UPMC

Every young person affected by cancer deserves the opportunity to keep dreaming about what comes next. At the 15th annual Connecting Champions’ Night of Inspiration event, we celebrated those dreams and the mentors who help children and teens to achieve their dream careers. As an official hospital partner with Connecting Champions since 2022, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh provides support through mentor pairings and collaboration with the survivorship team. Learn more about a one mentorship pairing featured on KDKA's Talk Pittsburgh: https://lnkd.in/eM_eKa_M UPMC Health Plan was honored to sponsor this special celebration alongside our colleagues at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Together, we’re committed to supporting those impacted by cancer through positive mentor relationships and a community of support.

Ever wonder what it takes to open a new hospital tower? Before the first patient arrives, there are dress rehearsals. About 550 staff members took part in the first of three rehearsals for the newUPMC Presbyterian Kamin Tower. Teams across the hospital worked through three realistic scenarios to test workflows, coordination, and preparedness in the new space. We're counting down until our January 2027 open date. 🎉

Say hello to these adorable little penguins! 🥺👋🏻 🐧 Thank you to Pittsburgh Penguins for allowing Iceburgh to celebrate his birthday with us!

On Oct. 13, the north central Pa. community came together for an evening dedicated to honoring the people behind emergency medical services with a special premier of the documentary “Into the Unknown.” “Into the Unknown” was created to honor EMS providers, share an authentic look at the challenges they face, raise awareness of mental health in the profession, and inspire future generations of first responders. The evening offered a powerful reminder that behind every ambulance, emergency call, and response are people committed to serving their neighbors at critical moments. Through their professionalism, compassion, and dedication, EMS, and public safety professionals make a lasting difference for individuals and families throughout north central Pennsylvania. "EMS professionals are there for people on some of the worst days of their lives, often without expecting recognition for the work they do," said Patti Jackson-Gehris, president, UPMC Williamsport, and market president, UPMC North Central Pa. "This event was our opportunity to simply say thank you. Their dedication, skill, and compassion make a difference every day, and we are proud to support them.” Thank you to the first responders whose skill, compassion, and commitment make a difference in countless lives each day.

Manny M. began his career at UPMC in the Patient Services Department. For the last three years, however, he's worked as a supervisor in the retail cafeteria at UPMC Presbyterian. The position holds meaning for Manny, whose grandmother was a caterer when he was growing up. He also finds purpose in helping serve anyone who walks through the door. Manny says working at UPMC has provided him opportunities for advancement, as well as mentorship and a good work-life balance. "It's a gratifying work environment," he says. "That's one of the biggest things — it's super important."

Donald M. Yealy, MD, UPMC Chief Medical Officer, participated in an expert panel at the State of Diabetes event in downtown Pittsburgh on Oct. 22. The annual event brings together business executives, health care leaders, and key community stakeholders for important conversations around diabetes.

A strong community starts with people who have the opportunity and support to build meaningful careers while caring for their neighbors. That idea is at the heart of UPMC’s Freedom House program, which builds on Pittsburgh’s historic Freedom House legacy to create pathways into EMT and other health care careers. After 30 cohorts, the program is continuing to evolve, including the introduction of an AI-powered virtual reality simulator that helps EMT students practice realistic emergency scenarios before encountering them in the field. The program brings together workforce development organizations, funders and community partners to help participants overcome barriers, complete their training and prepare to serve communities across the region. As Dan LaValle of UPMC Health Plan shared on the Becker’s Payer Issues podcast, meaningful impact comes through partnership. By investing in people, training and new approaches to learning, we can help build a stronger health care workforce and create opportunities that can change lives. https://lnkd.in/e5ni_sBU

A meaningful first for UPMC Presbyterian Kamin Tower. 💜 UPMC Presbyterian Kamin Tower hosted its first event with an interfaith blessing, bringing together more than 100 faith leaders and UPMC leaders from across Pittsburgh to celebrate a space designed to welcome and support people of all faith traditions. The blessing marks the first of several events leading up to UPMC Presbyterian Kamin Tower’s opening in early 2027.

Aditi Gurkar, PhD, discusses her geroscience research and how her team is investigating the biology of aging. Their goal: to better understand how we age, predict age-related health risks, and identify opportunities to delay the onset of age-related conditions.

This year’s UPMC Community Heroes show the difference one person can make when they see a need and step forward to help. Through their compassion, commitment, and service, these 12 remarkable individuals are strengthening communities across western Pennsylvania and creating opportunities for their neighbors to thrive: Ann Baran Sonya Dembowski Susan Cataldi Ellis Michaels Vesta Mohebbi Lauren Rowe Anwan Wesley Melissa Fligger Gemma Pollice Valerie Warning Bonnie DeMotte Collin Arthrell As Dr. James E. Taylor, senior vice president and chief culture, community, and talent management officer, shared, building healthier communities extends far beyond the walls of our hospitals and clinics. It takes people who are willing to show up, give back, and make a difference. Congratulations to this year’s honorees and thank you to KDKA-TV and Pittsburgh Today Live for helping us celebrate these incredible individuals and the impact they make every day.