercial potential of technology. During the course, teams of participating researchers learn how to explore product-market fit, talk to customers and gain insight from experienced leaders.

Volunteers Needed For Farm Show

Sign up to give flu shots or to be a Hi-Five Lion Helper at the 2020 Pennsylvania Farm Show Saturday, Jan. 4, to Saturday, Jan. 11 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. Register before Thursday, Jan. 2 and receive a free parking pass, a Penn State Health logo T-shirt and a PAWS UP electronic certificate of participation for your portfolio. For more information, contact Bill Krenz at 717-531-7575.

PEOPLE

Berks Cardiologist Recognized For Grassroots Advocacy

Berks Cardiology’s Dr. Andrew Waxler won the 2019 American College of Cardiology’s (ACC) Excellence in Advocacy Award for Grassroots. The award recognizes an ACC member for leadership, involvement and commitment to grassroots advocacy in cardiology. Waxler, who leads the ACC’s Pennsylvania chapter as governor, was honored on Nov. 5 during the ACC’s 2019 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ellis to Present Inaugural Lecture on Radiation Oncology

Dr. Rodney Ellis, chair of the College of Medicine’s Department of Radiation Oncology, will give his inaugural lecture “Getting Back to the Future of Radiation Oncology” on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 5 p.m. in Junker Auditorium. A reception will follow the event in the anteroom. The event will be livestreamed and available for viewing afterward. Continuing Medical Education credit is provided to those who attend the presentation in person.

Penn State Project ECHO Will Host Lecture

Penn State Project ECHO will host “All Teach, All Learn,” a lunchtime lecture and panel discussion on Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Junker Auditorium in the college of Medicine. Clinicians will learn how they can partner with Project ECHO to transform health for underserved groups by sharing cutting-edge care and expertise across Pennsylvania. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required; email for details

Conrad Weiser Teacher, Students to Give Presentations

Adelle Schade, a biomedical science instructor at Conrad Weiser High School in Robesonia, Pa., will present “Science Research Institute: Design and Enterprise” on Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 11 a.m. to noon at Junker Auditorium in the College of Medicine. Conrad Weiser students will also make presentations. RSVP here by today. Zoom link.

Learn About Micronutrient Deficiencies in Africa

Dr. Paddy Ssentongo and Djibril Ba will present “Micronutrient Deficiencies in Africa – Where, Why and the Associated Influence on Child Growth,” on Wednesday, Dec. 18, noon to 1 p.m. at the Academic Support Building, 2200G. Light refreshments will be provided. Participants may join the seminar by calling 929-205-6099, meeting ID 778 042 691, or via Zoom.

“What to Expect When You’re Expecting” Event

Hershey Medical Center obstetricians, midwives and other providers will discuss “What to Expect When You’re Expecting at Penn State Health” on Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Junker Auditorium at the College of Medicine. The event is open to pregnant women of any stage and their families. It includes a tour of the Labor and Delivery Department and light refreshments. More details are here.

Stress Reduction Classes Return

Mindfulness-based stress reduction classes are back. This eight-week course will teach the principles of mindfulness and how to apply these principles to deal more effectively with stress and the demands of daily life. University Fitness Center is organizing two sessions: Fitness Center (Mondays, Jan. 20 through March 9; orientation Monday, Jan. 6) and Penn State Cancer Institute (Jan. 22 through March 11; orientation Wednesday, Jan. 8). More information here.

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