Weekly Quick Hits — Friday, Nov. 22, 2019

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

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Massini: Patient Satisfaction

Penn State Health CEO Steve Massini emailed Penn State Health employees on Thursday about the organizational goal of patient satisfaction. “Specifically, our goal is to improve patient satisfaction across the health system by 2%,” he said. “Our patient satisfaction scores reflect how well we care for the people in our community who have entrusted us with their health.” Read the full message.

United Way Campaign Breaks Record

Breaking all previous United Way campaign records, Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine teamed up to raise is $400,454 this year ― 105.4% of the $380,000 goal. The total is also 6.7% more than the 2018 campaign results. “I’m very pleased with the commitment our employees and faculty have made to support the greater good of the community through United Way giving,” said Jim George, campaign chair and Penn State Health director of community relations. “The funds we raised together will help families access better health care, education, jobs and basic needs.” The winners of the United Way incentive prizes will be announced on Jan. 2, 2020, and the parking space winners will be available for use on Feb. 1.

JUUL Study

New research from Penn State College of Medicine shows that JUUL, a popular pod-based electronic cigarette, can deliver more nicotine at a faster rate than most other types of electronic cigarettes that have been studied. Jessica Yingst, first author and researcher at the College of Medicine, said that previous studies of other electronic cigarettes with high liquid nicotine concentrations revealed that many delivered very little nicotine to the user. Read the full story.

Thyroid Cancer Research

Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine identified a new gene mutation that may cause a type of familial thyroid cancer. Dr. Darrin Bann, an otolaryngology resident at the College of Medicine and lead author of the study, said this mutation is the first and only one associated with familial thyroid cancer to be identified in a gene that is primarily expressed in the thyroid gland. Read more. 

Heath Share Nutrition Box Grant

Highmark Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to Penn State Health in August 2019 for the Health Share Nutrition Box Program for Food Pantry Clients. The Community Health team will use the grant funds to provide clients with fresh fruits and vegetables and a simple, healthy recipe to make at home that features those ingredients. Clients will also receive a cooking incentive that is needed to make the recipe, such as a can opener or apple slicer. The initiative will begin at a local food pantry in December.

PEOPLE

Crosson Named Director of Business Integration

Sheila Crosson has been named director of business integration for strategy and network development. In this newly created position, she will work with regional Medical Group Community Practice Division leadership, other operational and shared services leadership and staff to coordinate the successful integration of acquired practices. Crosson has more than 20 years of experience, ranging from clinical operations at the Mayo Clinic and clinical research at Hershey Medical Center to academic practice site management within Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute

UPCOMING EVENTS

“Mentoring a Generation of Practitioners” Nov. 22

Dr. Paul Haidet will present “Mentoring a Generation of Practitioners: A Tale of Two Bandleaders” Friday, Nov. 22, noon to 1 p.m. at the College of Medicine, C3621. The session is part of the 2019-2020 Woodward Colloquium Series. Register online.

Children’s Miracle Network Participates in Extraordinary Give Nov. 22

Children’s Miracle Network is participating in Extraordinary Give on Friday, Nov. 22 – Lancaster County’s 24-hour online giving event. Visit extragive.org to make a donation. Gifts will help purchase patient activity stations curated by the Lancaster Science Factory for Penn State Health Lime Spring Outpatient Center at 2221 Noll Drive, Lancaster. Stop by Lime Spring for free coffee from 9 to 11 a.m. Take a tour, meet some Miracle Kids and get a sneak peek of an activity station.

International Fraud Awareness Week Nov. 17-23

The week of Nov. 17 to 23 is International Fraud Awareness Week. Penn State Health’s Internal Audit Department has provided information each day about fraud, including what you can do to protect yourself during your daily routine at work and home. Thursday’s entry discusses health care-specific fraud. Click here for more.

Inaugural Lecture Nov. 26

Dr. David Goldenberg will present “Of Thee I Sing: The Anatomy, Physiology and Health Benefits of Song,” during his inaugural lecture as chair of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. The talk will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. in Penn State College of Medicine’s Junker Auditorium and be livestreamed at med.psu.edu/oto-chair. The College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)^TM.

“Employee Strong—Holiday Edition” Nov. 25-Jan. 13

Looking for a little extra gift-toting muscle this holiday season? Sign up for “Employee Strong — Holiday Edition.” This eight-week session runs Mondays,  Nov. 25 to Jan. 13, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at the University Fitness Center. The usual class fee is $80, but when you attend six out of the eight classes the fee will be waived. Register online. For details, call 717-531-7075.

3D Ornament Creation Nov. 26

Create some unique ornaments for your tree using the free 3D design app, Tinkercad, on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the College of Medicine, C1620K. Participants will learn the basics of 3D modeling and by the end of the class will have a file ready for printing on the Harrell Health Sciences Library’s 3D printers. Bring a laptop and mouse. Register online .

Esteem Open House Dec. 4

Esteem Penn State Health Cosmetic Associates will hold an open house Wednesday, Dec. 4, from noon to 5 p.m. at 5 Capital Drive, Harrisburg. All skin care products will be 20% off. Buy a gift certificate for someone you want to treat and get a gift certificate at 50% off for yourself. Light refreshments will be provided. No registration is required.

Addiction Symposium Dec. 10

Penn State Health Addiction Center for Translation will present the fifth annual Penn State Addiction Symposium on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the College of Medicine, Junker Auditorium. Those interested in attending either the full symposium or the keynote address/lunch should register online by Dec. 3. The first 100 registrants who attend the symposium in person will receive a free book by the keynote speakers.

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