UPMC

Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh is seeking volunteers to assist at its Free Dental and Hearing Clinic on Oct. 16 and 17 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh receives core support from UPMC, UPMC Health Plan, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine — and our clinicians and staff continue to show up and step up! But with more than 2,000 patients expected over the course of two days, additional help is needed. Volunteers can sign up for a variety of roles, including clinical support, such as x-ray and lab technicians, and administrative roles, such as helping with patient check-in. Volunteer registration is open now. Find a role that’s right for you: mompgh.org/volunteer.

Meet Dr. Drew Redepenning. Growing up, he enjoyed playing video games. But it wasn't until a patient with a spinal cord injury introduced him to adaptive gaming that he discovered their power to connect, empower, and transform lives. Now a third-year resident in UPMC's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Redepenning co-founded Empowered Esports. The program brings accessible gaming opportunities to people with physical disabilities through adaptive gaming events and equipment. Here's his story. 💜

We loved having Kate Steinfurth, this year’s recipient of the Freddie Fu Sports Medicine Scholarship, join us this summer! During her six-week internship with UPMC Sports Medicine, Kate had the opportunity to learn alongside our physicians, neuropsychologists, physical therapists, and athletic trainers while observing patient evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation. For Kate, the experience helped bring her future career goals into focus. “I have always been interested in science, and over the past few years I began exploring the world of sports medicine,” Kate says. “This experience helped me narrow down my interest in a sports medicine career to physical therapy, specifically. Everyone was super supportive, kind, helpful, and encouraging.” Each year, the Freddie Fu Sports Medicine Scholarship gives one rising high school senior in western Pennsylvania a firsthand look at the field of sports medicine through a summer internship. Congratulations, Kate — and best of luck as you kick off your senior year! 🎉

Todd L. has spent a decade as a police officer at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Along with his official duties, he feels a responsibility to help ease children's stays at the hospital. Many kids enter the hospital afraid, he says. Todd and his fellow employees do everything they can to ease the fear. "It always feels good when a child fist-bumps me, or waves at me, or wants to give me a hug," he says. "If we could do the smallest things to make their days a little bit better, to make the hardship a little less, that's what we're here for."

AI is quickly becoming part of how health systems deliver care, support clinicians, and improve operations. But adoption is only one part of the story. New research from the Center for Connected Medicine and KLAS Research provides a practical look at what health systems need to build around AI to use it responsibly, including governance, testing, validation, measurement, and data infrastructure. As Dr. Rob Bart, chief medical information officer at UPMC, explains, implementation is only the first step. Health systems are now focused on the structures and strategies needed to ensure AI delivers meaningful and measurable value. The report helps move the conversation beyond AI’s potential and toward the real work required to make AI safe, effective, and valuable in health care. Read the full report, "Validation and Trust: How Health Systems Are Testing and Governing AI Solutions" 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e4bEU-nX

We're proud to share that UPMC Western Maryland has been recognized by the American Heart Association with the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Achievement Award, along with the Target: Stroke Honor Roll. These awards recognize our commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based stroke care and improving outcomes for the patients we serve. For stroke patients, every second matters. From the moment they come through our doors, teams across UPMC Western Maryland work together to provide expert, compassionate care. This recognition reflects the dedication, collaboration, and commitment of the many team members who support patients and their families, from emergency treatment through recovery and rehabilitation. Thank you to our dedicated team for making a difference in the lives of our patients and their families every day. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement! 💜

Todd has the incredible responsibility of protecting children and their families during their visits to UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. He has served as a police officer at UPMC for more than a decade, building a career rooted in service and compassion. His journey into law enforcement began as a volunteer firefighter, an experience that ultimately inspired him to attend the police academy. For Todd, the most meaningful moments are often the simplest ones. He is intentional about creating positive experiences for the children he encounters, knowing that even small gestures can have a lasting impact. “Some of the little things we do—like giving a fist bump, handing out a police badge sticker, or even taking kids to see the helicopter—might seem small, but they become lifelong memories for them,” he says. At the heart of Todd’s work is a strong sense of commitment. “We pride ourselves on being professional, being courteous, and being there for the families and for the patients of UPMC,” he adds. Through his dedication and everyday actions, Todd not only helps ensure safety, but also brings comfort, connection, and moments of joy to those who need it most.

What if ultrasound could do more than diagnose disease? What if it could deliver life-saving treatments directly where they're needed?   Flordeliza Villanueva, MD, professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, is leading research that uses ultrasound and microbubbles to target therapies for conditions including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Learn how her work is bringing innovative science closer to clinical care while training the next generation of cardiovascular researchers in this recent "Meet the Researcher" highlight. 🔗Read the full story in UPMC Physician Resources: https://lnkd.in/eUsCsQbM

Healthy communities are built through opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. That's why AWCommunity Days at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center are so important in creating accessible STEAM and cultural experiences for local families. Co-presented by UPMC/UPMC Health Plan and the Howmet Aerospace Foundation, the most recent event brought together families for hands-on learning experiences with organizations such as the Carnegie Science Center, Moonshot Museum, Citizens Science Lab, and Assemble. In addition, attendees enjoyed live music, dance performances, storytelling, a community vendor market, and hands-on activities. We're proud to support these quarterly AWCommunity Days, as they support AWAACC’s mission of community engagement by creating opportunities for learning, cultural enrichment, and family connection.

There’s something special about ushering in the next generation of health care workers. 🚑 The Freedom House EMT program is a 16-week emergency medical technician training program that equips community members with the skills needed to launch careers in EMS and health care. The program is named for the historic Freedom House Ambulance Service, which formed in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in the 1960s and became the nation’s first paramedic service. Freedom House EMT helps prepare the next generation of emergency medical professionals to serve our region. The program reflects UPMC’s commitment to supporting EMS partners, investing in the health care workforce, and strengthening the communities we serve. We are so excited to celebrate the program’s latest group of graduates. 💜