What’s Happening at Penn Highlands Healthcare

PHH Headlines

Annual Giving Campaign Kicks Off to Benefit Patient Transportation
11/15/24

The Penn Highlands Healthcare Annual Giving Campaign kicks off on November 15, 2024 to benefit patient transportation. This is a wonderful cause and a great time for employees to support our health system. 

In the United States, approximately 3.6 million people do not obtain medical care due to transportation barriers; 4% of children miss a health care appointment each year due to unavailable transportation; and transportation is the third most commonly cited barrier to accessing health care services for the elderly.

For vulnerable populations, transportation can be unaffordable. Lack of transportation options can leave a patient in the hospital beyond a normal discharge time. If family or friends are unavailable, the coordination of a ride back to a skilled nursing facility can take hours or even days. Patients are often brought in for emergency care by EMS, but have no means of transportation back home. Until a ride is coordinated, patients will wait long periods of time in the hospital, taking up a bed and delaying the admissions of other patients to the floor. Lack of transportation can cause patients to miss appointments, delay filling prescriptions, or not seek emergency care, potentially leading to worsening health conditions.

To address these challenges, Penn Highlands Healthcare has undertaken a grassroots effort to alleviate transportation as a barrier to health care in our rural communities. By making the commitment to address transportation barriers and building partnerships with community organizations and other entities, Penn Highlands Healthcare is committed to improving transportation and healthcare access for patients and families, creating healthier communities.

You can help too. By making a gift in support of the 2025 Penn Highlands Healthcare Annual Giving Campaign, you are helping to ensure that transportation is not a barrier to health care and that no one person withholds seeking care because of limited options available. The success of this campaign rests with all of us. Please join Penn Highlands Healthcare and our communities in showing your support.

Each employee who makes a gift of $52 or more will receive a Changemaker T-shirt via interoffice mail. Employees have the option of donating by check, participating in the payroll deduction plan or by donating online here. Please use the appropriate Employee Gift Form below when making your donation by payroll deduction or by check.

Penn Highlands Brookville

Penn Highlands Clearfield

Penn Highlands Connellsville

Penn Highlands DuBois

Penn Highlands Elk

Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor

Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

Penn Highlands Huntingdon

Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

Penn Highlands Mon Valley

Penn Highlands State College

Penn Highlands Tyrone 

Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services

Penn Highlands Healthcare is a 501c3 charitable organization.

For questions, please call Penn Highlands Healthcare System Fund Development at 814-375-3901 or phhfunddevelopment@phhealthcare.org.

Your generosity is truly appreciated!

Health Alert

Protect Yourself and Others from the Norovirus
01/09/25

The number of norovirus cases is on the rise across the country. This highly contagious group of viruses, sometimes referred to as “stomach flu” or “stomach bug," is responsible for causing acute gastroenteritis in people of all ages. Norovirus is spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, direct contact with an infected person and consuming contaminated food or water. Understanding how the virus is spread and what you can do to protect yourself, patients, family members and friends is crucial.

Although anyone can get sick from norovirus, some people are considered high risk making them more likely to develop severe infections. High risk groups include young children (5 years old and younger), older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. Anyone who eats raw or undercooked shellfish is also at higher risk of developing an infection from norovirus. Symptoms typically develop within 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and commonly consist of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Infected individuals may also experience fever, headache, body aches and dehydration. Most patients start feeling better one to three days after symptom onset, however, the virus can still be spread to others for two weeks or longer after feeling better.

To prevent the spread of norovirus, take the following steps

  • Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming and cook shellfish thoroughly.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, paying special attention to high-touch areas such as faucets, counters, telephones and doorknobs.
  • Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow isolation precautions (Contact II) when caring for patients with norovirus.
  • Stay home when you are sick and report symptoms immediately to Employee Health.
  • Wash your hands! Perform hand hygiene frequently and thoroughly – use soap and water and scrub all surfaces of the hands for at least 20 seconds. Key moments for hand hygiene include:​
    • Before and after contact with patients and their surroundings
    • After handling or touching anything that is dirty or contaminated – patient equipment, phones, linen, keyboards, etc.
    • After using the bathroom and after assisting patients with toileting
    • Before handling or eating food
    • After blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing
    • Before handling clean linen or equipment
    • After contact with blood or bodily fluids

Do you practice effective hand hygiene? To learn the best way to wash your hands, watch this video.

Hospital News

U.S. Defense Department to Present Two Prestigious Awards at Penn Highlands DuBois
01/07/25

Penn Highlands Healthcare employees and physicians are invited to join the celebration when Philip Vuocolo, MD, MHA, FACS, and Penn Highlands DuBois each will receive prestigious awards from the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Penn Highlands DuBois Atrium.

Dr. Vuocolo, who is a board-certified acute care and trauma surgeon at Penn Highlands Trauma Services, Trauma Medical Director for Penn Highlands DuBois, and Chief Medical Officer for Penn Highlands Northwest Region, is receiving the Patriotic Employer Award. Dr. Vuocolo is a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served as a Lieutenant Commander aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort during the Persian Gulf War. He also served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force Reserve/Air National Guard as the Squadron Fight Surgeon in the 174th Fighter Wing. The Patriotic Employer Award is being presented to Dr. Vuocolo "for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve Force."

Penn Highlands DuBois is being honored with the Seven Seals Award "for meritorious leadership and initiative in support of the men and women who serve America in the National Guard and Reserve Force." Will Chinn, President of Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Clearfield will accept the award on behalf of the hospital. 

Dr. Vuocolo and Penn Highlands DuBois were nominated for the awards by Michelle Mouria, MD, FACS, a board-certified acute-care and trauma surgeon with Penn Highlands Trauma Services. Dr. Mouria is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps.

Please be sure to congratulate Dr. Vuocolo and the staff at Penn Highlands DuBois on these outstanding awards!

Meet Providers

Welcome New Providers
01/06/25

Ryan Corn, DO
DuBois

Neurologist/neurohospitalist Ryan Corn, DO, joins the team at Penn Highlands Neurology, located in DuBois.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Corn practiced at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, N.Y.

Dr. Corn is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Bradenton in Bradenton, Fla. He completed his residencies in internal medicine and neurology at Stony Brook University Hospital in Stony Brook, N.Y.


Michael Hoh, DO, FACOEP
Brookville, Clearfield, DuBois, St. Marys

Board-certified emergency medicine physician Michael Hoh, DO, FACOEP, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, and Penn Highlands Elk.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Hoh practiced at Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; St. Marys Regional Medical Center in St. Marys; Brentwood Hospital/Meridia South Pointe Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio; Richmond Heights General Hospital in Richmond Heights, Ohio; Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital in Wadsworth, Ohio; Clarion Hospital in Clarion; Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio; Clearfield Hospital in Clearfield; Punxsutawney Area Hospital in Punxsutawney; and UPMC Horizon in Farrell and Greenville.

Dr. Hoh is a graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his internship at Clarion Hospital in Clarion and his residency in emergency medicine at Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.

He is a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians and the American College of Emergency Physicians. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Medicine and American College of Emergency Medicine.


Patrick A. Jeanmenne, MD
Brookville, Clearfield, Connellsville, DuBois, Huntingdon, Monongahela, St. Marys, State College, Tyrone


Board-certified diagnostic radiologist Patrick A. Jeanmenne, MD, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield,  Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley, Penn Highlands State College, and Penn Highlands Tyrone.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Jeanmenne practiced at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College.

Dr. Jeanmenne is a graduate of Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in diagnostic and interventional radiology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass.


Michelle L. Curry, CRNP
Clearfield, Philipsburg

Certified registered nurse practitioner Michelle L. Curry, CRNP, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Life’s Journey OB/GYN, located in Clearfield and Philipsburg.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands Life’s Journey OB/GYN, Michelle practiced at Penn Highlands DuBois in DuBois, Geisinger Grays Woods in Port Matilda and Penn Highlands Elk in St. Marys.

Michelle earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner at Purdue Global University in West Lafayette, Ind., and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in Clearfield.



Autumn Malliard, PA-C
DuBois


Certified physician assistant Autumn Malliard, PA-C, joins the team at Penn Highlands Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, located in DuBois.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Autumn gained clinical experience at Penn Highlands Trauma Department in DuBois; Meadville Medical Center OB/GYN in Meadville; Family Center for Recovery in Lantana, Fla.; Penn Highlands Neurosurgery in DuBois; Penn Highlands Internal Medicine in DuBois; Primary Care Associates in Brookville; Butler Emergency Department in Butler; AHN General Surgery in Grove City; and Selvaraj Pediatrics in Butler.

Autumn earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Bachelor of Science in Biology at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock.


Mallory Park, FNP-C
Ridgway, St. Marys

Certified family nurse practitioner Mallory Park, MSN, FNP-C, joins the teams at QCare Ridgway and QCare St. Marys.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Mallory received nursing experience at Clarion Hospital in Clarion, UPMC Northwest in Seneca, The Primary Health Network in Clarion, Laurel Eye Clinic in Brookville, Penn Highlands Brookville in Brookville, Pinecrest Manor in St. Marys and Elk Regional Health Center in St. Marys.

Mallory earned her Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minn., and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in Bradford. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.


Ashley M. Shields, MPAS, PA-C
Clearfield, DuBois, Huntingdon, State College

Certified physician assistant Ashley M. Shields, MPAS, PA-C, joins the emergency department teams at Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, and Penn Highlands State College.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Ashley gained clinical experience at Indiana Regional Medical Center in Indiana, Penn.; Lighthorse Psychiatry in St. Mary’s, Ga.; Independence Health System in North Huntington; Independence Health System in Greensburg; Independence Health System in Butler; Heritage Valley Health System in Sewickley; Indiana Pediatric Associates in Indiana, Penn.; Tri-State Dermatology in Smithfield; Conemaugh Memorial Hospital in Johnstown; and AHN Internal Medicine in Mars.

Ashley earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Seton Hill University in Greensburg. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants and American Academy of Physician Associates.

Employee Engagement

Let's Talk Women's Health
01/03/25

Join Penn Highlands Healthcare as we kick off 2025 with a Women's Health Speaker Series at the Punxsutawney Community Medical Building. During the free, three-part series Penn Highlands Healthcare physicians and providers will present educational programs on timely women's topics. 

The programs will be held the second Tuesday of the month from January through March from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Punxsutawney Community Building which is located at 21911 Route 119 in Punxsutawney. 

The topics include:

  • January 14, 2025 -- "Understanding the Importance of Breast Care: Preventive, Screenings and Treatments" -- Presenters: Kristina Brown, DO, FACOG, a board-certified physician who practices obstetrics and gynecology, and Suzanne Iorfido, DO, Chief of Breast Imaging.
  • February 11, 2025 -- Leaking Bladder Treatments: Everything to Know About Incontinence: --Presenters: Kristina Brown, DO, FACOG, and Ashley Parsons, MSN, FNP, NP-C, IBCLC, a certified registered nurse practitioner who provides obstetric and gynecological care. 
  • March 11, 2025 -- "The Stages of a Woman's Life: From Screenings to Maternity to Menopause" -- Presenters: Dr. Kristina Brown and  Ashley Parsons.

Everyone who attends all three programs will receive a complimentary gift. 

Please note that dates are subject to change in the event of inclement weather. 

Click here to register.

The Punxsutawney Community Medical Building offers residents of Jefferson County and surrounding areas many outpatient services under one roof in a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2022. 

Hospital News

Penn Highlands DuBois Hosted a Successful Winter Wonderland
01/02/25

Transportation Accessibility for Patients at Penn Highlands Healthcare received a big lift from the Penn Highlands DuBois Winter Wonderland Celebration. The event, which was hosted by the Penn Highlands DuBois Medical Staff, raised $43,795 to benefit our patients. 

More than 200 tickets were sold to the December 7, 2024 event which was held at the Lakeview Lodge in Treasure Lake. 

Will Chinn, President of Penn Highlands Clearfield and Penn Highlands DuBois, and Patrick Cooley, Director of the Transfer Center and Connect Center delivered remarks thanking everyone for their generosity and outlining the critical need for transportation to take patients to and from doctors' appointments, outpatient procedures and inpatient hospital stays. Currently patients needing care may be faced with choosing between the care they need and basic necessities due to the high cost of travel. 

Penn Highlands Healthcare System Fund Development wishes to thank everyone who attended the event as well as Imbro Diagnostic Partners who served as the 2024 Diamond Sponsor for the event. 


Hospital News

NursingNow Debuts at Penn Highlands DuBois
12/20/24

Penn Highlands DuBois is the first hospital in our health system to introduce NursingNow, a web-based platform that uses digital technology and telecommunication tools to connect nurses with patients inside the hospital. It allows registered nurses to provide clinical support and education to patients and their loved ones via telemedicine technology.

How does NursingNow work?

Penn Highlands DuBois is currently using NursingNow for admissions, discharges and patient/family education. Additional services will be added in the near future. 

When patients are admitted, the virtual nurse is able to complete the admission history through NursingNow. 

The platform enables multiple loved ones of the patient to remote into the session, using a link provided, for a "three-way video visit" to help answer questions. 

In addition, NursingNow is used for patient discharges. It helps to reduce delays that can occur when loved ones are late to arrive by enabling them to remote in to learn all of the discharge instructions. The virtual nurses can share their screens so that the patient and loved ones can read the instructions as the nurse explains them. As an added benefit, loved ones do not need to spend hours at the hospital on discharge day. 

Are the NursingNow nurses employed by Penn Highlands Healthcare?

Yes, the registered nurses who participate in the NursingNow program are experienced nurses who are employed by Penn Highlands Healthcare.

What are the benefits of NursingNow?

NursingNow provides many benefits to patients, families and the hospital nursing staff including:

  • Use of the platform minimalizes patient admission delays.
  • The goal is to help expedite admissions and discharges.
  • The virtual nurse is fully devoted to the patient during the interaction and not subject to interruptions which makes patients feel comfortable.
  • Family members can participate in the admission/discharge process even when they are not physically at the hospital.
  • The hospital nurses have more time to physically spend with patients.

Do the NursingNow nurses need time in between patients?

Virtual nurses are able to quickly jump from one patient to the next. For patients being discharged, they ask staff to give them at least 15-20 minutes prior notice of when the patient will be ready in order to give the virtual nurse time to complete their previous telemedicine visit. 

How do nurses in the hospital set up a NursingNow patient visit?

Nurses reach NursingNow through WebEx. Staff communicate with the virtual nurse to indicate what equipment is set up in front of the patient. At that time, the virtual nurse calls/starts a virtual visit with the patient through our Amwell telemedicine platform.

When is NursingNow available?

Currently, NursingNow is available Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Will NursingNow be offered at our other hospitals?

Yes. NursingNow will be introduced at Penn Highlands Huntingdon in January 2025 and then expand throughout the health system.. 



Employee Engagement

Happy Holidays!
12/19/24


With the year quickly drawing to a close, I want to wish you and your families a very joyful holiday season and a happy New Year. 

As we look back on 2024, we truly made a difference in the lives of our patients. I cannot say it often enough that it is a privilege to be a part of this outstanding health system and to work with all of you to provide care to the communities we serve.

I hope you are looking forward to the potential 2025 holds!



Hospital News

Peter Adamo to Depart Penn Highlands Healthcare
12/18/24

Peter J. Adamo

Peter Adamo, MBA, President of the Southwest Region, will depart Penn Highlands Healthcare for a leadership position in Eastern Pennsylvania where his family still resides.


Peter joined the health system in October 2022 as the Southwest Region President with the dual role as president of Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley. During his tenure, Peter oversaw the completion of the CNX Foundation Substance Recovery Unit at Penn Highlands Mon Valley and reintroduced the Innovations in Medicine community education programming. He helped attract new physicians and providers in many specialties such as Oncology and Urogynecology. The hospitals earned multiple awards and accreditations under his leadership.

"An opportunity arose that is a great fit for my family's needs," said Peter. "It has been a privilege to work with our dedicated employees in the Southwest Region and I value the friendships that I made at Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley."

It’s anticipated that Peter will remain in his current role until late January 2025.

A national search for a new Regional President will begin immediately. Mark Norman, System COO, will assume interim leadership in the Southwest Region during the transition.


“The hospitals in our Southwestern Pennsylvania market are firmly rooted in their communities and Penn Highlands Healthcare has an unwavering commitment to this region,” said Mark. “We continue to recruit new physicians and providers in many specialties in the region and have been strengthening the therapies and treatments at our Hahne Cancer Center so that people do not have to leave the area for quality cancer care. I am looking forward to working with the teams at both Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley.”

Hospital News

Penn Highlands Elk Seeks Trauma Center Accreditation
12/18/24

This is an exciting time for Penn Highlands Elk! The hospital recently submitted a letter of intent to the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF) seeking accreditation as a Level IV Trauma Center. The PTSF is the only organization responsible for accrediting trauma centers in Pennsylvania.

A Level IV Trauma Center can provide initial care and stabilization of traumatic injuries while arranging transfer to a higher level of trauma care, if needed. Level IV Trauma Centers are usually smaller in size and located in rural areas and can provide a higher level of stabilization and treatment than non-accredited hospitals.

Gerald M. Smith, DO, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Penn Highlands Elk, will serve as the Trauma Center Medical Director. Dr. Smith is a board-certified emergency medicine and internal medicine physician who has been with Penn Highlands Healthcare for 13 years. He formerly served as the Emergency Department Medical Director for nearly five years.

Dorie Zuchowski, RN, has been hired to be the Level IV Trauma Program Performance Improvement Manager. Dorie worked at Penn Highlands DuBois since 2021 and was a member of the Level II Trauma Program. She joined the Penn Highlands Elk Emergency Department this past spring and will be helping on our journey to Trauma Center accreditation.

"Appropriate treatment by specially trained staff has been shown to reduce the likelihood of death and permanent disability to injured patients," said Dr. Smith. "In addition, when patients receive trauma care in their region, it reduces the time to definite treatment and reduces stress on their family and friends who may otherwise have to travel to where their loved one is receiving care."

In terms of trauma centers, Northwestern Pennsylvania is underserved. There is not another trauma center in a six-county area north, east and west of Elk County. The closest trauma center is Penn Highlands DuBois. Approximately 100 people have been transferred from the Elk County Region to Penn Highlands DuBois since the hospital became a Level II Trauma Center in 2023. 

The Penn Highlands Elk accreditation survey is anticipated to occur within the next two years. It usually takes two to three years for a hospital to develop the necessary components to become fully accredited by the PTSF.

In order to become a trauma center, hospitals undergo a rigorous process of trauma program development. They must comply with the PTSF Standards of Accreditation and host a site survey visit, completed by experienced trauma professionals, to validate compliance with the Standards that include clinical care, performance improvement and administrative commitment. The procedure for becoming an accredited trauma center is the same whether the facility is a small center or one of the largest hospitals in Pennsylvania.

The major difference between a regular hospital and a trauma center is the 24-hour availability of a team of specially trained health care providers with expertise in the care of severely injured patients. 

When the hospital is closer to accreditation, we will be working with local EMS teams to closely align services for patients throughout the region. 

A news conference was held the morning of Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Watch for stories on WTAJ-TV and in local newspapers.



Employee Engagement

Congratulations to Our New Clinical Medical Assistants!
12/16/24

The 11th class graduated from Brockway Center for Arts and Technology's (BCAT) accelerated Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) program. Each member of the class passed their certification exam.

Penn Highlands Healthcare partners with BCAT to offer the program to Patient Service Representatives in the clinics who have a minimum of six months of experience. The program consists of a 14-week course that prepares students for the actual medical environment. Participants learn administrative duties with a focus on acquiring proficiency in the use of the electronic health record systems.

The Penn Highlands Healthcare employees who graduated from the BCAT accelerated Clinical Medical Assistant program are shown in the above photo with instructors Kelly Walker and Sharon Doolittle. Pictured (l. to r.) are Jade Kanouff, Amber Long, Kylee Beal, Tessa Steele, Kylee Baumgartner, Jayke Albedriz and Abigial Martin.

Please congratulate our new Clinical Medical Assistants!

Hospital News

Penn Highlands DuBois Frank Varischetti Trauma Center Receives Prestigious PA Rural Health Award
12/10/24

Shown are Lisa Davis, Director, Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health; Dr. Philip Vuocolo; Holly Hertlein, Trauma Program Manager, Penn Highlands DuBois; and Will Chinn.

On December 9, 2024, the Level II Trauma Program at Penn Highlands DuBois received the Rural Health Program of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health for the opening of the Frank Varischetti Trauma Center at the hospital. The Rural Health Program of the Year award recognizes an exemplary health program that addresses an identified need in a rural community. 

The hospital’s Frank Varischetti Trauma Center was accredited as a Level II Trauma Center by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF), effective August 1, 2023. Accredited trauma centers must be continuously prepared to treat the most serious life threatening and disabling injuries. The Frank Varischetti Trauma Center is the only Level II Trauma Center in Central Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Will Chinn, FACHE, President of Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Clearfield, explained how the opening of the Trauma Center impacted the entire hospital and the Northwestern and Central Pennsylvania regions. “With the opening of our Trauma Center, people in many counties throughout the region can receive high-quality care without the need to be transported to a facility in another part of the state. Having care closer to home can have a positive impact on outcomes.”

Upon accepting the award, Philip S. Vuocolo, MD, MHA, FACS, Trauma Program Medical Director for Penn Highlands DuBois, thanked the team that helped make the Trauma Center a reality. “It is truly an honor to accept this award on behalf of the Penn Highlands DuBois Frank Varischetti Trauma Center and the entire trauma team. Trauma care is truly a team effort -- I do not mean just the trauma providers -- I mean all of those people involved in the planning, funding, development, staffing and support of our trauma program.”

Each year, the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health presents awards to individuals and organizations that have made substantial contributions to rural health in the state. Nationally, Pennsylvania ranks as one of the states with the highest number of rural residents, with 26% of the state's residents living in rural areas.

PHH Headlines

Welcome New Providers
12/09/24

Corey Gill, MD, MS
Clearfield, DuBois, Huntingdon, State College, Tyrone

Emergency medicine physician Corey Gill, MD, MS, joins the emergency department teams at Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands State College and Penn Highlands Tyrone.

Dr. Gill is a graduate of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York, N.Y. He underwent residency training in neurosurgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo., and in emergency medicine at UPMC Harrisburg in Harrisburg.


Erik Hasenboehler, MD, FACS
DuBois

Multi-board-certified orthopedic trauma surgeon Erik A. Hasenboehler, MD, FACS, joins the team at Penn Highlands Orthopedic Trauma, located in DuBois, as the Chief of Orthopedic Trauma Surgery.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Hasenboehler practiced with the Orthopaedic Institute of Pennsylvania as the chief of orthopedic trauma at Holy Spirit Hospital Penn State Health (Level 2 Trauma Center) in Camp Hill.

Dr. Hasenboehler graduated from the University of Bern Faculty of Medicine in Bern, Switzerland. He completed his surgery and orthopedic trauma surgery residency in Switzerland. He holds dual board certification in Switzerland and is board certified in orthopedic surgery in the United States.

After his residency, Dr. Hasenboehler pursued additional fellowship training in orthopedic trauma at the University of Colorado Denver Health Medical Center and Panorama Orthopaedics St. Anthony’s Central Hospital in Denver, Colo., and in acute care and critical care surgery at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky.

Dr. Hasenboehler served as an assistant professor (tenure track) in the department of orthopedic surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md., for almost 10 years. During his time at Hopkins, he was the leading orthopedic trauma surgeon at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center (Level 2 Trauma Center), where he established the current orthopedic trauma service and served as the medical director of the Musculoskeletal Clinic. He was nominated as a top doctor in Baltimore for orthopedic trauma in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2020.

In addition to his extensive surgical experience, Dr. Hasenboehler has devoted substantial time to teaching and training of the next generations of orthopedic surgeons nationally and internationally. In recognition of his teaching, he received the “Johns Hopkins Orthopaedic Department Best Teacher Award of the Year” in 2018 and 2019, and in 2018 he also received the Award for “Most Influential Attending of the Johns Hopkins Orthopaedic Surgery Department.” He has published extensively, including a book on post-traumatic arthritis. Dr. Hasenboehler serves as faculty at the AO North America and is part of the EAST Practice Guidelines Committee. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is a member of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Megan Newnam, DO, MBS
DuBois, Huntingdon, State College

Board-certified emergency medicine physician Megan E. Newnam, DO, MBS, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Huntingdon and Penn Highlands State College.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Newnam practiced at St. Anne Hospital in Burien, Wash., and UPMC Hanover Hospital in Hanover.

Dr. Newnam is a graduate of Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Va. She completed her Master of Biological Sciences at Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia and her residency in emergency medicine at WellSpan York Hospital in York. She is a fellow of the Academy of Wilderness Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine.

Khiem Nguyen, MD
Clearfield, DuBois

Gastroenterologist Khiem D. Nguyen, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Gastroenterology, located in Clearfield and DuBois.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Nguyen practiced at Wellington Regional Medical Center in Wellington, Fla.; St. Lucie Medical Center in St. Lucie, Fla.; St. Joseph Medical Center in Reading; Reading Hospital in Reading; and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Nguyen is a graduate of Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Va. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown and in general surgery at Staten Island University Hospital in Staten Island. He completed his fellowship in gastroenterology at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association and American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.


Ziver Sahin, MD
Monongahela

Board-certified pathologist Ziver Şahin, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

Dr. Şahin is a graduate of Istanbul University in Istanbul, Turkey. He completed his residency in anatomic pathology and clinical pathology and fellowships in hematopathology and blood banking and transfusion medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

He is a diplomate of the American Board of Pathology.


Katie Richardson, DDS, MS
Clearfield, DuBois

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon Katie Richardson, DDS, MS, joins J Rice Oral Maxillofacial and Aesthetic Facial Surgery, located in Clearfield, and Advanced Oral Surgery and Implant Center, located in DuBois.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Richardson gained experience at UPMC Montefiore Dental Center in Pittsburgh, UPMC Presbyterian/Shadyside in Pittsburgh, UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh.

Dr. Richardson is a graduate of University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston in Houston, Texas. She completed her oral and maxillofacial surgery internship at University of Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., and her residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at University of Pittsburgh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Pittsburgh.


Anne Adams, PA-C, MS LAT, ATC
DuBois

Certified physician assistant Anne Adams, PA-C, MS LAT. ATC, joins the team at Penn Highlands Trauma Services, located in DuBois.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Anne gained clinical experience at J.W Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, W.Va.; Butler Health System in Butler; Indiana Regional Medical Center in Indiana, Penn.; Allegheny Health Network in Grove City; UPMC Children's Community Pediatrics in Hermitage; UPMC Blair Medical Associates in Altoona; and Family Center for Recovery in Lantana, Fla.

Anne earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, her Master of Science in Sports Psychology and her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training at Lock Haven University in Lock Haven.


Megan Allen, ACNPC-AG
DuBois

Certified registered nurse practitioner Megan Allen, ACNPC-AG,  joins the team at Penn Highlands Trauma Services, located in DuBois.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Megan practiced at UPMC East in Monroeville, UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh and Presbyterian Senior Care in Oakmont.

Megan earned her Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh; Master of Science in Nursing at Capella University in Minneapolis, Minn; and Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Chatham University in Pittsburgh.

Rachael A. Fornwalt, AOCNP, CRNP
State College

Certified registered nurse practitioner Rachael A. Fornwalt, AOCNP, CRNP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Oncology/Hematology, located in State College.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Rachael practiced at The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md.; Altoona Regional Health System in Altoona; Clearfield Hospital in Clearfield; and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey.

Rachael earned her Master of Science in Nursing at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Baltimore, Md., and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Pennsylvania State University in Altoona.

Jenilee Haas, PMHNP
Huntingdon

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Jenilee Haas, PMHNP, joins the team at the Behavioral Health Inpatient Adult Unit, located in Huntingdon.

Prior to joining the Behavioral Health Inpatient Adult Unit, Jenilee practiced at Penn Highlands Huntingdon in Huntingdon.

Jenilee earned her Master of Science in Nursing Science and Bachelor of Science in Nursing Science at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minn.


Julie Hart, PA-C
State College

Certified physician assistant Julie Hart, PA-C, joins the teams at the Hahne Cancer Center and Penn Highlands Radiation Oncology, both located in State College.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Julie gained clinical experience at Kadlec Clinic Associated Physicians for Women in Richland, Wash.; Pediatric Care Specialists in Ebensburg and Johnstown; Guthrie East Corning General Surgery in Corning, N.Y.; Mount Nittany Emergency Department in State College; Enlighten Psychiatric Services at Lewistown; Family Medicine Associates of Northridge in Northridge, Calif.; UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh; and UPMC Altoona Hospital in Altoona.

Julie earned her Master of Physician Assistant Science and Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at Saint Francis University in Loretto.

Daniel Johnson, CRNP
Altoona

Certified registered nurse practitioner Daniel Johnson, CRNP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine, located in Altoona.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Daniel practiced at Pioneer Medical PA in Altoona and Altoona Kidney in Altoona.

Daniel earned his Master of Science in Nursing, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, at Gwynedd Mercy University in Gwynedd Valley and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh.

Sean M. McCartney, CRNP
Huntingdon, State College, Tyrone

Certified registered nurse practitioner Sean M. McCartney, CRNP, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands State College and Penn Highlands Tyrone.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Sean practiced at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College and Healthsouth Rehabilitation in Altoona.

Sean earned his Master of Science in Nursing at Clarion University of Pennsylvania in Clarion and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson. He is a member of the American Nurses Association and the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners.

Daniel Miller, PA-C
DuBois

Certified physician assistant Daniel Miller, PA-C,  joins the team at Penn Highlands Orthopedic Trauma, located in DuBois.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Daniel gained clinical experience at O’Bryon Family Medicine in DuBois, Still Waters Mental Health Services in Clearfield, Penn Highlands Brookville in Brookville, Penn Highlands DuBois in DuBois, Central PA Physicians Group in Altoona, Penn Highlands Houtzdale Rural Health Center in Houtzdale, SCI Houtzdale in Houtzdale and Conemaugh Health Systems in Johnstown.

Daniel earned his Master of Health Science at Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, his Master of Business Administration at Clarion University of Pennsylvania in Clarion, his Bachelor of Science in Biology at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, and his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at Pennsylvania State University in University Park.

Ashley M. Shields, MPAS, PA-C
Clearfield, DuBois, Huntingdon, State College

Certified physician assistant Ashley M. Shields, MPAS, PA-C, joins the emergency department teams at Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, and Penn Highlands State College.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Ashley gained clinical experience at Indiana Regional Medical Center in Indiana, Penn.; Lighthorse Psychiatry in St. Mary’s, Ga.; Independence Health System in North Huntington; Independence Health System in Greensburg; Independence Health System in Butler; Heritage Valley Health System in Sewickley; Indiana Pediatric Associates in Indiana, Penn.; Tri-State Dermatology in Smithfield; Conemaugh Memorial Hospital in Johnstown; and AHN Internal Medicine in Mars.

Ashley earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at Seton Hill University in Greensburg. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants and American Academy of Physician Associates.

Eryn Thomas, FNP-C
Clearfield, DuBois, Huntingdon, Philipsburg, State College

Certified family nurse practitioner Eryn Thomas, FNP-C, joins the teams at The Lung Center, located in DuBois, and Penn Highlands Lung Center, located in Clearfield, Huntingdon, Philipsburg and State College.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Eryn practiced at Punxsutawney Hospital in Punxsutawney; Forbes Hospital in Monroeville; Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, W.Va.; Mon-General Hospital in Morgantown, W.Va.; and Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Eryn earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, from Carlow University in Pittsburgh and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

Jennifer Vance, MSN, CRNP, FNP-BC
Huntingdon, Tyrone

Certified registered nurse practitioner Jennifer Vance, MSN, CRNP, FNP-BC, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Oncology/Hematology, located in Huntingdon and Tyrone.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Jennifer practiced at Vital HealthCare Solutions at facilities in Altoona, State College, and Lewistown; Geisinger Cold Springs Clinic in Huntingdon; and Psychogeriatric Services at facilities in Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Martinsburg and Tyrone.

Jennifer earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Mich., and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Pennsylvania State University in University Park.

Hospital News

New Date and Time: Penn Highlands DuBois Rural Health Award Celebration
12/05/24

​Penn Highlands Healthcare employees are invited to attend a news conference on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the Penn Highlands DuBois Atrium where a major award will be presented to the hospital by the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health. A celebration will immediately follow the presentation. 

Each year, the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health presents awards to individuals and organizations that have made substantial contributions to rural health in the state. Pennsylvania ranks as one of the states with the highest number of rural residents, with 26% of the state's residents living in rural areas.

If your schedule permits, please plan to attend! 

PHH Headlines

Rewards & Recognition Celebration Recap: November 2024
11/27/24


As part of Penn Highlands Healthcare’s quarterly Rewards & Recognition, celebrations are planned to thank employees, honor professional achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout our health system.

Rewards and Recognition Week was celebrated November 18-22, 2024.

During "Thankful for You,” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme, employees across the system were encouraged to participate in themed activities.

Congratulations to all of this quarter’s honorees! Please click on the links below to enjoy a recap of the celebrations.

Penn Highlands Brookville

Penn Highlands Clearfield

Penn Highlands DuBois

Penn Highlands Elk

Penn Highlands Huntingdon

Penn Highlands Post-Acute

PHH Headlines

Penn Highlands Healthcare Welcomes New Leaders
11/26/24

Please welcome the following leaders to their new positions. 

Caitlyn Anderson, MBA, SHRM-CP, SPHR, is the new Regional Director of Human Resources (HR) for the Southwest Region. In this position, Caitlyn will oversee Human Resources functions for Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley. Caitlyn is a seasoned human resources professional with experience in various HR roles and executive recruitment. For five years prior to assuming her current role, she served as the Director of Human Resources for Penn Highlands Connellsville. Caitlyn is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and holds an additional certification as a Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), underscoring her dedication to industry standards and HR excellence. Caitlyn received her MBA from Penn West California and her B.A. Degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.

Penn Highlands Connellsville welcomed Jeanine Dull, PharmD, as the new Director of Pharmacy. During her 10-year career as a pharmacist, Jeanine has held management positions at community and specialty pharmacies in Southwestern Pennsylvania including CVS locations in Masontown and Mount Pleasant, Hayden's Pharmacy in Youngwood and CVS Specialty Pharmacy in Monroeville. Most recently, she was a clinical pharmacist at West Virginia University School of Pharmacy in Morgantown, PA. Jeanine graduated Summa Cum Laude from West Virginia University where she earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Thomas Nelson, III has been promoted to Director of Behavioral Health at Penn Highlands Connellsville. In this role he will lead a multidisciplinary team in providing comprehensive, patient-centered care through innovative programs and expanded services. Prior to joining Penn Highlands Connellsville in 2023 as a therapist counselor, Thomas was a Home Health Professional for Merakey in Uniontown, PA, and a Program Specialist for Penn Residential, Inc. in New Stanton, PA. He received a Master's degree in Social Work from Pennsylvania Western University in Edinboro, PA and a Bachelor's degree in Human Services from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA. He expects to receive a Doctoral degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles in December 2025.

Sarah Puncheon, PT, DPT, SCCE, is the new Manager of Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Services at Penn Highlands DuBois. She brings 28 years of experiences as a physical therapist at Penn Highlands DuBois to her new role. In that position, she also served as a clinical instructor for physical therapy students. Sarah received her Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from A.T. Still University, in Mesa, AZ, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Daemen College, in Amherst, NY.

At Penn Highlands Brookville, Selena Scarnati, MSN-ED, RN, is the Director of the Emergency Department and the Medical/Surgical (Med/Surg) Unit. Selena began her nursing career at UPMC Shadyside, in Pittsburgh, where she cared for patients on the Med/Surg, Orthopedic and Vascular units. She has extensive Intensive Care Unit (ICU) experience that she acquired at UPMC Magee Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh and then as a traveling nurse at hospitals throughout Pennsylvania including Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Brookville. In 2023, Selena joined Penn Highlands Brookville as the Nurse Manager for Med/Surg, Telemetry and Extensive Care Services. She earned a Master of Science degree in Nursing Education from Western Governors University and a Master of Health Administration degree from Pennsylvania State University here she also received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. 


Michael Watson, RN, is the new Emergency Department and Respiratory Manager at Penn Highlands Connellsville. Prior to joining the hospital in early 2024, he was the Nurse Manager and Lead Nurse Trainer for MedExpress Urgent Care in Murrysville, PA. Michael also served as a Registered Nurse, Wound Care Specialist and Case Manager at Excela Home Healthcare in Greensburg, PA. He began his nursing career at Monongahela Valley Hospital prior to its affiliation with Penn Highlands Healthcare. Michael received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Finance from California University of Pennsylvania and an Associate degree in Applied Science Nursing from Westmoreland County Community College. 

Please wish each of these leaders success in their new roles with our health system!

Employee Engagement

Happy Thanksgiving!
11/25/24


As Thanksgiving approaches, I wish to extend my gratitude to each and every Penn Highlands Healthcare employee for the outstanding care, comfort and compassion you provide. I am continuously in awe of how you use your knowledge, skills and talents to care for our patients, each other and the communities we serve.

This past year, just like many other health systems, we faced challenges; yet in the true spirit of Penn Highlands Healthcare we had much to celebrate such as the expansion of our footprint in Centre County and the numerous prestigious awards, distinctions and accreditations earned throughout our system.

There are countless reasons to be grateful. On Thanksgiving, I hope that whether you are enjoying time with your loved ones or providing care to our patients, you will reflect on the happiness in your life.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Employee Engagement

Thankful for You: R&R Week Activities Planned November 18-22, 2024
11/14/24


Rewards and Recognition includes a quarterly celebration planned by Penn Highlands Healthcare to express appreciation to employees, recognize personal achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout the health system.

"Thankful for You,” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme, is being celebrated system wide November 18-22, 2024. Throughout Rewards and Recognition Week, employees across the system are encouraged to participate in themed activities.

For more details about festivities at each PHH facility, click on the link below to download the flyer for the schedule of activities where you work.

Penn Highlands Brookville

Penn Highlands Clearfield

Penn Highlands Connellsville

Penn Highlands DuBois

Penn Highlands Elk

Penn Highlands Huntingdon

Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

Penn Highlands Mon Valley

Penn Highlands State College

Penn Highlands Tyrone

Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services


We look forward to your participation!

Employee Engagement

NW Hospitals Celebrate DAISY Awareness Days
11/12/24

Three Penn Highlands Healthcare hospitals in the Northwest Region recently celebrated DAISY Awareness Days by honoring nurses who received special awards and individual or multiple nominations.

Penn Highlands Clearfield

On October 10, 2024, Penn Highlands Clearfield recognized nurses who received DAISY Award nominations during the past 12 months. 

21 or More Nominations

  • Margie Beatty, LP
  • Nancy Condon, RN
  • Tammy English, RN

11-20 Nominations

  • Melanie Decker, RN
  • Judy Hansel, LPN
  • Kendell Reed, RN
  • Jennifer Strickland, RN

6-10 Nominations

  • Sherri Clark-Garcia, RN
  • Alicia Hurley, LPN
  • Collette Jordan, RN
  • Rhonda Ogden, RN
  • Autumn Welder, RN

1-5 Nominations

  • Mike Bogol, RN
  • Alexa Blair, RN
  • Laurel Britton, LPN
  • Brittani Cambria, LPN
  • Amanda Demcheck, RN
  • Cheyanne Higgins, LPN
  • Pam Hunt, LPN
  • Sue Kephart, RN
  • Anne Smith, RN
  • Alexa Young, RN

Penn Highlands DuBois

During its annual DAISY Awareness Day, which was held on October 18, 2024, Penn Highlands DuBois presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Cheryl Krieg, RN, MSN, RNC-OB,, Nurse Educator, Obstetrics Unit. She demonstrates and promotes a positive image of nursing and is committed to advancing others in the profession. During her nursing career, which spans more than 30 years, Cheryl has served as a Nursing Director and Education and Simulation Coordinator. She has extensive experience in many areas including education, obstetrics, intensive care and acute care. Recently Cheryl worked diligently to expand the obstetrics simulation and training for delivery emergencies for Emergency Department throughout the health system that do not have Obstetrical Services. Most recently, she serve as the co-chair of the Pathway to Excellence Council and led the written submission of the project. Cheryl participates in many other committees throughout the hospital. She holds many professional and instructor certifications.

Sara Bennett, BSN, RN, PCCN, Director of Intermediate Care Unit and Inpatient Rehabilitation, received the Leadership Award. Sara is described as a fearless leader who maintains a level of calmness in the most difficult and stressful situations. She maintains a high standard of professionalism and is a role model for staff patients and families. Sara fosters an open-door policy with staff and is responsive 24/7. She always jumps in and assists regardless of what role is needed. Sara sets  high expectations for her staff and exhibits a strong sense of fairness and compassion for everyone. She displays exceptional critical thinking and problem solving skills  She encourages her staff to continue their professional development and is an inspiration to her colleagues.

Also, during their DAISY Day Celebration, Penn Highlands DuBois presented the Team Award to the Neurotrauma ICU Nursing Team for going above and beyond in patient care and advocacy; supporting family members; and helping people through some of the most difficult times of their lives. Since becoming a Level II Trauma Center in 2023, the nurses in the Neurotrauma ICU have experienced a change is workflow as they treat a new set of injuries and illnesses. The team has rallied behind their common goal of providing excellent patient care.


Penn Highlands Elk

Penn Highlands Elk celebrated DAISY Awareness Day on October 28, 2024.The nurses listed below were recognized for receiving multiple nominations: 

10 Nominations

  • Dianna Erich, RN
  • May Hoffman, RN
  • Vicki Jamerson, RN
  • Kathy Schlimmer, RN

5  Nominations

  • Michelle "Shelly Baron, RN
  • Jessice Erich, RN
  • Val Erich, RN
  • Karissa Garner, RN
  • Katie Greenthaner, RN
  • Melinda Jackson, RN
  • Terry Klawhuhn

The DAISY Award is a national program that recognizes all licensed nurses for their compassionate and skillful care. Nominations are submitted by patients, families and co-workers. The award is presented by the DAISY Foundation, which was established in 1999.

Please congratulate all of the nurses who were nominated and received awards.


Hot News

Annual Breast Cancer Walk Is Another Success!
11/11/24

Shown are breast cancer survivors who attended the 21st  Annual Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk.

More than 75 people laced up their athletic shoes on October 12, 2024 to participate in the 21st Annual Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk. The fun event, which was held at the Mon Valley HealthPlex, raised $10,159 from participants, online donations, sponsors and raffles. The funds will be used for the early detection and treatment of breast cancer,

Prior to the Walk, Natalie Furgiuele, MD, FACS, a board-certified surgeon and Director of the Penn Highlands Mon Valley Breast Program, discussed the importance of annual mammograms. Debra Burkhardt, R.T.(R)(T)(CT)(ARRT), Director of Radiation Oncology at Penn Highlands Mon Valley, detailed what women can expect on their journey with breast cancer. 

A special thank you to everyone who came out to walk, remember and honor those fighting breast cancer as well as the following sponsors:

•    Spartan Health Surgicenter
•    Highway Appliance Company
•    Snoballs Salon
•    MarBill Diamonds & Jewelry
•    Valley Tire Company
•    OSPTA HHC and Hospice

We hope to see you next year!

PHH Headlines

Welcome New Providers
11/07/24

Anthony Cocciolone, DO
Connellsville, Monongahela

Board-certified emergency medicine physician Anthony J. Cocciolone, DO, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Cocciolone practiced at Westmoreland Emergency Medicine Specialists in Greensburg.

Dr. Cocciolone is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Greensburg. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. He is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians, the American College of Physicians, and the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association.
 
 
Andrew O’Donnell, DO
DuBois

Family medicine physician Andrew O’Donnell, DO, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine, located in DuBois.

Dr. O’Donnell is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie. He completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Horizon – Shenango Valley in Farrell. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association.

 
Elliott Perow, MD
Clearfield, DuBois, Huntingdon, State College, Tyrone

Emergency medicine physician Elliott Perow, MD, joins the emergency department teams at Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands State College and Penn Highlands Tyrone.

Dr. Perow is a graduate of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Del., where he was named chief resident.

He is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and he is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians and Emergency Medicine Residents Association.

            
Jack D. Schocker, MD, FACR
State College

Radiation oncologist Jack D. Schocker, MD, FACR, joins the team at the Hahne Cancer Center, located in State College.

Dr. Schocker has nearly five decades of experience and is a residency-trained specialist, conferring upon him the highest degree of training and education in his field. He offers several kinds of radiation therapy, including image-guided radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery and volumetric-modulated arc therapy.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Schocker practiced at UPMC Altoona in Altoona and Allentown Hospital/Lehigh Valley Hospital Center in Allentown.

Dr. Schocker is a graduate of Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his internship and residency in radiation oncology at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia. He completed his fellowship in clinical oncology at the American Cancer Society in Philadelphia. He is a fellow of the American College of Radiology.

 
McKenzie Burford, PA-C
DuBois

Certified physician assistant McKenzie Burford, PA-C, joins the team at Penn Highlands Trauma Services, located in DuBois.

McKenzie specializes in orthopedic trauma care. 

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, McKenzie gained clinical experience at UPMC Muncy in Muncy; Family Center for Recovery in Lantana, Fla.; Penn Highlands Dubois in Dubois; Walnut Bottom Family Practice in Mount Holly Springs; Lycoming Internal Medicine in Lock Haven; Blue Mountain Pediatrics in Brodheadsville; Specialty Orthopaedics in Sharon; and UPMC Hanover in Hanover.

McKenzie earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Commonwealth University in Lock Haven. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Physician Associates.

 
Dana Conroy, DNP, FNP-CA
State College

Certified registered nurse practitioner Dana Conroy, DNP, FNP-C, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Family Medicine, and QCare State College, located in State College.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dana practiced at University Park Student Health Center at Pennsylvania State University in State College, Centre Volunteers in Medicine in State College, Rest Haven Long Term Care Facility in York, Memorial Hospital in York, Colonial Manor Long Term Care Facility in York and The Meadows Psychiatric Center in Centre Hall.

Dana earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Pennsylvania State University in State College.

She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American College Health Association, American Travel Health Nurses Association and Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners.

 
Kelly Haumesser, PA-C
Ridgway, St. Marys

Certified physician assistant Kelly Haumesser, PA-C, joins the teams at QCare Ridgway and QCare St. Marys.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Kelly gained clinical experience at St. Bonaventure University in St. Bonaventure, N.Y.; WellNow in Bradford; Geneva General Hospital in Geneva, N.Y.; Penn Highlands Family Medicine in St. Marys; Olean General Hospital in Olean, N.Y.; Great Lakes Surgical Associates in Lockport, N.Y.; Endeavor Health in Buffalo, N.Y.; Bright Futures Pediatrics in Syracuse, N.Y.; and Penn Highlands Life’s Journey in DuBois.

Kelly earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at St. Bonaventure University in St. Bonaventure, N.Y., and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
 
Patricia McNelis, PMHNP-BC, MSN-Ed, RN, CCM 
Connellsville, Monongahela

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Patricia McNelis, PMHNP-BC, MSN-Ed, RN, CCM, joins the teams at the Behavioral Health Inpatient Adult Unit, located at Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Patricia practiced at International Specialty Underwriters/Companion Life in Jacksonville, Fla.; UPMC McKeesport in McKeesport; HM Insurance Group in Pittsburgh; UPMC East in Monroeville; Community College of Allegheny County in Mifflin; Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Pittsburgh; Gateway Health Plan in Pittsburgh; UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh; Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh; Three Rivers Administrative Services in Monroeville; and UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Patricia earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, at Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre; her Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Education, at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, Penn.; and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Waynesburg University in Waynesburg.

 
Dora Nelson, PA-C
Ridgway, St. Marys

Certified physician assistant Dora Nelson, PA-C, joins the teams at QCare Ridgway and QCare St. Marys.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dora completed clinical rotations at Moshannon Valley Rural Health Center in Philipsburg, Sunrise Collaborative in Warren, Digestive Diseases of NW Pennsylvania in Erie, PCA Internal Medicine in DuBois, Twinbrook Rehabilitation and Saint Mary’s at Asbury Ridge in Erie and Penn Highlands General Surgery in St. Marys.

Dora earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Mercyhurst University in Erie and her Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Lock Haven University in Lock Haven. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants.

 
Sarah Ryan, PA-C
DuBois, State College

Certified physician assistant Sarah Ryan, PA-C, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, located in DuBois and  State College.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Sarah gained clinical experience at Butler Health Systems in Butler, Stofman Plastic Surgery Group at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh, Kids Plus Pediatrics Squirrel Hill in Pittsburgh, Penn Highlands Connellsville in Connellsville and UPMC Altoona Blair Medical Associates in Altoona.

Sarah earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania in Slippery Rock and her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, Penn. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery.

 
Carly Rae Thompson, PA-C
Monongahela

Certified physician assistant Carly Rae Thompson, PA-C, joins the team at Penn Highlands Oncology/Hematology, located in Monongahela.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Carly practiced at UPMC Urgent Care in Pleasant Hills and Allegheny Health Network, West Penn Hospital, in Pittsburgh.

Carly earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies and Bachelor of Science in Biology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh.

She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates and Pennsylvania Society of Physician Associates.

Hospital News

Join the Penn Highlands DuBois Pathway to Excellence Celebration
11/06/24

All Penn Highlands Healthcare employees and physicians are invited to join the Penn Highlands DuBois nursing staff as they celebrate the hospital's Pathway designation status. The celebration will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 10:15 AM in the Penn Highlands DuBois Atrium.

The prestigious Pathway to Excellence designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) highlights Penn Highlands DuBois' commitment to fostering a positive practice environment and a culture of sustained excellence. 

"At Penn Highlands Healthcare, our nurses are an integral part of the healthcare team with a voice in policy and practice," said Jill Muir, DNP, MS, RN, NE-BC, CCM, Chief Nursing Officer, Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Clearfield. "Pathway nurses are engaged, resulting in higher job satisfaction, reduced turnover, improved safety, and better patient outcomes."

To be a Pathway to Excellence hospital, a healthcare organization must demonstrate a sustained positive practice environment for nurses, including elements such as shared decision-making, strong leadership, focus on safety, quality improvement, nurse well-being and robust professional development opportunities. For consideration, a hospital must complete a rigorous application process by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) which assesses the organization's culture and practices against established standards; essentially proving that nurses feel valued, empowered, and have a significant voice in their workplace.

Please be sure to congratulate the Penn Highlands DuBois nurses on this outstanding accomplishment!  



Hospital News

Penn Highlands Clearfield Auxiliary to Host "Toast to Our Town"
11/05/24

Start shopping for a party dress or black-tie apparel. The Penn Highlands Clearfield Auxiliary's 112th Charity Ball, "Toast to Our Town," is scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2025. The black-tie event will be held at Copper Cork Event Center at 512 Arnold Avenue, in Clearfield. 

Hors d'oeuvres will be served at 6:00 PM with dinner at 7:00 PM. Dancing will follow with musical entertainment provided by Over the Influence. 

Tickets are $100 per person and $200 per couple. Proceeds benefit the purchase of a STAXI Nesting Patient Transport System. 

For more information, click here or call 814-768-2497.

Mark your calendar now and watch for more details!

HR Info

Open Enrollment Begins November 1, 2024
10/30/24

November 1 through November 25, 2024 are the dates of the Penn Highlands Healthcare Open Enrollment period for all benefits-eligible employees. 

It is important to note:

  • Open Enrollment is a very important time that requires your attention in order for you (and your family) to receive health benefits in 2025.
  • If you fail to elect benefits during Open Enrollment, you will not have any Penn Highlands Healthcare benefits including medical, dental, vision or MetLife voluntary benefits throughout the 2025 calendar year.
  • There will not be any extensions or exceptions to the November 25, 2024 deadline.
  • Your current medical, dental, vision and voluntary MetLife coverage will end at midnight on December 31, 2024.  
  • The benefits you elect during the Open Enrollment period will be effective January 1 through December 31, 2025. 
  • Benefits cannot be changed outside of Open Enrollment unless you can document an IRS life event such as the birth of child, marriage, etc. 
  • For employees who use INFOR, Open Enrollment must be completed in INFOR which will generate a confirmation when you submit your benefit elections. Employees are responsible for reviewing their confirmations for accuracy.
  • At Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley, benefit elections must be made using Paycom.
  • Employees at Penn Highlands Clearfield EMS, Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services and Penn Highlands Home Medical Equipment will complete their Open Enrollment elections on paper forms that will be provided.
  • Employees on leave during Open Enrollment are still required to complete their benefits selections by November 25, 2024. 
  • If you do not wish to have Penn Highlands Healthcare benefits, you simply select the WAIVE plan.
  • Plan details including medical, dental and vision options and costs per pay, along with complete directions will be sent to you via email prior to the start of Open Enrollment.

New This Year

Spousal Exclusion

Effective January 1, 2025, spouses of Penn Highlands Healthcare employees who are eligible for health coverage through their own employer will not be eligible for healthcare coverage under Penn Highlands Healthcare's medical plans. This exclusion does not apply to our dental or vision plans. The spousal exclusion only applies to medical plans and only to spouses. Employees whose spouses are not eligible for medical coverage through their own employers will need to either provide documentation from the spouse’s employer on the company letterhead that confirms this ineligibility or have our certification form completed which will be available under Benefits Information in INFOR and Paycom. Those enrolling on paper can obtain the form from their HR representative.

Dependent Eligibility Audit

Penn Highlands has contracted with a third-party to perform an audit of dependent enrollment in our benefit plans. If you have a dependent enrolled in the Penn Highlands Healthcare medical plan January 1, 2025, you will receive a letter asking you to provide documentation proving the relationship. You will need to provide that documentation in response to the audit regardless of whether or not you previously provided that documentation to the Benefits’ office.

MetLife Voluntary Benefits

Full-time and part-time employees who enroll through INFOR can enroll in MetLife voluntary benefits during the regular Open Enrollment process. When they log in and choose their medical, dental and vision, they will also be able to choose voluntary benefits for 2025. If they do not choose voluntary benefits for 2025 through INFOR, they will not have any of these benefits next year. Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley employees will enroll through Paycom. Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services and Penn Highlands Home Medical Equipment will use a link that will be provided to them.

As we move forward in Open Enrollment, employees may direct questions to their location's Human Resources Manager. 

Remember, watch your email for more details and plan specifics.



Hospital News

HealthLines Issue 20 Now Available
10/23/24

Issue 20 of Penn Highlands HealthLines magazine has published! This special Penn Highlands State College issue provides details about the services and advanced technology offered at our new patient-centric hospital and medical office building that is now open.

The latest edition is available online. Click here to read it!

Please encourage patients, families and friends who enjoy this issue to join our e-subscription list by completing the online form

Hospital News

Join Us for the Safe Haven Baby Box Blessing
10/22/24

Penn Highlands Healthcare employees and guests are invited to join us for the Safe Haven Baby Box Blessing Ceremony at Penn Highlands State College on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 4:00 PM.

The event will include prayer to raise awareness of the Safe Haven Law which was enacted in 2001 to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns. The law allows mothers to confidentially surrender their unharmed babies within 28 days of birth to staff at any Safe Haven facility without fear of prosecution for abandonment.

The Safe Haven Baby Box is a safety device that is installed in an exterior wall of the Penn Highlands State College Emergency Department (ED). When a baby is placed inside the box, the door automatically locks and the ED staff receives notification that a baby has been surrendered. The baby is immediately removed and examined.

The Penn Highlands State College Emergency Department is one of only two locations in Pennsylvania that has a Safe Haven Baby Box to meet the needs of mothers in crisis.

We hope you will join us for this inspiring blessing.
 

Hot News

Congratulations Recent Graduates!
10/18/24

Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor is pleased to announce that seven students recently graduated from its nurse aide training program. The six-week program combined classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience under the supervision of a registered nurse instructor. Upon graduation, students were eligible to take the state exam — funded by the facility — that includes both a written and a skills component. Throughout the training, all students received payment and are offered higher wages upon passing their certification exam. 

Excitingly, all seven graduates have accepted full-time positions with Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor.

“I really enjoy teaching and the different personalities of my students," said Teresa Pontzer, RN, Clinical Instructor. "One of the greatest assets of the class is how much the residents enjoy the care and company of my students and the students develop strong attachments to them. It is very rewarding to be part of this experience.” 

With Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor being a clinical site, nurse aide training programs are held throughout the year. The next course is scheduled to begin November 11, 2024.  

If you would like more information or are interested in becoming a certified nurse’s aide, please contact Hannah Danko at HLdanko@phhealthcare.org.

We wish our new graduates much success in their new roles! 

Pictured in the photo above are (l. to r.) Megan Bolden, Nursing Home Administrator; Debra Thomas, RN, Director of Nursing; Brycen Hoy; Dartin Panighetti; Christian Amato; Tara Cox; Regina Padilla; Ellexis Cousins; and Teresa Pontzer, RN, Clinical Educator. Carissa Klawuhn is missing from the photo.

PHH Headlines

Meet Our Residents and Fellow
10/18/24

Graduate Medical Education (GME) First Year Residents

We’re pleased to welcome Family Medicine Residents, Psychiatry Residents and our Sports Medicine Fellow to the Penn Highlands Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program.


The Penn Highlands Family Medicine Residency Program is a three-year program offering inpatient and outpatient training to prepare residents for a career in primary care. 

Meet our Class of 2027 Family Medicine Residents

Amanda V. Ascano, MD
Amanda Ascano MD is a Family Medicine Resident at Penn Highlands Healthcare. From Toronto, Canada, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Honors Biomedical Sciences at York University and her medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine.

Dr. Ascano is passionate about family medicine for its opportunity to build lasting patient relationships and is interested in Preventative and Lifestyle Medicine, Dermatology, and Maternal and Child Health. At Penn Highlands, she looks forward to enhancing her clinical skills and advancing her medical knowledge while serving the DuBois community.

Outside of work, she enjoys music, painting, and spending time with her dog.

Furqan P. Balouch, DO
Dr. Furqan Balouch is a Family Medicine resident originally from Northern Virginia. He earned his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine in Florida. His medical interests include primary care, preventive medicine, rural medicine, and emergency medicine.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Balouch enjoys traveling and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, camping, and boating. These hobbies reflect his commitment to an active and healthy lifestyle, which he also encourages in his patients.

Parsa Khosravian, MD
Parsa Khosravian, MD, is a Family Medicine Resident Physician at Penn Highlands Healthcare. Born and raised in Maryland, Dr. Khosravian completed his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), before obtaining his Doctor of Medicine from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia.

While pursuing his medical education, Dr. Khosravian developed interests in bridging mental & behavioral health disparities through integrative care models, which drove him in his pursuit to obtain his dual degree in Master’s in Public Health from the Dornsife School of Public Health in Philadelphia.​Dr. Khosravian has broad clinical interests and is driven to learn as many skills and procedures as he can so that he may offer full-scope and comprehensive care for his patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He was driven to primary care for its breath of practice and knowledge, focus on community health & prevention, and opportunity to build longitudinal relationships with patients. Dr. Khosravian is excited to pursue the Family Medicine Residency at Penn Highlands for its breath of training and service to underserved communities.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Dr. Khosravian enjoys spending time in nature, trying out different cuisines, watching movies, and playing videogames.

Vihan Shah, DO
Dr. Shah grew up in India and later moved to the United States, where he spent most of his time in New Jersey. He attended Rutgers University, where he completed both his undergraduate degree in Biology and a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences. Dr. Shah then earned his medical degree from the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine.

He chose family medicine because it offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across all stages of life, from infancy to adulthood. The field’s emphasis on comprehensive and continuous care allows him to address diverse health issues and work closely with patients and their families to promote overall well-being. Dr. Shah is particularly passionate about behavioral health, lifestyle medicine, and preventive care.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Shah is passionate about staying active through swimming and practicing Muay Thai, as well as exploring new hiking trails. He also enjoys binge-watching TV shows and experimenting in the kitchen, learning to cook authentic Indian dishes that remind him of home.

Ammar Siddiqui, DO
Ammar Siddiqui, DO is a Family Medicine Resident physician at Penn Highlands Healthcare. Originally from California, he completed his undergraduate education at the University of California Santa Barbara and attended Kansas City University for medical school.

Dr. Siddiqui is honored to join the Family Medicine Residency program and excited to be a part of the wonderful community in DuBois. He was drawn to the program due to the opportunity to learn full-scope family medicine in a variety of different practice settings. His specific interests include inpatient adult medicine, sports medicine, and preventative care.

In his free time, Ammar enjoys traveling, playing tennis and volleyball, and spending time with friends and family.

Evrard Tchapda, MD
Evrard Tchapda, MD is a family medicine resident physician who grew up in Cameroon, West Africa, where he spent the earlier part of his life before moving to Wisconsin at the age of 18. In Wisconsin, he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater majoring in Biology. Dr. Tchapda has always had a passion for healthcare and helping others so making the choice to further his education into medical school was an easy one. Dr. Tchapda completed his medical school education at the University of Indiana School of Medicine and choose to do his residency at PHH.

Drawn to the opportunity to train and practice the full scope family medicine here in the DuBois area, Dr. Tchapda is very excited to be part of the Penn Highlands family where he looks forward to building strong relationships. One of the big draws to family medicine practice for Dr. Tchapda is being able to form lifelong bonds with his patients.

In his free time, Evrard loves to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the DuBois area, explore the wonderful trails, play soccer, watch sports, and try local cuisine.


Penn Highlands Psychiatry Residency Program is a four year program offering a one-to-one experience with the attending physician. 

Meet our Class of 2028 Psychiatry Residents

Manyata Bhattarai, DO
Manyata Bhattarai, DO is a resident physician in Psychiatry at Penn Highlands Healthcare. Dr. Bhattarai completed her undergraduate education at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, where she studied Psychology and Cognitive Science. She completed her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tennessee.

In her free time, Dr. Bhattarai enjoys playing tennis, exploring new areas, painting, and watching movies. She is thrilled to train at Penn Highlands Healthcare, where the faculty is supportive, the community is close-knit, and the opportunities to help underserved populations are endless.

The Penn Highlands Sports Medicine Fellowship Program is a one-year program that annually accepts one new fellow that has recently completed their residency program in emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, or physical medicine and rehabilitation. This fellowship program offers excellent opportunities for rotations, one-on-one time with attending physicians, time in the sports medicine clinic, on-site sports care, inpatient care, and non-sports ambulatory care.

Kenneth Bhatti, DO, MS
Kenneth Bhatti, DO is a resident physician in Psychiatry at Penn Highlands Healthcare. He received a degree in Psychology at University of Maryland and Biotechnology degree at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Bhatti attended Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine to obtain his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.

In his free time, Dr. Bhatti enjoys kayaking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors. He was drawn to Penn Highlands for the opportunity to work with underserved populations and a wide array of behavioral health pathologies.

Mikayla Dove, DO
Dr. Dove is a Psychiatry Resident Physician training at Penn Highlands DuBois. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with honors at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. She then completed a Doctor of Medicine degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Greensburg, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Dove has spent the vast majority of her life in rural Pennsylvania and considers it to be home. She trained at Penn Highlands as a medical student and chose to stay as a resident physician based on the strong relationships she built during her training. In her free time, Dr. Dove loves to do all things outdoors. She enjoys hiking, fishing, and backpacking. She does all these activities with her best friend, her harness trained kitten.

Syam Khan, DO
Syam Khan, DO is originally from New Jersey where he completed his undergraduate studies with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry at Fairleigh Dickinson University. After his undergraduate years, he ventured out to Pennsylvania to pursue medicine at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA. Syam has had a passion for the field of Psychiatry since college, which carried over into his medical career. He also has a natural drive to serve rural populations, which is what brought him to Penn Highlands in DuBois.

Outside of the hospital, Syam has a curiosity and ambition to pursue different and new hobbies. You’ll either catch him in the kitchen cooking up a meal from a new recipe he found, or at the gym throwing weights around, or with his camera taking pictures of the natural sights Pennsylvania has to offer. Syam is thrilled to start his career at Penn Highlands in DuBois. As someone who strongly advocates for his community, he’s ever ready to give back to his new home and become a part of the DuBois family.


The Penn Highlands Sports Medicine Fellowship Program is a one-year program offering opportunities for rotations, one-on-one time with attending physicians, time in the sports medicine clinic, on-site sports care, inpatient care, and non-sports ambulatory care. 

Meet our Sports Medicine Fellow

Drushti Mehta, DO
Drushti Mehta, DO, is a Sports Medicine Fellow at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and Penn Highlands Family Medicine Residency Clinic. Dr. Mehta works alongside some of the best sports medicine doctors in the region. She treats patients experiencing a wide range of injuries and conditions, from sprained ankles to tennis elbow and more.

Hot News

It's A Winter Wonderland Celebration!
10/17/24

The Penn Highlands DuBois Winter Wonderland Celebration will be the social event of the season that you won't want to miss! Plan to attend this fun holiday event on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 7:00-11:00 PM at the Treasure Lake Lakeview Lodge. It's even merrier when all of your friends from your department join you for the festivities. 

The evening will include a cash bar, a tempting array of hors d'oeuvres and live music from Cravin' Waves. Plan to find some holiday gifts for those special people on your list at the silent auction that will feature jewelry, a new DiamondBack truck cover and much more. 

All proceeds from the event will benefit patient transportation needs at Penn Highlands DuBois. 

To register, serve as a sponsor or make a donation, visit this site

Direct questions to phhfunddevelopment@phhealthcare.org or call 814-375-3901. 

Hope to see you there!

 

PHH Headlines

Penn Highlands Healthcare and Excel Companion Care, LLC Agree to Acquisition of Helpmates, Inc.
10/16/24

Penn Highlands Healthcare and Excel Companion Care, LLC, doing business as Help at Home, have agreed to the acquisition of Helpmates, Inc., the health system’s non-skilled in-home services. Help at Home is a national in-home provider with a focus on unskilled personal care services.

“The acquisition of Helpmates enables our health system to focus on and grow the core services of Healthcare at Home, which include home health and hospice,” said Cheryl Mitchell, Service Line Leader of Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home. “The values of Help at Home are very similar to those of Penn Highlands Healthcare and we are confident that our clients will continue to receive the same high level of service.”

The acquisition will occur on or around December 9, 2024 following governmental approval.

The acquisition only applies to a certain group of Helpmates clients. Help at Home will assist the remaining clients in transferring to new service providers. Penn Highlands Healthcare is retaining and committed to growing our Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home home health and hospice services.

Helpmates employees are being offered the option of employment with Help at Home or positions within Penn Highlands Healthcare.

Help at Home and Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and transfer of patients to other agencies with no disruption in care.

It is important to note the acquisition only applies to Helpmates, the non-skilled in-home services. Penn Highlands is committed to growing the Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home core services which include home health and hospice.

Frequently Asked Questions are provided here.



PHH Headlines

Watch for Improved Vital Lines Site to Debut
10/07/24

The Penn Highlands Healthcare Vital Lines site is being refreshed! 

Vital Lines is a communications webpage designed for Penn Highlands Healthcare employees and physicians that provides important news about health system services, people, events and more. The webpage, which can be accessed from any computer or mobile device, is easy to navigate. 

Soon, an updated site will debut with enhanced functionality and a new look. Watch for the changes detailed below.

  • A new Vital Lines Page Header and Webpage Design​
  • A new Navigation Menu Bar above the page header - contains links to the Doc Finder, Penn Highlands Healthcare Website, Careers, Donate, Logo Apparel and Tools along with the Search box.
  • An improved Main Navigation Bar (blue) below the Page Header features:
    • Select Topic Tab - gives you quick access to eight topics from a drop-down box such as HR Infor and Health Alerts from the Select Topic Tab.
    • Filter By Tab - gives you search functionality that can be filtered by news that pertains to specific hospitals as well as specific groups such as nursing.
    • A bright orange button on the menu bar enables employees to sign up for text notifications when there is important news.
    • A light blue button that explains the purpose of Vital Lines that will be informative for new users
  • Enhanced announcement bar that scrolls above the stories every eight seconds with timely news or brief messages about healthcare observances.
  • Enhanced ability to rate a story by indicating "wow," "love" or "like" before closing the link.

It is important to note that all of the previous stories that live at the Vital Lines site are transferring to the new site.

Also note that the links to the hospital intranets have been removed. Employees at Penn Highlands Mon Valley have three ways to reach the employee website: through Meditech, by using the PHMV Favorites link on their browser's menu bar and some employees have an icon on their desktop.

We hope you continue reading the Vital Lines articles and that you find the new site just as easy to use. 

Hot News

Introducing the "While You Wait Wagon"
10/07/24

Penn Highlands DuBois is pleased to introduce the "While You Wait Wagon." The concept sprouted from a discovery by the Quality and Safety Team that several donated books lay unused, just waiting for a purpose. The Team decided this could be the perfect opportunity to brighten the experiences of patients and families during their time at Penn Highlands DuBois. The wagon is stocked with coloring books, crossword puzzles and various activities and can be found in the Chapel.

With the collaborative efforts from dedicated staff and community support, the health system aspires to nurture and expand this endeavor across all facilities.

If you would like to make an in-kind, tax-deductible donation please visit this site.

To make a donation, visit the Donate to Penn Highlands DuBois page and designate "PHD While You Wait Wagon."

For more information on how to drop off or ship your donations, and to receive your in-kind donation form, contact  phhfunddevelopment@phhealthcare.org or call 814-375-3901.

Hot News

Congratulations DAISY and BEE Awardees!
10/04/24

At Penn Highlands Healthcare, our exceptional nurses are recognized with DAISY Awards. Established by the DAISY Foundation, this international recognition program celebrates the skillful, compassionate care that nurses provide to their patients every day. In addition, the BEE Award recognizes the compassionate care patient support staff in non-licensed nursing roles provide every day. Please join us in congratulating our DAISY and BEE award honorees. 

DAISY Awards

Amy Alexander, RN, was the August 2024 DAISY Award winner at Penn Highlands Tyrone. In the nomination for Amy, it was written, "Amy is a very caring nurse. She goes out of her way, -- above and beyond -- to make sure her patients get their special request. She puts others ahead of herself. She is ambitious and has this very special energy that every nurse should have.”

Andrea Banks, RN, was the Quarter 3 DAISY Award recipient at Penn Highlands Huntingdon. She was recognized by a family who stated, "Andrea embodies everything a dedicated, caring nurse should be. She not only performs her duties, but she genuinely reaches out and touches lives with care and personality." 

Aaron Boring, RN, who works in the Intermediate Care Unit at Penn Highlands DuBois, was the March 2024 DAISY Awardee. Several fellow nurses nominated Aaron for this honor. Their nominations included comments such as "Aaron stayed for four hours after his shift to help us ... he is always willing to help everyone out. Aaron is a great team player. It never matters how busy he is, he will sit with each one of his patients and discuss why they are here and what the plan is. He is one of the most selfless nurses I have ever met."

Darlene Demotte, RN, was the August 2024 DAISY Award recipient at Penn Highlands Brookville. Darlene was nominated by a patient that stated, “Thank you Darlene for always going above and beyond to make a difference. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. I am truly grateful for your exceptional care. Such a beautiful mentor to her colleagues, she made my stay comfortable."

Darrian Graham, RN, received the May 2024 DAISY Award at Penn Highlands Tyrone. Darrian was nominated by a patient who wrote, “Darrian is always willing to provide excellent care regardless of the time or amount of extra work she has. When I was having respiratory issues, her calm professional manner comforted me and made me feel safe. I appreciate her kind smile. She is a great nurse!” A colleague at the hospital also nominated Darrian. She wrote, “Darrian is a fabulous nurse. She is extremely kind and considerate to all patients that she takes care of. She goes above and beyond to make them comfortable and at ease here. She is outstanding in her field.”

Dana Hamby, RN, was the July 2024 recipient of the DAISY Award at Penn Highlands DuBois East. A colleague nominated her for coordinating the "Hope Chest" clothing closet in the Behavioral Health Unit. "This closet is for patients when they are in need of clothing to wear on the unit or at the time of discharge. Dana took ownership of this project and worked to get clothing racks donated and also purchased and donated items on her own. She has worked to organize and maintain this patient clothing closet and does it all on her own time. Through this kind act, Dana demonstrates the admirable attributes established by the DAISY Foundation. It shows the love and passion Dana has for her profession and patients."

Morgan Holtzhauser, RN, who works in perianesthesia at Penn Highlands Elk, was the August 2024 DAISY recipient at the hospital. A patient wrote," Morgan was exceptional at her job. At all times, she was so kind and compassionate. She took very good care of me before and after my surgery. She made me feel like I was in good hands and eased my worries. She is exactly what a nurse should be." 

Linda Koceski, RN, who works on 6-West at Penn Highlands Mon Valley was the recipient of the hospital's July 2024 DAISY Award. her nomination read, "Linda truly strives to keep all of her patients safe and well taken care of. I would pick Linda to be my nurse over and over."

Ronda Mansberger, RN, was the Quarter 4 DAISY recipient at Penn Highlands Huntingdon. Her nominator described her as "professional, courteous, knowledgeable and easy to talk to. She was exceptional from day one."

Tim Mayernick, RN, who works in the Emergency Department, was the May 2024, DAISY awardee at Penn Highlands Mon Valley. His nomination read, "Thank God for people like Tim. He was very cordial and knowledgeable. He showed compassion and treated us with respect."

Wioletta Orlowski, RN, who works in the Neurotrauma ICU at Penn Highlands DuBois, was the May 2024 recipient of the DAISY Award. The loved one of a patient who nominated Wioletta wrote, "As I sat alone with my mother after being taken off of life support, Wioletta entered to check on her. She wanted to make her as comfortable as she could while she was passing. She then got a coffee cart for me. When she returned with it, she re-entered my mom's room and we began talking. I don't know if it was her kind voice with her wonderful accent, but Wioletta really helped ease the emptiness of my breaking heart. I mentioned to her about the DAISY Award, and she said she didn't think she deserved it. I am so happy Wioletta was there that day because she was in the room when my sister and niece entered. Within minutes of them being there, Wioletta said, 'she is passing.' As I watched my mom's chest stop moving, she pronounced her deceased. As I sit writing this, tears flow from my eyes. I will never forget the kind and caring voice. It will remain in my memory until my time of passing. I would greatly appreciate you considering Wioletta for the DAISY Award. I only hope that I see her again to give her a hug for being there."

Cassidy Pears, BSN, RN, who works in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Penn Highlands DuBois, was honored with the June 2024 DAISY Award. In the nomination, a patient's daughter wrote, "Cass, was my mom’s nurse during her stay in the ICU. She was always in tune with how my mom was feeling and paid attention to mom’s feelings and emotions. She was kind and caring towards my mom and family. During my mom’s stay, my dad also went into Afib and needed to be taken to the ER. Cass arranged for transport and then came down to the ER to check on my dad’s condition so she could let my mom know how he was. She is a role model for nurses and we are thankful our mom and dad were in her care during her stay. Her devotion to my mom and hardworking nature were truly admirable and left us talking about what an excellent nurse she is. Nurses like Cass should be recognized and celebrated."

Valerie Schneider, RN, Intermediate Care Unit, Penn Highlands DuBois, was the April 2024 DAISY Award recipient. Valerie was nominated by the son of a patient who wrote, "When Val began her shift, she noticed that my mother was not doing well at all, and she immediately took action by calling the doctor into my mother's room for his assessment. Valerie's extraordinary efforts saved my mother's life. If she had not taken the time to professionally assess the situation, my mother most likely would not have made it. She also has a warm and comforting personality. The genuine concern, positive attitude, responsiveness, and level of care that I've seen her provide to my mother during this incredibly difficult time has been nothing short of amazing. 

Anne Smith, RN, received the DAISY Award at Penn Highlands Clearfield on August 22, 2024.In the nomination, it was written, "My daughter was having surgery and Anne was so gracious, considerate and wonderful. Anne checked on us numerous times and continued to check on me when my daughter went in for surgery. Anne is a wonderful, caring, gracious and considerate nurse."

Maria Stitt, LPN, received the May 2024 DAISY Award at Penn Highlands Brookville. Maria was nominated by a patient’s family member that stated, “Maria acknowledged my mom’s frustration as she listened to her with empathy and understanding. She quickly learned a nice sense of humor helped to calm her down and lighten her mood. I hope Maria knows that the comfort, encouragement and her sense of humor helped my mom cope just a little bit better. Thanks for understanding your patient’s needs, and for being such a compassionate caring nurse!”

Nancy Williamson, RN, received the August 2024 DAISY Award at Penn Highlands Mon Valley. Nancy, who works at Penn Highlands Oncology/Hematology at Penn Highlands Mon Valley was recognized by two patients who wrote, "She always makes time for me. Nancy put me at ease with her gentle voice and kind heart. She thoroughly explained each and every step of my treatment. I was blessed to have Nancy as my nurse."

Each DAISY Award honoree is recognized at a public ceremony on their unit and receives a certificate, DAISY Award pin and a hand-carved stone sculpture entitled A Healer’s Touch. In addition, everyone on the unit celebrates with cinnamon rolls.

DAISY nomination ballots are included in patient discharge packets and other patient information. Anyone –- patients, families, physicians and employees –- may thank a deserving nurse by completing the form and dropping it in the DAISY collection box located by the elevators throughout each hospital or by sending it via mail or email. All nominations are reviewed by the DAISY Award Committee. Winners from each hospital are chosen by the facility specific committees.

BEE Awards

Deb Cooley, a Housekeeping Aide at Penn Highlands Huntingdon,  received the Quarter 3 BEE Award. Deb's nomination raved that "she was a wonderful ball of energy. She made us laugh the whole time she was cleaning our room. I wish everyone else had as much humor and energy. Truly the best part of the day was when she was in the room with us. She is truly and extraordinary employee."

Billie Corl, a surgical technologist at Penn Highlands Tyrone, was the May 2024 BEE Award recipient. Billie was nominated by a staff member who wrote, “Billie has been helping out in the recovery room during busy times. She helps with ordering OR supplies. She would help in whatever capacity needed to make the day run smoothly."

Stephanie Eldridge, a Patient Care Assistant at Penn Highlands Clearfield, was the hospital's August 2024 BEE Award recipient, Her nomination read, "Stephanie took great care of me overnight last night with her kindness and attentive care." 

Madison Reynolds, Women's Imaging, Penn Highlands Elk, was the August 2024 BEE Award recipient. The nomination read, "Maddie performed my annual mammogram. It was the most painless mammogram that I ever had. I had to return for further imaging. Maddie was amazing and is kind and reassuring. She is so sweet. A true blessing."

Alex Tietjens, PT, a physical therapist at Penn Highlands Huntingdon, was awarded the Quarter 4 BEE Award for the exceptional care he provided within the rehabilitation department. It was written that "he provided the best care based on the research he had done to prepare for the visit."

All employees outside of nursing are eligible for the BEE Award. Anyone – patients, visitors, physicians and fellow employees – may thank a deserving healthcare team member by completing a BEE form. 

The BEE nomination boxes are located throughout our facilities. BEE recipients are honored quarterly at our Rewards & Recognition Celebrations.

Please congratulate our stellar DAISY and BEE Award recipients!

Employee Engagement

October is a Great Time for a Mammogram
10/03/24

Throughout October, hospitals and health systems across the country observe National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a great time to learn about breast health and for women ages 40 and older to have an annual mammogram. 

With the exception of skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in the U.S. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 310,720 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and more than 42,250 will die from it. Mammography is a key tool in fighting breast cancer because when it is treated earlier, it is much more treatable. 

Penn Highlands Healthcare is making it more convenient for our employees to get their annual mammograms. Our health system has openings for mammograms in each region. To accommodate our employees, the Southwest Region has added timeslots at the Mon Valley HealthPlex Wednesday, October 9 and 23 from 4:00-8:00 PM and Saturday, October 19 and 26 from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM.

Penn Highlands Healthcare offers traditional 2D and 3D mammography throughout Pennsylvania. In addition, at many of our sites, expert radiologists and skilled technologists use patient management software called Volpara Patient Hub to enhance early detection by streamlining and improving patient and physician communications. Volpara Scorecard also is used to enable radiologists to objectively measure breast density and assess a woman’s individual risk of breast cancer.

It is important to note that breast cancer can occur in women of any age -- even those younger than age 40. To learn if you may be at risk, take this Breast Cancer Risk Quiz.

If you are at high risk, the American Cancer Society recommends that you should get a breast MRI and a mammogram every year, typically starting at age 30.

To learn more, visit www.phhealthcare.org/pink.

PHH Headlines

Welcome New Leaders
10/02/24

Kerby Carlson, RN and Michelle Mann

Penn Highlands Healthcare is pleased to welcome new leaders to our health system.

Kerby Carlson, RN, is the new Acute Care Manager at Penn Highlands Elk. In the 17 years she has been with Penn Highlands Elk, Kerby has worked on the Intensive Care and Acute Care units. Prior to assuming her current role, she was one of the Lead Charge Nurses on the Acute Care Unit. 

Kerby received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 

Michelle Mann joined Penn Highlands Healthcare as the new Regional Director of Human Resources for the Central Region. In this position, she is overseeing HR functions for Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands State College and Penn Highlands Tyrone.

Michelle brings leadership experience in human resources, nursing home administration and compliance administration to her new role. Prior to joining Penn Highlands Healthcare, Michelle was the Billing Specialist/Lead 1 for Advantasure/UST Global where she had direct oversight of Medicare client accounts. During her tenure at Presbyterian Senior Care, her role grew from Human Resources to Nursing Home Administrator and Executive Director. She began her career at Moshannon Valley Correctional Center where she served in Business/Compliance Administration roles. 

Michelle received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Pre-Med from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and her Master's degree in Business Administration and Human Resources Management from the University of Phoenix. 

Please wish Kerby and Michelle success in their new roles with our health system!


Hospital News

Mark Your Calendar: Penn Highlands Huntingdon Auxiliary's 70th Gala
10/01/24

The wait is over! After a four-year hiatus, Penn Highlands Huntingdon Auxiliary invites you to its 70th Gala, "The Platinum Event," which will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Lake Raystown Resort & Conference Center in Entriken, PA from 5:00-11:00 PM. 

The black-tie Gala will include:

5:00-6:00 PM - Registration and Cocktails

6:00-7:00 PM - Dinner

7:00-11:00 PM - Dancing to The Uptown Band; a Silent Auction; Game Room with games of chance; viewing of the Penn State v. Ohio State football game; and Platinum prize drawings.

Tickets are $125 per person and drink packages are offered for an additional $25 which entitles the guest to enjoy an open bar throughout the evening.

Overnight accommodations are available at Lake Raystown Resort on a first-come, first-served basis. To receive the group rate, call the Resort Reservation Office at 814-658-3500 by October 22, 2024 and mention the Auxiliary Gala.

Click here for sponsorship opportunities and to reserve seats. Reservations are required by October 14, 2024 to attend the Gala. 

Proceeds from the event will be used to purchase new cardiac monitors for the Penn Highlands Huntingdon Emergency Department. 

Plan to attend to support Penn Highlands Huntingdon!

 

Hot News

Penn Highlands Mon Valley to Host Annual Continuing Medical Education Symposium
09/30/24

Penn Highlands Mon Valley is hosting the Annual Continuing Medical Education Symposium on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM in the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center on the hospital campus.

The program is presented to educate physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals in diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Experts in the fields of gastroenterology, substance use disorder, surgical oncology, infection control and obesity medicine will outline the latest treatments and therapies to help improve patient outcomes. 

The attached fact sheet includes the complete agenda.

Registration is required by October 11, 2024

Penn Highlands Mon Valley designates this live activity for a maximum of 5 AMA Physicians Recognition Category 1 Credits. Penn Highlands DuBois is licensed by the PA Department of Health and will provide certification of completion for 5 contact hours which can be used for Pennsylvania state RN license renewal. 

To register, click here.

For more information, visit this site.


Hot News

Plan to Attend the 21st Annual Lois Orange Ducoeur Walk
09/30/24

Gather your pink attire. Form your teams. It is time once again for the annual Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk sponsored by Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

The fun-filled event will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Mon Valley HealthPlex in Rostraver Township, PA. On-site registration begins at 9:00 AM and the Walk starts at 10:00 AM.

Participants and guests can complete the Walk in the safety of an indoor track or a marked outdoor course free from motor vehicle traffic. In addition, the site provides ample space to accommodate the walkers and those attending for the festivities.

"Nearly everyone has had someone in their lives with breast cancer,” said Natalie Furgiuele, MD, FACS, a board-certified surgeon and director of the Penn Highlands Mon Valley Breast Program. "The Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk is a wonderful opportunity for this region to come to gather and have some fun while raising funds for breast cancer care in this region.”

The $30 registration fee for the one-mile fun walk includes a T-shirt and supports the prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer in the Mon Valley region.

The Walk promises to be fun for the whole family. Participants will enjoy refreshments and music. Plus, the ever-popular Chinese Auction is back along with raffles for a beautiful Movado Rose Gold Watch from Mar-Bill Diamonds & Jewelry and a Cuisinart 3-in-1 Pizza Oven, Griddle and Grill.

Click here to register or make a donation.

For more information, or to become a sponsor, contact Penn Highlands Healthcare System Fund Development at phhfunddevelopment@phhealthcare.org or call 814-375-3901.

See you at the Walk!  

Hot News

Hello, It's Another Scam on the Line!
09/27/24

Scammers are at it again. This time, callers are reaching out to various Penn Highlands Healthcare Departments and asking for key employees. When asked their name and company, the caller replies, "bad connection" and hangs up. 

This is yet another example of how people with bad intentions try to gain access to a communications system. Using a traditional telephone call to catch someone "cold," they may gain access to an email address which enables the caller to start working on electronic means to enter our computer systems -- especially if someone has a weak password. 

This is a reminder that you should never provide any personal information to callers who you do not know, such as email, social security number, bank account numbers, unless you initiate the call. Believe it or not, callers sometimes adopt accents or pretend to be someone that actually works at Penn Highlands Healthcare to convince you to give them information. When in doubt, call or email them back at a known number or email address. Do not take one they may give you over the phone especially when they claim to have a “new” phone number or email address. These are red flags and clever scams.

Just a reminder, all employees should have strong passwords that contain at least eight alphanumeric characters and contain three of the four character classes that include;

  • Lowercase characters
  • Uppercase characters
  • Numerals
  • Special characters such as *&%$#

If we all remain alert and vigilant, we can protect our health system from falling prey to scammers.

Hot News

Employee Flu Shot Availability
09/26/24

If you have ever had the flu, you know it can make you very ill. The influenza virus can sideline a person for a week or longer. It is especially dangerous for people ages 65 and older; those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease; pregnant women; and young children – particularly those ages 2 and younger.

“We encourage everyone ages 6 months and older to get the flu vaccine — especially those in the high risk groups,” said Trina Abla, DO, MBA, System Chief Medical Officer. “Although the vaccine doesn’t provide 100% protection, it is still the best defense against contracting the flu and developing serious complications.”

By getting the flu vaccine, you are not only protecting yourself, you are reducing the risk of spreading the virus to your loved ones, our patients and people in the community.

Penn Highlands Healthcare makes it convenient for you to get the influenza vaccine. Click here for employee flu shot dates across the health system. Appointments are not necessary. Employees can walk in during any of the clinic times.

These clinics are open to any Penn Highlands Healthcare employee, volunteer or students at no cost. 

Employees can also receive the influenza vaccine at any Penn Highlands Healthcare community pharmacy.

Employees that decline the influenza vaccine will be required to wear a mask from November 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025.


Hot News

Another Successful Dr. Gary DuGan Memorial 5K Run/Walk
09/26/24

The DuGan Family participants

The staff of the Penn Highlands Fund Development Department is delighted to announce that the 6th Annual Dr. Gary DuGan Memorial 5K Run/Walk was a great success! 

More than 100 people participated in the popular event on August 24, 2024 and virtually raising $22,541.58 to further the educational needs of residents participating in the Graduate Medical Education Program at Penn Highlands DuBois. The proceeds included participant registrations, sponsorships, in-kind gifts, T-shirt sales and basket raffles. 

The Fund Development Department thanks everyone who participated in or donated to the Run/Walk at DuBois City Park. 

Dr. DuGan is remembered for his many contributions at Penn Highlands Healthcare, in particular as an integral figure in developing the health system’s GME program. The Penn Highlands GME program offers medical students and recent medical school graduates opportunities for rotations and one-on-one time with attending physicians, helping to equip residents and fellows with the inpatient and outpatient training they need to prepare to meet the demands of rural health care.

Plans are already underway for the 2025 event next summer!

PHH Headlines

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
09/25/24

Every October, the U.S. observes National Breast Cancer Awareness Month to educate everyone about early detection and how to access timely, high-quality care. The Breast Services Team at Penn Highlands Healthcare encourages all employees to learn about breast health and the benefits of preventive screenings. During the month, we are sharing breast health information with employees throughout the health system as well as with our patients and communities. Listed below are our scheduled activities. 

  • Show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness by wearing pink every Friday in October.
  • Order Penn Highlands Healthcare pink apparel at the Penn Highlands Apparel site. Please note that orders are not guaranteed for October delivery.
  • During October, Penn Highlands Healthcare mammography locations may have a table set up in their lobbies with information about mammograms and breast health and display yard signs and table tents to increase awareness about the importance of annual mammograms. 
  • Facilities with electronic signs will have breast care messages placed on the screens.
  • Each week a story focusing on various aspects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment will be shared with the Tri-County Weekend, St. Marys Daily Press, Kane Republican and Ridgway Record for guaranteed placement. 
  • News releases will be distributed to the media in all Penn Highlands Healthcare service areas promoting the importance of early detection and the breast care services offered by our health system.
  • A special Penn Highlands State College issue of LifeLines, our electronic newsletter, was distributed earlier this month with the lead story, "Advanced Technology Enhances Early Breast Cancer Detection." Also included in the newsletter was a Breast Cancer Risk Quiz. This newsletter was distributed to approximately 20,000 people in the Centre County region. 
  • The October/November issue of LifeLines, that is distributed to approximately 106,000 people system wide, includes the lead story, "Mammograms Save Lives" and a testimonial article, "Sisters Share Breast Cancer Diagnosis." The newsletter also includes the Breast Cancer Risk Quiz.
  • A direct mail and email communication are being sent to targeted women in our service areas encouraging them to take the Breast Cancer Risk Quiz.
  • A series of social media posts, including links to the weekly stories, will promote National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and encourage women to "Schedule their mammogram today!"
  • Audio spots are being recorded by Penn Highlands Healthcare breast care experts promoting annual exams and screenings. The spots are being shared with radio stations in each market.
  • Watch for a future Vital Lines with a mammogram schedule for employees and the link to the Breast Cancer Risk Quiz. 
  • Breast Care Services at Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Life’s Journey OB/GYN are conducting a breast and cervical screening to help promote women’s health and breast cancer awareness. The screening will be held at the Imaging Services Suite at Penn Highlands DuBois, on October 7, 2024.
    A free clinical breast exam, mammogram, pelvic exam, and pap smear are available to individuals with or without insurance and meet eligibility requirements. To schedule an appointment, call 888-920-4636.
  • The 21st Annual Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Mon Valley HealthPlex in Rostraver Township, PA. Registration begins at 9:00 AM and the race starts at 10:00 AM. To register, click here.
During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please help Penn Highlands Healthcare spread the word about breast health and the importance of early detection in saving lives. 

Hot News

These Are Challenging Times -- Your Commitment Is Unparalleled!
09/19/24


The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented and extremely challenging time for the healthcare industry. Hospitals and health systems across the country have been facing substantial cost increases for labor, drugs and supplies. Coupled with the ongoing staffing shortages and inadequate reimbursement rates, hospitals and health systems are struggling financially -- including our health system.

Penn Highlands Healthcare took a proactive approach early in the pandemic to minimize the financial damage to our health system. We have been diligently working toward financial stabilization. As part of this multi-year process, we continue to reduce unnecessary expenses and identify new opportunities to grow revenue. We are recruiting staff and physicians to provide additional access for our patients as we introduce new specialty services. It is also important to remember that our Board of Directors remains firmly committed to keeping Penn Highlands Healthcare as an independent, community-based health system. 

I am proud of each of you for providing unparalleled care and service to our patients -- and for that -- I thank you. Even though these times are challenging, you have been steadfast in your commitment to our health system and I am pleased to inform you that all eligible employees will receive a 2% raise in the first pay in October.

Please rest assured that we remain dedicated to our patients, employees and communities -- now and for future generations.




PHH Headlines

Psychiatry Residency Program Announces 2024-2025 Co-Chiefs
09/17/24

Dr. Mahmutaj and Dr. Zhang

Please congratulate Imelda Mahmutaj, MD, and Jessie Zhang, MD, who are serving as the Psychiatry Residency Co-Chiefs for the 2024-2025 academic year. The physicians assumed these roles on July 1, 2024.

Dr. Mahmutaj completed her undergraduate studies at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio and obtained her medical degree from Wright State Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio. She is currently practicing at the Stern Center for Behavioral Health at Penn Highlands DuBois East. Dr. Mahmutaj has worked on quality improvement projects dedicated to prompt recognition and diagnosis of QTc prolongation, and subsequent protocols for psychiatric medication initiation and risk mitigation. She has a special interest in Adult Psychiatry, particularly the care of patients with psychotic symptoms and substance use disorders. In her free time, Dr. Mahmutaj enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends and playing with her puppy, Curtis.

Dr. Zhang completed her medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is currently training to become an independent practitioner for inpatient and outpatient therapy at the Stern Center for Behavioral Health at Penn Highlands DuBois East. Dr. Zhang maintains active roles in the Graduate Medical Education Committee and the Penn Highlands DuBois Medication Safety Committee. Upon completion of her residency training, she will be continuing on as an attending psychiatrist at Penn Highlands Healthcare due to the great love she has developed for the DuBois area. Dr. Zhang has a special interest in adult and geriatric psychiatry and particularly in the compassionate care of psychotic symptoms. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, watching movies and spending time with her dogs Andy and Girlie.

The Chief Residents are chosen for their leadership skills, ethical reliability, clinical insight and are the most representative faces of our Psychiatry Residency Program for the year. Chief Residents assist with managing various resident schedules as well as participating in strategic program leadership meetings, organizing events, and most importantly serving as liaisons between the program, their peers, and faculty.

We look forward to our new Chief Residents continuing to set the example for their resident colleagues.

 Please wish them much success!
 


PHH Headlines

Welcome New Providers
09/13/24

Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!


Claire L. Becker, MD, MFA
Connellsville, DuBois, Monongahela

Board-certified psychiatrist Claire L. Becker, MD, MFA, joins the team at the Behavioral Health Outpatient Center in Connellsville.

Dr. Becker specializes in serious and persistent mental illness, community psychiatry and substance use disorder treatment. She offers comprehensive behavioral health care for adults.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Becker practiced at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Dr. Becker is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh and earned her Master of Fine Arts at St. Mary’s College of California in Moraga, CA. She completed her residency in general psychiatry and fellowship in ECT at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Western Psychiatric Hospital, in Pittsburgh. She also completed a fellowship in public service psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh, Center for Public Service, in Pittsburgh.

She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association.

John Georgino, DO
Brookville, Clearfield, DuBois, St. Marys

Emergency medicine physician John Georgino, DO, joins the emergency department teams at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Elk.

Dr. Georgino is certified in advanced trauma life support and provides expert care to patients experiencing severe or life-threatening injuries or illnesses.

Dr. Georgino is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. He is a member of the American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, Wilderness Medical Society and Emergency Medicine Residents Association.


Timothy Kennedy, DO
Brookville, Clarion

Family medicine physician Timothy Kennedy, DO, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Clarion.

Dr. Kennedy was raised in Pennsylvania, and completed his education and training in Erie and DuBois. With deep ties to the community, he is here to provide patients with the most comprehensive care possible at locations close to home.

Dr. Kennedy is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie. He completed his residency in family medicine at Penn Highlands Healthcare in DuBois.


Kyle Yebernetsky, MD
Brookville, Clearfield, DuBois, Huntingdon, St. Marys, State College

Board-certified emergency medicine physician Kyle Yebernetsky, MD, joins the emergency department teams at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Elk and Penn Highlands State College.

Dr. Yebernetsky provides advanced skilled care to patients experiencing severe or life-threatening conditions, including emergency heart care, emergency stroke care, trauma care and more.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Yebernetsky practiced at Geisinger Health System in Danville, Shamokin and Jersey Shore.

Dr. Yebernetsky is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Geisinger Health System in Danville.

Sierra McKee, MSN, FNP-C
DuBois

Certified registered nurse practitioner Sierra McKee, MSN, FNP-C, joins the team at Penn Highlands Trauma Services in DuBois.

Sierra specializes in acute care and trauma surgery. She provides experienced care and is committed to creating meaningful relationships with each patient.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Sierra practiced at UPMC Passavant-McCandless in Pittsburgh; Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh; Chopra Pediatrics in Altoona; Heritage Valley Health System in Ambridge; and Ohio Valley Health Center in Steubenville, Ohio.

Sierra earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Francis University in Loretto.

Tyler Passmore, PA-C
Clearfield, DuBois, St. Marys

Certified physician assistant Tyler Passmore, PA-C, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Interventional Pain Center, located in Clearfield, DuBois and St. Marys.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Tyler practiced at Orthopedics and Sports Medicine of Erie – UPMC in Erie.

Tyler earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies and Bachelor of Science, Sports Medicine, at Mercyhurst University in Erie.


Jena Schellhamer, PA-C
Huntingdon, State College

Certified physician assistant Jena Schellhammer, PA-C, joins the emergency department teams at Penn Highlands Huntingdon and Penn Highlands State College.

Jena has more than a decade of clinical experience and is here to provide expert care if you or a loved one is experiencing a serious injury or illness.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Jena practiced at People One Health in Altoona, UPMC Altoona Emergency Department in Altoona and Lebanon Emergency Physicians in Lebanon.

Jena earned her Master of Physician Assistant Science and Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Saint Francis University in Loretto.


Jessica L. Yebernetsky, CPNP-PC
DuBois

Certified pediatric nurse practitioner Jessica L. Yebernetsky, CPNP-PC, joins the team at Penn Highlands Pediatrics, located in DuBois.

Jessica is a certified asthma educator and has more than a decade of experience in pediatric pulmonary care for both chronic and acute issues.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Jessica practiced at Geisinger Convenient Care Plus in Selinsgrove, Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in Philadelphia and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia.

Jessica earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Drexel University in Philadelphia.

PHH Headlines

Congratulations to Our Chief Residents!
09/11/24

Dr. Ayalew and  Dr. Patel

It is with great pride that the Family Medicine Residency Program announces the Co-Chiefs for the 2024-2025 academic year. Effective July 1, 2024, Dawit Ayalew, MD and Rahul Patel, DO, assumed these responsibilities.

Dr. Ayalew is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in Richmond, VA. He is providing care at the Penn Highlands Family Medicine Residency Clinic. Dr. Ayalew is a resident member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. In addition, he is a member of the Penn Highlands Board of Directors & Finance/Growth Excellence Committee as well as the Graduate Medical Education and Program Evaluation Committee (Family Medicine). Dr. Ayalew is currently engaged in Sports Medicine/Orthopedic Surgery research and high school football game coverage. He hopes to aid in the establishment of a sports medicine track for the family medicine residency. Dr. Ayalew plans to pursue a Sports Medicine Fellowship upon completion of his residency training.

Dr. Patel is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He practices care at the Brookville Rural Health Center. Dr. Patel is most recently a member of the Antimicrobial Stewardship committee. He leads a quality improvement project dedicated to providing patients with easier access to their medications and providing reasons to them as to why they take them. In the near future, he intends to complete a Sports Medicine Fellowship. Dr. Patel would eventually like to do both inpatient and outpatient medicine.

The Chief Residents are chosen for their leadership skills, ethical reliability and clinical insight. They are the most representative faces of the Family Medicine Residency Program for the year. Chief Residents assist with managing various resident schedules as well as participating in strategic program leadership meetings, organizing events and most importantly serving as liaisons between the program, their peers and faculty.  

We look forward to our new Chief Residents continuing to set the example for their resident colleagues. 

Please wish them much success!


Hot News

Warning: Scam Alert
09/09/24

Some Penn Highlands Healthcare employees have received random, fraudulent text messages that appear to be from Steve Fontaine. These messages did not originate from our CEO. 

If you receive this text, do not respond; it is not legitimate. Delete it immediately. 

Scammers use text messages and emails to trick people into giving them money or sensitive information that can be used for identity theft or fraud.

It is important to recognize the tactics scammer use so that you can protect yourself from fraud. Scammers target people using three key tools, uncertainty, emotion and urgency. They may make you unsure how to act, create fear or excitement and then force you to act quickly. 

Remember, in all cases for unsolicited text messages, you should block the sender's phone number on your phone and then delete the message. Never click on links, respond to messages (even with “STOP” or “REMOVE”), or call the phone number provided.

By staying vigilant, you can protect yourself from scammers.

PHH Headlines

Save the Date: Annual Continuing Medical Education Symposium
09/04/24

Mark your calendar to attend the Annual Continuing Education Symposium on October 16, 2024, from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Penn Highlands Mon Valley. The hybrid conference will be offered in-person as well as via teleconferencing. 

While learning about the latest therapies and treatments available from experts in many different specialties, physicians can earn a maximum of five AMA Physicians Recognition Award Category 1 Credits and nurses can receive a certificate of completion for five contact hours which can be used for Pennsylvania nursing license renewal.

Watch for a listing of speakers and registration information.

PHH Headlines

Penn Highlands Healthcare to Present the WTAJ Health & Wellness Expo
08/30/24

Penn Highlands Healthcare is excited to present the inaugural WTAJ Health & Wellness Expo. The free event will be held Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the C3 Sports Indoor Sports Complex located at 200 Ellis Place in State College. The Expo is designed to promote health and wellness in the community and inspire individuals in prioritizing their physical and mental well-being. It will include a variety of exhibitors, interactive seminars and engaging activities. 

During the Expo, Jason Clark, DO, FAAOS, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in State College, will be presenting two seminars -- "Living with Hip/Knee Arthritis" and "Shouldering Shoulder Issues." In addition, many of our service lines are confirmed to participate including:

  • Penn Highlands Family Medicine 
  • QCare State College
  • Breast Care Services
  • The Rehabilitation Center
  • Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Penn Highlands Oncology/Hematology
  • Penn Highlands Radiation Oncology
  • Hahne Cancer Center
  • Imaging Services
  • Penn Highlands Community Pharmacy - State College 
  • Penn Highlands Healthcare Recruitment

Attendees also will have an opportunity to take Health Risk Assessments to understand their risk factors related to breast health and joint pain as well as their heart and colon. Carpal Tunnel Screening will be offered by Kaylin Strauser-Curtis, DO.

Mark your calendar to attend with your friends and family to learn more about better health and wellness.

COVID-19 Cases Are Rising: Precautions Are Encouraged
08/28/24


The number of COVID-19 cases is once again rising throughout Pennsylvania and continues to be a public health issue. At Penn Highlands Healthcare, we are seeing increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases within Penn Highlands DuBois and strongly advise our colleagues in clinical areas to follow safety precautions to help protect yourself, your loved ones and our patients from contracting the virus.

Precautions include:
  • Wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings or if you have COVID-19 symptoms
  • Practicing social distancing in public places
  • Remaining vigilant with hand hygiene
  • Staying up-to-date on your vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine is one of the safest ways to protect against severe illness and hospitalization. The new vaccine targets the variants currently circulating in our communities. It is highly recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.

The attached flyer outlines instructions to follow if you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus. Anyone testing positive for COVID-19 should avoid contact with others, especially those who are at high-risk of getting very sick.

If everyone follows these precautions, our employees may avoid contracting the virus so that we can enjoy the upcoming fall season and continue providing a high level of care to our patients.



Employee Engagement

Rewards & Recognition Celebration Recap: August 2024
08/23/24


As part of Penn Highlands Healthcare’s quarterly Rewards & Recognition, celebrations are planned to thank employees, honor professional achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout our health system.

Rewards and Recognition Week was celebrated August 12-16, 2024.

During "Healthcare Hall of Fame,” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme, employees across the system were encouraged to participate in themed activities.

Congratulations to all of this quarter’s honorees! Please click on the links below to enjoy a recap of the celebrations.


Penn Highlands Brookville

Penn Highlands Clearfield

Penn Highlands Connellsville

Penn Highlands DuBois

Penn Highlands Elk

Penn Highlands Huntingdon

Penn Highlands Tyrone

Penn Highlands Mon Valley

Penn Highlands Post-Acute


Hot News

The 2024-25 Flu Season Will Start Soon
08/22/24

The flu season typically runs from November 1 - March 31. To help keep our patients and employees safe and healthy, Penn Highlands Healthcare will offer flu clinics at each of our facilities for all employees beginning in early October. The vaccine will be available at no cost to employees.

We will also be asking for PA, CRNP, RN, and LPN employees to help staff clinics in Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Elk.

The flu vaccine is not mandated, but if you do not want the vaccine you will be required to sign a declination and wear a mask from November 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025 while at work.

If you choose to get the vaccine outside of Penn Highlands Healthcare, you will be required to complete an attestation and provide documentation of that vaccine to Employee Health, if requested.

More information will be provided about the dates and times of these clinics for all facilities in a later announcement.

Direct questions to Employee Health at 814-375-3351 or 814-375-3392.

PHH Headlines

Penn Highlands Healthcare Welcomes New CFO
08/21/24

Douglas Winner


Please join me in welcoming Douglas Winner, who joined Penn Highlands Healthcare as our new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on August 12, 2024. In this role he will administer, direct and monitor all financial operations of our health system. In addition, he will promote clinical and administrative fiscal alignment and help Penn Highlands Healthcare identify and benefit from new opportunities.

Mr. Winner has spent his entire career in fiscal positions with hospitals and health systems -- the last 13 years with Ascension Health Michigan (AHMI). He spent time as the CFO of two different regions covering southeast Michigan where he was able to connect operations, strategy and finance to achieve meaningful planning and results. He significantly impacted the health system's fiscal operations by developing and implementing strategic plans to enhance financial position and improve revenue growth and recognition. During his career, he also held CFO and fiscal management positions with the University of Toledo Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio and ProMedica Health System which serves Northwestern Ohio and Southeastern Michigan.

Mr. Winner received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Mich. and his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio.

We wish Douglas much success in his new role!


Hot News

Congratulations to Our Recent GME Graduates!
08/16/24

The Graduate Medical Education (GME) Leadership at Penn Highlands Healthcare congratulates the physicians who recently completed their residencies in Family Medicine and a fellowship in Sports Medicine. While their graduation is always a bittersweet event because it is hard to watch them leave, this year, three physicians stayed with Penn Highlands Healthcare!

Timothy Kennedy, DO, joined Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Brookville and Clarion. Dr. Kennedy completed his B.S. degree in Biology from Misericordia University in his native Dallas, Pa. He then completed his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Greensburg, Pa. and clinical experiences at Warren General Hospital in Warren, Pa. Within Family Medicine, Dr. Kennedy wishes to pursue behavioral and mental health, preventative medicine relating to physical fitness and nutrition and Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT).

Following her residency at Penn Highlands Healthcare, Kaylin Strauser-Curtis, DO, completed a fellowship here in Sports Medicine. She recently joined the staff at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Clarion and DuBois. Dr. Strauser-Curtis is originally from Southern Clarion County where she attended Clarion University. She received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Strauser-Curtis is looking forward to continuing to serve the area where she grew up.

Drushti Mehta, DO, who was one of our chief residents this year, also is remaining with Penn Highlands Healthcare -- for the near future. On July 1, 2024, she began pursuing a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Penn Highlands Healthcare. Dr. Mehta is from Toronto, Canada where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Honors Life Sciences at McMaster University. Her passion for medicine ultimately led her to Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences where she earned her medical degree. She is excited to continue her medical journey with our GME fellowship program. 

Grace Isaacson, DO, returned to her home state of Utah to practice Family Medicine and Obstetrics. Dr. Isaacson completed her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Rocky Vista College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ivins, Utah.  During her residency, she played an active role on the resident wellness committee and several medical education committees. She also led a quality improvement project to create the first Resident Handbook for the Penn Highlands Family Medicine Residency Program. In addition, Dr. Isaacson participated biannually in providing free breast and cervical cancer screenings to underserved members of the Amish and DuBois communities.

Sahar Qureshi, DO, started her career in Family Medicine in New Jersey. Dr. Qureshi completed her B.S. degree in Biology at the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, N.Y. She then completed her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Greensburg, Pa. Dr. Qureshi is looking forward to using all the skills learned during Residency here at Penn Highlands Healthcare to help manage and treat her patients to make long-lasting positive impacts on their health.

Adam Malik, DO, a Psychiatry resident, received a diploma at graduation because he followed his passion and was accepted early into a Child and Adolescent Fellowship at Rutgers RWJ Medical School in New Jersey. A graduate of  Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Malik served as a chief resident at Penn Highlands Healthcare. He has been published in several professional journals including Current Psychology.

We wish each of these physicians much future success! 


Hospital News

Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley to Host All-Star Evening
08/14/24

Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley invite you to attend an All-Star Evening on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 PM, at the PennWest California Convocation Center in California, Pa. The fun-filled event will celebrate the hospitals’ stellar employees, friends and community partners that are making a difference in the health of the community’s residents and businesses.

During the evening, guests can visit stations for an assortment of heavy hors d’oeuvres, appetizers and sports-themed foods and beverages. A program recognizing service to the hospitals and communities will begin at 6:30 PM.

Tickets are $50 per person. For reservations, send a check for the number of tickets you are purchasing along with the names of attendees by September 13, 2024 to: Lisa McGovern, Penn Highlands Mon Valley, 1163 Country Club Road, Monongahela, PA 15063. Checks should be made payable to: Penn Highlands Healthcare. 

For more information, contact Lisa McGovern at lmcgovern@monvalleyhospital.com or call 724-258-1101.


Employee Engagement

Healthcare Hall of Fame: R&R Week Activities Planned August 12-16, 2024
08/09/24


Rewards and Recognition includes a quarterly celebration planned by Penn Highlands Healthcare to express appreciation to employees, recognize personal achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout the health system.

"Healthcare Hall of Fame,” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme, is being celebrated system wide August 12-16, 2024. Throughout Rewards and Recognition Week, employees across the system are encouraged to participate in themed activities.

For more details about festivities at each PHH facility, click on the link below to download the flyer for the schedule of activities where you work.







Employee Engagement

Penn Highlands Pink Apparel - Order by September 1
08/08/24


October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Help spread awareness while wearing Penn Highlands pink apparel. Employees interested in purchasing items can log on and view new items on the Penn Highlands Apparel site. Orders must be placed by September 1, 2024 and will begin shipping September 20, 2024. After 9/1/2024, orders will NOT be guaranteed for October.

Employee Engagement

Does Your E-mail Reflect Our Brand?
08/07/24

Nike. Ford. Apple. When you see their logos, you recognize each unique brand. In order to achieve this international recognition, these companies follow distinct brand standards. Penn Highlands Healthcare also follows detailed brand standards that reflect our professional reputation, maintain consistency and build our brand recognition in the communities we serve.

A standard e-mail signature that all employees are responsible to follow when sending electronic communications is part of our brand standard.

All Penn Highlands Healthcare employees are to have the following as their signatures on their work e-mails in black 12-point Arial font:

Name (in bold)
Title 
Name of Hospital/Facility/Organization (such as Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services, Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home, Penn Highlands Home Medical Equipment, etc.)
Street Address (Please spell out Avenue, Drive, Court, Road, etc.)
Town, PA  ZIP
814-XXX-XXXX Telephone
814-XXX-XXXX Cell (If applicable)
814-XXX-XXXX Fax (If applicable)
E-mail address
www.phhealthcare.org
LOGO (The logo is attached to the Communications e-mail sent to you.) You may also reach out to communications@phhealthcare.org at any time should you need a copy. It is important to note that a logo cannot be included when using mail.phhealthcare.org -- webmail). The logo should not be altered.

Do not include any other logos, watermarks, images, statements or inspirational messages as part of your standard signature.

Email background should always be white; wallpaper should not be used.

Personal portraits as part of your e-mail should only be professional quality. 

Instructions on how to change your e-mail signature from your desktop are provided here

Throughout the health system there are multiple e-mail systems, due to this, the set-up process for e-mail signatures may vary slightly and there may be some variations in text color. 

Penn Highlands Healthcare is a brand that is recognized by many people. It is the responsibility of every employee to ensure that e-mail signatures, and other forms of communication, are consistent with Penn Highlands Healthcare brand standards.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to review your e-mail signatures. It takes everyone across the health system to maintain our brand standards!



PHH Headlines

Welcome New Providers
08/05/24

Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!

Cary Amundson, DO
Clearfield, DuBois, Huntingdon, State College, Tyrone

Board-certified emergency medicine physician Cary Amundson, DO, joins the emergency department teams at Penn Highlands Clearfield,  Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands State College and Penn Highlands Tyrone.

Dr. Amundson has 15 years of experience in emergency medicine and is a fellowship-trained specialist, having achieved the highest level of education and training in his field. He is a former US Navy Corpsman and US Marine.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Amundson practiced at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill, UPMC Washington Health System in Washington and Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, W.Va.

Dr. Amundson is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Fla. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey and his fellowship in emergency medicine at WVU Medicine, Wheeling Hospital, in Wheeling, W.Va.


Jason Clark, DO, FAAOS
State College

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Jason Clark, DO, FAAOS, joins the team at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, located at 239 Colonnade Boulevard in State College.

Dr. Clark is a fellowship-trained expert with more than a decade of experience, specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery, sports medicine and general orthopedics. He is certified in robotic-assisted total knee and hip replacement, and he is committed not just to providing exceptional surgical care but to helping the patient make the best possible recovery.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Clark practiced at Butler Medical Providers in Butler and Huff Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Clinton, N.C.

Dr. Clark is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie. He completed his internship and residency in orthopaedic surgery at St. Joseph Health Center in Warren, Ohio. He completed a fellowship in shoulder and elbow orthopaedic surgery at St. Francis Orthopaedic Institute in Columbus, Ga. He also earned his Master of Health Administration at Capella University in Minneapolis, Minn.

He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, American Osteopathic Association and Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association.

Matthew Denson, DO
Clearfield, Philipsburg

Matthew Denson, DO, joins the teams at Penn Highlands General Surgery, located at 815 Doctors Drive, 2nd Floor, in Clearfield and 271 Railroad Street in Philipsburg. 

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Denson practiced at Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica, N.Y., and Guthrie Cortland Regional Medical Center in Cortland, N.Y.

Dr. Denson is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Davie, Fla. He completed his residency in general surgery at Carepoint Health Bayonne Medical Center in Bayonne, N.J.


Kathryn Fitzgerald, DO
Clearfield, Philipsburg

Kathryn Fitzgerald, DO, joins the teams at Penn Highlands General Surgery, located at 815 Doctors Drive, 2nd Floor, in Clearfield and 271 Railroad Street in Philipsburg.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Fitzgerald practiced at Mohawk Valley Health System in Utica, N.Y., and Guthrie Cortland Regional Medical Center in Cortland, N.Y.

Dr. Fitzgerald is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Davie, Fla. She completed her residency in general surgery at Carepoint Health Bayonne Medical Center in Bayonne, N.J.


Rodney Jamil, MD
Monongahela

Board-certified oncologist and hematologist Rodney Jamil, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Oncology/Hematology, located at 1163 Country Club Road in Monongahela.

Dr. Jamil is a fellowship-trained specialist with nearly 15 years of experience. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Jamil is here with highly experienced care, customized treatments plans and state-of-the-art therapies.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Jamil practiced at Lindenberg Cancer and Hematology Center in Marlton, N.J.; Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands, Va.; Sentara Rockingham Memorial Hospital in Harrisonburg, Va.; Hackensack Meridian Health Network, Riverview Medical Center, in Red Bank, N.J.; Sechler Family Cancer Center, Wellspan Health, in Lebanon; Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, N.J.; Tower Health Reading Hospital in Reading; UPMC Pinnacle in Harrisburg; Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, Lancaster General Hospital, in Lancaster; and Emily Couric Cancer Center, University of Virginia, in Charlottesville, Va.

Dr. Jamil is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Mass. He completed a fellowship in hematology-oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, in Boston, Mass.

He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Swiss Foundation.

Cody Pepperday, DO
State College

Radiologist Cody A. Pepperday, DO, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley, Penn Highlands State College and Penn Highlands Tyrone.​

Dr. Pepperday is a Mayo Clinic fellowship-trained specialist in musculoskeletal imaging, which offers an array of minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to get patients back to normal activities sooner and with fewer complications.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Pepperday gained clinical experience at Drs. Harris, Birkhill, Wang, Songe and Associates, P.C., in Dearborn, Mich.; Beaumont Health Outpatient Imaging Center in Dearborn, Mich.; and Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, N.Y.

Dr. Pepperday is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Greensburg. He completed his internship and residency in radiology at Beaumont Health System in Dearborn, Mich. He completed a fellowship in musculoskeletal imaging and intervention at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He is a member of the American Medical Association, American Osteopathic College of Radiology, American College of Radiology, Christian Medical and Dental Association, Mayo Clinic Alumni Association and Mayo Fellows' Association.


Marianne L. Shaw, MD
Tyrone

Board-certified rheumatologist Marianne Shaw, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Rheumatology, located at 154 Hospital Avenue, Suite 3, in Tyrone.

With more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Shaw, a fellowship-trained specialist, provides highly skilled care for patients with musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions. There are many treatment options now available in rheumatology, and Dr. Shaw uses the latest innovations to improve her patients’ quality of life. She has vast experience treating many conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, and osteoarthritis. She also has extensive expertise in joint injections for arthritis, as well as injections for treatment of bursitis and tendonitis.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Shaw practiced at Conemaugh Physician Group in Duncansville, Altoona Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center and in Duncansville, and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dr. Shaw is a graduate of Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. She completed her residency in internal medicine at University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland, Ohio, and her fellowship in rheumatology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio.

She is a member of the American College of Rheumatology and American Medical Association. She is a fellow of the American College of Rheumatology and a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Kaylin Strauser-Curtis, DO
Clarion, Punxsutawney, St. Marys

Board-certified physician Kaylin Strauser-Curtis, DO, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, located at 265 Holiday Inn Road, Route 68, in Clarion; 21911 Route 119 in Punxsutawney; and 761 Johnsonburg Road, Suite 310, in St. Marys.

Dr. Strauser-Curtis is a fellowship-trained specialist, conferring upon her the highest level of education and training in her field. She provides patients with comprehensive care and leading-edge treatments and procedures.

Dr. Strauser-Curtis is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie. She completed her residency in family medicine and fellowship in sports medicine at Penn Highlands Healthcare in DuBois.

She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, American College of Sports Medicine, American Osteopathic Association and Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association.

Dana Conroy, DNP, FNP-C
State College

Certified registered nurse practitioner Dana Conroy, DNP, FNP-C joins the teams at Penn Highlands Family Medicine, and QCare State College, located at 239 Colonnade Boulevard, Suite 2, in State College.

Dana specializes in family medicine and has nearly 30 years of nursing experience. She provides comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dana practiced at University Park Student Health Center at Pennsylvania State University in State College, Centre Volunteers in Medicine in State College, Rest Haven Long Term Care Facility in York, Memorial Hospital in York, Colonial Manor Long Term Care Facility in York and The Meadows Psychiatric Center in Centre Hall.

Dana earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Pennsylvania State University in State College.

She is a member of the American Travel Health Nurses Association, the American College Health Association and the Graduate Nurse Student Association.

Nadene Copeland, CRNP
Connellsville

Certified registered nurse practitioner Nadene Copeland, CRNP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine, located at 2618 Memorial Boulevard, Suite B, in Connellsville.

With over 20 years of experience in hospital, office and home care settings, Nadene specializes in developing treatment plans that are individualized to each patient so they receive the best possible care.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Nadene practiced at Highlands Hospital, now Penn Highlands Connellsville in Connellsville, and Amedisys Home Care in Scottdale.

Nadene earned her Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner from Purdue Global University in West Lafayette, Ind. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz.

Jeremy Gorsuch, PA-C
Tyrone

Certified physician assistant Jeremy Gorsuch, PA-C, joins the team at Penn Highlands Rheumatology, located at 154 Hospital Drive, Suite 3, in Tyrone.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Jeremy practiced at Conemaugh Physician Group—Rheumatology in Duncansville and Altoona Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center in Duncansville.

Jeremy earned his Master of Physician Assistant Sciences and Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Saint Francis University in Loretto. 

Tamara Gorsuch, PA-C
Tyrone

Certified physician assistant Tamara Gorsuch, PA-C, joins the team at Penn Highlands Rheumatology, located at 154 Hospital Drive, Suite 3, in Tyrone.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Tamara practiced at Conemaugh Physician Group—Rheumatology in Duncansville and Altoona Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center in Duncansville.

Tamara earned her Master of Health Science at Lock Haven University in Lock Haven and Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health at Pennsylvania State University in University Park.

Jillian Lyle, CRNP
DuBois

Certified registered nurse practitioner Jillian Lyle, CRNP, joins the team at QCare DuBois, located at 621 South Main Street in DuBois.

Jillian has experience in diverse settings and is committed to providing excellent care to patients of all ages experiencing minor illness and injuries.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Jillian completed her clinical rotations in a variety of specialties at Butler Health System in Clarion, and was a nurse at Clarion Hospital in Clarion.

Jillian earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, from Pennsylvania Western University in Clarion and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in Clarion. She is a member of the American Nurses Association.

Sarah Kaye O’Donnell, PA-C
DuBois

Certified physician assistant Sarah Kaye O’Donnell, PA-C, joins the team at The Fracture Clinic at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, located at 123 Hospital Avenue in DuBois.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Sarah practiced at Specialty Orthopaedics in Hermitage.

Sarah earned her Master of Health Science, Physician Assistant Studies, and her Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in Lock Haven.

Erica Rulon, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C
Huntingdon, State College

Certified registered nurse practitioner Erica Rulon, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, joins the emergency department teams at Penn Highlands Huntingdon and Penn Highlands State College.

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Erica practiced at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College; Comanche County Memorial Hospital in Lawton, Okla.; and as a travel nurse.

Erica earned her Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Kathy Schaer, CRNP
DuBois

Certified registered nurse practitioner Kathy Schaer, CRNP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Endocrinology, located at 145 Hospital Avenue, Suite 101, in DuBois.

Kathy specializes in endocrinology and has more than a decade of nursing experience. 

Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Kathy practiced at Olean General Hospital in Olean, NY.

Kathy earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, at Pennsylvania State University in State College.

Hot News

Fund Development Leadership Changes
07/29/24

Karin Pfingstler  and    Danyell Bundy

Karin Pfingstler, who served as the Penn Highlands Healthcare Fund Development System Executive Director for the past seven years, has been named as the System Government Relations Director. In this role, she will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies for the government relations and legislative affairs across the health system footprint.

Karin will work to develop and maintain positive relationships with elected officials at the federal, state, county and municipal levels. In addition, she will continue to work with Penn Highlands Healthcare leadership and the system Fund Development team to identify and pursue sources of government funding that will benefit our hospitals, and ultimately our patients. Among her priorities will be communicating the goals, priorities, accomplishments and challenges facing the healthcare industry, among elected and administrative officials. 

Fund Development will now be under the leadership of Danyell Bundy who has been named System Fund Development Executive Director. For more than four years, Danyell served as the Director of Operations and Major Gifts for Penn Highlands Healthcare. She is an accomplished manager and business development officer, with more than 20 years of experience.

As System Fund Development Executive Director, Danyell will work with Penn Highlands Healthcare leadership to oversee the fund development team in strategic planning and insight, generate philanthropic partnerships and relationships, influence donor growth and retention and aid in developing new philanthropic programs, events and campaigns. 

In addition, Danyell will continue to support the Penn Highlands Healthcare Community Impact Program and manage the health system's Community Health Needs Assessment. This work will continue to increase awareness, which will produce diverse and sustainable resources to support Penn Highlands Healthcare philanthropic initiatives.

Please wish Karin and Danyell success in their new roles!


 

PHH Headlines

Atif Farag, MD, Named Medical Director of Anesthesiology for the Central Region
07/17/24

Atif Farag, MD


Please join me in congratulating Atif Farag, MD, the new Medical Director of Anesthesiology for Penn Highlands Healthcare -- Central Region. In this role, Dr. Farag will provide medical perspective, knowledge and leadership to the anesthesiology staff. In addition, he will be responsible for ensuring that patients receive the highest level of care during and immediately following a surgical or diagnostic procedure.

Dr. Farag works closely with the  Anesthesiology Departments at Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Tyrone. and the new Penn Highlands State College. 

Board certified in Anesthesiology, Dr. Farag received his medical degree from Zagazig Faculty of Medicine in Egypt where he also completed his internship. His residency in Anesthesiolgoy was at Columbia University, New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York, N.Y.

Please wish Dr. Farag much success in this new leadership role.  

Hot News

Penn Highlands Healthcare Launches New System Wide Privacy Monitoring Program
07/17/24

Penn Highlands Healthcare has launched Imprivata Maize, healthcare compliance software that improves the process of tracking access into the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and helps ensure that we will remain HIPAA compliant while identifying threats to our patients' privacy.

This program is primarily being used by our Compliance/Privacy Departments to assist in achieving Penn Highlands Healthcare's goal to provide quality healthcare to meet the needs of our patients and families while preventing unauthorized access and disclosures of patient information. 

The program will monitor inappropriate access, including by employees and others, in accordance with Penn Highlands Healthcare policies for improper viewing of EMR records. As a reminder, unless clinically necessary, employees should not access the EMR to view the records of: 

  • Co-workers
  • Family Members
  • Friends and Neighbors
  • Your Own Medical Record (You should NEVER access your own medical record through the EMR.)
  • VIP Patients
  • Records with Added Privacy Protections such as Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorder, etc.

For more information or to report any potential privacy rights and violations, please reach out to the Compliance Department or call the Confidential Message Line at 1-855-737-6788. As a reminder, accessing medical records that you have no reason to view will result in disciplinary action.



    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands State College is Open!
    07/11/24

    Penn Highlands State College, a campus of Penn Highlands Huntingdon, our new state-of-the-art hospital and medical office building, is now open! 

    "You've heard the expression that it takes a village, well it took the untiring commitment of our entire health system and the enthusiastic support from the community to make Penn Highlands State College a reality," said Rhonda Halstead, MSM, Regional Market President -- Central Region. "We have a new beautiful facility where people in the Centre County region can receive the latest therapies from expert providers and that should be a source of pride for everyone employed by our health system."

    The hospital includes:

    • ​An Emergency Department that is open 24/7 and provides care from 10 treatment rooms and a trauma room 
    • 18 Private Inpatient Rooms designed for patient comfort
    • 3 high-tech Operating Suites, an Endoscopy Procedure Room and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
    • An Imaging Suite with CT Scan, MRI, Nuclear Medicine and Radiology

    The Medical Office Building includes:

    • QCare State College providing expert walk-in care for infants to seniors
    • Penn Highlands Hahne Cancer Center
      • Cutting-edge technology with a personalized approach
      • Nationally respected oncologists
      • Multidisciplinary care including advanced medical oncology/infusion services
      • State-of-the-art radiation services
      • Technologically advanced linear accelerator for precision accuracy
    • Skilled and compassionate family medicine, pediatrics and specialty care including orthopedics
    • Breast Care Services staffed by individuals who understand a woman's special needs 
    • Pulmonology services providing advanced screenings, diagnostics and treatments
    • Cardiology services offering specialized heart care close to home
    • Laboratory services for quick, convenient and accurate diagnosis
    • Retail pharmacy with convenient drive-thru service (opening late July 2024)

    Penn Highlands State College is conveniently located at 239 Colonnade Boulevard in State College. 

    For more information, visit the Penn Highlands State College website

    Hot News

    Power Outage Network Fixes
    07/10/24

    On Sunday, June 30, 2024, a Penelec power issue caused the air conditioning in the Penn Highlands DuBois Data Center to stop running. Before the issue could be resolved, the temperature in the room reached approximately 100 degrees. As a result of the high temperature, hardware that houses multiple individual servers was damaged. Unfortunately, the affected hardware is not reparable.

    We are continuing to resolve network issues that were affected by power failure. As missing links for applications and websites in our system are identified, links are being recreated to provide easy access to them.

    A Common PH Links folder has been created which can be accessed from the Start Menu on the VM desktops. Upon opening the folder, the links are listed in alphabetical order.

    Links will be added to the folder as missing applications and websites are identified. Non-functional links will be corrected as they are detected.

    If you discover other missing applications and/or websites or encounter any additional issues, please contact the IT Helpdesk at 814-375-3070 or helpdesk@phhealthcare.org.

    Your continued patience is appreciated as the IT Department works to resolve these issues.


    Employee Engagement

    Time is Running Out to Take Our Employee Survey
    06/20/24

    Tuesday, June 25, 2024 is the last day to complete Penn Highlands Healthcare's biennial Employee and Employed-Provider Engagement Survey. 

    If you have not already completed this survey, please take a few minutes to provide your feedback. It takes less than five minutes to share your thoughts, feelings and reactions that will help administration and leadership identify where we are, where we want to be and how we are going to get there. While the survey is not intended to solve problems, it will make leadership aware of them and help guide in the development of solutions.

    Remember, unlike previous surveys, the 2024 survey is being administered by Press Ganey and the response scale has changed from 6 point to 5 points. Please keep that in mind when completing the survey. 

    Employees: Click here to access the survey.

    Physicians: Click here to access the survey.

    Everyone is encouraged to complete the survey to help make Penn Highlands Healthcare a great place to work!

    Employee Engagement

    An Important Parking Reminder
    06/19/24


    Employees at Penn Highlands DuBois are reminded that parking lots on the DuBois campuses have colored lines indicating who is permitted to park in each lot. 

    The color coding is as follows:

    • Yellow -- Reserved for patients and visitors -- however they are permitted to park in any color-lined space
    • Red -- Reserved for physicians
    • White -- Employee parking which includes advanced practice providers and visiting staff from other hospitals and services

    Students are to park in the lots above the Medical Arts Building.

    There is no parking in the checkered spaces that are in some of the lots. People are not to park in those areas. 

    Violators will be issued a warning for the first offense. For the second offense, the vehicle will be towed at the owner's expense. The third offense will result in disciplinary actions up to and including termination.

    If you have any questions as to where you should be parking, please see the attached PH DuBois West Parking Map or contact security at 814-375-3291 or westsecurity@phhealthcare.org.



    Employee Engagement

    Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Events at Medlar Field in State College
    06/18/24

    Penn Highlands Healthcare has a busy summer and fall planned with fun and educational events for the entire family at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on the campus of Penn State University.

    Spikes Games

    The health system is sponsoring two upcoming State College Spikes games. 

    Cancer Survivor Night

    Cheer on the State College Spikes when Penn Highlands Healthcare sponsors Cancer Survivor Night at the Ballgame. The team will play West Virginia -- plus it is a Super Saturday when fans will have a chance to win big prizes and it is a fireworks night! The Pirate Parrot will also be on hand with his entertaining antics. The event will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 6:35 PM. Complimentary tickets will be provided to our patients who are cancer survivors.

    Ballpark Takeover Night

    Join us for Penn Highlands Healthcare Ballpark Takeover Night on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 6:35 PM. The team will play Trenton. The first 100 kids will receive a free Spikes youth baseball glove and can participate in a pre-game catch on the field. Plus, it is a Sunday Funday providing the first 250 kids with a coupon for a free hot dog, chips and soda. After the game, kids can run the bases. As part of the excitement, Penn Highlands Healthcare employees and our family and friends ages 9 and older can volunteer to be part of special ballpark activities such as serving as the public address announcer, store assistant, ticket taker, mascot assistant and many fun roles for an inning or two during the game. If you or a member of your family would like to volunteer for an activity, contact amanthony@phhealthcare.org. For tickets, visit the Penn Highlands Healthcare Takeover Night site.

    "Take Her Out to the Ballgame" Women's Health Event

    Learn about the latest advancements in women's health from Penn Highlands Healthcare physicians during this baseball-themed event on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Watch for more details in Vital Lines later this summer.

    Be sure to tell your family and friends about these events and plan to attend!


    Hot News

    Annual Dr. Gary DuGan Memorial 5K Run/Walk Activities Announced
    06/18/24

    Summer is quickly approaching and it will soon be time for the 6th Annual Dr. Gary DuGan Memorial 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Penn Highlands Healthcare Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. 

    Registration is starting now and a basket raffle and T-shirt sale will begin in July.

    5K Run/Walk
    The 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the DuBois City Park. Registration/Check-in begins at 7:30 AM in the park's Edward V. Cherry Amphitheater. The Run/Walk will begin at 9:00 AM on the Beaver Meadow Walkway in the park.

    There are four categories of adult participants:

    • One-Mile Walk
    • Virtual One-Mile Walk
    • 5K Run/Walk
    • Virtual 5K Run/Walk

    Children under 12 are invited to participate in a free One-Mile Walk.

    The registration fee for adult participants is $30 (plus a payment processing fee). The participation fee includes a Run/Walk T-shirt. Register before August 1, 2024 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. The T-shirts will be distributed at the race and mailed to virtual participants.

    Encourage your co-workers or friends and family to form teams. It is more fun to walk together!

    The Dr. Gary DuGan Memorial 5K Run is a fun event for the entire family -- including dogs. In addition to the 5K, there will be various vendors, activities for children and a free Zumba class following the race.

    Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Register at www.phhealthcare.org/DuganRace2024.  

    Pre-Run/Walk Sales

    Tickets for a wide selection of baskets as well as the T-shirts will be sold on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 16 through August 22, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Penn Highlands DuBois Atrium. The cost is $5 per ticket and each ticket earns six chances. The T-shirts (see photo) will be available in sizes Small to 4XL with costs ranging from $15 to $19.

    Dr. DuGan is remembered for his many contributions at Penn Highlands Healthcare, in particular as an integral figure in developing the health system’s GME program. The Penn Highlands GME program offers medical students and recent medical school graduates opportunities for rotations and one-on-one time with attending physicians, helping to equip residents and fellows with the inpatient and outpatient training they need to prepare to meet the demands of rural health care.

    Plan to participate in this fun event!

    Hot News

    It's Time to Register for the Annual Pulmonary and Cardiothoracic Conference
    06/12/24

    Plan to attend the Penn Highlands Healthcare and Lung Innovations Network Annual Pulmonary and Cardiothoracic Conference on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 7:00 AM to 5:45 PM at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College, Pa. 

    The program will provide medical, nursing and ancillary staff with guidelines and treatment modalities for lung disease, heart disease, thoracic surgery, genomics and a special topic on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. A flyer with the complete agenda is attached.

    Participants who attend the conference will receive continuing education credits. Penn Highlands Mon Valley designates this live activity for a maximum of 8 AMA Physicians Recognition Award Category 1 Credits™.

    Penn Highlands DuBois is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and will provide a certificate of completion for 8 contact hours which can be used for Pennsylvania state RN licensure renewal.

    The event is free to attend but participants are encouraged to make a donation to benefit The Lung Center.

    Click here to register.

    For more information, visit www.phhealthcare.org/pcc.

    Employee Engagement

    Are You Ready to Make a Change?
    06/10/24

    Are you overweight and struggling with blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or pre-diabetes, joint pains or sleep issues? Then it's time for you to consider CHOOSE TO CHANGE

    Plan to start your journey to better health. The team at Penn Highlands Center for Health and Wellness will help our employees in DuBois and surrounding areas develop a personalized plan integrating healthy eating, exercise and mental well-being so you can be the best version of yourself. 

    The next group starts in July 2024 and will run until January 2025 at Penn Highlands Center for Health and Wellness at 145 Hospital Ave. in DuBois. 

    For more information, please contact Melissa Hill at mahill@phhealthcare.org.

    HR Info

    Earn Rewards for Living Healthier
    06/03/24

    Great news! Penn Highlands Healthcare is teaming up with Highmark to offer employees a new Wellness Program. Beginning Saturday, June 1, 2024, employees who participate in the health system's medical coverage can complete activities to earn a wellness incentive.

    Members will have the opportunity to receive $150 for earning 750 points and $300 for earning 1,000 points. It is relatively easy to accrue points. For example, they can be earned by taking a new health assessment, having routine preventive exams as well as breast/colorectal/cervical screenings and more.

    It is important to note that the 2024 program has moved from the Sharecare experience to the new My Highmark experience.

    The attached flyer outlines more details about the program including where to download the app and how to create an account.

    Do not wait! Start scheduling your exams today to earn your incentive points!

    HR Info

    INFOR Now Provides Employee Total Rewards Statements
    05/31/24

    During the last Penn Highlands Healthcare Employee Survey, requests were made for greater transparency in terms of employee benefits. In response to those appeals, the Human Resources Department listened and made enhancements to INFOR to provide Total Rewards Statements for employees. 


    What is a Total Rewards Statement?
    A Total Rewards Statement is a personal and unique statement listing the overall value of an employee's compensation package.
     
    What information is included in the Total Rewards Statement?
    The Penn Highlands Healthcare Total Rewards Statement includes annual compensation, employer and employee contributions to health and welfare benefits such as health and vision plans, retirement benefits and employer contributions to Social Security. The statement also includes absence balances such as PTO and sick time. 

    Who can access Total Rewards Statements?
    At this time, the Total Rewards Statements are only available for employees who have access to the INFOR Workforce Management System. Penn Highlands Clearfield EMS, Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands Home Medical Equipment, Penn Highlands Mon Valley and Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services do not use INFOR and do not yet have access to their statements. 

    How do employees access their Total Rewards Statements?
    • To access ​their Total Rewards Statements, employees will first log in to to their INFOR account. 
    • On the left vertical menu, click on the  "Total Rewards" link. 
    • A new screen will open to the right with the employee name and number.  
    • A menu column will appear on the left with links to "Summary" and "Details."
    • Access the "Details" link to view the Total Compensation and Benefits Statement.
    Can the information be printed?
    Yes, the information can be printed for your files by clicking on the "Print to File" button in the upper right corner of the personal Total Compensation and Benefits Statement.

    Who should employees contact for questions or regarding the accuracy of their information? 

    Employees should direct questions or concerns regarding the accuracy of their Total Rewards Statement to the Human Resources Representative at their location. 



    PHH Headlines

    Laurelbrooke Landing to Host Open House/Recruiting Event
    05/30/24

    Laurelbrooke Personal Care and McKinley Health Center are hosting an Open House/Recruiting Event on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at 133 Laurelbrooke Drive, in Brookville.

    Both Laurelbrooke Personal Care and McKinley Health Center are situated in Laurelbrooke Landing, which is part of Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services. Laurelbrooke Landing is a continuing care retirement community that offers all levels of care on one campus, so that residents do not have to leave home even as their care needs change.

    Laurelbrooke Personal Care is a modern personal care facility with accommodations for 50 residents. In addition to offering a memory support unit, the community provides many amenities such as spacious suites, restaurant-style dining, housekeeping and laundry service, assorted leisure activities and more.

    McKinley Health Center is a skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation community. It offers three neighborhoods with professional nursing teams for short-stay rehabilitation, comprehensive care and memory support.

    For those seeking new career opportunities, the facilities are currently hiring. Laurelbrooke Personal Care is hiring Medication Techs and Resident Aides and McKinley Health Center seeks Certified Nursing Assistants. Interviews will be conducted onsite.  

    Laurelbrooke Landing is situated on rolling farmland with beautiful country views, yet just moments from Penn Highlands Brookville, shops and restaurants. 

    Click here to learn more about Penn Highlands WRC Laurelbrooke Landing.

    PHH Headlines

    We Want To Hear From You!
    05/30/24

    It's been two years already! Penn Highlands Healthcare will conduct our biennial Employee and Employed-Provider Engagement Survey from Monday, June 3 through Tuesday, June 25, 2024.

    Every employee and provider is encouraged to complete the survey because your feedback is an effective means for our administration and leadership to gain insight into how employees at all levels perceive us and help identify where we are, where we want to be and how we are going to get there. The survey is a means for Penn Highlands Healthcare to closely analyze the feelings and reactions of all members of the health system. 

    The 2024 survey will provide us with information regarding:

    • Best practices identified within our organization 
    • Issues/needs that should receive priority.
    • Employee/provider satisfaction with pay, benefits and working conditions.
    • Effectiveness of supervision and leadership.
    • Employee/provider engagement and organizational health by department/service

    It is important to note that in a departure from previous years, the 2024 survey is being administered by Press Ganey and the response scale has changed from 6 points to 5 points. Please keep that in mind when completing the survey.

    Individualized emails and texts will be sent out on Monday, June 3, 2024, from Press Ganey to all employees and employed providers who have an email address or cellphone number on record inviting them to participate in the survey. The Penn Highlands Human Resources Department will also be sharing a QR code in periodic email communications that can be used to access the survey. Each employee/provider will be asked to only use the link that was sent to them. This one-time use link should only be used by the individual who receives it.

    This survey is only as valuable as our employees and providers make it. While it is not intended to solve problems, it will make them visible and help guide in the development of solutions.

    We are striving for full participation, so the support of all employees and employed providers is most appreciated. To encourage participation, a limited number of prizes will be awarded to randomly selected employees/providers who complete the survey during the first week. The prize winners will be drawn by the third-party survey vendor. Prizes will also be awarded to randomly selected employees/employed providers at the conclusion of the survey. If an individual Penn Highlands organization reaches at least an 85% participation rate, additional prizes will be awarded.


    Everyone is urged to complete the survey. An engaged workforce will ultimately make Penn Highlands Healthcare a better place to work!



    PHH Headlines

    Penn Highlands Healthcare Welcomes New Leaders
    05/29/24

    Penn Highlands Healthcare is pleased to announce leadership changes and introduce the following new leaders. 

    Laura Adams

    In addition to her role as Radiology Service Line Director, Laura Adams recently assumed new responsibilities as the Interim Vice President of Operations for Penn Highlands Tyrone. In this position, she will plan, direct, coordinate and oversee the hospital's operations. In addition. Laura will work closely with other departments and senior leadership to align operational goals with the PHH strategic plan, clinical, and business objectives and evaluate opportunities for improvement and innovation. Laura has held supervisory and management positions with Penn Highlands Healthcare service lines since joining the health system in 2001. She began her career in Pittsburgh as a Mammography/Breast Ultra Sound Technologist at St. Francis Medical Center and Allegheny General Hospital Breast Center. Laura is a graduate of Siena Heights University where she earned a Master's degree in Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor's degree in  Applied Science. 

    Alleshia Hewitt, MBA

    Alleshia Hewitt is the new Vice President of Revenue Cycle Services. In her position, She will serve and provide leadership, management and strategic direction in all aspects of Revenue Cycle Management Services. Alleshia brings more than 18 years of revenue cycle management. Most recently, she was the Director of Single billing Office for Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, Md. She also held revenue cycle positions with TriHealth in Cincinnati, Ohio; Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, Ind. as well as Eskenazi Health and Apria Healthcare, both in Indianapolis, Ind. Alleshia received her MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University where she also received her B.S. degree in Business Management.  

    Penny Prough

    Penny Prough joined Penn Highlands Healthcare as the Regional Director of Human Resources for the Central Region. In this position, she is overseeing HR functions for Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands State College and Penn Highlands Tyrone. Penny brings extensive HR and more than 10 years of business management experience to our health system. Penny is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University where she earned a Master of Science degree in HR Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration.

    Donald Sash

    Donnie Sash joined Penn Highlands Healthcare as the System Director of Revenue Cycle Professional Billing. In this role, he will oversee all professional billing as it relates to the Penn Highlands Physician Network, as well as vendor management. Oversight of these operations includes billing, follow-up and denials under all practice management systems by region. Donnie has spent his career in fiscal positions in Louisville, Kentucky where he was employed by Passport Health Plan, University Medical Associates, Seven Counties Services, Next Step 2 Mental Health, Baptist Health Medical Group and most recently at University of Louisville Health. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Ottawa University in Jeffersonville, Indiana where he majored in Business Management.

    Matt Sheldon

    Matt Sheldon is the new System Director of Hospital Billing and Revenue Cycle Services. In this position he will report to Alleshia Hewitt. Matt brings extensive healthcare fiscal experience to Penn Highlands Healthcare. He has held management positions with health systems in Ohio such as Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Lake Health, Inc. University Hospitals Health System and most recently Summa Health System. Matt also served as the Senior Manager for Freed Maxick’s healthcare consulting branch in New York and Senior Revenue Cycle Director for Dell Corp. in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirate. Matt earned a Bachelor of Science degree from David N. Myers University in Cleveland, Ohio.

    Please welcome these new leaders to our health system and or their new positions!

    PHH Headlines

    Welcome New Providers
    05/29/24

    Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!


    Clarence Lin, MD
    Connellsville and Rostraver Township

    Board-certified surgeon Clarence Lin, MD, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Oncologic and General Surgery in Connellsville and Rostraver Township.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Lin practiced at United Hospital Center, Western Virginia University Medicine, in Bridgeport, W.Va.; St. Clair Hospital, St. Clair Medical Group, in Pittsburgh; and Brown Physicians, Inc., University Surgical Associates, Inc., in Providence, R.I.

    Dr. Lin is a graduate of New York University School of Medicine in New York, N.Y. He completed his residency in general surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine, in New Haven, Conn. He completed a fellowship in general surgery at Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University in Providence, R.I.

    He is a member of the American Medical Association, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a diplomate of the American Board of Surgery.


    Steven Park, MD
    DuBois

    Otorhinolaryngologist Steven Y. Park, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands ENT in DuBois.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Park practiced as an Assistant Professor of Otorhinolaryngology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, N.Y.

    Dr. Park is a graduate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, N.Y. He completed his surgical internship and residency in otolaryngology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, in Bronx, N.Y.

    He is a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and he is a diplomate of American Board of Otolaryngology (Sleep), American Board of Otolaryngology and National Board of Medical Examiners.


    Donald Schneider, MD
    Clearfield

    Board-certified gastroenterologist Donald Scott Schneider, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Gastroenterology in Clearfield.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Schneider practiced at Geisinger Health System in State College; Brunswick Gastroenterology Associates in Brunswick, Maine; Geisinger Medical Center in Danville; Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Keene, NH; and Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, N.Y.

    Dr. Schneider is a graduate of SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University in Brooklyn, N.Y. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York, N.Y. He completed his fellowship in gastroenterology with advanced endoscopic year at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H.

    Alexis Smith, DO
    Brookville, Clearfield, DuBois, Huntingdon, St. Marys and Tyrone

    Breast radiologist Alexis Smith, DO, joins the radiology department at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon and Penn Highlands Tyrone.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Smith practiced at Steuben Radiology Associates, Trinity Health System, in Steubenville, Ohio and Ohio Imaging Associates/Columbus Radiology, Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center, in Youngstown, Ohio.

    Dr. Smith is a graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia. She completed her internship at Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill. She completed her residency in diagnostic radiology at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey. She completed her fellowship in women’s imaging at UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.

    She is a member of the American Roentgen Ray Society, American Medical Association, American Osteopathic College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging.


    Elaina Eckley, PA-C
    Huntingdon

    Certified physician assistant Elaina Eckley, PA-C, joins the team at QCare Huntingdon.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Elaina gained clinical experience at Kids Plus Pediatrics in Cranberry; AHN Grove City Hospital in Grove City; AHN Primary Care in Harmony; Hurwitz Center for Plastic Surgery in Pittsburgh; BHS Cardiovascular Consultants in Butler; All About Women Health Associates in Weirton, W.Va.; BHS Surgical Associates in Butler; HVHS Surgical Associates in Bridgewater; Family Center for Recovery in Lantana, Fla.; and BHS Primary Care in Evans City.

    Elaina earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock and her Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in Lock Haven.


    Madisen Guisto, CNM/CRNP
    DuBois

    Certified registered nurse practitioner and certified nurse midwife Madisen Guisto, CNM/CRNP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Life’s Journey OB/GYN in DuBois.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Madisen practiced at Indian Haven in Indiana, Penn.

    Madisen earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Edinboro University in Edinboro.

    Hot News

    Mark Your Calendar: Penn Highlands State College Open House
    05/28/24

    We've hit one out of the park with Penn Highlands State College, our new patient-centric hospital and medical office building. The new facility will open in summer 2024 and we want you to be among the first to tour the new campus during an Open House on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Employees and guests can see the new facility beginning at 9:00 AM -- an hour before the public event begins at 10:00 AM. In addition to seeing many patient areas, learning about the services offered and the technology incorporated throughout the campus, there will be sports-themed activities for the whole family, refreshments and giveaways. 

    The Open House will conclude at 1:00 PM so if you cannot make it at 9:00 AM, there is plenty of time to visit. 

    Penn Highlands State College is located at 239 Colonnade Boulevard, in State College. 

    To learn more about the new hospital and medical office building, visit www.phhealthcare.org/statecollege.


    Employee Engagement

    Rewards & Recognition Celebration Recap: May 2024
    05/24/24


    As part of Penn Highlands Healthcare’s quarterly Rewards & Recognition, celebrations are planned to thank employees, honor professional achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout our health system.

    Rewards and Recognition Week was celebrated May 13-17, 2024.

    During "We Are Healthcare,” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme celebrated in conjunction with National Hospital Week, and "Radiant Memories" – A Tribute to the Golden Age of Radio, this year’s National Skilled Nursing Care Week theme, employees across the system were encouraged to participate in themed activities.

    Congratulations to all of this quarter’s honorees! And a special recognition to Penn Highlands Brookville Cardiopulmonary Department on receiving the Summit Award. They have received Top Scoring Department for the fourth consecutive quarter! Please click on the links below to enjoy a recap of the celebrations.

    Penn Highlands Brookville

    Penn Highlands Clearfield

    Penn Highlands DuBois

    Penn Highlands Elk

    Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley

    Penn Highlands Post-Acute

    Penn Highlands Tyrone

    PHH Headlines

    Fiscal Leadership Change and Transition
    05/16/24

    Heather Schneider           John Sutika

    Heather B. Schneider, PhD, our Chief Financial Officer, has accepted a new position outside of Penn Highlands Healthcare and will be leaving the health system on May 31, 2024.

    Heather came to Penn Highlands Healthcare with extensive leadership experience in healthcare finance. During her five-year tenure with our health system, Heather helped integrate the fiscal operations of newly affiliated entities into Penn Highlands. She was also instrumental in securing numerous bond issuances and responsible for the overall financial operations and treasury functions for the health system. 

    We appreciate all of the fiscal operating and strategic support Heather has provided to Penn Highlands and wish her the best in her new position.

    While a national search for Heather's successor is conducted, John Sutika will serve as our Interim Chief Financial Officer. John, who retired from Penn Highlands DuBois in 2022, returned to the health system earlier this year to assist with special finance and accounting projects working with Heather and her team.

    John began his career in finance as a certified public accountant for Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young). In 1985, he joined DuBois Regional Medical Center where during a 20 year career he served as a staff accountant, accounting manager, controller and the chief financial officer. When DuBois Regional Medical Center began managing Brookville Hospital in 2005, he was named president. In 2011, Mr. Sutika played a key role in the integration of DuBois Regional Medical Center, Brookville Hospital and Clearfield Hospital when they merged to create Penn Highlands Healthcare.

    Please support John during this transition. 


    Hot News

    Join Us for the Penn Highlands Healthcare Ridgway Community Medical Building Open House!
    05/15/24

    Penn Highlands Healthcare employees are invited to attend an Open House to tour the new Ridgway Community Medical Building on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. 

    “While Penn Highlands Healthcare has provided outpatient services in the Ridgway area for many years, we are delighted to now offer these services all under one roof in a state-of-the-art facility,” said Julianne Peer, President of Penn Highlands Brookville and Penn Highlands Elk. “We are anxious for local residents and our employees to see this new health and wellness complex.”

    The new Penn Highlands Ridgway Community Medical Building provides the residents of Ridgway and the Elk County region with many new health and wellness services as well as those that were previously located in separate locations throughout the area in one convenient location. Services include a re-opened QCare Walk-in Clinic; Primary Care; Outpatient Physical Therapy; Walk-in Radiology and Laboratory Services; a new Retail Community Pharmacy; and Occupational Health.

    The Open House will feature a "Summer-fun" theme that will include a Selfie Station with everyone's favorite St. Bernard, Drago. Also included will be a "Dive for a Duck" game for a chance to win some warm weather prizes. Plus, pick up complimentary Penn Highlands Healthcare sunglasses, leis and sunscreen. Refreshments will be provided by Royal Drive-in and Elk County Foods. 

    The state-of-the-art facility is conveniently located at 250 West Main Street, Ridgway, Pennsylvania. 

    Mark your calendar to tour the new facility!

    It is important to note that employees and the community are being offered a preview tour. While the Penn Highlands Community Pharmacy - Ridgway is opening soon, the other services will not open in the new location until mid-summer 2024.

    Employee Engagement

    Happy Hospital Week!
    05/12/24


    From May 12-18, 2024, hospitals and health systems across the U.S. will celebrate National Hospital Week. The American Hospital Association has selected “We Are Healthcare” as the theme this year to highlight the vital role each and every one of you play in helping to keep our communities healthy.

    Patients and communities rely on the wide range of critical health care services that our hospitals provide including 24/7 emergency and other higher-acuity care. At Penn Highlands Healthcare, we have state-of-art facilities and innovative therapies, but I cannot emphasize enough what really sets us apart is you — the men and women who are dedicated to our patients, our communities and to each other.

    Thank you for your commitment to providing outstanding care to the communities we serve!

    Employee Engagement

    Annual DAISY Award Nominations
    05/10/24

    Do you know an outstanding nurse or nursing team? It's that time of year again when we can nominate Penn Highlands Healthcare nurses for special annual DAISY Awards. Below are descriptions of the three awards with links to flyers that outline qualities to consider when nominating a nurse or team. 

    Nurse Leader Award 

    This award recognizes nurse leaders who create an environment where compassionate, skillful care thrives. The recipient of this award is someone who is an inspiration to others and promotes a positive image of nursing.

    Nurse Team Award

    It often takes an entire team to achieve positive patient and family outcomes. This award honors a team or unit that collaborates effectively to identify and meet patient and/or family needs by going above and beyond the traditional role of nursing.

    Lifetime Achievement Award

    This award was created to recognize nurses who have devoted their life's work to the care of others. 

    If you know a nurse, nursing team or unit who deserves one of these awards, please submit a nomination. Nominations are being accepted through Monday, June 10, 2024. Please send information to DAISY@phhealthcare.org or Jlmurray@phhealthcare.org. 


    Employee Engagement

    We Are Healthcare: R&R Week Activities Planned May 13-17, 2024
    05/10/24


    Rewards and Recognition includes a quarterly celebration planned by Penn Highlands Healthcare to express appreciation to employees, recognize personal achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout the health system.

    "We Are Healthcare,” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme, is being celebrated system wide May 13-17, 2024, in conjunction with National Hospital Week. Long-Term Facilities will be celebrating
    "Radiant Memories" – A Tribute to the Golden Age of Radio, this year’s National Skilled Nursing Care Week theme, to recognize staff for all their hard work day in and day out for our residents! Throughout Rewards and Recognition Week, employees across the system are encouraged to participate in themed activities.

    For more details about festivities at each PHH facility, click on the link below to download the flyer for the schedule of activities where you work.

    Penn Highlands Brookville

    Penn Highlands Clearfield

    Penn Highlands Connellsville

    Penn Highlands DuBois

    Penn Highlands Elk

    Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

    Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley

    Penn Highlands Tyrone

    Penn Highlands WRC


    Thank you for all you do. We look forward to your participation!

    Hot News

    Introducing MyCheckIn!
    05/09/24

    Beginning on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, Penn Highlands Healthcare is introducing MyCheckIn, an easy, more convenient way for patients to check-in for their outpatient appointments.

    MyCheckIn is simple to use. 

    • Before an appointment, patients will receive an email or text message with a link to their intake forms.
    • Prior to arrival, they can complete, update or confirm their information on the forms. The information can be submitted from any device or browser — all from home or while on the go.
    • Upon arrival, a Smartphone can be used to scan a QR code on a poster in the waiting room. Staff will be notified of their arrival.

    Of course if patients prefer to check-in with a staff member, their registration will also be easy and smooth.

    MyCheckIn will be incorporated throughout the health system in phases and include additional functionality. When it is introduced, MyCheckIn will only be available for patients scheduled with the outpatient providers in the Center of Excellence at Penn Highlands DuBois.Penn Highlands State College will be included in the next phase of the implementation.

    Please read the attached Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about MyCheckIn.


    Hot News

    Penn Highlands Clearfield EMS Is Conducting Its 2024-2025 Membership Drive
    05/08/24

    The Clearfield community and surrounding areas rely on Penn Highlands Clearfield EMS to respond when they are experiencing medical emergencies. Since 1932, Penn Highlands Clearfield EMS has been responding to calls for heart attacks, strokes, accidents and injuries 24/7 – 365 days a year. They are there when you need them.

    From May 15 through June 30, 2024, Penn Highlands Clearfield EMS is conducting its annual Open Enrollment/Membership Drive. The ambulance membership plan covers medically necessary emergency transports to the closest appropriate hospital according to Medicare guidelines at cms.gov. In addition, the plan covers any uninsured portion of a claim, insurance co-payments and deductibles for every member of a household at an affordable rate.

    Penn Highlands Clearfield EMS does not receive revenue from a tax-based assessment. It operates as a charitable non-profit company and relies on insurance reimbursements and memberships to fund operations.

    Individual membership is $55 and the Family Plan is $80. Cash, checks and money orders are accepted. Memberships received after June 30, 2024 will be subject to a 30-day waiting period. Memberships are not prorated.

    For more information or a membership application, visit www.phhealthcare.org/clearfieldems.

    PHH Headlines

    Penn Highlands Healthcare Introduces a New Patient Portal
    05/08/24

    Effective Monday, May 13, 2024, Penn Highlands Healthcare is transitioning our MyPennHighlands patient portal to a new platform to provide patients with enhanced services and greater efficiency. While the transition does not significantly impact the actual portal, users will be required to download a new mobile app, HealtheLife, to access the portal from their Smartphones and tablets.

    The HealtheLife app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play, requires users to supply new login credentials. Patients must re-enroll to use the HealtheLife app.

    The MyPennHighlands patient portal will seamlessly transition from our previous provider to Oracle Health (formerly Cerner) for patients who receive care at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands State College and Penn Highlands Tyrone. The portal and app have not changed for patients at Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

    Please read the attached Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the patient portal and HealtheLife mobile app.


    Employee Engagement

    Honoring Our Nurses During National Nurses Week
    05/03/24


    Penn Highlands Healthcare is joining the American Nurses Association and health systems across the U.S. as we all honor our dedicated nurses during National Nurses Week — May 6-12, 2024.

    Nursing dates back to the mid-1800s when Florence Nightingale helped save lives by creating a caring environment that promoted patient health and well-being. Today, our nurses go above and beyond by providing outstanding evidence-based care while serving as advocates, teachers, critical thinkers, counselors and innovators – all while giving unwavering emotional support.

    This is truly an exciting yet challenging time to be a nurse. Practically every day new technologies are emerging that change therapeutics. We are witnessing a shift from a hospital-based model of care to a mobility-based model. In addition, much of a person’s healing is taking place after we transition them home or to the next phase of their care. The nurse’s role is continually changing as families assume greater responsibility as the caregivers. These three trends represent an enormous paradigm shift; however, the very nature of being a nurse means continual learning and adjusting to change.

    I encourage all of our nurses to practice at the top of their license to provide the highest level of care that you are trained and authorized to deliver. There are many continuing education programs available at area colleges for nurses who wish to train for the next level. Also, for employees who may be considering a career in nursing, Penn Highlands Healthcare offers programs with local schools and colleges to help train new nurses. As part of these partnership, our health system provides tuition for select students who sign an employment agreement with Penn Highlands Healthcare.

    Nursing is a calling. On behalf of the leadership of Penn Highlands Healthcare, I am honored to express our gratitude to the men and women who answered the call and provide nursing care at Penn Highlands Healthcare. I personally respect the commitment each of these nurses shows to the nursing profession. It is an honor to work with them.

    Please join me in saluting our nurses during National Nurses Week!

    Hot News

    Penn Highlands Healthcare Seeks 2024 Golf Classic Golfers and Sponsors
    05/02/24

    Penn Highlands Healthcare is seeking golfers and sponsorships for our 2024 Golf Classics, sponsored by KTH Architects.

    This annual event will be held Friday, June 14, 2024, at Pinecrest Country Club in Brookville and Huntingdon Country Club in Huntingdon to benefit Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon and Penn Highlands Tyrone. Additionally, a separate Golf Classic will be held Friday, June 28, 2024, at Pleasant Valley Golf Club in Connellsville to benefit Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

    The event is the largest attended fundraiser supporting all of the hospitals which comprise Penn Highlands Healthcare. Proceeds from this year’s Golf Classic will benefit women’s services in the Northwestern/Central Pennsylvania regions and Emergency Services in the Southwestern region.

    “The Golf Classic is an excellent opportunity to come together to support rural healthcare. It is also a chance for businesses and organizations to receive community exposure and network, while supporting a great cause,” said Lindsey Herzing, Manager of Donor Relations for Penn Highlands Healthcare.

    Teams and individuals are encouraged to register online. For those who are unable to golf, there are many sponsorship opportunities available.

    To register, visit www.phhealthcare.org/golfclassic.

    For more information, email phhfunddevelopment@phhealthcare.org or call Lindsey Herzing at 814-375-3901. 


     

     

    Hot News

    Read the Latest HealthLines Magazine!
    05/01/24

    Issue 19 of Penn Highlands HealthLines magazine was just published! This issue provides details about the services and advanced technology offered at Penn Highlands State College -- our new patient-centric hospital and medical office building that is opening in summer 2024 in Centre County. 

    The latest edition is available online. Click here to read it!

    Please encourage patients, families and friends who enjoy this issue to join our e-subscription list by completing the online form at www.phhealthcare.org/getmagazine.

    Hot News

    Congratulations to Our New Clinical Medical Assistants!
    04/30/24

    The ninth class graduated from Brockway Center for Arts and Technology's (BCAT) accelerated Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) program. Each member of the class passed their certification exam.

    Penn Highlands Healthcare partners with BCAT to offer the program to Patient Service Representatives in the clinics who have a minimum of one year of experience. The program consists of a 14-week course that prepares students for the actual medical environment. Participants learn administrative duties with a focus on acquiring proficiency in the use of the electronic health record systems.

    Congratulations to the Penn Highlands Physician Network employees who graduated from the BCAT accelerated Clinical Medical Assistant program who are shown in the above photo. Pictured (l. to r.) are Kelly Walker, instructor; Jeannie Caskey; Chelsea Engeholm; Haley Maitz; Tiffany Holt; Niki McLaughlin; and Sharon Doolittle, instructor. 

    Please congratulate our new Clinical Medical Assistants!

    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon to Raze Former Nursing Residence and Create a Nurses’ Recognition Space
    04/23/24

    Practically everyone has heard the statement, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” The saying holds true for old buildings. While they may appear stately and sound on the exterior, their interiors may be structurally unstable posing a threat to public safety. The former Nurses’ Home on the campus of Penn Highlands Huntingdon is one such building. The Nurses’ Home, which connects to a nursing and rehabilitation center, will be razed as part of the hospital’s continual enhancements. A plaque will be placed on the site to recognize the important role that the Nurses’ Home played in the J.C. Blair history.

    The abatement will begin to occur on May 6, 2024 with demolition slated for May 20, 2024.

    “Our greatest concern is public safety,” said Rhonda Halstead, Penn Highlands Healthcare Regional Market President for the Central Region. “A portion of the land may be repurposed for future growth and development to meet the changing healthcare needs of the community.”

    In 1912, Kate Fisher Blair, founder of the hospital, which was known as J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital in honor of her late husband, John Chalmers Blair, offered to erect a residence for student nurses. At that time, the hospital and the Nurses’ Training School were only open for one year. The Nurses’ Home opened in 1916 with 30 small private rooms to house nurses attending the hospital’s Nurses’ Training School. The rooms were utilitarian in design with sparse furnishings. Nurses living in the residence were required to keep their room neat and clean in anticipation of an inspection that could occur at any time. Board, lodging, laundry and medical care were provided free of charge.

    In an early recruitment brochure for the three-year Nursing Program at the hospital, prospective nurses were informed that “Nursing shares with the practice of medicine in being the noblest profession in the world. The J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital offers a thoroughly equipped nursing school. All living expenses are paid in one of the most delightful nurses’ homes in Pennsylvania.”

    “I wholeheartedly support a tribute to the nurses who helped build the foundation of this hospital,” said Maria Pettinger, MD, Radiologist at Penn Highlands Huntingdon for more than 22 years who also serves on the hospital’s board of directors. “Like the many women and men who followed them, the nurses who studied at the Nurses Training School and lived at the J.C. Blair Nurses’ Home provided exceptional care to the Huntingdon community and their contributions to health care in this region deserve to be recognized.”

    Margaret Skrivseth, Executive Director of the Huntingdon County Historical Society, shares Dr. Pettinger’s enthusiasm. “A community’s heritage is central to its identity and is ever changing,” she remarked, “I applaud Penn Highlands Healthcare for recognizing the significance of the Nurses’ Home while exercising caution for community safety.”

    Twenty years ago when the building was still safe and in use, physician offices were located in the building but have since relocated due to the instability of the structure, its failure to pass current fire and building codes and the need for technological upgrades.


    Hot News

    First BCAT Phlebotomy Class Graduates
    04/09/24

    The first group of students who completed the Brockway Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) Accelerated Phlebotomy Program in partnership with Penn Highlands Healthcare recently graduated. The seven-week course provided the students with the knowledge and skills needed for phlebotomy certification. All five of the graduates passed their certification exams. The new Certified Phlebotomy Technicians are beginning their careers at our health system. 

    Shown in the photo are (l. to r.) Julie Decker, Director of Laboratory at Penn Highlands DuBois, and graduates Megan Crawford, Kristie Finland, Stephanie McDaniel, Kaylee Myers, Nikobia Mercer and BCAT instructor April Feldbauer along with Jill Muir, Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer at Penn Highlands DuBois. 

    Congratulations to the graduates!

    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands State College Construction Update
    04/08/24

    239 Colonnade Boulevard, State College, PA

    Penn Highlands State College, a campus of Penn Highlands Huntingdon, is our new patient-centric hospital and medical office building that will open in summer 2024. Construction is progressing well.

    Recent completed hospital installations include the first level wall tile and nuclear camera barn door as well as the building’s emergency generators and the second floor nurse station ceilings  Throughout the hospital, work continues on the hand and crash rails as well as the wood ceilings on the second floor. Upcoming projects include installation of exterior sliding doors and glass walls in the hospital and the fire-rated glass in the hospital and medical office building.

    Penn Highlands State College is the ninth hospital in our health system and marks the first time that we are building a hospital from the ground up to our specifications to meet the current and future needs of the Centre County Region. 

    When Penn Highlands State College opens, it will offer:

    • Advanced technology that includes online self-registration and contactless check-in.​
    • Self- and staff-guided registration kiosks for contactless registration with the palm of your hand.
    • An Emergency Department with 10 private treatment rooms for prompt assessment and expert care.
    • A state-of-the-art Surgical Department which includes three high-tech operating suites and an Endoscopy Procedure Room.
    • 18 private inpatient rooms.
    • A Medical Imaging Department that will utilize advanced imaging equipment for the sharpest images and diagnostic capabilities.
    • A Pulmonary Function Lab for advanced screening, diagnosis and treatment.

    Adjacent to the hospital is a 32,000-square foot medical office building which will include:

    • Family Medicine with walk-in services providing expert care for infants to seniors.
    • Penn Highlands Hahne Cancer Center.
      • Cutting-edge technology with a personalized approach.
      • Nationally respected oncologists.
      • Multidisciplinary care including advanced medical oncology/infusion services.
      • State-of-the art radiation services.
      • Technologically advanced linear accelerator for precision accuracy. 
    • Skilled and compassionate family medicine, pediatric and specialty care physicians.
    • Gynecological services for every stage of a woman’s life.
    • Women’s Medical Imaging staffed by professionals who understand a woman’s special needs.
    • Pulmonology services providing advanced screenings, diagnostics and treatments.
    • Laboratory services for quick, convenient and accurate diagnosis.
    • Retail pharmacy with convenient drive-thru service.
    A Penn Highlands State College Community Open House is scheduled to be held in mid-June. To learn more about the new campus, visit www.phhealthcare.org/statecollege.


    Hot News

    April is National Donate Life Month!
    04/02/24

    Each April, Donate Life America (DLA) leads National Donate Life Month (NDLM), an observance focusing attention on the need and importance of organ, tissue and cornea donation. NDLM is about the importance of registering your decision to be a donor, honoring deceased and living donors and celebrating the lives they saved. It is the generosity of donors and donor families that makes saving lives through transplantation possible.

    Throughout the U.S., approximately 100,000 people are awaiting an organ transplant with 7,000 of them living here in Pennsylvania. Every 10 minutes, someone new is added to the national transplant list, and 17 people will die every day while awaiting a transplant. Eight lives can be saved by one organ donor; and, one tissue donor can heal 75 lives.

    Penn Highlands Healthcare is pleased to join with the Hospital and HealthSystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) and the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) as a partner in the annual campaign to educate hospital communities on the critical need for more organ, tissue and cornea donors and to encourage individuals to register as donors.

    Throughout this month, our health system will help to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation among our patients, visitors, employees and communities through various communications and activities including:

    • Encouraging employees to wear blue and green on Friday, April 12, 2024 -- National Blue and Green Day.
    • Hosting Flag Raising Ceremonies on April 12, 2024 at Penn Highlands Brookville at 11:00 AM: Penn Highlands Clearfield at 3:00 PM; and Penn Highlands DuBois at 1:00 PM and April 24, 2024 at Penn Highlands Elk at 11:00 AM.
    • Publishing a story in the Tri-County Weekend, St. Marys Daily Press, Kane Republican and Ridgway Republican.
    • Distributing a news release to the Pennsylvania media.
    • Using social media to encourage donor registration.
    • Flying the CORE flag or posting outdoor signage at some hospitals.

    You can participate too by becoming an organ donor. For online registration in Pennsylvania, visit donatelifepa.org. You can also become a donor when you renew your driver’s license in person, or online at dmv.pa.gov. Once you register, please tell your loved ones about your decision so that if the time comes, they will not be surprised and can help carry out your wishes.

    Remember, we all have the power to be there for someone!

    Hospital News

    April is Autism Acceptance Month: Learn About Our Autism School
    04/01/24

    Students at the PHCRCA

    Did you know that our health system offers one of Pennsylvania's leading schools for autism --  Penn Highlands Connellsville Regional Center for Autism (PHCRCA), which is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital’s Center for Autism?

    PHCRCA provides families and children in Southwestern Pennsylvania with advanced educational and behavioral treatment. Students have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) personalized with special accommodations. 

    PHCRCA uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) which is a therapy rooted in the intersection of behavior, environment and learning. Extensive research has proven ABA is an evidence-based, data-driven methodology that benefits both children and families impacted by autism. Through intensive education and therapy, our students have the highest possibility for success.

    When students reach age 14, they begin learning more functional life skills such as managing finances, washing dishes and mastering all areas of self care. Every student’s unique strengths, interests and goals for post-high school are considered as their IEP is adjusted with transition and life skill goals. The program model has shown documented positive outcomes in educational, medical and behavioral programming.

    Our autism school currently serves 40 children from 10 different school districts throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. We are licensed to serve children with autism from pre-kindergarten until age 22. The school currently has a waitlist with the goal of opening additional classrooms.

    Teachers at PHCRCA must have a background in special education (bachelor’s or master’s degree in special education preferred) and a public or private school teaching certificate in special education from the State of Pennsylvania.

    For more information, visit www.phhealthcare.org/autismcenter.


    Employee Engagement

    Penn Highlands Honors Our Doctors
    03/26/24

    March 30 is National Doctors' Day -- a time to honor the dedication and compassion displayed by physicians throughout the U.S. Here at Penn Highlands Healthcare, our physicians display an unwavering commitment to our patients every day. They provide exceptional care in a compassionate environment that is the hallmark of our health system.                  

    As National Doctors' Day approaches, we encourage our staff, patients and the community to express their gratitude to our physicians for the invaluable role they play in the lives of the people in our communities.

    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley Expands Services
    03/25/24

    When the affiliation between Penn Highlands Healthcare and Monongahela Valley Hospital began in October 2021, several opportunities were identified to help the hospital regain sustainability. Penn Highlands Healthcare is committed to ensuring that the communities served by Penn Highlands Mon Valley have convenient access to high-quality primary and specialty services. Since the hospital joined the health system, some existing service lines expanded and new specialties have been introduced.

    Cardiology
    Cardiology services are now more accessible in the Mon Valley region. With the opening of Penn Highlands Cardiology in Monongahela, Adil Waheed, DO, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, delivers a new level of advanced cardiac care to the community. Dr. Waheed specializes in diagnosing and treating coronary artery disease, vascular disease, structural heart disease and congenital heart defects.

    Family Medicine
    Penn Highlands Family Medicine — Rostraver Township recently increased both the number of providers and the office space in the Mon Valley HealthPlex. With the addition of three family medicine physicians, Ereny Eskarous, MD, Stephanie C. Okorie, MD, and Krishna Parikh, MD, as well as advanced practice providers, family medicine has expanded to be offered in two suites -- 210 and 290 -- to provide even more convenient care to patients. Plus, the Penn Highlands Family Medicine office located in Suite 210 offers walk-in hours Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for the community.

    In addition, a new primary care office opened on Country Club Road in Carroll Township. Varun Dobariya, MD, a fellowship-trained physician who specializes in internal medicine, diagnoses and treats a broad and comprehensive spectrum of illnesses that affect adults.

    Interventional Radiology

    Throughout Pennsylvania, interventional radiology is one of the fastest evolving specialties and it is changing the way many diseases, health conditions and injuries are diagnosed and treated. The addition of Waqar Shah, MD, a board-certified interventional radiologist, to the medical staff is enabling the hospital to broaden the scope of interventions offered and thus permits people to remain close to home and receive interventional care at PH Mon Valley.

    Neurosciences

    Penn Highlands Healthcare has a reputation for expert neurology in Northwestern/Central Pennsylvania, and now people in the Southwestern region have access to leading neurologists. Ghassan Bejjani, MD, a respected neurosurgeon, joined the PH Mon Valley staff which enables the hospital to provide highly specialized care for neurosurgical conditions including simple and complex brain and spine procedures.

    Oncology
    The Hahne Cancer Center at Penn Highlands Mon Valley earned a reputation for offering advanced radiation oncology therapies and now the Center expanded its surgical and interventional oncology services to treat liver and colon cancers, among others. The surgeries and procedures, which were previously only available at major academic centers, enable people to receive a high level of care close to home from medical professionals they know and trust. Zachary Senders, MD, a board-certified surgeon who offers highly specialized multidisciplinary surgical cancer care, recently performed the Whipple procedure, which is surgery to treat tumors and other conditions of the pancreas, small intestine and bile ducts.
     
    Orthopedics
    Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine continually evolves to meet the needs of patients in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The practice recently welcomed three new board-certified orthopedic surgeons, including David Sheba, DO, Justin Sheba, DO, and Justin A. Zenner, DO. The new orthopedic surgeons offer people in the region innovative procedures including minimally invasive surgery.

    Pulmonology
    Outpatients now have access to quality lung care with the introduction of Penn Highlands Lung Center in Rostraver Township. Staffed by board-certified pulmonary care physician Jan. W. Madison, MD, the new Lung Center is providing services to patients with all types of pulmonary issues.

    Vascular Surgery

    For three consecutive years, Luke K. Marone, MD, FACS, has been named a Pittsburgh Best Doctor. Now employed by Penn Highlands Healthcare, this board-certified vascular surgeon is helping Penn Highlands Mon Valley expand its vascular surgery services in the region.

    To learn more about the many service offered by Penn Highlands Mon Valley, visit www.phhealthcare.org/monvalley.

    Hot News

    The 340B Drug Program: An Added Benefit for Employees
    03/12/24

    As a health system which has met the federal government’s requirements to be a provider of reduced-rate prescriptions, Penn Highlands Healthcare provides qualifying individuals with access to outpatient drugs at reduced costs under the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

    Because our employees are invaluable across our health system, as one of your benefits, Penn Highlands Healthcare is extending the ability to have low-cost medications to employees and your dependents regardless of your income.

    The attached fact sheets explain the program for our in-the-area and outside-the-area employees.    

    To access the In-the-Area fact sheet, employees in Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Elk click here.

    To access the Out-of-Area fact sheet, employees in Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley and Penn Highlands Tyrone click here.

    For many medications and certain specialty drugs, the 340B Drug Program provides substantial savings. Please take a moment to learn about how you can benefit from the program.

    PHH Headlines

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PINECREST MANOR
    03/08/24

    An article published in the March 8, 2024 edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, about Penn Highlands Healthcare contained inaccurate information that may be causing confusion and alarm.

    In the article, the reporter wrote that Penn Highlands Healthcare is closing “a 138-bed nursing home” on the campus of Penn Highlands Elk giving readers the wrong information. This is blatantly incorrect.

    PENN HIGHLANDS IS NOT CLOSING PINECREST MANOR.

    Penn Highlands Healthcare is committed to the ongoing success of Pinecrest Manor. This skilled nursing facility plays a key role in the continuum of care for our local communities.


    Hot News

    Colonoscopies Save Lives!
    03/07/24

    Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and fortunately, it can often be detected early – and successfully treated. If you’re 45 or older, it’s time to schedule a colonoscopy.

    The American Cancer Society recommends that people of average risk for colorectal cancer should have their first colonoscopy starting at age 45. You are considered at an average risk for colorectal cancer if you:

    • Do not have a personal history of polyps, colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease or of a prior cancer that required getting radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area.​
    • Do not have a family history of colorectal cancer.
    • Do not have confirmed or suspected hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome.

    People with a higher risk of colorectal cancer may need to start screening earlier than age 45. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, family history of a hereditary syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome or a history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvis to treat a prior cancer, talk to your health care provider about the best screening schedule for you.

    Did you know that lifestyle-related risk factors have been linked to colorectal cancer? More than half of all colorectal cancers are linked to risk factors that can be changed. Learn if you may be at risk by taking our five-minute quiz.

    For more information, visit www.phhealthcare.org/gi.

    PHH Headlines

    Severity-Based Quality Ratings and Reimbursement
    03/07/24

    At Penn Highlands Healthcare, we take great pride in the outstanding care we provide to the communities we serve. In recent years, it has become increasingly important to accurately reflect patient severity and expected mortality as Congress, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the healthcare industry as a whole have increased their attention on monitoring and reporting the quality of care provided in inpatient, outpatient and physician office settings.

    CMS also closely links the payment for services provided to the severity of illness of the patient treated. Accurate and complete documentation in the medical record serves as the foundation for correctly reflecting the patient acuity and quality of care provided. In the upcoming weeks, Penn Highlands Healthcare will be working with Claro Healthcare, a nationally recognized healthcare consulting firm that specializes in hospital and physicians services, to enhance our documentation review process. Our objective is to capture complete and accurate medical record documentation during the patient stay in order to reflect the patient’s severity.

    In conjunction with this program, the Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) team and the Health Information Management (HIM) coding staff will receive extensive, nationally accredited training on how to accurately capture the patient’s severity and the quality of care provided to them. The CDI team will review the medical record during the patient stay and will assist in identifying opportunities to clarify documentation on a concurrent basis, allowing us to confirm the profile of patient conditions and, therefore, the resulting DRG that best reflects the patient’s severity. The CDI program is designed so that there will be very limited change in the time required for the medical staff to provide the accurate and necessary documentation which will enable them to remain focused on high quality care.

    To provide the medical staff with a better understanding of the program, its related processes and the associated benefits, Claro Healthcare will be providing training in April and May 2024.

    The attached Frequently Asked Questions were developed for physicians and nurses

    To learn more or if you have any questions, please contact one of the following:

    Trisha Salome, Service Line Director Case Management and CDI, Penn Highlands Healthcare, tasalome@phhealthcare.org or 814-913-7961

    Trina Abla, DO, MBA, System Chief Medical Officer, Penn Highlands Healthcare, tlabla@phhealthcare.org or 814-375-3442


    PHH Headlines

    Welcome New Providers
    03/04/24

    Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!


    Macy L. Rupprecht, DO
    St. Marys

    Dual-board-certified physician Macy L. Rupprecht, DO, joins the hospitalist program at Penn Highlands Elk.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Rupprecht practiced at Eastern Shore Rural Health System in Onancock, Va.; Ascension Via Christi Immediate Care in Wichita, Kan.; Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kan.; and Midwest CES in Kansas City, Mo.

    Dr. Rupprecht is a graduate of Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Va., and completed her residency in family medicine at Via Christi in Wichita, Kan. She is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and Catholic Medical Association.

    Robert Zewe, Jr., DO
    Monongahela

    Nocturnist Robert Zewe Jr., DO, joins the team at Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Zewe practiced at Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster, Ohio; Wilson Memorial Hospital in Sidney, Ohio; Southeast Ohio Regional Medical Center in Cambridge, Ohio; Delphi Health Systems in Rochester, N.Y.; Gouverneur Hospital in Gouverneur, N.Y.; VA Medical Center in Bath N.Y.; Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, N.Y.; TLC Hospital in Silver Creek, N.Y.; Elk Regional Medical Center in St. Mary's; Somerset Hospital in Somerset; St. Vincent Medical Center in Erie; Waverly Clinic in Waverly, Ohio; West Union Clinic in West Union, Ohio; Clarion Clinic in Clarion; and Hamot Medical Center in Erie.

    Dr. Zewe is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie. He completed his internship in internal medicine at Hamot Medical Center in Erie. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He also earned a Master of Health Service Administration at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie.

    Britany Gnus, FNP-BC
    Rostraver Township

    Board-certified family nurse practitioner Britany Gnus, FNP-BC, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Rostraver Township.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Britany practiced at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh; Mon Health Medical System in Morgantown, W.Va.; and South West Women's Healthcare in Uniontown.

    Britany earned her Master of Science in Nursing at Pennsylvania State University in State College. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Waynesburg University in Waynesburg and her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry at California University of Pennsylvania in California, Penn.

    Hannah Simpson, PA-C
    DuBois

    Certified physician assistant Hannah Simpson, PA-C, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine in DuBois.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Hannah practiced at Lady Lake Family Medicine in Lady Lake, Fla.

    Hannah earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Mercyhurst University in Erie and her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson.

    Hot News

    Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home Welcomes New Rehab Supervisor
    02/29/24

    Jesse Wolfe, DPT

    Please welcome Jesse Wolfe, DPT, who will serve as the Supervisor of Rehabilitation for Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home in the Northwestern and Central regions. In this position, he will oversee the home health and hospice rehabilitation staff including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language therapists, certified occupational therapy assistants and physical therapy assistants.

    Jesse brings six years of rehabilitation experience to Penn Highlands Healthcare. He held physical therapy positions at Drayer Physical Therapy Institute in Bedford and DuBois, Pennsylvania; Advantage Home Health Services; and most recently at UPMC Home Health in Kane, Cole and Wellsboro, Pennsylvania where he also served as a team leader. In addition, Jesse was an adjunct lecturer teaching a physical therapy modalities course at Pennsylvania State University in DuBois.

    Jesse attended Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

    Please wish Jesse much success in his new position!

    Hot News

    Thank a Resident Today!
    02/23/24

    Friday, February 23, 2024 is Thank a Resident Day. At Penn Highlands Healthcare, we offer outstanding Graduate Medical Education opportunities that develop competent and caring physicians. 

    Our residents deliver high-quality and compassionate care as they train in Family Medicine and Psychiatry. We also offer a fellowship in Sports Medicine. Residents have the opportunity to train in multiple settings, including serving patients at our two Family Medicine Residency Clinics and in multiple inpatient and outpatient behavioral heath locations. Our Sports Medicine fellow works with attending physicians as they evaluate, diagnose and manage patients presenting with primary care sports medicine illnesses and injuries.

    The concept of a residency program was started at DuBois Hospital in the 1980s and '90s. In 2015, Penn Highlands DuBois received its institutional accreditation from the American Council for Graduate Medical Education and registered our first class of Family Medicine residents in 2017. Through continued dedication and support from administration, employees and the community, Penn Highlands has grown our GME Program to train dozens of new physicians over the years.

    Meet our current Family Medicine Residents Psychiatry Residents and Sports Medicine Fellow.

    The staff of our GME Department encourages you to show your appreciation to our residents for their dedication to our patients and the community -- and especially on Thank a Resident Day!


    Employee Engagement

    Rewards & Recognition Celebration Recap: February 2024
    02/23/24


    As part of Penn Highlands Healthcare’s quarterly Rewards & Recognition, celebrations are planned to thank employees, honor professional achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout our health system.

    Rewards and Recognition Week was celebrated February 12-16, 2024.

    During "You Are the Heart of Penn Highlands Healthcare,” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme, employees across the system were encouraged to participate in themed activities. 

    Congratulations to all of this quarter’s honorees! Please click on the links below to enjoy a recap of the celebrations.

    Penn Highlands Brookville

    Penn Highlands Clearfield

    Penn Highlands Connellsville

    Penn Highlands DuBois

    Penn Highlands Elk

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley

    Penn Highlands Tyrone

    HR Info

    W-2 Update
    02/09/24

    After the 2023 W-2s were mailed to Penn Highlands Healthcare employees in late January 2024, the Payroll Office learned that the third-party vendor who generated the W-2s used a less detailed IRS-approved template. This form is different than what we provided in the past, as it was missing the informational portion for boxes 12, 13 and 14.  

    Payroll is in the process of issuing new W-2s which will be labeled W-2C. Please be assured that this is a high priority and our staff has been and continues to work tirelessly to provide new documents. We will be emailing these W-2s to employees the week of February 12, 2024 via your Penn Highlands Healthcare email unless you provided a different email address in Infor. If you do not receive your new W-2 via email or you require a paper copy, starting February 19, 2024, please visit your local Human Resources Department.

    In addition, it has been brought to our attention that a small number of employees have not received their W-2s. We will be emailing additional copies with all boxes complete to those employees as well.

    W-2s will be mailed to everyone who was employed by Penn Highlands Healthcare in 2023 but left the health system.

    You should keep both versions of the W-2s for your tax records.

    Please note that employees who work for Penn Highlands Clearfield EMS, Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands Home Medical Equipment, Penn Highlands Mon Valley, Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services are not affected.

    We apologize for any inconvenience and ask for your patience as we work to issue the W-2 forms as quickly as possible.


    Employee Engagement

    You Are the Heart of PHH: R&R Week Activities Planned February 12-16 2024
    02/09/24


    Rewards and Recognition includes a quarterly celebration planned by Penn Highlands Healthcare to express appreciation to employees, recognize personal achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout the health system.

    "You Are the Heart of Penn Highlands Healthcare,” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme, is being celebrated system wide February 12-16, 2024. Throughout Rewards and Recognition Week, employees across the system are encouraged to participate in themed activities.

    For more details about festivities at each PHH facility, click on the link below to download the flyer for the schedule of activities where you work.

    Penn Highlands Brookville

    Penn Highlands Clearfield

    Penn Highlands Connellsville

    Penn Highlands DuBois

    Penn Highlands Elk

    Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon

    Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley

    Penn Highlands Tyrone

    Penn Highlands WRC

    Please remember to submit photos from your R&R Celebration to be posted to the PHH Facebook page and your completed PowerPoint to be included with the Vital Lines recap to jweidel@phhealthcare.org by February 20, 2024.

    Thank you for all you do. We look forward to your participation!

    PHH Headlines

    Welcome New Providers
    02/07/24

    Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!

    Varun Dobariya, MD
    Monongahela

    Internal medicine provider Varun Dobariya, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Internal Medicine in Monongahela.

    Dr. Dobariya is a graduate of Aureus University School of Medicine in Oranjestad, Aruba. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Swedish Hospital (Northshore University Hospital) in Chicago, Ill.; West Suburban Medical Center in Schaumburg, Ill.; and Marshall University in Huntington, W.Va. He completed his fellowship in internal medicine at Marshall University in Huntington, W.Va.

    He is a member of the American College of Physicians, American College of Cardiology and American Medical Association.

    Brian Goldwasser, MD
    Connellsville

    Board-certified internal medicine provider Brian Goldwasser, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Internal Medicine in Connellsville.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Goldwasser practiced at Personal Care Medical Associates in Pittsburgh; Community Life in New Kensington; Heritage Valley Medical Associates in Ambridge, Sewickley and McKees Rocks; Allegheny County Jail Infirmary Medical Clinic in Pittsburgh; Lung Institute of Pittsburgh in Seven Fields; Pittsburgh Medical Associates in Pittsburgh; and Forbes Regional Hospital in Monroeville.

    Dr. Goldwasser is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He is a member of the American College of Physicians.

    Krishna Parikh, MD
    Rostraver Township

    Board-certified family medicine specialist Krishna Parikh, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Rostraver Township.

    Dr. Parikh is a graduate of Saint George’s University in St. George’s, Grenada. She completed her internship and residency in family medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson SOM Family Medicine at CentraState in Freehold, N.J.

    She is a member of the New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

    Justin A. Zenner, DO
    Charleroi, Rostraver Township

    Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Justin A. Zenner, DO, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Charleroi and Rostraver Township.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Zenner practiced at Trinity Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Steubenville, Ohio; and Advanced Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation in Washington, Penn.

    Dr. Zenner is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie. He completed his orthopedic residency at Ohio University in Youngstown and Warren, Ohio, and his fellowship in orthopedics sports medicine at West Penn Allegheny Health System in Pittsburgh. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Association.

    Rachel Ball, PA-C
    DuBois

    Certified physician assistant Rachel Ball, PA-C, joins the team at Penn Highlands Pediatrics in DuBois.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Rachel practiced at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in Philadelphia.

    Rachel earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Salus University in Elkins Park and her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park.


    Danielle Burchfield, PA-C
    Charleroi, Rostraver Township

    Certified physician assistant Danielle Burchfield, PA-C, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Charleroi and Rostraver Township.

    Danielle practiced at Fast Pace Urgent Care in Knoxville, Tenn., prior to joining Penn Highlands.

    She earned her Master of Physician Assistant Practice at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, her Post Baccalaureate Premedical Health Professions Certificate at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, and her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology at West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va.


    Lindsey Crist, FNP-C
    Monongahela

    Board-certified family nurse practitioner Lindsey Crist, FNP-C, joins the team at Penn Highlands Mon Valley Emergency Department.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Lindsey practiced in the emergency departments at Penn Highlands Connellsville; Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center in Windber; and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown.

    Lindsey earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain University in Downers Grove, Ill. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board.


    Ethan Muri, CRNP, FNP-C
    Houtzdale, Tyrone

    Certified registered nurse practitioner Ethan Muri, CRNP, FNP-C, joins the teams at Houtzdale Rural Health Center and Tyrone Rural Health Center.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Ethan practiced at Clean Slate Centers in Altoona, Cove Forge Behavioral Health in Williamsburg and Wellpath (SCI Smithfield) in Huntingdon.

    Ethan earned his Master of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain University in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and American Society of Addiction Medicine.


    Sarah J. Snyder, PA-C
    Clearfield, DuBois, Philipsburg

    Certified physician assistant Sarah J. Snyder, PA-C, joins the teams at QCare Clearfield, QCare DuBois and QCare Moshannon Valley.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Sarah gained clinical experience at Hanover Pediatric Associates in Hanover; UPMC Susquehanna Sports Medicine, Williamsport; Oasis LifeCare in State College; Symbios Medical in Hilton Head Island, S.C.; UPMC Cole Emergency Department in Coudersport; Lock Haven Medical Center, Inc., in Lock Haven; and Hahne Regional Cancer Center in DuBois.

    Sarah earned her Master of Health Science, Physician Assistant Studies, at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania in Lock Haven and her Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Lock Haven University in Lock Haven.

    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands Healthcare Announces Transition of Services
    02/01/24

    Penn Highlands Healthcare is realigning services. Effective May 1, 2024, labor and delivery services are transitioning from Penn Highlands Elk to the Maternal and Child Center at Penn Highlands DuBois. The transition is designed to offer a higher level of care for mothers and newborns.

    The transition only impacts labor and delivery; all other prenatal and postpartum care and gynecological services will continue to be offered at Penn Highlands Elk. Mothers-to-be will still be able to see their physician or provider at Penn Highlands Women’s Care in St. Marys throughout their pregnancy. The only difference is that they will deliver their babies at the Maternal and Child Center at Penn Highlands DuBois. All non-labor and delivery healthcare services will still be offered at Penn Highlands Elk.

    ”This transition of labor and delivery to Penn Highlands DuBois enables Penn Highlands Healthcare to provide more services for mothers and helps newborns have the healthiest start in life possible,” emphasized Trina Abla, DO, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Penn Highlands Healthcare.

    The Maternal and Child Center at Penn Highlands DuBois includes a maternity unit and certified Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The Center offers 24/7 labor coverage ensuring that mothers will always have OB physicians onsite.

    The Maternal and Child Center at Penn Highlands DuBois staffs perinatal consultants who care for women with high-risk deliveries. The perinatologists are experts in medical, genetic and surgical complications of pregnancy and the effects on both the mother and the unborn baby.

    The 16-bed NICU at Penn Highlands DuBois is the only NICU in the region – the nearest one is 100 miles away. The Level III NICU offers:

    • A board-certified neonatologist who can provide critically ill and premature newborns with a high level of care.
    • A staff consisting of dedicated nurses, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, speech pathologists and social workers – all with extra training and certifications to work in a NICU.
    • State-of-the-art technology and tools that enable staff to provide the best care possible.
    • Access to a larger blood bank in the event it is needed.

    Thomas A. Carnevale, MD, FACOG, a board-certified physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology whose maternity patients transitioned from Penn Highlands Clearfield to the Maternal and Child Center at Penn Highlands DuBois nearly a decade ago, maintains that the realignment is beneficial to both the moms and their infants.

    “At first, my patients were apprehensive about delivering their babies at Penn Highlands DuBois, but after experiencing the compassionate care and the state-of-the-art facilities at the Maternal and Child Center, they only had positive comments about their experiences. They recognized the benefit that the access to specialists and technology provided to them and their babies,” added Dr. Carnevale.

    Penn Highlands Elk has a long history of providing quality care and facilities to the region. With campuses in St. Marys and Ridgway and physician offices in several locations throughout the region, the hospital primarily serves the residents of Elk and Cameron counties. Since 2022, Penn Highlands Elk has recruited 12 new physicians and advanced practice providers in such areas as Emergency Medicine, Optometry, Ophthalmology, Radiology and more. In addition, during the past four years, on average, the health system invested more than $2.8 million per year for capital equipment and technology such as 3D mammography.

    In 2022 and 2023, Penn Highlands Elk was recognized by The Chartis Center for Rural Health as one of the Top 100 Rural and Community Hospitals and named a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital by the National Rural Health Association. The hospital also has a reputation for high-quality stroke care earning the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get With the Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Award.

    Penn Highlands Elk is committed to providing a caring comfortable environment. As part of the health system’s Master Facilities Plan, a $7.5 million renovation was completed to enhance and update the living quarters and public areas at Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor, the 138-bed skilled nursing facility located on the campus of the hospital. Currently, the $7 million Ridgway Community Medical Building is under construction. The building, which is scheduled for completion later this spring will offer many primary and specialty care services.

    Hot News

    Spread Heart Health Awareness
    01/29/24

    February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. For more than half a century, American Heart Month has been observed to remind men and women to focus on their hearts. 

    The American Heart Association reports:

    • ​Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S.
    • The average age at the first heart attack was 65.6 for males and 72.0 for females.
    • Approximately every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. will have a heart attack.
    • Stroke accounts for 1 out of every 21 deaths in the U.S.

    The Heart Center of Penn Highlands Healthcare diagnoses and treats all types of heart disease with the latest therapies. At Penn Highlands Heart Center, our first focus is on helping the people in our communities stay heart healthy. Some of the ways we are helping to raise heart health awareness this month include:

    • "Rocking our Red" by participating in National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 2, 2024. Employees are encouraged to wear red and take photos. A "Wear Red Day" photo album will be posted to the PHH Facebook Page. Submit individual, group or department photos to Joy Weidel JWeidel@phhealthcare.org by Monday, February 5.
    • Submitting stories to local newspapers focusing on heart disease.
    • Featuring an article on "the silent killer" -- high blood pressure -- along with the Heart Health Quiz in Life Lines, our electronic newsletter that is distributed via email to more than 109,000 patients and people in the communities we serve throughout Pennsylvania.
    • Encouraging employees to take the Heart Health Quiz to gauge your heart health while identifying any risks. Take the quiz here

    To learn how you can keep your heart healthy or about Penn Highlands Healthcare services, visit www.phhealthcare.org/hearthealth.


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    Hot News

    New Leadership Community Impact Program
    01/22/24

    Making communities stronger and healthier is at the core of everything we do at Penn Highlands Healthcare (PHH). Our community-based healthcare system extends beyond hospitals and clinics. Volunteer programs are a powerful tool for fostering happier, healthier workplaces while being a force for good within the healthcare system. 

    On January 1, 2024, the PHH Community Impact Program was established to foster relations with community organizations and other stakeholders by positioning our health system as a leader in giving back at the local level. 

    The PHH Community Impact Program highly encourages leaders to become more involved in their communities by lending support to initiatives and organizations that positively impact the quality of life where they live and work. Leaders (managers, directors, service line leaders, regional leaders, vice presidents and C-suite executives) are urged to participate in a minimum of 40 hours per year of volunteer work.

    PHH Community Impact Program:

    1. The program provides a framework and resources for leaders to serve their communities while supporting specific business functions, particularly in the areas of human resources and external relations.
    2. The PHH volunteer policy is linked here.
    3. A reporting tool is in place. Simply click the link to record volunteer activities monthly. Periodic reminders will be sent to complete via email.
    4. The PHH Community Impact Program will be part of Leadership annual review.
    5. The results of the Community Impact Program will be reported to employees, board members and the community. 

    While the PHH Community Impact Program is designed for leaders, all employees are encouraged to make a difference and volunteer in their communities. If you volunteer now or plan to volunteer in the future, we encourage you to track your time and record by using the reporting tool linked above. 

    For additional information or questions regarding the PHH Community Impact Program, please contact Danyell Bundy, Director of Operations and Major Gifts for System Fund Development, at 814.375.6146 or dlbundy@phhealthcare.org.

    Hot News

    Jan Madison, MD, Named Medical Director of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at PHMV
    01/19/24

    Dr. Jan Madison


    Please join me in congratulating Jan W. Madison, MD, the new Director of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine at Penn Highlands Mon Valley. In this role, Dr. Madison will provide medical perspective, knowledge, experience and leadership while facilitating communication and understanding among the medical staff and clinical departments. In addition, Dr. Madison will be responsible for ensuring that pulmonary and critical care patients receive the highest level of evidence-based care.

    Dr. Madison is a board-certified pulmonary care physician at Penn Highlands Lung Center in Rostraver Township. She has nearly four decades of experience and is a knowledgeable and accomplished specialist. 

    Dr. Madison is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine in pulmonary disease and critical care, an honor that recognizes leaders in their specialty areas. She has also previously served as chief of medicine.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Madison practiced at Allegheny Pulmonary and Critical Care, Jefferson Hospital, in Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pulmonary in Pittsburgh; Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg; Western Pennsylvania Emergency Physicians in Pittsburgh; Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.; and Primedical in Atlanta, Ga.

    Please wish Dr. Madison much success in this new leadership role.

    Hot News

    Penn Highlands Healthcare Nurses Honored with DAISY Awards
    01/18/24


    Congratulations to the Penn Highlands Healthcare nurses who were honored with  DAISY Awards from July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023. 

    Penn Highlands Brookville

    • Alli Zacherl, RN, Emergency Department -- October 2023

    Penn Highlands Clearfield

    • Susan Kephart, RN, Post Anesthesia Care Unit -- October 2023

    Penn Highlands DuBois

    • Haylee Simler, RN, NICU -- July 2023
    • Tracy Roman, RN, Physical Rehabilitation -- August 2023
    • Sara Feuhrer, RN, ICU -- September 2023
    • Sara Feuhrer, RN, ICU -- DAISY Leadership Award -- October 2023
    • Ashley Lingenfelter, RN, Medical/Surgical Unit -- October 2023 
    • Sharon Shattenberg, RN, BSN, Maternal and Child Service Line Director -- Lifetime Achievement Award -- October 2023 
    • Intermediate Care Unit (Team Award) -- October 2023

    Penn Highlands Elk

    • Pam Heatherdale, RN, Acute Care Unit -- July 2023

    • Kate Young, RN, Acute Care Unit -- October 2023

    Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

    • Chelsey Benson, RN, St. Marys Office -- November 2023

    Penn Highlands Tyrone

    • ​Abby Butler, RN, Short Procedure Unit -- August 2023
    • Lynette Richardson, RN, Short Procedure Unit -- November 2023

    The DAISY Award began at the University of Washington Medical Center. It was the first program of its kind to give patients, families and co-workers a way to express gratitude to nurses for what they do -- provide compassionate care to patients and their families. Since then, the DAISY Award has become a strategic tool for nurse recruitment, retention and resilience that has been adopted by thousands of healthcare organizations and schools of nursing throughout the world. Administered by the DAISY Foundation, the DAISY Award recognizes nurses for the care and kindness they provide by collecting nominations from patients, families and co-workers. 

    Congratulations to our awardees!

    PHH Headlines

    Norman Appointed to Hospital and Healthsystem of Pennsylvania Board
    01/11/24

    Mark Norman

    Mark Norman, Chief Operating Officer of Penn Highlands Healthcare, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Hospital and Healthsystem of Pennsylvania (HAP). During his three-year board term, Mark will collaborate with healthcare leaders from across the commonwealth to further the HAP mission and advance initiatives designed to improve healthcare delivery throughout Pennsylvania.  

    HAP is a statewide membership services organization that represents 235 hospitals as well as the patients and communities they serve. The organization is the leading voice for the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians. HAP has strong relationships with state and federal officials and a broad spectrum of stakeholders committed to achieving a healthy Pennsylvania.

    “I am proud to welcome Mark Norman to HAP’s Board of Directors," said Nicole Stallings, President and CEO of HAP. "Through his extensive experience leading hospital and health system operations, Mark will bring valuable perspectives to HAP’s work empowering hospitals to sustainably serve their communities and addressing the unique challenges faced by rural hospitals."

    Steve Fontaine, CEO of Penn Highlands Healthcare, shares Nicole's sentiments.

    "Mark will be an asset to the HAP board. He is a trusted professional who brings 28 years of healthcare experience to our state-wide association. HAP members will benefit from his knowledge and leadership skills."

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands Healthcare in 2016, Mark served as the CEO of Lackey Memorial Hospital in Forest, Miss. and Pioneer Community Hospital of Newton, in Newton, Miss. He began his career at North Mississippi Health Services in Tupelo, Miss. as an Operations Improvement Projects Coordinator and later a Strategic Planner. 

    Mark earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Mississippi State University in Starkville, Miss. and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of North Alabama in Florence, Ala.

    Mark is wished much success as he works with the HAP board!


    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands DuBois Kicks Off Pathway to Excellence Campaign
    01/10/24

    See the photo caption below.

    On January 2, 2024, Penn Highlands DuBois kicked off the new year with its Pathway to Excellence Campaign. Before the morning shift, hospital leaders and Pathway to Excellence Committee members greeted staff in the lobby with information about the program and refreshments. 

    This year, Penn Highlands DuBois is applying for Pathway to Excellence designation through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The Program is the premier designation for healthy work environments and recognizes healthcare organizations and long-term care organizations where nurses excel. To qualify for designation, organizations must meet six Pathway Standards essential to an ideal nursing practice environment. These Standards include: shared decision making, leadership, safety, quality, well-being and professional development. Applicants are required to undergo a review process to fully document the integration of those standards in the organization's practices, policies and culture.

    When Pathway Standards are adopted throughout the organization, patients, nurses, the overall hospital and the community benefit through improved nurse satisfaction, retention of nursing staff and leaders, cultivation of inter-professional collaboration and implementation of high-quality nursing practices. 

    Please wish Penn Highlands DuBois well as it strives to earn the Pathway to Excellence designation!

    (Photo caption)

    Shown during the Pathway to Excellence kickoff event are (l. to r.) Jill Muir, CNO, Penn Highlands DuBois/Penn Highlands Clearfield; Will Chinn, President, Penn Highlands DuBois; Ryan Copeland, Penn Highlands Healthcare Director Food & Nutrition Services; Amy Heckathorne, Penn Highlands Service Line Director Food & Nutrition Services; Jennifer Shaw, Director Regulatory Compliance Penn Highlands DuBois/Penn Highlands Clearfield; and Megan Bussard, Penn Highlands Healthcare System Vice President Quality & Safety.

    PHH Headlines

    Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor Leadership Change
    01/09/24

    Anne Bruno, NHA, LSW

    Penn Highlands Healthcare is pleased to announce that Anne Bruno, NHA, LSW, has returned to our health system as the new administrator at Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor. 

    Anne brings more than 32 years of experience in senior care facility management and social services to Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor. Most recently, she served as the administrator for Guardian Healthcare Highland View in Brockway, Penn. Prior to joining Guardian Healthcare, Anne was employed by Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor as the Director of Admissions and Social Services and served as the Acute Care Case Social Work Case Manager at Penn Highlands Elk. Anne also has held social service positions at In Home Solutions PLUS Hospice in Brookville and Centre Crest Nursing Home in Bellefonte, Penn. 

    Anne received a master's degree in Social Work from Temple University and a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University. 

    Please welcome Anne to Penn Highlands Healthcare!

    PHH Headlines

    Welcome New Providers
    01/08/24

    Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!


    Ereny Eskarous, MD
    Rostraver Township

    Board-certified family medicine physician Ereny Eskarous, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Rostraver Township.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Eskarous practiced at Washington Health System in Washington, Penn.; UPMC McKeesport in Pittsburgh; and Southwestern Medical Clinic in St. Joseph, Mich.

    Dr. Eskarous is a graduate of Cairo University Medical School in Cairo, Egypt. She completed her internship at Cairo University Hospitals in Cairo, Egypt, and her residency in family medicine at UPMC McKeesport in Pittsburgh.

    Stephanie C. Okorie, MD
    Rostraver Township

    Board-certified family medicine physician Stephanie C. Okorie, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Rostraver Township.

    Dr. Okorie is a graduate of Ross University School of Medicine in Portsmouth, Dominica. She completed her internship and residency in family medicine at UPMC McKeesport Family Medicine in McKeesport.

    She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

    Alexander Shorshtein, MD, MBA
    Brookville, Connellsville, DuBois, Huntingdon, Monongahela, St. Marys, Tyrone

    Penn Highlands Healthcare has named board-certified anesthesiologist Alexander Shorshtein, MD, MBA, as its new System Medical Director of Anesthesia.

    Dr. Shorshtein joins the teams at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley, and Penn Highlands Tyrone.

    With years of leadership experience and decades of clinical experience, Dr. Shorshtein brings transformational leadership, outcome-driven results and trusted care to the anesthesiology department at Penn Highlands.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Shorshtein was the chairman of the department of anesthesiology at Ocean University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, in Brick, N.J. He has also served as chairman of the department of anesthesiology at Monmouth Medical Center South, RWJ Barnabas Health, in Lakewood, N.J.; CEO and president of Anesthesiology Services of NY P.C. in New York, N.Y.; and attending anesthesiologist at Stony Brook University Medical Center.

    Dr. Shorshtein earned his doctorate in medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, N.J., and his master’s in business administration at Rutgers Business School in Newark, N.J. He completed his surgical internship at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, N.J., and his residency in anesthesiology at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. He earned his Improving Global Health Certification at Harvard University in Boston, Mass.

    He is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, American College of Healthcare Executives, Association of Anesthesia Clinical Directors, American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians, National Association for Healthcare Quality, Healthcare Financial Management Association, Trauma Anesthesiology Society and Beta Gamma Sigma.

    Brittany Mealy, PA-C
    DuBois

    Certified physician assistant Brittany Mealy, PA-C, joins the team at the Penn Highlands DuBois Emergency Department and Trauma Center in DuBois.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Brittany gained clinical experience at O’Bryon Family Medicine in DuBois; Houtzdale Rural Health Center; Still Waters Family Health Services in Clearfield; St. Luke’s - Anderson Campus in Easton; and Penn Highlands DuBois.

    Brittany earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania in Lock Haven. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Clarion University of Pennsylvania in Clarion. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants.

    Adam Powers, CRNP
    Altoona, Houtzdale 

    Certified registered nurse practitioner Adam Powers, CRNP, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Altoona and Houtzdale Rural Health Center in Houtzdale.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Adam practiced at Allegheny Pain Management in Altoona; Fresenius Medical Care in Altoona; and UPMC Altoona in Altoona.

    Adam earned his Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minn., his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology at West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va., and his Associate of Science, Registered Nurse, Mount Aloysius College in Cresson.

    Andrea Willoughby-Taylor, PMHNP
    Huntingdon

    Board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Andrea Willoughby-Taylor, PMHNP, joins the team at the Behavioral Health Inpatient Adult Unit at Penn Highlands Huntingdon.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Andrea practiced at The Meadows Psychiatric Center in Centre Hall; Vital for Life in Tamarac, Fla.; and Wellpath (SCI Rockview) in Bellefonte.

    Andrea earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Nursing at Purdue University Global in West Lafayette, Ind.

    PHH Headlines

    Penn Highlands Healthcare Contracts With Receivables Management Company
    01/05/24

    Effective January 3, 2024, Penn Highlands Healthcare has contracted with RSi Solutions, a receivables management company, to help collect payments and respond to patient co-pay and invoice inquiries in a timely manner. RSi is serving as an extension of our business office call center. The company's staff represents themselves as Penn Highlands Healthcare making it invisible that the patient is talking with an outsource partner.

    It is important to note that our use of RSi will not displace any Penn Highlands Healthcare employees.

    For the first three weeks, the company's professional staff is courteously responding to inbound billing and collection questions on both our local and toll free numbers from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Calls after business hours are going into voicemail. RSi representatives are returning the calls within 24 hours on weekdays and 48 hours on the weekend. 

    Following the first three weeks and going forward, RSi will initiate a calling campaign to help collect payments. The company will work with patients to establish payment plans, help them get back on track if they miss a payment and provide our in-house financial counselor with the names of patients who want to apply for financial assistance.

    Patient collections present a challenge to healthcare providers. Unpaid and delayed payments decrease cash flow and disrupt administrative processes. By contracting with RSi, Penn Highlands is confident that we will continue to provide our patients with a high level of customer service so they can focus on their wellness.

       

    HR Info

    HR Education: Job Bids for Career Advancement
    12/19/23

    As a result of our Penn Highlands Healthcare Employee Engagement Survey, the Penn Highlands Human Resources Department is working on initiatives related to understanding HR Programs.

    Penn Highlands Healthcare employs many skilled and talented individuals across our health system. We want our employees to remain with us as they advance their careers. If you enjoy working with us but are looking for a new challenge, you can apply for positions internally by logging into Infor and following a few simple steps. The attached flyer outlines the internal application process.

    For more information, contact a recruiter or email careers@phhealthcare.org. 

    Hot News

    Recent Awards and Accreditations
    12/18/23

    The Penn Highlands Healthcare website was recently updated with new awards and accreditations. Read about the distinctions that each hospital received below.

    Penn Highlands Clearfield

    ​Penn Highlands Clearfield earned the 2023 Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) Excellence in Patient Safety Award. PH Clearfield was one of only 29 hospitals honored this year for demonstrating low rates of healthcare-associated infections. Penn Highlands Clearfield also recently announced that they earned two American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditations including PET for 2022-2025 and Nuclear Medicine for 2023-2026.

    Penn Highlands DuBois

    Corazon, Inc., a national leader in services for the cardiovascular specialty, has granted accreditation to the Cath/PCI and Open-Heart Surgical (OHS) Program at Penn Highlands DuBois. Through a rigorous process, the accreditation proves that the program at PH DuBois has once again met or exceeded Corazon’s Accreditation Standards, national societal guidelines and the requirements established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Also during this quarter, PH DuBois earned ACR accreditation as a Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center. By awarding facilities this status, ACR recognizes breast imaging centers that have earned accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy and breast ultrasound (including ultrasound-guided breast biopsy). In addition, Penn Highlands DuBois announced that they earned the 2022-2025 ACR accreditation for Nuclear Medicine.

    Penn Highlands Elk

    During this quarter, the Medical Imaging Department at Penn Highlands Elk announced ACR accreditations including MRI for 2021-2024; Breast MRI for 2021-2024; Ultrasound for 2021-2024; and PET for 2021-2024; as well as CT for 2023-2026. ACR accreditation helps assure patients that imaging facilities provide the highest level of image quality and safety by documenting that the facilities meet requirements for equipment, medical personnel and quality assurance.

    Congratulations on these stellar achievements!

    Masking Update
    12/15/23

    Trina Abla, DO, MBA


    As the holiday season approaches and we begin to gather with family and friends, you are reminded that the risk of contracting COVID-19, influenza and RSV increases. At Penn Highlands Healthcare, we continue to monitor respiratory virus burden across the system and implement focused mitigation strategies as appropriate. Given current levels, we are not re-implementing universal masking as a part of these mitigation strategies at this time. Although not currently mandatory, employees are encouraged to wear masks and must continue to practice appropriate hand hygiene.

     In addition, it is important to note:

    • Masking will continue to be mandatory in clinical settings that traditionally require masking.
    • Masks are still strongly recommended in areas caring for moderate to severely immunocompromised patients.
    • Masks are required when caring for patients who are COVID-19 positive or who are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.
    • Employees who have not received the influenza vaccine are required to wear masks until March 31, 2024.
    • Patients, visitors and employees may choose to continue wearing masks, and should be treated with respect.
    • Additionally, if an outpatient or inpatient is voluntarily masked, staff are asked to wear a mask out of respect when within six feet of the patient.
    • All standard precautions, such as practicing hand hygiene, should continue to be followed.
    • Employees who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are still required to contact Employee Health.

    If you have not received your COVID-19 booster or influenza vaccine, you are encouraged to get the shots to protect yourself and your loved ones as well as our patients and visitors. In addition, it is still wise to maintain social distancing and to always practice hand hygiene. By taking these steps, hopefully you will avoid illness and enjoy a healthy holiday season!


    Employee Engagement

    Happy Holidays!
    12/15/23


    As this year draws to a close, we can look back on the happy moments in our lives and the times that truly challenged us during the past 12 months. Throughout this season of celebrations and new beginnings, I hope you will take a few minutes to reflect on just how special our health system is to the people in our communities who come to us for care and the very important role you play in their lives. 

    This holiday season, I hope you enjoy celebrations with family and friends, and that the new year brings you good health, success and happiness!

    Happy Holidays!

    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands Clearfield Welcomes New VP of Operations
    12/12/23

    Joshua LaFleur

    Joshua J. LaFleur, MBA, joined the staff of Penn Highlands Clearfield as the Vice President of Operations. In this newly created position, Joshua will be responsible for overseeing daily operations at the hospital as well as implementing strategies for growth.

    The extensive experience in administration, organizational management, patient care and patient satisfaction that Joshua brings will be an asset to PH Clearfield. For the past 10 years, he has held healthcare management positions at Ochsner Health, Baptist Campus, in New Orleans, La. While at the 195-bed hospital, his responsibilities progressed from Director of Imaging Services to Director of Imaging and Oncology Services to his most recent position there as the hospital’s Director of Clinical Operations. Prior to joining Ochsner Health, Joshua was the Director of Radiology at The Regional Medical Center of Acadiana, in Lafayette, La. and Radiology Manager at Memorial Hospital Central Campus in Colorado Springs, Co.

    Joshua received his Master of Business Administration degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology from the University of Arkansas for the Medical Science in Little Rock, Ar. and a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La.

    Joshua is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, American Healthcare Radiology Administrators and Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

    Please welcome Joshua to Penn Highlands Healthcare!


    Hot News

    PH DuBois Holiday Celebration: A Fun and Successful Event!
    12/11/23

    It was another successful Holiday Celebration at Penn Highlands DuBois! The December 2, 2023 event, which was sponsored by the Penn Highlands DuBois Medical Staff, raised more than $34,000. 

    While the guests enjoyed tasty food and lively dancing during the masquerade-themed celebration at the DuBois Country Club, the big beneficiaries are the tiny babies who receive care in the Penn Highlands DuBois Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Proceeds from the event will be used for patient care in the NICU.

    Penn Highlands Healthcare expresses appreciation to everyone who attended or supported the event!

    Don't miss the fun in 2024 and an opportunity to help our health system. Mark your calendar for the 2024 Holiday Celebration at Penn Highlands DuBois, which is scheduled for Friday, December 6, 2024.

    Hospital News

    Julianne Peer Assumes Dual Leadership Role
    12/08/23

    Julie Peer

    Effective December 8, 2023, Julianne Peer, President of Penn Highlands Brookville, is serving in the dual role as president of Penn Highlands Brookville and Penn Highlands Elk. With these expanded responsibilities, she will oversee operations at both critical access hospitals.

    Julie has enjoyed a long and successful career at Penn Highlands Brookville. She joined the hospital in 1984 in the Accounting Department following graduation from Clarion University (now Pennsylvania Western University Clarion) with a degree in Business Administration. Her career advanced at the hospital to include serving as the Controller and then Vice President of Finance. In 2013, she became the hospital President. While performing her responsibilities, Julie also earned her MBA from Clarion University.

    A resident of Brookville, Julie and her husband are the parents of two daughters and they have one grandson.

    Julie is looking forward to working with the staff at Penn Highlands Elk.


    PHH Headlines

    Welcome New Providers
    12/06/23

    Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!

    David W. Lee, MD, RPVI, FACC, FSCAI
    Uniontown

    Multi-board-certified interventional cardiologist David W. Lee, MD, RPVI, FACC, FSCAI, joins the team at Penn Highlands Cardiology in Uniontown.

    Dr. Lee specializes in diagnosing and treating cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, valvular disease and vascular disease. He is committed to forming ongoing relationships with his patients, providing them with the most recent evidence-based care and helping them live with the best quality of life possible.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Lee practiced at Excela Health Medical Group in Greensburg.

    Dr. Lee is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed his residency in internal medicine at New York University (NYU) Medical Center in New York, N.Y. He completed fellowships in cardiovascular disease at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Medical Center in Chapel Hill, N.C., and in interventional cardiology at the University of North Carolina Medical Center in Chapel Hill, N.C., and at UNC Rex North Carolina Heart and Vascular Hospital in Raleigh, N.C.

    Dr. Lee is a fellow of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions and the American College of Cardiology. He is a member of the American Heart Association and AHA Peripheral Vascular Disease Leadership Committee.

    Carolyn Moore, MD
    DuBois

    Board-certified thoracic surgeon Carolyn Moore, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery in DuBois.

    As a fellowship-trained surgeon, Dr. Moore has achieved the top level of education and specialization in thoracic surgery. She provides patients with highly skilled surgical care for diseased or injured organs in the chest.

    Dr. Moore is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh. She completed her internship and residency in general surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga. She completed a fellowship in general thoracic surgery and foregut at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Mass., and a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City, Kan.

    She is a member of the Women in Thoracic Surgery and Society of Socially Responsible Surgeons.

    Jason Rock, MD, MPH
    DuBois

    Double board-certified psychiatrist Jason Rock, MD, MPH, joins the team at the Behavioral Health Outpatient Center in DuBois.

    Dr. Rock specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry and is currently accepting patients for telepsychiatry. He is a fellowship-trained specialist with two decades of psychiatric experience.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Rock practiced at George Junior Republic in Grove City; St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio; Human Services Center in New Castle; Mars Youth for Youth in Mars; Fox Run Center for Children and Adolescents in St. Clairsville, Ohio; River Centre Clinic in Sylvania, Ohio; Blanchard Valley Health System in Findlay, Ohio; Bethesda Lutheran Services in Meadville; Stairways Behavioral Health in Meadville; Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, Ohio; Meridian Community Care in Youngstown, Ohio; and Sharon Regional Health System in Sharon.

    Dr. Rock is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health in Columbus, Ohio. He completed his residency in psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, in Pittsburgh. He completed his fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, in Pittsburgh.

    He is a member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society, Mercer County Medical Society and Pennsylvania Medical Society.

    Ann Colton, CRNP
    Huntingdon

    Certified registered nurse practitioner Ann Colton, CRNP, joins the team at QCare Huntingdon.

    Prior to joining QCare Huntingdon, Ann gained clinical experience at Geisinger Convenient Care in State College; Geisinger Pediatrics in Port Matilda; Geisinger Family Practice in Reedsville; Geisinger Women’s Health in Lewistown; Geisinger Gastroenterology in Port Matilda; and Geisinger Pulmonary and Sleep Services in Port Matilda. She also practiced as an emergency room staff nurse and charge nurse at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital in Lewistown.

    Ann earned her Master of Science in Nursing at Pennsylvania State University in University Park. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh and her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Pennsylvania State University in University Park. She is a member of the Pennsylvania Coalition of Nurse Practitioners.

    Laura Edwards, PA-C
    DuBois

    Certified physician assistant Laura Edwards, PA-C, joins the team at QCare DuBois.

    Prior to joining QCare DuBois, Laura gained clinical experience at Still Waters Family Health Services in Clearfield; Penn Highlands DuBois in DuBois; Laurel Plastic Surgery and Cosmetics in DuBois; O’Bryon Family Medicine in DuBois; Houtzdale Rural Health Center in Houtzdale; DuBois Dermatology and Cosmetics in DuBois; Penn Highlands Clearfield in Clearfield; Penn Highlands Life’s Journey OB/GYN in DuBois; and Clearfield Professional Group in Clearfield.

    Laura earned her Master of Health Science in Physician Assistant Studies and her Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Lock Haven University in Lock Haven. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates.

    Rasa Vaicenas, PA-C
    Connellsville, Mount Pleasant, Uniontown

    Certified physician assistant Rasa Vaicenas, PA-C, joins the teams at  Penn Highlands Internal Medicine in Connellsville, Mount Pleasant and  Uniontown.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Rasa gained clinical experience at Beal Counseling in Somerset; AHN Orthopedic Specialists in Monroeville; Latrobe Excela Hospital in Latrobe; Butler Health System in Valencia; Brandon M. Lingenfelter DO Ob/Gyn in Princeton, W.Va.; WVU Princeton Community Hospital in Princeton, W.Va.; Westmoreland Excela Hospital in Greensburg; and Pediatric Associates of Westmoreland in Greensburg.

    Rasa earned her Master of Physician Assistant Science and Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Saint Francis University in Loretto.

    Abigail Wilson, PA-C
    DuBois

    Certified physician assistant Abigail Wilson, PA-C, joins the team at Penn Highlands Bariatric and General Surgery in DuBois.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands Bariatric and General Surgery, Abigail gained clinical experience at Primary Care Associates of Western PA in Brookville; Penn Highlands Elk in St. Marys; Laurel Cosmetics in Brookville; UPMC Chautauqua in Jamestown, N.Y.; Sunrise Collaborative in Warren; St. Vincent Hospital in Erie; Penn Highlands DuBois in DuBois; Penn Highlands Life’s Journey in DuBois; and Penn Highlands Pediatrics in DuBois.

    Abigail earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Mercyhurst University in Erie and her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Clarion University of Pennsylvania in Clarion. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates and the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants.

    Employee Engagement

    Happy Thanksgiving!
    11/20/23


    Thanksgiving is the time of year when we are reminded of the many reasons we have to be grateful. Family, friends, health and employment are often at the top of our appreciation lists. 

    As I reflect on my blessings, I want to express my gratitude to each of you for the exceptional care, compassion and dedication you show to the patients in our hospitals and outpatient facilities as well as the residents in our long-term care facilities. You help to make Penn Highlands Healthcare the outstanding health system we are today.

    Thank you for all that you do for Penn Highlands Healthcare.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Employee Engagement

    Rewards & Recognition Celebration Recap: November 2023
    11/17/23

    As part of Penn Highlands Healthcare’s quarterly Rewards & Recognition, celebrations are planned to thank employees, honor professional achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout our health system.

    Rewards and Recognition Week was celebrated November 6-10, 2023.

    During "Grateful (for our Employees and Veterans),” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme, employees across the system were encouraged to participate in themed activities. Penn Highlands also gathered donations for The Jared Box Project. 

    Congratulations to all of this quarter’s honorees! Please click on the links below to enjoy a recap of the celebrations.

    Penn Highlands Brookville

    Penn Highlands Clearfield

    Penn Highlands DuBois

    Penn Highlands Elk

    Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley

    Penn Highlands Tyrone

    Hot News

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley To Host 37th Annual Light-Up Night
    11/16/23

    Mark your calendar to kick off the holiday season with Penn Highlands Mon Valley during its 37th Annual Light-Up Night on Monday, December 4, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the hospital's outdoor Central Plaza.

    This colorful, family-oriented event is a tradition for the Mon Valley community. The magical evening will feature special visitors from the North Pole and surprises for the children. Complimentary hot cocoa and cookies will be served.

    "We anxiously await this event and truly enjoy marking the start of the holiday season with the community each year," said Peter J. Adamo, Southwestern Region Market President, Penn Highlands Mon Valley.


    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon Enhances Mammography Services
    11/14/23

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon has expanded its commitment to early breast cancer detection with the implementation of software that enhances patient care.

    Reporting and Communicating Efficiencies
    The new Volpara Patient Hub software replaces manual paper tracking with customizable mammography reporting and patient communication options. The software also provides an integrated cancer risk assessment capability to help personalize patient care. Risk assessment is streamlined with an accessible patient questionnaire that collects and stores key patient information.

    “By adopting this software, Penn Highlands Huntingdon is streamlining and improving patient and physician communications,” said Suzanne Iorfido, DO, Chief of Breast Imaging at Penn Highlands Healthcare. “The use of the new software will help ensure that every patient receives regular breast screening, as well as any follow-up care they may require.”

    Breast Density Assessment
    Also in an effort to enhance early detection of breast cancer, Penn Highlands Huntingdon recently began using robust breast density assessment technology that overcomes the limitations of mammography to detect cancer in women with dense breasts. The use of Volpara Scorecard enables the breast screening team at Penn Highlands Huntingdon to objectively measure breast density and assess a woman’s individual risk of breast cancer. By using this technology, radiologists can objectively estimate a woman’s amount of breast density, either from 2D or 3D mammogram images, and help identify those who might benefit from additional screening.

    Approximately 50% of women of screening age have dense breasts. High breast density is an important independent risk factor for developing breast cancer, and cancer can hide in dense breasts. Both dense breast tissue and cancer appear white on a mammogram, making it harder to identify cancer in dense breasts. These well documented facts contribute to a hindrance to early detection for these women.

    “This new technology is a great addition to our breast program,” said Dr. Iorfido. “Our new software will ultimately give patients more information regarding their breast health and how to best undergo optimal annual screening, which may include annual ultrasound and MRI in addition to mammography.”

    The Penn Highlands Healthcare website includes detailed information about dense breasts and our Breast Cancer Assessment brochure.



    PHH Headlines

    Welcome New Providers
    11/13/23

    Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!​


    Antonowsky Coleman, MD
    Huntingdon

    Psychiatrist Antonowsky Coleman, MD, joins the team at the Behavioral Health Inpatient Adult Unit in Huntingdon.

    Dr. Coleman specializes in adult psychiatry and has more than two decades of experience treating patients experiencing anxiety, depression and other behavioral health conditions. He is the recipient of the Laughlin Fellowship, awarded by the American College of Psychiatry to the top 15 psychiatry residents in North America.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Coleman practiced at Mary Starke Harper Geriatric Psychiatry Center in Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Whitfield Regional Hospital in Demopolis, Ala.; Hope Pointe Behavioral Health Crisis Care in Tuscaloosa, Ala.; UAB Medical West in Bessemer, Ala.; and Persona Health Services in Birmingham, Ala.

    Dr. Coleman graduated from and completed his psychiatry residency at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Ala.

    Hannah Economos, DO
    DuBois

    Family medicine obstetrics physician, Hannah Economos, DO, joins the team at Penn Highlands Life’s Journey OB/GYN in DuBois. Dr. Economos also joins the faculty at the Penn Highlands Family Medicine Residency Clinics located in DuBois and Brookville.

    Dr. Economos is a fellowship-trained specialist in maternal child health, conferring the top level of education and specialization in her field. She offers personalized, patient-centered care for women in all stages of life and health.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Economos practiced at Altoona OB/GYN in Altoona.

    Dr. Economos is a graduate of West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, W.Va. She completed her residency in family medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Altoona. She completed a fellowship in maternal child health at Highland Family Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, N.Y.

    She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians, American Medical Association, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians.

    Christopher Glynn, MD, MBA
    Brookville, DuBois, St. Marys

    Emergency medicine physician Christopher Glynn, MD, MBA, joins the teams in the emergency departments at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Elk.

    Dr. Glynn graduated from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Cupecoy, Sint Maarten. He earned his MBA from the University of Maryland University College in Adelphi, Md. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Riverside Health System in Newport News, Va.

    Cody A. Pepperday, DO
    Brookville, Clearfield, Connellsville, DuBois, Huntingdon, Monongahela, St. Marys, State College, Tyrone

    Radiologist Cody A. Pepperday, DO, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley and Penn Highlands Tyrone, reading remotely. Dr. Pepperday will join the team at Penn Highlands State College upon opening in summer 2024.

    Dr. Pepperday uses state-of-the-art digital imaging equipment to screen for and diagnose a wide range of conditions. Dr. Pepperday is a Mayo Clinic fellowship-trained specialist in musculoskeletal imaging, which offers an array of minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to get patients back to normal activities sooner and with fewer complications.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Pepperday gained clinical experience at Drs. Harris, Birkhill, Wang, Songe and Associates, P.C., in Dearborn, Mich.; Beaumont Health Outpatient Imaging Center in Dearborn, Mich.; and Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, N.Y.

    Dr. Pepperday is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Greensburg. He completed his internship and residency in radiology at Beaumont Health System in Dearborn, Mich. He completed a fellowship in musculoskeletal imaging and intervention at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. He is a member of the American Medical Association, American Osteopathic College of Radiology, American College of Radiology, Christian Medical and Dental Association, Mayo Clinic Alumni Association and Mayo Fellows' Association.

    Meike Schuster, DO, FACOG, FACOOG
    DuBois

    Multi-board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Meike Schuster, DO, FACOG, FACOOG, joins the team at Penn Highlands Perinatal Consultants in DuBois, providing full-time telemedicine perinatal care to expectant mothers and fetuses experiencing complications. 

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Schuster was co-director of the Pregnancy Loss and Pre-Term Delivery Evaluation Service at Robert Wood Johnson Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J.

    Dr. Schuster is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie. She completed her residency in obstetrics/gynecology at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington and her fellowship in maternal fetal medicine at Geisinger Health System in Danville.

    She is a member of the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and Nuchal Translucency Quality Review.

    Kahdi F. Udobi, MD, FACS
    DuBois

    Board-certified surgeon Kahdi F. Udobi, MD, FACS, joins the team at Penn Highlands General Surgery in DuBois, providing trauma/acute care surgery.

    Dr. Udobi graduated from the University of Ibadan in Ibadan, Nigeri. He completed his residency in surgery at State University of New York in Buffalo, N.Y.; Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga.; and Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia. He completed his fellowship in trauma/surgical critical care at the Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, Md.

    He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, American Medical Association, Society of Critical Care Medicine and American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

    Zhimin Yuan, MD
    DuBois

    Pathologist Zhimin Yuan, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands DuBois.

    Dr. Yuan is a fellowship-trained pathologist, having achieved the top level of education and specialization in the field of pathology. He works closely with other members of the medical team to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases.

    Dr. Yuan is a graduate of the Medical College at Soochow University in Suzhou, China. He completed his residency in anatomic pathology/clinical pathology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and his fellowship in pathology at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.


    Lauren DelGrosso, PA-C, DMSc
    Houtzdale, Tyrone

    Certified physician assistant Lauren DelGrosso, PA-C, DMSc, joins the teams at Tyrone Rural Health Center and Houtzdale Rural Health Center.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Lauren practiced at Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College and Shaner Cancer Center in State College.

    Lauren earned her Doctor of Medical Science at the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Va. She earned her Master of Physician Assistant Science and Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Saint Francis University in Loretto. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates.

    Lindsay Mays, CRNP
    Clearfield, DuBois, Philipsburg

    Certified registered nurse practitioner Lindsay Mays, CRNP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Life’s Journey OB/GYN.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands Life’s Journey OB/GYN, Lindsay practiced at Penn Highlands Anesthesiology, Penn Highlands Community Nurses, Penn Highlands Emergency Department and Penn Highlands Intensive Care Unit.

    Lindsay earned her Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner at Purdue Global University in West Lafayette, Ind., and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Lock Haven University in Clearfield.

    Jennifer Sallinger, CRNP
    Monongahela

    Certified registered nurse practitioner Jennifer Sallinger, CRNP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

    Jennifer is a hospitalist specializing in emergency medicine, treating patients admitted to the hospital for serious illness or injury. 

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands Mon Valley, Jennifer practiced at Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, W.Va.; Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Jefferson Hills; Warren General Hospital in Warren; and Canadohta Lake Health Center in Union City.

    Jennifer earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, W.Va., and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Waynesburg College in Waynesburg.

    Employee Engagement

    Rewards and Recognition Week Activities Planned November 6-10, 2023
    11/03/23

    Rewards and Recognition includes a quarterly celebration planned by Penn Highlands Healthcare to express appreciation to employees, recognize personal achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout the health system.

    "Grateful (for our Employees and Veterans),” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme, is being celebrated system wide November 6-10, 2023. Throughout Rewards and Recognition Week, employees across the system are encouraged to dress in PHH logo wear and participate in themed activities. 

    Penn Highlands will also be gathering donations for The Jared Box Project.  A Jared Box is a plastic storage box filled with small gifts, games, toys, crayons, coloring books and activities. The
    boxes are given to children in our emergency departments and behavioral health units to provide a special, fun diversion. The boxes calm nerves, lift spirits, and show them that someone cares!

    Kids and parents alike are so very thankful for these boxes. The boxes symbolize the importance of play and are filled with well wishes, hope and love. Your role in continuing this great little project is much appreciated. For more information about The Jared Box Project, visit www.thejaredbox.org.

    For more details about festivities at each PHH facility, click on the link below to download the flyer for the schedule of activities where you work.

    Penn Highlands Brookville

    Penn Highlands Clearfield

    Penn Highlands DuBois

    Penn Highlands Elk

    Penn Highlands Home Medical Equipment

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon

    Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley

    Penn Highlands Tyrone

    Penn Highlands WRC, McKinley Health Center

    Penn Highlands WRC, Personal Care


    Please remember to submit photos from your R&R Celebration to be posted to the PHH Facebook page and your completed PowerPoint to be included with the Vital Lines recap to jweidel@phhealthcare.org by November 14, 2023.

    Thank you for all you do. We look forward to your participation!

    Employee Engagement

    Congratulations to the New CNA Graduates!
    10/25/23

    Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor and Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor recently graduated two new classes of nurse aides. 

    Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor

    On October 6, 2023, three students completed the CNA course at Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor. All three graduates currently are working at the senior care facility; they include Kelly Blauser, Lorelle Cousins and Tami McClintick. 

    Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

    On October 18, 2023, seven students completed the CNA course at Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor. The newest CNAs include: Rachel Bussard, Cody Nelsen, Zachary Newcome, Kaitlyn Reddinger, Kimberly Still, Samantha Tucker and Mary Wright. Five of the seven CNAs will remain at the senior care facility.

    About the Program

    The program is open to Penn Highlands employees and members of the community free of charge and trainees are paid an hourly wage during the training, orientation and until they pass their Pennsylvania State CNA exam.

    Trainees are eligible to earn the Penn Highlands CNA Recruitment/Retention Bonus if they remain at Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor and Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services and successfully complete their six-month and one-year anniversaries with the facilities.

    For more information about the nurse aide program, contact Hannah Danko, Talent Acquisition Specialist, at hldanko@phhealthcare.org or 814-577-3042.

    Pictured above in the Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor photo are front row (l. to r.) Kimberly Still, Samantha Tucker and Zachary Newcome. In the back row (l. to r) are Instructor Sharon Doolittle, Kaitlyn Reddinger, Cody Nelsen, Rachel Bussard, Mary Wright and Instructor Angela Walters.

    Pictured below in the Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor photo are (l. to r.) Megan Bolden, PH Pinecrest Elk Manor Administrator; Debra Thomas, Director of Nursing; Graduates Tami McClintick, Kelly Blauser, Lorelle Cousins; and Teresa Pontzer, RN, Clinical Educator.


    Hot News

    Annual Breast Cancer Walk Proves Successful!
    10/23/23

    Survivors pose together prior to the Walk.

    The 20th Annual Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk for Penn Highlands Mon Valley marked another successful year raising $9,837! The funds will be used to purchase Ensure nutritional supplements for patients who cannot afford the cost of this ready-to-drink shake. The event was held Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Mon Valley HealthPlex in Rostraver Township, Pa. 

    More than 160 walkers participated in the event and many generous donations were received online in support of the Walk.

    A special thank you to OSPTA Home Health & Hospice and MarBill Diamonds and Jewelry for their support as Sapphire Sponsors.

    Thank you also to everyone who came out to walk, remember and honor those fighting breast cancer.

    We hope to see you next year!

    Hospital News

    Leadership Change at Two Penn Highlands Healthcare Hospitals
    10/20/23

    Bradley J. Chapman, MBA, FACHE, President of Penn Highlands Clearfield and Penn Highlands Elk, is no longer with Penn Highlands Healthcare.

    Brad joined Penn Highlands Elk in 2017 and began serving the dual role as president of Penn Highlands Elk and Penn Highlands Clearfield in 2022. During his tenure with our health system, Brad oversaw the completion of renovations at Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor which included renovation of resident rooms and public areas. He also managed the official opening of the relocation and renovation of the Penn Highlands Clearfield Emergency Department.

    We thank Brad for his dedication to Penn Highlands Healthcare and wish him great success with his future endeavors.

    Mark Norman, Chief Operating Officer of Penn Highlands Healthcare, will serve as the interim President of Penn Highlands Elk. William Chinn, President of Penn Highlands DuBois, will oversee the operations of Penn Highlands Clearfield.

    Employee Engagement

    Mark Your Calendar for the PH DuBois Holiday Celebration!
    10/19/23

    The holiday season will soon be here! This year, you will want to add the Penn Highlands DuBois Holiday Celebration to your calendar. The Penn Highlands DuBois Medical Staff invites you to enjoy the festivities while supporting Penn Highlands DuBois and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. 

    When: Saturday, December 2, 2023 -- Dancing from 7:00 to 11:00 PM

    Where: DuBois Country Club Ballroom, 10 Lakeside Avenue, DuBois, PA 15801

    Details: 

    • Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar. 
    • Music by Cravin' Waves.
    • Formal/semi-formal attire.
    • Masquerade-themed apparel is encouraged but not required.
    • Blocked rooms are available at Comfort Suites at the DuBois Country Club. For reservations, call 814-375-6028. 

    Tickets: Your contribution is $75 for an individual or $150 per couple.

    To purchase tickets in advance, visit this site or send a check payable to Penn Highlands Healthcare to: Lindsey Herzing, Penn Highlands Healthcare, 100 Hospital Avenue, DuBois, PA  15801. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

    Please note: tickets will not be distributed. The names of those who purchase tickets will be at the registration table at the door.

    Plan to attend this fun-filled social event that will raise funds to help our youngest patients!

    Employee Engagement

    Two Penn Highlands Hospitals Celebrate DAISY Awareness Day
    10/17/23

    Penn Highlands DuBois DAISY Award recognition

    A daisy is a small yellow and white flower that is symbolic of purity, innocence, joy and cheerfulness. A DAISY also is a prestigious award established by the DAISY Foundation to recognize the compassionate and skillful care nurses provide to patients and families.


    On October 5, 2023, nurses at Penn Highlands Clearfield and Penn Highlands DuBois celebrated DAISY Awareness Day.

    Penn Highlands Clearfield
    Three nurses were honored at Penn Highlands Clearfield for the extraordinary care and kindness they provide. Susan Kephart, RN, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), received the DAISY Award. Michelle Hatten, RN, Medical/Surgical/Telemetry Unit was recognized for receiving 10 nominations while Alicia Hurley, LPN, Medical/Surgical/Telemetry Unit, was honored for receiving five nominations.

    Anyone who experiences or observes exceptional care being provided by a nurse may submit a DAISY nomination – patients, family members, co-workers, physicians, etc.

    Penn Highlands DuBois
    At Penn Highlands DuBois, the event recognized and celebrated the DAISY Award recipients over the past year and nurses who received multiple milestone nominations.

    Sharon Shattenberg RN, BSN, Maternal Child Service Line Director, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, the Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) Nursing Team was recognized with the DAISY Team Award .

    "Penn Highlands Healthcare employs hundreds of nurses who consistently demonstrate excellence in the delivery of patient care,” said Heather Franci, MBHA, BSN, RN, Penn Highlands Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer and Service Line Director, Heart Center, Lung Center, Brain & Spine, Oncology Services. “Every day, every patient, every shift, our nurses go above and beyond to ensure that patients receive a high level of care."

    Congratulations to all of the DAISY Award recipients!


    Hot News

    Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor Announces New Management
    10/16/23

    Patrice Moorhead, MSW, NHA
Nursing Home Administrator

    Penn Highlands Healthcare announces the appointment of Patrice Moorhead, MSW, NHA, as the new nursing home administrator at Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor in Brookville, Pa.

    Patrice is a certified nursing home administrator who brings more than 20 years of nursing home administration to her new role. Prior to joining Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor, she was the nursing home administrator for Guardian Healthcare Haida – Pennsylvania where she was responsible for the operational management of the skilled nursing care facility. During her career, Patrice has held nursing home administrator positions throughout Pennsylvania at CHR/The Caring Place in Franklin, Loyalhanna Care Center in Latrobe, The Lutheran Home in Johnstown and Beverly Healthcare Mountain View in Hillsdale which is part of Beverly Enterprises. She also served as the Quality Assurance and Social Work Consultant at Beverly Enterprises where she covered 28 facilities throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and New Jersey.

    Patrice earned her Master of Social Work in Management degree from West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va. She is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator from the Nursing Home Administrators Association.

    Please welcome Patrice to Penn Highlands Healthcare!

    Hot News

    International Infection Prevention Week Is October 15-21, 2023
    10/13/23

    International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) is held during the third week of October each year to highlight the importance of preventing infections. This year, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), which is the sponsoring organization, selected “Celebrating the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention" as the theme of the observance.

    During IIPW, October 15-21, 2023, the Penn Highlands Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Team will be sharing information and activities focusing on getting back to the basics of infection prevention. Be sure to watch your email for daily education and activities.

    To acquaint you with some of the basics of infection prevention, the attached flyer outlines how we can break the chain of infection. In addition, an informative video discusses the importance of infection prevention and the role of infection preventionists. Plus, more details about infection preventionists are included in an infographic from APIC.

    Thank you for continuously supporting our Infection Prevention and Control Team and promoting patient safety! Our team includes:
    •   Penn Highlands Brookville: Beth Keth
    •   Penn Highlands Clearfield: Kerri Lingle and Sara Stumpo
    •   Penn Highlands Connellsville: Bobbi Jo Miller
    •   Penn Highlands DuBois: Kerri Lingle and Sara Stumpo
    •   Penn Highlands Elk: Rhonda Chilson
    •   Penn Highlands Huntingdon: Shelly Brown
    •   Penn  Highlands Mon Valley: Kim Carney
    •   Penn Highlands Tyrone: Gegetta Daughenbaugh

    For more information, contact the Infection Prevention and Control team member at your facility.

    PHH Headlines

    Welcome New Providers
    10/04/23

    Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!

    Diana T. Baca, MD
    Connellsville and Greensburg

    Board-certified gynecologist Diana T. Baca, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Gynecology in Connellsville and Greensburg.

    With two decades of experience, Dr. Baca offers patients expert care for women’s unique health needs. Dr. Baca provides comprehensive care, from routine examinations and testing to menopause management and senior health care.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Baca practiced at East Suburban OB/GYN Associates in Monroeville and Chatfield Women’s Care in Littleton, Colo.

    Dr. Baca graduated from Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown, Ohio. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. She is a member of the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

    Jacob Cauvel, DO
    Brookville, Clearfield, DuBois, St. Marys and Tyrone

    Emergency medicine physician Jacob Cauvel, DO, joins the teams in the emergency departments at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk and Penn Highlands Tyrone.

    Dr. Cauvel graduated from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, W.Va. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at UPMC Hamot in Erie, where he was named chief resident. He is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

    Brian Rose, MD
    Connellsville and Monongahela

    Emergency medicine physician Brian Rose, MD, joins the teams in the emergency departments at Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

    With more than two decades of experience, Dr. Rose provides patients with expert care when it matters most, including diagnosing and treating medical conditions or injuries that are either life-threatening or could cause long-term health issues or permanent disabilities.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Rose practiced at Mon Marion Neighborhood Hospital in White Hall, W. Va.; Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, W. Va.; Emergency Physicians of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh; USACS Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pittsburgh; and Queens Hospital Center in Jamaica, N.Y.

    Dr. Rose graduated from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, La. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center, in New York, N.Y.

    Zachary Senders, MD
    Rostraver Township and Connellsville

    Board-certified surgeon Zachary Senders, MD, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Oncologic and General Surgery in Rostraver Township and Connellsville.

    Dr. Senders is a board-certified surgeon offering highly specialized, multidisciplinary surgical cancer care and expertise in general surgery. Dr. Senders has a decade of experience and is a fellowship-trained specialist, achieving the highest level of education in his field.

    Dr. Senders graduated from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in general surgery at Case Western Reserve University/UH Cleveland Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed fellowships in Complex General Surgical Oncology and hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery at University of Louisville School of Medicine in Louisville, Ky while also earning a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation Sciences at the University of Louisville School of Public Health.

    He is a member of the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Society of Surgical Oncology and American College of Surgeons.

    Morgon Von Schmidt, OD
    St. Marys

    Optometrist Morgon Von Schmidt, OD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Eye Center in St. Marys.

    Dr. Von Schmidt offers comprehensive eye care services and specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases, conditions and problems. She uses advanced diagnostic technology and vision correction products to help her patients see more clearly.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Von Schmidt gained clinical experience at My Eye Doctor in Merrimack, N.H.; The Eye Institute at Salus University in Elkins Park; Joint Base Fort Dix-Mcguire-Lakehurst in Wrightstown, N.J.; and Philadelphia VA Medical Center in Philadelphia.

    Dr. Von Schmidt is a graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Elkins Park. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and Pennsylvania Optometry Association.

    Madison DeRubbo, PA-C
    DuBois and Monongahela

    Certified physician assistant Madison DeRubbo, PA-C, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Neurosurgery in DuBois and Monongahela.

    Madison works with the neurosurgeons at Penn Highlands to offer the most advanced treatments for brain conditions, such as brain aneurysms, spinal conditions that cause back pain and neck pain, and treatment for nerve conditions causing pain, including carpal tunnel syndrome and trigeminal neuralgia.

    Madison previously gained clinical experience at UPMC Passavant in Cranberry, Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh and Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

    Madison earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies and Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

    Haley Moore, PA-C
    DuBois, Greensburg and Monongahela

    Certified physician assistant Haley Moore, PA-C, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Neurosurgery in DuBois, Greensburg and Monongahela.

    Haley works with the neurosurgery team at Penn Highlands to take medical histories of patients, perform physical examinations, order and interpret laboratory results, make diagnoses and implement inpatient and outpatient treatments. She has been passionate about neurosurgery throughout her professional and educational career, and she is excited to work with the high caliber medical team at Penn Highlands to provide exceptional patient care.

    Haley previously gained clinical experience at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, Pediatric Associates of Westmoreland in Irwin, Forefront Dermatology in Cranberry, Alipex Behavioral Clinic in Irwin and UPMC Hamot in Erie.

    Haley earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Mercyhurst University in Erie and Bachelor of Neuroscience at Westminster College in New Wilmington. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

    Samantha Wulf, CRNP, FNP-BC
    Monongahela

    Certified registered nurse practitioner Samantha Wulf, CRNP, FNP-BC, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Monongahela.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Samantha practiced at Pain and Spine Specialists of Pennsylvania in Washington and Pleasant Hills; Dialysis Clinic, Inc., in Washington and South Pointe; and Washington Health System in Washington.

    Samantha earned her Master of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minn. She is a member of the American Nurses Association and American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

    Rebecca Zeigler, PA-C, MSHM
    DuBois and Monongahela

    Certified physician assistant Rebecca Zeigler, PA-C, MSHM, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Neurosurgery in DuBois and Monongahela.

    Rebecca treats patients who need surgery for neurological conditions under the supervision of a Penn Highlands neurosurgeon. She prepares patients for what to expect in their treatment plan, collects medical histories and assists the surgeon during procedures.

    Rebecca previously gained clinical experience at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Lycoming Internal Medicine in Lock Haven, Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital in Bloomsburg, UPMC Susquehanna in Williamsport, Geisinger Lock Haven in Lock Haven and Houtzdale Rural Health Center in Houtzdale.

    Rebecca earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Health Management and Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at Lock Haven University in Lock Haven. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants.

    PHH Headlines

    Congratulations to Our Stellar Hospitals and Services!
    10/02/23

    Penn Highlands Healthcare is an outstanding health system and we have the awards and accreditations to prove it! Our hospitals and services are continually recognized for excellence by national, state and regional organizations. During the last quarter, the hospitals and services listed below received awards and certifications.

    Penn Highlands Brookville
    For the second consecutive year, Penn Highlands Brookville was recognized with the Hospital and Health System of Pennsylvania (HAP) Excellence in Patient Safety Award. This award recognizes Pennsylvania’s top performing hospitals that have reduced healthcare-associated infections. In addition, PH Brookville was the only hospital in Pennsylvania to receive the Silver Designation in the 2023 HAP Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge. Also this quarter, the hospital’s Echo Lab earned Echocardiography accreditation.

    Penn Highlands Clearfield
    Penn Highlands Clearfield was the only hospital in Pennsylvania to receive the Bronze Designation in the 2023 HAP Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge. On April 24, 2023, PH Clearfield employees held a flag raising ceremony to create awareness of organ, eye and tissue donation.

    Penn Highlands Connellsville
    Penn Highlands Connellsville received three-year accreditation, 2023-2026, for MRI from the American College of Radiology (ACR). ACR accreditation, which is recognized as the gold standard in medical imaging, helps assure patients that the hospital provides the highest level of image quality and safety.

    Penn Highlands DuBois
    During the last quarter, Penn Highlands DuBois received Platinum Designation in the HAP 2023 Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge. Also during this quarter at PH DuBois, the Hahne Cancer Center received accreditation from the American College of Radiology for Radiation Oncology. This accreditation provides impartial evaluation of patient care by assessing the facility’s personnel, equipment, treatment planning and treatment records as well as patient safety policies and quality control/quality assessment activities. PH DuBois also earned Corazon Cardiovascular Program accreditation. Corazon, Inc., is a national leader in services for the cardiovascular specialty.

    Penn Highlands Elk
    Penn Highlands Elk was one of only 17 hospitals in Pennsylvania and 530 across the U.S. to earn Five Stars and be named a Top Hospital for Staff Responsiveness by Becker’s. The star rating is based on data collected from hospital patients using Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). PH Elk also earned the 2023 Platinum Designation in the HAP 2023 Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge.

    Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home
    Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home received the 2022 Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP) Best Hospice Caregiver Satisfaction Award -- and earned a Top 20% overall score. SHP Best Award recipients are determined by ranking the overall score for all SHP Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems’ clients. In addition, Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home earned SHP's Best Superior Performer CAHPS Award for 2022. Also adding to Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home honors was being named a First Place Readers’ Choice Award Winner in the Home Health Care category by the readers of the Ridgway Record and St. Marys Daily Press.

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon
    Penn Highlands Huntingdon earned Five Stars and was named a Top Hospital for Staff Responsiveness by Becker’s. CMS shares 10 HCAHPS star ratings based on publicly reported measures. The staff responsiveness star rating combines data from two HCAHPS survey questions and summarizes how quickly patients felt they received help after pressing the call button or asking for help to use the restroom or bedpan. In addition, PH Huntingdon also received the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation accreditation for Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Corazon's endorsed accreditation for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions on behalf of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions.

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley
    Penn Highlands Mon Valley was named one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Pulmonary Care by Healthgrades. PH Mon Valley also received two American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get With the Guidelines quality achievement awards for its commitment to ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate treatments. The awards include the Get With the Guidelines — Heart Failure Gold Plus Award — Target: Heart Failure Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll, and the Get With The Guidelines — Stroke Gold Plus Award Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. In addition, PH Mon Valley received the 2023 HAP Achievement Award for its Community Care Network Transitions of Care. Also, HealthPlex Imaging received ACR accreditation for Vascular Ultrasound including Peripheral Venous, Cerebrovascular and Renal Vasculature. 

    Penn Highlands Tyrone
    Penn Highlands Tyrone received Computed Tomography Services accreditation from the American College of Radiology. This accreditation is a valuable tool in maintaining excellence in everything from operations to patient care.

    Congratulations to all of these hospitals and services on their awards and accreditations!

    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands State College Construction Update
    09/29/23

    Construction for Penn Highlands State College, our new technologically advanced hospital and medical office building that will open in 2024, is progressing well.

    During the past month, soffit framing was completed below the exterior flat roofs and roll-up doors were installed in the central utilities plant and first level of the hospital. 

    In the hospital, the café hood was installed, the light-gauge structural systems were completed on the first floor; the headwalls were installed on all levels; and the acoustic ceiling grid was installed in the patient rooms. 

    In the weeks ahead, crews will be installing lavatories and water closets in patient rooms, hanging drywall in the hospital and medical office building, painting all stairwells and paving the service roads.  

    To learn more visit: www.phhealthcare.org/statecollege

    Hot News

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley To Sponsor 34th Annual Medical Staff Symposium
    09/28/23

    "Essential Updates for the Practicing Physician” is the theme of the 34th Annual Medical Staff Symposium sponsored by Penn Highlands Mon Valley. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center. The Conference Center is located on the campus of Penn Highlands Mon Valley at 1163 Country Club Road in Monongahela, Pa.

    During the symposium, experts in the fields of vascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atrial fibrillation will discuss the latest therapies and treatments in those areas. In addition, presenters will outline artificial intelligence in radiology as well as the latest COVID-19 developments. ​

    The annual symposium is presented to educate physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals in diagnosis, treatment and prevention, as well as effective and efficient methods to help improve patient outcomes. 

    Speakers include:

    • Satish C. Muluk, MD, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, Pa. -- “New Treatment of Peripheral Vascular Disease”
    • Graham M. Snyder, MD, UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pa. -- “Update on COVID-19”
    • Samir Shah, MD, MMR, FACR, Envision Healthcare, Pittsburgh, Pa. -- “Artificial Intelligence in Radiology”
    • Frank C. Sciurba, MD, FCCP, UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pa. -- “Update on COPD”
    • Sandeep Jain, MD, UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pa. -- “Contemporary Management of Atrial Fibrillation”
    Penn Highlands Mon Valley is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Attendance at the entire program is required to earn continuing education credits.

    There is no charge to attend this symposium. For those unable to attend in person, the session will also be offered virtually. A Zoom link will be provided to those who register.

    The attached brochure provides more information. To register, call 724-258-1239.

    PHH Headlines

    Help Spread the Word About Breast Cancer Awareness Month Activities
    09/25/23

    Approximately one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer during their lifetime and more than 40,000 women die from breast cancer each year. When breast cancer is detected early, people can have more positive outcomes and lives can be saved.

    This October during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Penn Highlands Breast Services Team encourages all employees to learn the importance of preventive screenings and breast health. Throughout our health system, we are sharing important breast health information with our employees and the people in the communities we serve. Listed below are our scheduled activities.

    • Help spread awareness while wearing Penn Highlands pink apparel. Employees interested in purchasing items can view new items on the Penn Highlands Apparel site.
    • ​Employees are encouraged to wear pink apparel every Friday in October.
    • Our eight hospitals and the Community Medical Buildings in Clarion and Punxsutawney and the Mon Valley HealthPlex will offer mammograms for employees on special days and times. See the schedule for locations and times.
    • Pink masks and gloves will be available for employees to wear when treating patients throughout the month.
    • Billboards will be displayed throughout the Penn Highlands Healthcare service areas.
    • Facilities with electronic signs will have a message displayed on the screens.
    • Videos featuring Penn Highlands Healthcare breast care staff and physicians will be run in each region promoting the importance of early detection.
    • Throughout the month, news releases will be shared with the media emphasizing the role of mammograms in early detection of breast cancer.
    • In early October, a breast cancer awareness story focusing on our new software to detect cancer in dense breasts will be published in the Tri-County Weekend, St. Marys Daily Press, Ridgway Record and Kane Republican.
    • During October, a social media campaign will be implemented to create awareness that mammograms save lives.
    • The October/November issue of LifeLines, our health system's electronic newsletter that is distributed to more than 90,000 people throughout Pennsylvania, will include the story on detecting breast cancer in women with dense breasts.
    • Table tents will be distributed to physician offices outlining the importance of annual mammograms.
    • Facilities may set-up information tables in their lobbies.
    • Yard signs are being provided for each facility to place to help increase awareness.
    • Penn Highlands Mon Valley is sponsoring its 20th Annual Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Penn Highlands Mon Valley HealthPlex. A $20 registration fee for the one-mile fun walk supports the prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer in the Mon Valley. For more information or to register, visit the website.
    • The Annual Breast and Cervical Screening will be held at Penn Highlands DuBois Center of Excellence on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. A free clinical breast exam, mammogram, pelvic exam and pap smear are available to people with or without insurance who meet eligibility requirements. Learn more.

    As always, the Penn Highlands Healthcare Breast Services Team encourages anyone who wants to make a donation to support breast cancer care to donate locally so our health system can remain on the cutting-edge of care with the latest technology to detect and treat breast cancer. Donate here.

    As we prepare to observe National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we hope that you will join us in helping to spread the word about breast health.

    Hot News

    Mark Your Calendar for the 20th Annual Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk
    09/20/23

    Form your teams. Get your pink attire ready. Lace up your athletic shoes. Penn Highlands Mon Valley is sponsoring the 20th Annual Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Registration begins at 9:00 AM with the race starting at 10:00 AM. The event will be held at the Mon Valley HealthPlex at 800 Plaza Drive, in Rostraver Township, Pennsylvania.

    "Practically everyone knows at least one person who is currently battling or survived breast cancer,” said Natalie Furgiuele, MD, a breast surgeon with Penn Highlands Mon Valley. "While raising important funds, this Walk shows our community that we are united to fight this disease."

    A $20 registration fee supports patients undergoing breast cancer treatment in the Mon Valley region. Proceeds from this year’s Walk will be used to provide Ensure Nutritional Supplements to Penn Highlands Mon Valley cancer patients. Ensure is an expensive, but necessary supplement that helps to keep their bodies strong during treatment.

    The Walk promises to be fun for the whole family. Each registrant will receive pink items including a bandana, tribute ribbon and heart worry stone. Refreshments will be provided. Commemorative T-shirts and baseball caps each will be sold for $12. Plus, the ever-popular Chinese Auction is back along with a raffle for a beautiful jewelry item from Mar-Bill Diamonds & Jewelry.

    In addition, during the event, a bench will be dedicated in memory of Lois Orange Ducoeur for patients, their families and caregivers to have a comfortable place to rest and wait while their loved one receives care.

    To register, visit www.phhealthcare.org/ducoeurwalk2023.

    For more information, contact ldherzing@phhealthcare.org or call 814-375-3902.

    Employee Engagement

    It's National Rehabilitation Week!
    09/18/23

    In recognition of the benefits of rehabilitation and the successes of those who have received treatment through all forms of rehabilitation, the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation (NRAF) recognizes National Rehabilitation Awareness Week during the third full week in September every year. This year, the observance is September 18-24. 

    Throughout this week, we reflect on the remarkable patient outcomes that are achieved through the power of medical rehab and reaffirm our commitment to transforming lives.

    Be sure to thank our rehabilitation team for the work they do to transform lives by providing the highest quality medical rehabilitation care.

    At Penn Highlands Healthcare, we are proud to celebrate National Rehabilitation Awareness Week and salute our skilled rehabilitation team!

    Employee Engagement

    Employee Flu Shot Dates and Important Information
    09/13/23

    Penn Highlands Healthcare influenza vaccine roll out begins on September 27, 2023.

    Penn Highlands Healthcare makes it convenient for you to get your influenza vaccine. Click here for employee flu shot dates across the health system. An appointment is not needed for the clinics. Employees can just show up during one of the clinic times.

    These clinics are open to any Penn Highlands Healthcare staff or students at no cost. Employees can also get flu vaccines at any Penn Highlands Retail Pharmacy.

    Employees that don't receive the influenza vaccine will be required to wear a mask from November 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024.

    A mandatory Net Learning for all employees regarding your flu vaccine status will be available starting September 18, 2023. It will be due by October 31, 2023. If this is not completed by this deadline, you may be placed on administrative leave until completed.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccine is particularly important for people who work in the healthcare industry as well as people who are at higher risk of serious complications from the virus.

    We hope you will visit one of the clinics to protect yourself, and to prevent you from spreading the virus to your family and our patients this flu season.

    Employee Engagement

    Stay Healthy: Plan to Get the Flu Vaccine!
    09/11/23

    The flu can make you very sick and make you miss out on many activities such as a school play, football games, holiday parties and more. Rolling up your sleeve to get the flu vaccine is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of contracting the flu. 

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 

    • The flu vaccine can keep you from getting sick with the flu. 
      • The vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year. For example, during 2019-2020, the last flu season prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 7.5 million influenza illnesses, 3.7 million influenza-associated medical visits, 105,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and 6,300 influenza-associated deaths.
      • During seasons when flu vaccine viruses are similar to circulating flu viruses, flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40% to 60%.
    • Flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.
    • Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization.
    • Flu vaccination is an important preventive tool for people with certain chronic health conditions.
      • Flu vaccination has been associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among people with heart disease, especially among those who have had a cardiac event in the past year.
      • Among people with diabetes and chronic lung disease, flu vaccination has been shown in separate studies to be associated with reduced hospitalizations from a worsening of their chronic condition.
    • Flu vaccination during pregnancy helps protect pregnant people from flu during and after pregnancy and helps protect their infants from flu in their first few months of life.​
    • Flu vaccine can be lifesaving in children.
      • A 2022 study showed that flu vaccination reduced children’s risk of severe life-threatening influenza by 75%.
    • Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people and people with certain chronic health conditions.

    Despite the many benefits offered by the flu vaccination, only about half of Americans get an annual flu vaccine. Be among those who get the vaccine. Plan to stay healthy this flu season. 

    Watch for emails for the dates when the flu vaccine will be available at your site.

    PHH Headlines

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon and Penn Highlands Tyrone Hosting Health Expo
    09/08/23

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon and Penn Highlands Tyrone invite you, your family and friends to a Health Expo on Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 8:00 AM - 12 Noon, at the Tyrone Area High School.

    Learn tips on staying healthy and active all year long while engaging with Penn Highlands Healthcare professionals from 16 specialty care services and there will be free screenings too. Plus, a blood analysis screening and lipid panel, PSA, blood type, hemoglobin A1C and vitamin D tests will be available.

    Representatives from the Talent Acquisition Department will also be there to share information about career opportunities with Penn Highlands Healthcare.

    Admission is free and open to the public, and there will be giveaways, refreshments and an opportunity to win additional prizes.


    Screenings

    • ​$40 BLOOD ANALYSIS GET SCREENED for CMP, CBC, and Lipid panel.
    • Additional tests: $15 PSA, $20 Blood Type, $15 Hemoglobin A1C and $15 Vitamin D.
    • FREE Ankle Brachial Index Screen.
    • FREE Heel Bone Density Test.
    • FREE Balance and Grip Strength Test.
    • FREE BMI Screening.
    • FREE Gifts.

    Learn more about

    • Audiology.
    • Behavioral Health Services.
    • Cardiac Rehabilitation.
    • Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
    • DEXA Scans.
    • ENT (Ear / Nose / Throat) Services.
    • Family Medicine and Pediatric Care.
    • Infusion Services.
    • Mammography.
    • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.
    • QCare Walk-in Clinic.
    • Outpatient Rehabilitation Services.
    • Stroke Program.
    • Swing Bed - Pathway To Healing Program.
    • Weight Loss Programs.
    • Wound Care.

    PHH Headlines

    Welcome Graduate Medical Education Residents and Fellow
    09/07/23

    We’re pleased to welcome Family Medicine Residents, Psychiatry Residents and our Sports Medicine Fellow to the Penn Highlands Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program. 

    Our Family Medicine Residents are here to train with the physicians who care for and serve our community in the office and beyond. This diverse group takes pride in the care they provide their patients, and they are also a part of hands-on learning events and community happenings, including spending time at children's activities, at public health fairs and our regional free-clinic.

    Meet our Class of 2026 Family Medicine Residents

    Satyam Sharma, DO

    Satyam Sharma, DO, is a Family Medicine Resident Physician at Penn Highlands Healthcare. From Toronto, Canada, Dr. Sharma completed his Bachelor of Science in Honors Biology from York University. His dream of becoming a physician came to life when he attended Kansas City University, where he earned his medical degree. Dr. Sharma joined Penn Highlands because of their welcoming and open environment. He looks forward to refine his procedural skills that are offered through the flexible curriculum. In addition to Family Medicine, he is also interested in Sports Medicine and Healthcare Administration.

    In his free time, he likes to stay active and enjoys catching up on his favorite TV shows. He is excited to start his medical journey and glad to be a part of Penn Highlands Healthcare.


    Jing Su, DO
    Jing Su, DO, is a Family Medicine Resident Physician currently practicing patient care at Penn Highlands Healthcare. Having grown up in New Jersey, she has always had a passion for healthcare and helping others. Her journey in the medical field began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New York University in New York. Driven by her desire to make a more profound impact on patients' lives, she pursued her dream of becoming a physician, and she recently achieved her goal by graduating from Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, NJ, earning a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree.

    Brianna Kunes, MD
    Brianna Kunes, MD, is a Family Medicine Resident Physician at Penn Highlands Healthcare. Dr. Kunes was born and raised in DuBois, PA. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. She then obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA with clinical experiences at Christiana Care in Newark, DE. She is excited to complete her residency at Penn Highlands Healthcare where she can continue to advance her skills in full-scope rural family practice and serve her community. 

    Dr. Kunes’ medical interests include community health and women’s health, specifically mitigating period poverty and menstrual stigma. She is passionate about mentoring other first-generation medical students, especially those from rural areas, in an effort to increase diversity in medical education and reduce healthcare disparities in underserved areas.

    Outside of medicine, Dr. Kunes enjoys shopping for mid-century vintage items with her mom, doing home improvement projects, gardening and spending time with her boyfriend and two cats. She looks forward to establishing trusting and compassionate relationships with her patients and investing in the community she calls home.

    Gabrielle Papia, DO
    Gabrielle Papia, DO, is a family medicine resident physician at Penn Highlands Healthcare. Dr. Papia is originally from western New York and obtained her undergraduate education at Houghton University. She then received her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, completing her clinical experiences with UPMC Chautauqua. Throughout her residency, Dr. Papia aims to dive deeper into inpatient medicine, honing her skills in managing complex medical conditions and providing exceptional care within hospital settings. Additionally, she aspires to excel in outpatient procedures, seeking to make a difference in patients’ lives outside the hospital walls. 

    Beyond her work, Dr. Papia leads a fulfilling life outside of medicine. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, and she has been a musician from a young age. Dr. Papia also enjoys playing a variety of board games.

    Karthik Kailash, DO
    Karthik Kailash, DO, is a dedicated resident physician at Penn Highlands Healthcare in Dubois, PA. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology at the University of Kansas and earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Kansas City University. Drawn to the rural setting in Dubois, Dr. Kailash's decision to practice medicine in this area reflects passion to make a positive impact on the lives of those living in underserved communities. As a resident at Penn Highlands Healthcare, Dr. Kailash is eager to immerse himself in the program's enriching learning environment.

    Dr. Kailash has many hobbies outside of working. He enjoys playing tennis with his friends, and watching the latest blockbuster movie. He also loves experimenting with new recipes and cooking up delicious meals for friends and family.

    ​​​Dominick Hanyok, DO 
    Dominick Hanyok, DO, is a Family Medicine Resident Physician at Penn Highlands Healthcare. Dr. Hanyok is from Bowie, Md. where he completed his Bachelors of Science degree in Biology at the University of Maryland, College Park. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine with clinical experience at Meadville Medical Center and the surrounding rural health clinics. Dr. Hanyok has chosen to complete his residency here at Penn Highlands DuBois due to his interest in Rural Medicine and full scope Family Medicine.

    Dr. Hanyok enjoys spending his free time reading, watching “B” rated movies, and finding new places to hike or camp. He also has interests in cars, jazz music and cards games including poker and Magic The Gathering.


    Penn Highlands Psychiatry Residency Program offers a one-to-one experience with the attending physician. We offer specialized inpatient and outpatient programs for children and adolescents, adults and for the geriatric population. Residents see patients from a diverse population with varied diagnoses.

    Meet our Psychiatry Residents

    Class of 2025

    Erica Schmidt, MD
    Erica Schmidt, MD, is from Central Pennsylvania and is a resident physician in Psychiatry at Penn Highlands Healthcare. She completed her medical school prerequisites and majored in the Fine Arts at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wis. She also received her phlebotomy certification at the University of Wisconsin. After this, she completed an emergency medical technician course in Coral Springs, Florida. Dr. Schmidt obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree at the Trinity School of Medicine. 

    Some of her special interests include psychopharmacology, integrated med-psych, residential treatment/dual diagnosis, dialectical behavioral therapy, and psychiatric advance directives. Outside of work, she loves traveling and spending time with her family and her rescue cat, Onyx. She also enjoys inline skating, ice hockey, relaxing, swimming and outdoor adventures.

    Class of 2027

    Erica Brasley, MD, MA
    Erica Brasley, MD, is a resident physician in Psychiatry at Penn Highlands Healthcare. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Master of Arts in Psychology at the University of New Hampshire. She then received her Doctor in Medicine degree at Tufts University as part of the Maine Track Program in Portland, Maine. 

    Dr. Brasley grew up in New Hampshire where she enjoys spending time outdoors hiking in the White Mountains. She is passionate about serving underserved communities and aims to address mental health disparities through a holistic and compassionate approach to patient care. Her hobbies include exploring local restaurants and coffee shops, trail running, kayaking, and creating art with epoxy.

    Memberships include American Medical Association, America Psychiatric Association and American Neuropsychiatric Association.

    Sarah Chwiki-Luansing, DO, MS
    Sarah Chwiki-Luansing, DO, is a psychiatry resident physician at Penn Highlands DuBois. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science and Psychology at the University of Virginia. She then moved to Philadelphia and completed a Master of Science at Drexel University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

    Her favorite aspects of the residency program are the sociable co-residents, the supportive faculty, and being a part of a community hospital. In her free time she enjoys playing board games, spending time with her bunny and corgi, traveling and scuba diving with her wife.

    Hemant Bhalla, DO
    Hemant Bhalla, DO, is a resident physician in Psychiatry at Penn Highlands Healthcare. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Akron. Following that, he worked as a patient care nurse assistant and restaurant busser. He then pursued his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine with the goal of working in mental health. His special interests include psychodynamic therapy, as well as ADHD and comorbid conditions. 

    In his personal life, he likes to competitively play Super Smash Bros. Aside from competitive gaming, he also enjoys getting involved in new hobbies, exercising, and spending time with others. He is passionate about psychiatry, and is looking forward being on the front lines at Penn Highlands to serve those in the community who are in need of mental health services.

    Vinisha Reddy, DO
    Vinisha Reddy, DO, is a resident physician in Psychiatry at Penn Highlands Healthcare. She received a degree in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at Clarion University and later attended Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine to obtain her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree. Dr. Reddy is drawn to psychiatry for its continually evolving nature and looks forward to treating mental illness in a community setting.

    In her free time, Dr. Reddy enjoys playing tennis, working out and spending time with her family, friends and cat, Maxx. Having done most of her schooling in rural areas, she was drawn to Penn Highlands for the opportunity to work with underserved populations and a wide array of behavioral health pathologies.


    The Penn Highlands Sports Medicine Fellowship Program is a one-year program that annually accepts one new fellow that has recently completed their residency program in emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, or physical medicine and rehabilitation. This fellowship program offers excellent opportunities for rotations, one-on-one time with attending physicians, time in the sports medicine clinic, on-site sports care, inpatient care, and non-sports ambulatory care.

    Meet our Sports Medicine Fellow

    Kaylin Strauser-Curtis, DO, has joined the team at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in DuBois as a Sports Medicine Fellow.

    Prior to Penn Highlands, Dr. Strauser-Curtis graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie. She then completed her residency in Family Medicine at Penn Highlands DuBois, and decided to stay to complete a Sports Medicine Fellowship.

    Outside of work she enjoys outdoor activities, crafting, and spending time with her husband and daughter. Living in Western PA boasts spectacular areas for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. When asked what she likes most about the DuBois area, Dr. Strauser-Curtis easily says the best part is the people. DuBois is a great community to be a part of and to raise a family.


    Congratulations to these bright doctors who are shining stars for the future! 

    Hot News

    Yellow Pages Scam Alert!
    08/30/23


    Beware, an old scam has resurfaced! A Yellow Pages-type company, presenting itself as a telephone or online directory service, is sending “Listing Order Forms” to some of our practices and departments. These forms often indicate, “This is not a bill.” (See examples below.)

    If you receive this correspondence, do not sign the form! Shred them immediately.

    Once the form is signed, it could be a legally binding document that could lead to a bill for hundreds of dollars. It usually does not provide any useful service, and it is basically a way to trick people into signing up for a listing that is not affiliated with any brand-name yellow page service, such as Verizon or AT&T.

    If you are not sure if this correspondence is legitimate, contact the Marketing, Communications and Sales (MarComS) Department at cglaboon@phhealthcare.org, but, whatever you do, please DO NOT SIGN them.

    Yellow Page books are not used as much as in the past and PHH Yellow Page advertising is very minimal. The MarComS Team continues to manage these listings. If your department has Yellow Page listings, those should be shared and sent to the MarComS Team.

    Your cooperation is most appreciated.

    Employee Engagement

    Penn Highlands Pink Apparel - Order by September 12
    08/25/23

    October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

    Help spread awareness while wearing Penn Highlands pink apparel. Employees interested in purchasing items can log on and view new items on the Penn Highlands Apparel site. Orders must be placed by September 12, 2023 to receive in October. After 9/12/2023, orders will NOT be guaranteed for October.

    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands State College Construction Update
    08/21/23

    Construction for Penn Highlands State College, our new technologically advanced hospital that will open in 2024, continues to progress well.

    During the first three weeks of August, completed installations include the permanent power to the site, as well as the medical gas piping on the second level of the hospital. The PACU framing was completed in the hospital and all air handling units were installed on the roofs of the hospital and medical office building. 

    In the hospital, painting continues on the first and second floors as well as installation of the sprinkler piping throughout the building and drywall hanging. 

    Crews are currently working on both the hospital and medical office building where they are wrapping up installation of the exterior glass, and continuing to make progress with interior utility rough-ins and drywall hanging.

    To learn more, visit: www.phhealthcare.org/statecollege.

    Employee Engagement

    Rewards & Recognition Celebration Recap: August 2023
    08/18/23

    As part of Penn Highlands Healthcare’s quarterly Rewards & Recognition, celebrations are planned to thank employees, honor professional achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout our health system.

    Rewards and Recognition Week was celebrated August 7-11, 2023.

    During "Greatest Fair at Penn Highlands Healthcare,” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme, employees were encouraged to dress in PHH logo wear and participate in themed activities.

    Congratulations to all of this quarter’s honorees! Please click on the links below to enjoy a recap of the celebrations.

    Penn Highlands Brookville

    Penn Highlands Clearfield

    Penn Highlands DuBois

    Penn Highlands Elk

    Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley

    Penn Highlands Physician Network

    Penn Highlands Tyrone


    Hot News

    St. Bernard Brings Comfort to Penn Highlands Healthcare Patients
    08/11/23

    Amy Zeiders and Will Chinn pose with Drago.

    Television programs and movies have depicted Saint Bernards as dogs that run through snow-filled mountains to rescue stranded climbers; or canines full of energy who find themselves in comical and harrowing situations. At Penn Highlands Healthcare, a Saint Bernard named Drago, whose name was taken from a Rocky movie, is making an impact on the lives of the health system’s patients and employees for the cheer he brings to them.

    For the past year, Drago, who is a certified therapy dog, and his owner, Amy Zeiders, have been visiting patients at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois East and West campuses, Penn Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor and Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home Adult Day Services. In September, these two dedicated volunteers will also begin visiting with patients at Penn Highlands Elk.

    “Our schedule varies at each hospital or location,” explained Mrs. Zeiders. “We visit some hospitals every week, while other sites are on our schedule only twice per month. Once we are at the facility, the time spent with the patients is based on their individual needs.”

    Drago is very well trained and impeccably groomed. The 210-pound canine visits Emergency Departments, ICUs, waiting rooms, inpatient units and nursing facilities. He travels from room to room and enjoys everyone. Drago is not permitted to climb on the beds, but his height lends itself well for placement of his head on the beds enabling patients to easily stroke his fur. He will eagerly pose for photos with patients — especially when Mrs. Zeiders says “cheeseburger.”

    “Our staff looks forward to when Drago visits Penn Highlands DuBois because the canine-human bond not only lifts the spirits of our patients, but he helps to create a reinvigorated atmosphere that helps to reduce stress and boost morale among staff,” explained William Chinn, President of Penn Highlands DuBois.

    “Drago has a great sense of people and their needs,” said Mrs. Zeiders who has been raising St. Bernards for more than 30 years. “He goes to everyone and knows when someone needs some extra attention.”

    Drago is one of three Saint Bernards who currently live with Mrs. Zeiders and her husband in Frenchville, Penna. They welcome a new therapy puppy of that breed every three years. For Mrs. Zeiders, having therapy dogs runs in the family. Her mother also traveled to facilities to provide pet therapy with Saint Bernards. She has been raising her own Saint Bernard therapy dogs since 1992. Prior to her retirement from the courts in 2022, Mrs. Zeiders would take her therapy dogs to work to provide comfort to victims in the courtroom.

    “Drago and I feel privileged to be able to be part of the healing process for people in our region,” added Mrs. Zeiders.


    Penn Highlands Healthcare Urges Safe Habits as COVID-19 Cases Increase
    08/11/23

    Are you still mindful of COVID-19? People from coast to coast, including many in our region, have relaxed their COVID-19 precautions. However, for three consecutive weeks, Penn Highlands Healthcare is reporting an uptick in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

    There are several factors contributing to the increase in COVID-19 cases in our community. Summer travel certainly is impacting the numbers, as well as the EG.5 variant which contains a mutation known to confer immune escape.

    While hospital admissions have increased both locally and nationally, they remain far below the peak levels and severe cases and deaths are quite rare compared to earlier in the pandemic. Many of the COVID-19 admissions across our health system are elderly patients and those who have pre-existing conditions.

    People in high-risk groups should consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings and remain up-to-date with their vaccinations, including a booster in the fall when it becomes available.

    In June, the FDA recommended that manufacturers update their vaccines to target the XBB.1.5 lineage. A booster may be authorized as early as this month and could be available in September or October.

    In a news release that we are distributing today, I am advising anyone testing positive for COVID-19 to avoid contact with others, especially those who are high-risk of getting very sick. 

    Although the Public Health Emergency is over, COVID-19 remains a public health challenge.


    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands State College Construction Update
    08/10/23

    Construction for Penn Highlands State College, our new technologically advanced hospital that will open in 2024, is progressing well.

    During the past two weeks, completed installations include the permanent power to the site, as well as the medical gas piping on the second level of the hospital. Crews are currently working on both the hospital and medical office building, where they are wrapping up installation of the exterior glass, and continuing to make progress with interior utility rough-ins and drywall hanging.

    To learn more visit: www.phhealthcare.org/statecollege.

    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands DuBois DAISY Award Honorees
    08/09/23

    Penn Highlands Healthcare honors our amazing nursing staff with the DAISY Foundation's DAISY Award, a program that recognizes and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care that nurses provide to their patients every day. Please join us in congratulating our DAISY Award honorees at Penn Highlands DuBois from November 2022 through May 2023.


    November 2022
    Crystal Brunetti, RN, Emergency Department

    Crystal was nominated by a patient and fellow nurse who said Crystal went out of her way to make her feel comfortable and relaxed in a nerve-racking situation. “I can’t commend her enough on her excellent bedside manner and ability to show compassion in an overcrowded emergency department.”


    December 2022
    Alexandra “Lexi” Smith, RN, Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit

    Alexandra was nominated by a patient’s husband who said she was “a beacon of hope and a real loving, professional young woman who greatly helped in my wife’s very dark moments and her severest moments of pain.” He also said that Alexandra looked at his wife as a true friend at the moment, not just a nurse who was doing her job and putting her time in. 

    January 2023
    Shannon Gill, RN, Opioid Use Disorder/Substance Use Disorder Pregnancy-Postpartum Care Coordinator

    Shannon’s nomination was submitted by Sue McCullough, Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Penn Highlands DuBois. "We could not have asked for a more caring, compassionate nurse to take on this program," Sue mentioned in her nomination. She also said that Shannon always goes above and beyond, and builds trusting relationships with her patients. 

    February 2023
    Wioletta Orlowski, RN, Intensive Care Unit

    Wioletta was nominated by a patient’s granddaughter who said she has never met a nurse who is as sweet and caring as Wioletta. “Wioletta was such an amazing person. She has incredible bedside skills and made this absolute horrible situation bearable. She kept the room light and she comforted us as much as she possibly could. When I asked her questions of any kind, she answered them promptly and professionally.”

    March 2023
    Fernanda Ryen, RN, General Medical-5 Unit

    Fernanda’s nominations were submitted by multiple co-workers who wanted to recognize her dedication and willingness to put in extra time for her patients. “Any nurse will be able to tell you how hectic a shift can be this early in the morning … Fernanda, without being asked, decided to stay over past her 12-hour shift to help pass medications, make sure patients were taken care of and to answer questions for the providers. Fernanda stayed, not for the overtime or potential praise, but for the safety of her patients and for the quality of care that all nurses should aspire to give!”

    April 2023
    Lori Mehok, RN, Cardiovascular ICU

    Lori was nominated by a patient’s family member who commented on the wonderful care that Lori provided to their father during his stay. “Our father received good care by other staff in the ICU and CVICU during his five-day stay. Lori, however, displayed a caring and compassionate attitude. You can tell that Lori is a nurse because she wants to help her patients — not just for a paycheck.”

    May 2023
    Haylee Simler, RN in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

    Haylee’s nomination was submitted by a newborn’s parent who said she is full of energy, kindness and is compassionate about her job. “Haylee always smiled and had such a bubbly personality, it felt like we have known each other for years. She was also very much informative and knowledgeable about the services my daughter was receiving. She was helpful in every way possible. I wish more nurses were like her.”


    Each DAISY Award honoree is recognized at a ceremony on his/her unit and receives a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful hand-carved stone sculpture entitled A Healer’s Touch. In addition, there is a celebration held for the honoree which includes cinnamon rolls for their unit.

    DAISY nomination ballots are included in patient discharge packets and other patient information. Anyone –- patients, families, physicians and employees –- may thank a deserving nurse by filling out this form and dropping it in the DAISY collection box located by the elevators throughout each hospital or by sending it via mail or email. DAISY nomination ballots can also be submitted electronically. Click here to submit your story.

    All nominations are reviewed by the DAISY Award Committee. Winners from each hospital are chosen by the facility specific committees. Awards are presented monthly at facilities throughout the health system.

    PHH Headlines

    Chief Residents Announced For 2023-2024 Academic Year
    08/08/23

    The Penn Highlands Graduate Medical Education program is pleased to announce its Chief residents for the 2023-2024 academic year. Chief residents are chosen for their leadership skills, ethical reliability, clinical insight, and are proven to be excellent representation of the residency program. Chief responsibilities include managing student schedules, participating in program leadership meetings, organizing events, and serving as liaisons between the program, their peers, and faculty.

    Effective July 1, 2023, the appointed Co-Chiefs for the Family Medicine Residency Program are Grace Isaacson, DO and Drushti Mehta, DO.

    Dr. Isaacson is a graduate of Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine of Ivins, Utah. She is currently practicing care at the Penn Highlands Family Medicine Residency Clinic. She is a member of the Continuing Medical Education Committee and OB/GYN Section Committee and recently became a member of the Graduate Medical Education and Program Evaluation Committee (Family Medicine). Dr. Issacson currently leads a quality improvement project to create the first Resident Handbook for the Penn Highlands Family Medicine Residency Program and is assisting with Penn Highlands’ School Telemedicine Program. Among her several community outreach activities, Dr. Isaacson participates in providing free breast and cervical cancer screenings to underserved members of the Amish and DuBois communities, which are hosted by the Penn Highlands’ Breast Care Center twice a year. She plans to complete a Family Medicine Obstetric Surgical Fellowship upon completion of her residency training.

    Dr. Mehta is a graduate of Kansas City University of Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. She practices care at the Brookville Rural Health Center. Dr. Mehta is most recently a member of the Program Evaluation Committee (Family Medicine) and the Graduate Medical Education Committee, and has been a member of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Committee. She leads a quality improvement project dedicated to providing education to new residents and Advance Practice Providers with a proficient skill set in suturing. In the near future, she intends to complete a Sports Medicine Fellowship. Dr. Mehta would eventually like to do both inpatient and outpatient medicine.

    The appointed Co-Chiefs for the Psychiatry Residency Program, effective July 1, 2023 are Jessie Zhang, MD and Joshua Lowery, MD. 

    Dr. Zhang completed her Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She is practicing care at the Behavioral Health Outpatient Center at Penn Highlands DuBois East. Dr. Zhang is helping to lead a multidisciplinary quality improvement project dedicated to the prevention, prompt recognition and management of hospital delirium. She maintains active roles in the Graduate Medical Education Committee and the Penn Highlands DuBois Medication Safety Committee. Upon completion of her residency training, Dr. Zhang intends to work in Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry. She has a special interest in psychosis occurring with major neurocognitive disorders. Dr. Zhang is from the Greater Philadelphia area originally, but also enjoys exploring all of the activities that Central Pennsylvania has to offer. She also enjoys spending her free time with her Miniature Australian Shepherd, Andy, shopping and watching movies.

    Dr. Lowery earned his undergraduate degree from Utah State University in field of Psychology and a master’s degree in adult education. He then earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. Dr. Lowery maintains an active role in the Graduate Medical Education Committee and the Penn Highlands Ethics Committee. He has a passion for patient outcomes and equitable care. His future plans include to go into General Psychiatry. In his free time, Dr. Lowery enjoys music, reading, personal fitness and health.

    Please join us in congratulating these resident physicians on this great accomplishment! We look forward to having them set the example for their resident colleagues and wish them much success!

    Hospital News

    Mark Your Calendar for the Penn Highlands Mon Valley Open House
    08/07/23

    All Penn Highlands Healthcare employees and guests are invited to tour the new CNX Foundation Substance Recovery Unit at Penn Highlands Mon Valley on Thursday, August 17, 2023, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM. 

    The CNX Foundation Substance Recovery Unit is a Level 4.0 inpatient unit that will provide withdrawal management and treatment services for people experiencing substance use disorders that need the highest level of care. The new unit is the only Level 4.0 inpatient withdrawal and treatment facility in Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties. It also provides a 3.7 Bio Medically enhanced level of care which is the first of its kind in Western Pennsylvania.

    Refreshments will be served and giveaways will be available while supplies last.

    Please plan to attend!

    Employee Engagement

    Rewards and Recognition Week Activities Planned August 7-11, 2023
    08/04/23

    Rewards and Recognition includes a quarterly celebration planned by Penn Highlands Healthcare to express appreciation to employees, recognize personal achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout the health system.

    "Greatest Fair at Penn Highlands Healthcare,” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme, is being celebrated system wide August 7-11, 2023.

    Throughout Rewards and Recognition Week, employees across the system are encouraged to dress in PHH logo wear and participate in themed activities. For more details about festivities at each PHH facility, click on the link below to download the flyer for the schedule of activities where you work.

    Penn Highlands Brookville

    Penn Highlands Clearfield

    Penn Highlands Connellsville

    Penn Highlands DuBois

    Penn Highlands Elk

    Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon

    Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley

    Penn Highlands Tyrone

    Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services

    Please remember to submit photos from your R&R Celebration to be posted to the PHH Facebook page and your completed PowerPoint to be included with the Vital Lines recap to jweidel@phhealthcare.org by August 15, 2023.


    Thank you for all you do. We look forward to your participation!

    PHH Headlines

    Welcome New Providers
    08/02/23

    Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!


    Christopher Glynn, MD, MBA
    Brookville, DuBois, St. Marys

    Emergency medicine physician Christopher Glynn, MD, MBA, joins the teams in the emergency departments at PH Brookville, PH DuBois and PH Elk.

    Dr. Glynn graduated from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Cupecoy, Sint Maarten. He earned his MBA from the University of Maryland University College in Adelphi, Md. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Riverside Health System in Newport News, Va.

    Michelle Mouria, MD, FACS
    DuBois

    Board-certified surgeon Michelle Mouria, MD, FACS, joins Penn Highlands General Surgery in DuBois.

    Dr. Mouria has had 13 years of well-rounded surgical experience after her general surgery training in Chicago. She had been a teaching faculty in an academic General Surgery Residency training program at Allegheny General Hospital and West Penn Hospital Burn Center in Pittsburgh; had practiced in rural America of Wyoming and West Virginia, and in US Territory Island of Guam; had gone in humanitarian surgical missions to Togo, South Africa, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia; and had served in austere combat zone during her deployment with the United States Army, as she is currently a Major in the Army Medical Reserve Forward Surgical Team.
     
    Dr. Mouria’s skill sets are equally broad, as she specializes in trauma and general surgery emergencies, providing expert care to patients experiencing severe injuries. She is skilled in advanced minimally invasive surgeries; she is certified in the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Dr. Mouria is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and member of the Excelsior Military Surgical Society.
     
    Dr. Mouria graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (Medical College of Virginia) in Richmond VA, and completed her residency in General Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago in Chicago IL.

    Maria Pettinger, MD
    Huntingdon

    Radiologist Maria Pettinger, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands and is continuing to provide services in the Radiology Department in Huntingdon. 

    Dr. Pettinger has been providing imaging services in Huntingdon for over 20 years. During that time she also provided imaging services to Geisinger Gray's Woods, Hershey Medical Center (and its many locations in Central Pennsylvania) as well as Tristan Radiology Specialists in Harrisburg. Her special interests are in women's imaging and she enjoys working in Huntingdon where she is involved in many aspects of the community, not just health care.


    Shane Sergent, DO
    Huntingdon, Tyrone

    Shane Sergent, DO, is the new Central Region Medical Director of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Sergent joins the teams in the emergency departments at PH Huntingdon and PH Tyrone.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Sergent practiced at Kingman Regional Medical Center in Kingman, Ariz.; Innova Emergency Medical Associates in Denver, Colo.; Boulder City Hospital in Boulder City, Nev.; Michigan State University College Institute of International Health in East Lansing, Mich.; Nason Medical Center in Rolling Spring; Miners Medical Center in Hastings; and Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Mich.

    Dr. Sergent graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing, Mich. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians and Academy of Wilderness Medicine. He is also a member of the Wilderness Medical Society and International Federation for Emergency Medicine.


    Brenda Houdeshell, RN, MSN, CRNP
    DuBois

    Certified registered nurse practitioner Brenda Houdeshell, RN, MSN, CRNP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Endocrinology in DuBois.

    Brenda has more than 13 years of experience and offers highly skilled care for endocrinology conditions.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Brenda practiced at Clearfield Professional Group in Clearfield; Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Curwensville; and Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College.

    Brenda earned a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Administration from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in Clearfield.


    Samantha Robinson, CRNP
    Belle Vernon

    Certified registered nurse practitioner Samantha Robinson, CRNP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Belle Vernon.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Samantha practiced at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh and UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.

    Samantha earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, from Carlow University in Pittsburgh and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh.


    Bryton Shuey, PA-C
    St. Marys

    Certified physician assistant Bryton Shuey, PA-C, joins the team at QCare St. Marys.


    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Bryton practiced at Keystone Rural Health Consortia, Inc., in Ridgway.

    Bryton earned her Master of Physician Assistant Science and Bachelor of Health Science at Gannon University in Erie.

    Hot News

    2023 DuGan Memorial Race Registration Begins
    08/01/23

    Penn Highlands Healthcare is hosting our 5th Annual Dr. Gary DuGan Memorial 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Beaver Meadow Walkway in DuBois. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Graduate Medical Education Program at Penn Highlands DuBois.


    Race check-in begins Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 7:30 AM with a start time of 9:00 AM at the DuBois City Park, Edward V. Cherry Amphitheater. The race will be run on the Beaver Meadow Walkway.

    Children ages 12 and under can participate in a free One-Mile Fun Run.

    The adult participation fee for the one-mile walk or 5K race is $30 (plus payment processing fees) and includes an official DuGan race T-shirt. Shirts will be distributed the day of the race.

    A virtual race option is also available. Shirts will be mailed to those racing virtually.

    Participants are encouraged to register by Friday, September 1, 2023, to ensure shirt delivery prior to race day!

    Register at www.phhealthcare.org/duganrace2023.

    Dr. DuGan is remembered for his many contributions at Penn Highlands Healthcare, in particular as an integral figure in developing the health system’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, to which all proceeds from the race will go. The Penn Highlands GME program offers medical students and recent medical school graduates opportunities for rotations and one-on-one time with attending physicians, helping to equip family medicine residents with the inpatient and outpatient training they need to prepare to meet the demands of rural health care.


    Hot News

    Congratulations To Our New CMAs!
    07/28/23

    The seventh accelerated Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) class graduated from Brockway Center for Arts and Technology on July 27, 2023. The new CMAs will begin working in their clinical roles the week of July 31, 2023.

    The 14-week course prepares students for the medical environment while they learn administrative and clinical duties with a focus on acquiring proficiency in the use of the electronic health record systems and clinical skills. 

    Please congratulate our new CMAs!

    Pictured in the photo above are (l. to r.) Instructor Kelly Walker, Jenna Bloyer, Sarah Bloyer, Sara Christian, Autumn Galentine, Mikayla Myers and Instructor Sharon Doolittle.




    Hot News

    Enhanced Mammography Services Improve Early Detection
    07/27/23

    Penn Highlands Healthcare is expanding our commitment to early breast cancer detection with the implementation of software that enhances patient care at all of our imaging sites in Northwestern/Central and Southwestern Pennsylvania.

    Reporting and Communication Efficiencies
    The health system has adopted Volpara Patient Hub, patient management software to enhance early detection of breast cancer in our regions. The software is designed to streamline and improve patient and physician communications to help ensure that every patient receives regular breast screening, as well as any follow-up care they may require.

    Patient Hub replaces manual paper tracking with customizable mammography reporting and patient communication options. The software also provides an integrated cancer risk assessment capability to help personalize patient care. Risk assessment is streamlined with an accessible patient questionnaire that collects and stores key patient information.

    Breast Density Assessment
    Also in an effort to enhance early detection of breast cancer in the community, the health system recently began using robust breast density assessment technology that helps to detect cancer in women with dense breasts. The use of Volpara Scorecard enables Penn Highlands to objectively measure breast density and assess a woman’s individual risk of breast cancer. By using this technology, radiologists can objectively estimate a woman’s amount of breast density, either from 2D or 3D mammogram images, and help identify those who might benefit from additional screening.

    Approximately 50% of women of screening age have dense breasts. High breast density is an important independent risk factor for developing breast cancer, and cancer can hide in dense breasts. Both dense breast tissue and cancer appear white on a mammogram, making it harder to identify cancer in dense breasts. These well documented facts contribute to a hindrance to early detection for these women.

    “This new technology is a great addition to our breast program,” said Suzanne Iorfido, DO, Chief of Breast Imaging at Penn Highlands Healthcare. “Our new software will ultimately give patients more information regarding their breast health and how to best undergo optimal annual screening, which may include annual ultrasound and MRI in addition to mammography.”

    To learn more about the importance of mammograms, visit www.phhealthcare.org/pink.




    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands State College Construction Update
    07/24/23

    In the past two weeks, more progress has been made on the construction of Penn Highlands State College, our new technologically advanced hospital that will open in 2024.

    Framing was completed and drywall hung with the seams finished on the walls above the ceiling line to allow for the ductwork and piping to be installed above the ceiling in the medical office building. In addition, the in-wall Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing, which includes the piping, conduit, ductwork and wiring, was installed behind the drywall on the first floor of the hospital. Drywall hanging continues in the hospital and medical office building, as well as installation of metal panels and wall glazing in the medical office building.

    To learn more visit: www.phhealthcare.org/statecollege



    Hot News

    Plaque Dedicated To Commemorate Lezzer Family Gift
    07/17/23

    Penn Highlands Clearfield received a generous donation from the Lezzer family to purchase a 3D mammography unit. This state-of-the-art technology is the first line of defense in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection is the key to more positive outcomes when the cancer is caught in the early stages.


    “The addition of 3D mammography to our Clearfield location enables women in this community to have convenient access to the most advanced imaging for their breast care needs," said Suzanne Iorfido, DO, Chief of Breast Imaging for Penn Highlands Healthcare. "This is truly a gift that will benefit many patients for years to come. We are very thankful and appreciative of this generous gift from the Lezzer family.” 

    From generation to generation, the Lezzer Family has been committed to philanthropy and is well known for their community generosity. Supporting the communities in which they live and work is the driving force behind the Lezzer family gift.

    "Our dad and uncle always felt, that giving back to the community was very important to them, as it is to the entire Lezzer family now,” said Dave Lezzer, President of Lezzer Lumber Co.

    The first patient to use the 3D mammography unit was on November 3, 2022 and since then, more than 2,500 mammograms have been performed.

    Recently, the Lezzer Family, along with members of Women’s Imaging, Radiology and other hospital employees at Penn Highlands Clearfield, unveiled a plaque recognizing the gift made in honor of Kenneth and Maurice Lezzer. The plaque now hangs in the waiting room of the Women’s Imaging Department.

    "Major gifts from families, such as the Lezzers, help Penn Highlands Healthcare keep advanced healthcare at home. The Lezzer family has been a wonderful example of continued community support, and were a pleasure to work with on this project,” said Danyell Bundy, Director of Operations and Major Gifts for Penn Highlands Healthcare.

    Pictured above with the Lezzer Family plaque are Mike, Dave and K.C. Lezzer.


    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands DuBois Accredited as a Level II Trauma Center
    07/14/23

    Penn Highlands DuBois has been accredited as a Level II Trauma Center by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF), effective August 1, 2023. It is the only Level II Trauma Center in Northwestern Pennsylvania. 

    The PTSF is the organization responsible for accrediting trauma centers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Accredited trauma centers are hospitals with resources immediately available to provide optimal care and reduce the likelihood of death or disability to injured patients. In addition, accredited trauma centers must be continuously prepared to treat the most serious life threatening and disabling injuries. They are not intended to replace the traditional hospital emergency department. 

    In Pennsylvania, there are four levels of trauma centers. Level I and Level II trauma centers provide the highest degree of resources with a full spectrum of specialists. The only difference between a Level I and Level II center is that Level I centers require research and surgical residency programs. Level III and Level IV centers do not require neurosurgeons and focus on stabilizing severe trauma patients prior to transport to a higher-level trauma center.

    The Level II Trauma Center accreditation comes just three months after Penn Highlands DuBois opened a $21.5 million state-of-the-art Emergency Department (ED) off of South Main Street across from the DuBois Community Medical Building. The new ED includes four trauma treatment bays. The second floor offers a Neurological/Trauma Intensive Care Unit with 20 private patient rooms.

    “Often severely injured patients require multidisciplinary, comprehensive emergency medical services,” explained Philip S. Vuocolo, MD, MHA, FACS, Trauma Program Medical Director for Penn Highlands DuBois. “Now, with the Penn Highlands DuBois Level II Trauma Center accreditation, people with major traumatic injuries in Northwestern Pennsylvania can receive high quality care in their community without the need to be transported to another facility which can have a positive impact on outcomes.”

    Dr. Vuocolo added that when patients receive trauma care close to home, it reduces stress on their family and friends who may otherwise have to travel to where their loved one is receiving care.

    PHH Headlines

    Penn Highlands Healthcare Opens Outpatient Rehabilitation Center in Altoona
    07/13/23

    Penn Highlands Healthcare is excited to announce the opening of The Rehabilitation Center in Altoona. Located at 417 Sabbath Rest Road, Suite 2, Altoona, inside the Pinecroft Community Medical Building, The Rehabilitation Center offers Physical, Occupational and Speech therapies.

     
    Penn Highlands Healthcare prides itself on providing quality rehabilitation services that help people recover from illness, injury or surgery in an outpatient setting. With the addition of the Altoona location, Penn Highlands now has 27 outpatient rehabilitation centers throughout Pennsylvania offering Physical, Occupational and Speech therapies to individuals of all ages.


    To learn more about The Rehabilitation Center, visit www.phhealthcare.org/rehab or to schedule an appointment at the Altoona location, call 814-631-9507.

    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands State College Construction Update
    07/12/23

    Construction for Penn Highlands State College, our new technologically advanced hospital that will open in 2024, is progressing well.

    During the past two weeks, the patient corridors and rooms on the second floor of the hospital have been coming together. In addition to the installation of an air ventilation system in the kitchen and an access ladder to the roof, the recently seeded lawn around the perimeter of the facility has started to grow.

    To learn more, visit, www.phhealthcare.org/statecollege.

    Employee Engagement

    Annual Pulmonary and Cardiothoracic Conference To Be Held August 25
    07/12/23

    The Penn Highlands Healthcare and Lung Innovations Network Annual Pulmonary and Cardiothoracic Conference will provide medical, nursing and ancillary staff with guidelines and treatment modalities for lung disease, ventilator care, heart disease, asthma, and obesity management with a special topic on understanding mental health and wellness.

    The program will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023, from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM at The Penn Stater Hotel in State College.

    Penn Highlands DuBois is accredited by the Pennsylvania Medical Society to provide continuing medical education for physicians. This live activity is designated for a maximum of 8.0 AMA Physicians Recognition Award Category 1 Credits.™ In addition, Penn Highlands DuBois is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and will provide a certificate of completion for 8 contact hours which can be used for Pennsylvania state RN licensure renewal.

    There is no charge for Penn Highlands Healthcare employees and affiliates. The registration fee for all others is free until July 31, and then $50 until the day of the event.

    For more information and the agenda, access the program flyer on our website or register here.

    Hot News

    Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Open Houses!
    07/11/23

    Penn Highlands Healthcare employees and guests are invited to attend open houses/recruiting events at our personal care homes/communities and a skilled nursing facility. 

    The Village at Ridgmont -- July 19, 2023 -- 1:00 to 3:00 PM

    An open house will be held at The Village at Ridgmont, a neighborhood of high-quality, affordable rental townhomes for adults over the age of 62, on July 19, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. This residential community is part of Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services. The neighborhood features one- and two-bedroom single-story townhomes, along with a community building with many amenities.

    The Village at Ridgmont is located at 409 Ridgmont Drive, in Ridgway, Pennsylvania.

    Ridgmont -- July 19, 2023 -- 2:00 to 4:30 PM

    Ridgmont, a personal care community that is part of Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services, is hosting an open house/recruitment event on July 19, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:30 PM. The community offers private and semi-private or apartment-style accommodations for 40 residents along with an enhanced environment for residents with memory loss, including specialized staff training and a wandering management security system.

    In terms of recruiting, they are hiring Medication Techs, Residential Aides, Cooks, Servers, Housekeeping and Activities Coordinators.

    Ridgmont is located at 163 Ridgmont Drive, in Ridgway Pennsylvania.

    Edgewood Heights -- July 19, 2023 -- 3:00 to 4:30 PM

    Edgewood Heights is a personal care community that is part of Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services. An open house/recruiting event will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM. With private, semi-private or apartment-style accommodations for 34 residents, Edgewood Heights has a family atmosphere with many community areas for activities and socialization. 

    They are hiring Medication Techs, Residential Aides, Cooks, Servers, Housekeeping and Activities Coordinators.

    Edgewood Heights is located at 612 Keck Avenue, in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

    Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor -- July 26, 2023 -- 12:00 to 4:00 PM

    "Christmas in July" is the theme of the open house/recruiting event that will be held at Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM. Both the personal care facility and skilled nursing facility are participating in the event. In addition to round-the-clock quality medical care for residents, Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor offers a secure unit for those with early dementia. 

    They are hiring Medication Techs, Residential Aides, Cooks, Servers, Activities Coordinators, RNs, LPNs, Nursing Assistants, Nurse Aide class students, Housekeeping/Laundry, and Dining Services Aides.

    Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor is located at 417 Route 28, in Brookville, Pennsylvania. 

    North Fork Heights -- August 23, 2023 -- 1:00 to 3:00 PM

    North Fork Heights is hosting an open house/recruiting event on August 23, 2023 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. As part of Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services, North Fork Heights is a 56-apartment residential community in Brookville, Pennsylvania. The community is for people age 62 and older who meet income eligibility requirements for residency. 

    Many amenities are offered from a video-monitored security system to easy access daily living services such as housekeeping and meal preparation. 

    North Fork Heights is located at 22 Spruce Street, in Brookville, Pennsylvania.

    Plan to attend these events and to take your friends and family who may be seeking new career opportunities!



    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands Healthcare Celebrates Graduating Residents
    07/10/23

    The fourth class of graduates from the GME program.

    Penn Highlands Healthcare is excited to recognize the fourth class of graduates from the Graduate Medical Education (GME) program. The GME program has seen 14 Family Medicine Residency graduates to date. This year, that number becomes 19 with five graduates in the 2023 class: Kaylin Darling, MD; Jonathan Soekamto, DO; Kaylin Strauser-Curtis, DO; Alexander Westcott, DO; and Alexis Zimmerman, DO.

    Dr. Kaylin Darling attended medical school at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and plans to return there after graduation as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine and Public Health.

    Dr. Jonathan Soekamto attended medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and plans to work as a primary care physician in Chickasha, Oklahoma.

    Dr. Kaylin Strauser-Curtis also studied at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She plans to stay at Penn Highlands Healthcare to complete the Sports Medicine Fellowship and work at the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine clinic in the Clarion Community Medical Building.

    Dr. Alexander Westcott earned his medical degree from the Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine and plans to work as a primary care physician in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.

    Dr. Alexis Zimmerman attended medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Zimmerman will be staying at Penn Highlands Healthcare and focusing on geriatric medicine in our long-term care facilities.

    The Educator of the Year award was presented to Renee Allenbaugh, MD. Dr. Allenbaugh is an Associate Director of the Family Medicine Residency program at Penn Highlands. She also works as the Regional Hospitalist Program Director for Apogee Physicians for the health system. 

    “We are proud to be able to educate up-and-coming primary care physicians at Penn Highlands Healthcare,” said Dr. Kevin Wilson, Family Medicine Residency Program Director. “This program offers residents the opportunity to receive hands-on training to become trustworthy and compassionate providers for their patients in the future.”

    The first physician to participate in the Sports Medicine Fellowship has also completed the program this year. Conner Hosner, MD, earned his medical degree at Central Michigan University and completed his Family Medicine Residency at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado. After finishing his Sports Medicine Fellowship at Penn Highlands, he plans to work as a primary care/sports medicine physician in the Columbus, Ohio region.

    “It has been exciting to add this fellowship to the Graduate Medical Education program,” stated Dr. Chris Varacallo, Program Director of the Sports Medicine Fellowship. “It is an honor to work one-on-one with new physicians who are enthusiastic to learn about Sports Medicine and to provide them with knowledge they will take with them to their practices in the future.”

    PHH Headlines

    Welcome New Providers
    07/05/23

    Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!


    Harry Dinsmore, MD
    Huntingdon, Tyrone

    Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Harry H. Dinsmore, MD, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Huntingdon and Tyrone.

    Dr. Dinsmore is a fellowship-trained physician specializing in sports medicine and hand surgery with more than 20 years of experience. 

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Dinsmore practiced at the Geisinger Health System Musculoskeletal Institute in Lewistown. 

    Dr. Dinsmore graduated from Marshall University School of Medicine in Huntington, W.Va. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va., and his fellowship in orthopaedic hand surgery and sports medicine at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va.

    Mamoon A. Rasheed, MD
    Connellsville, Mt. Pleasant, Uniontown

    Board-certified internal medicine physician Mamoon A. Rasheed, MD, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Internal Medicine in Connellsville, Mt. Pleasant and Uniontown.​

    ​Dr. Rasheed has more than three decades of experience. He is a diplomate in sleep medicine of The American Board of Internal Medicine, an honor that recognizes leaders in their specialty areas, and he is certified in adult echocardiography by The National Board of Echocardiography.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Rasheed practiced at Habiba Health Services in Connellsville, Mt. Pleasant and Uniontown and at Ebensburg Center in Ebensburg.

    Dr. Rasheed graduated from I P Pavlov Higher Medical Institute in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. He completed his residency in internal medicine at UPMC McKeesport in McKeesport, Pa. and his internship in radiology in Bonn, Germany.

    Tilden Blackmon-Graham, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
    Belle Vernon

    Certified family nurse practitioner Tilden Blackmon-Graham, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Belle Vernon.

    Tilden is a skilled nurse practitioner with experience in a variety of settings, including medical-surgical nursing, cardiac and nephrology. In addition to providing comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages, she works to empower patients to lead healthier lives by promoting health and preventing disease.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Tilden practiced under Dr. Andrew Cash, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Jefferson Hills, Pa., Pediatric Associates of Westmoreland in Westmoreland County, Jefferson’s Women’s Health in Jefferson Hills and the Allegheny Health Network.

    Tilden earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Carlow University in Pittsburgh.


    Marissa M. Boyles, CRNP
    Belle Vernon, California

    Certified registered nurse practitioner Marissa M. Boyles, CRNP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Belle Vernon and California, Pa.

    Marissa specializes in family medicine and has more than a decade of experience. She provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages, and she is committed to developing trusted relationships with her patients in order to provide the best possible care that meets their unique health goals.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Marissa practiced in Pittsburgh at UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital and UPMC Presbyterian.

    Marissa earned her Master of Science in Nursing at Carlow University in Pittsburgh and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at California University of Pennsylvania in California, Penn.



    Certified registered nurse practitioner Jessica Camp, CRNP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Cardiology in Monongahela.

    Jessica has more than 15 years of experience, and she provides highly skilled and specialized care for patients experiencing a wide range of cardiovascular conditions.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Jessica practiced at Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital in Johnstown, MedExpress in Tarentum and in Pittsburgh at UPMC Health System, Pittsburgh Veterans Hospital, UPMC Passavant and Allegheny Health Network.

    Jessica earned her Master of Science in Nursing Acute Care Adult Gerontology at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minn., and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western Governor’s University in Salt Lake City, Utah.



    Certified family nurse practitioner Amy Catanese, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, joins the cardiology team at Penn Highlands Huntingdon.

    Amy has nearly two decades of experience and has been recognized for service excellence by demonstrating intuitive approaches, integrity and compassionate care. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based care to optimize positive outcomes and empower patients to choose healthy living as well as informed advanced care planning.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Amy worked in Altoona for Optum, and practiced at UPMC Altoona and Altoona Regional Health Systems.


    Certified registered nurse practitioner Victoria Gergely, CRNP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine, located in Monongahela.

    Victoria specializes in family medicine and provides dedicated, expert care for patients of all ages. She sees patients for routine checkups, including sports physicals for kids, as well as for treatment and management of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Victoria practiced at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C.; WVU Medicine Hospitals in Morgantown, W.Va.; Senior Life Uniontown in Uniontown; MedExpress in Greensburg; Mon General in Morgantown, W.Va.; Penn Highlands Mon Valley in Monongahela; and Giant Eagle Pharmacy in Washington, Pa.

    Victoria earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.

    Christopher Horrell, PA-C
    Connellsville, Mt. Pleasant, Uniontown

    Certified physician assistant Christopher Horrell, PA-C, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Internal Medicine in Connellsville, Mt. Pleasant and Uniontown.

    Christopher has more than a decade of experience in providing compassionate and outstanding patient care and education. As an internal medicine specialist, he is dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect adults.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Christopher gained clinical experience at Elk Regional Health Center in St. Marys; Community Guidance Center in Indiana, Penn.; FayWest Family Practice in Scottdale; Ali J. Aboosi Pediatrics in Mt. Pleasant; Comprehensive Care Associates in Bloomfield; Laurel Highlands OB/GYN in Uniontown; Indiana Regional Medical Center in Indiana, Pa.; and Latrobe Surgical Group in Greensburg.

    Christopher earned his Master of Physician Assistant Science and Bachelor of Science in Health Science from St. Francis University in Loretto.

    Heather Kraska, CRNP
    Belle Vernon

    Certified registered nurse practitioner Heather Kraska, CRNP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Lung Center in Belle Vernon.

    Heather has 30 years of nursing experience, including more than a decade in pulmonary care. She offers detailed diagnoses and the latest therapies to treat every type of pulmonary condition.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Heather practiced with AHN Pulmonary at Jefferson, Pittsburgh Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates in Pittsburgh and Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Jefferson Hills.

    Heather earned her Master of Science in Nursing at Drexel University in Philadelphia and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh.

    Dylan Ringer, PA-C
    Connellsville, Mt. Pleasant, Uniontown

    Certified physician assistant Dylan Ringer, PA-C, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Internal Medicine in Connellsville, Mt. Pleasant and Uniontown.

    Dylan is an experienced physician assistant and provides specialized care to adults experiencing a wide range of illnesses, including severe chronic illnesses and situations where several different illnesses may strike at the same time.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dylan practiced at Prisk Orthopaedics and Wellness in Monroeville.

    Dylan earned his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from West Liberty University in West Liberty, W.Va., and Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, W.Va.


    Mariah Shimmel, PA-C
    Clearfield

    Certified physician assistant Mariah Shimmel, PA-C, joins the team at QCare Clearfield.

    Mariah is an experienced physician assistant and provides exceptional care for minor injuries and illnesses. She is committed to serving her local community with skill and compassion.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Mariah practiced at Mount Nittany Physician Group in State College.

    Mariah earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Health Science from Lock Haven University in Lock Haven. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants and Christian Medical and Dental Associations.

    Kati J. Smith, PA-C
    Huntingdon, Tyrone

    Certified physician assistant Kati J. Smith, PA-C, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Huntingdon and in Tyrone.

    Kati is a highly skilled healthcare provider with 15 years of experience, including serving as chief physician assistant.

    Kati previously practiced at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital in Lewistown.

    Kati earned her Bachelor of Science, Physician Assistant, at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport.

    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands State College Construction Update
    06/27/23

    Construction is progressing well for Penn Highlands State College, our new technologically advanced hospital that will open in 2024.

    During the past month, brickwork was completed on the exterior of the hospital and the elevators were installed inside the facility. The in-wall plumbing was connected on the second floor of the hospital; a majority of the interior framing was completed on the first floor of the Medical Office Building; and the curtainwall frames were installed in both buildings. In addition, air handling units were installed on the roof. Exterior concrete pours, remaining interior stud framing, drywall hanging and exterior glazing continues.

    To learn more visit: www.phhealthcare.org/statecollege.

    Hot News

    Highland Oaks at Water Run Landing To Host Flag Initiation Ceremony
    06/26/23

    All Penn Highlands Healthcare employees and guests are invited to attend a flag initiation ceremony at Highland Oaks at Water Run Landing on Monday, July 3, 2023, at 10:00 AM. The senior living community, which is part of Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services, is located just one mile from downtown Clarion. The three-story facility is home to 60 older adults including 11 veterans.

    The family of deceased Vietnam veteran Donald Stinebiser was the first to respond to a community-wide request by the facility's leadership for a flag and pole. The initiation ceremony and permanent placement of the flag pole will honor the veterans who call Highland Oaks at Water Run Landing home; be a tribute to the facility’s employees who have served our country; and be displayed as a source of pride and unity for the community.

    State Representative Donna Oberlander is expected to attend the ceremony and provide remarks along with Clarion County officials such as the mayor and county commissioners.

    Refreshments will be served.

    Mark your calendar to attend!

    HR Info

    HR Education: PTO Buyback Program
    06/23/23

    As a result of our Penn Highlands Healthcare Employee Engagement Survey, the Penn Highlands Human Resources Department is working on Initiatives related to understanding HR Programs.

    The HR team is creating communications to educate our employees and leaders on what we offer, addressing the following Engagement Initiatives from the survey.

    “I understand what benefit programs provide for me at Penn Highlands." (HR Programs)

    “My benefits are competitive.” (HR Programs)

    Our next education is on the PTO Buyback Program. The attached documents include:

    The documents are also available in your departments.

    HR Info

    Penn Highlands Healthcare To Implement New Time Management System
    06/21/23

    Effective Monday, June 26, 2023, Penn Highlands Healthcare is implementing a new time management system. At that time, all current Kronos users will migrate to the Infor Workforce Management (WFM) system.

    With the WFM system, employees will be in 100% control of the management of their time cards. Special features/actions to note: 

    • The new system can be accessed via a smartphone, time clock or computer. 
    • It is important to note that when clocking in from a computer or cell phone, a timestamp will be taken of your location.
    • The system helps to ensure greater accuracy in paychecks. Employees can inform their timekeepers, who are called "time editors" with the new system, of any errors on the timecard without a paper variance because it is all done online.
    • Employees will need to review their time cards each payroll Monday. This will ensure you are paid 100% each payroll and eliminate payroll corrections.

    The WFM user manual is attached along with directions for downloading the app and instructions for use. In addition, a listing of payroll schedules and time clock locations for each facility or employee group affected by the time management migration is included. 

    All employees are required to watch a 13-minute training video in NetLearning as soon as possible. The training video will instruct you how to clock in and review your time from a computer and/or cell phone.

    All time editors should note that their WFM Production environment is being rolled out on June 21, 2023. It should appear in the "waffle" option selector (shown below). You can immediately begin to add schedules in preparation for the upcoming implementation.

    Your cooperation as we make this improvement is appreciated. 

    HR Info

    HR Education: FMLA, Personal Leave and Short-term Disability
    06/15/23

    As a result of our Penn Highlands Healthcare Employee Engagement Survey, the Penn Highlands Human Resources Department is working on Initiatives related to understanding HR Programs.

    The HR team is creating communications to educate our employees and leaders on what we offer, addressing the following Engagement Initiatives from the survey.

    “I understand what benefit programs provide for me at Penn Highlands.” (HR Programs)

    “My benefits are competitive.” (HR Programs)

    Our first education is on FMLA, Personal Leave and Short Term Disability. The attached documents provide:

    The attached forms are also to be available in your departments.

    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands DuBois Welcomes New President
    06/12/23


    Please join me in welcoming William Chinn, FACHE, the new President of Penn Highlands DuBois. Will joined our staff on June 5, 2023. He will spend more than three weeks with John Sutika, who is retiring on June 30 after a 38-year career with Penn Highlands. 

    Will's experience as an acute-care hospital administrator for both community and academic hospitals will be an asset to our health system. For the past three years, he served as the Chief Operating Officer of Ochsner Health -- Baptist Hospital, a 190-bed hospital in New Orleans, La. Previously, he was the President and Chief Operating Officer of Diley Ridge Medical Center, in Canal Winchester, Ohio. The Ohio native also has held business development, strategic planning and management positions at hospitals and health systems throughout that state. In his prior roles, Will focused on ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and providing a positive patient experience. He is a champion of his colleagues and staff. 

    Will received his Master of Health Services Administration degree from Xavier University, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. He is a Fellow and Board-certified Hospital Administrator from the American College of Healthcare Executives. 

    Please wish Will much success in his new position!



    CMS Lifts COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate
    06/09/23


    The Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised its policy regarding COVID-19 vaccination requirements for healthcare staff. Employees at CMS participating facilities are no longer required to be vaccinated as a condition of employment.

    As a CMS participating health system, Penn Highlands Healthcare is lifting the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for employees, physicians and volunteers effective June 12, 2023. However, we strongly encourage employees to be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters and to practice preventative measures such as hand hygiene. 

    Your continued vigilance to help curb the spread of the virus is most appreciated.

    Employee Engagement

    Twelve PHH Employees Complete Coder Course
    06/09/23

    Congratulations to the 12 Penn Highlands Healthcare employees who recently completed the Certified Professional Coder course offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders. Following completion of the course, the employees had the knowledge to assume additional responsibilities with their current roles or moved into coding positions.

    Pictured in the photo above are back row (l. to r.) Instructor Dixie Reynolds, Carrie Matha, Devanie Krach, Jamie Clutter, Kimber Blackmon and Renee Henry. 

    Shown in the front row are (l. to r.) Ashley Albert, Vicki Patton, Amanda Tudor and Debbie Rettger.

    New coders not pictured include: Megan Schrecengost, Darcy Phillips and Emily Giordano. 

    Please wish our new coders well with their new skills!


    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands DuBois Welcomes New Graduate Nurses
    06/08/23

    Penn Highlands DuBois recently welcomed five graduate nurses who were the first to participate in the Penn Highlands Healthcare/BC3 @ Brockway program that provides tuition for qualified students who sign an employment agreement with our health system. 

    The recent graduates include:

    • ​Amanda Christensen -- Emergency Department
    • Alicia Henry -- Neuro-Trauma Intensive Care Unit
    • Jessica Kerr -- Adolescent Behavioral Health
    • Ashley Lingenfelter -- Medical Surgical Unit
    • Elizabeth Morris -- Cardiovascular Unit

    "This partnership with BC3 @ Brockway is creating a great opportunity for people who wish to pursue a career in nursing -- both recent high school graduates and non-traditional students who want to change careers," said Heather Franci, Chief Nursing Officer and Service Line Director for the Heart Center, Lung Center, Brain & Spine and Oncology Services for Penn Highlands Healthcare. "The five nurses who recently completed the program are highly qualified to provide care to our patients and are wonderful additions to our staff." 

    In the summer of 2022, Penn Highlands Healthcare and BC3 @ Brockway established the partnership to address the regional shortage of nurses. In addition to sponsoring tuition for up to 30 qualified students our health system refers to BC3 @ Brockway each year, Penn Highlands Healthcare is providing annual operating funds and additional clinical space for on-site instruction. 

    “It is a win-win for BC3 @ Brockway and for Penn Highlands,” said Dr. Patty Annear, Dean of the college’s Shaffer School of Nursing and Allied Health. “It is wonderful for our students to have the financial support of Penn Highlands with their education, and on the other hand, it’s very important for Penn Highlands in that it is guaranteed to get those students to work at its facilities, particularly during times of a nursing shortage, which there is.”

    While nursing positions are abundant throughout Pennsylvania, the program ensures that the participating students have good jobs with our progressive health system upon graduation.

    For 13 years, Amanda Christensen, RN, was a certified nursing assistant with Penn Highlands Healthcare but she wanted to do more. A wife and mother of two young sons, Amanda already was in the Nursing RN Program at BC3 @ Brockway when the partnership was established with our health system.

    "I chose nursing due to my love and desire to help people," said Ms. Christensen. "Penn Highlands was the choice for me because I live in this area and have no intentions of moving, so when the scholarship was offered in my third semester, it was very helpful."

    To learn more about the program, contact Addeson McAninch at almcaninch@phhealthcare.org.





    HR Info

    PHH To Offer A New Wellness Program
    05/31/23

    Penn Highlands Healthcare is introducing a Healthcare Wellness Program that will offer employees, who are members of our Highmark medical plan, an opportunity to earn cash for completing routine exams and screenings. 

    Medically covered employees will receive credit and earn points for:
    • A Routine Preventive Exam
    • Breast Cancer Screening
    • Colorectal Cancer Screening
    • Cervical Cancer Screening 
    Highmark health plan members will have the opportunity to receive $150 for earning 750 points and $300 for earning 1,000 points.

    The wellness program will run from June 1, 2023-December 23, 2023.This program will replace the Virgin Pulse wellness program. Any rewards earned under the Virgin Pulse plan through May 31, 2023, will be paid in 2024 as promised.

    The program currently does not include Penn Highlands Mon Valley or Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services employees but it will be available to them in the near future.

    Complete program details and registration information will be available soon.


    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley Uses New Device to “Crack the Calcium”
    05/31/23

    Dr. Adil  Waheed & Richard Ciccarelli, RTR, with the device.

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley is offering a new treatment that enables some people with heart disease who need angioplasty to bypass open heart surgery.

    Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. As people with heart disease, specifically coronary artery disease, grow older and their disease progresses, plaque in the arteries evolves into calcium deposits, which can narrow the artery. Coronary angioplasty is a common procedure used throughout the U.S. to open blocked coronary arteries and restore blood flow to the heart without open-heart surgery. Physicians often use stents to open an artery, and of the approximately 1 million patients that undergo a stent procedure each year, 30% have problematic calcium that increases their risk for adverse events. If there is too much calcification in the artery, angioplasty cannot be performed and bypass surgery is necessary to restore the blood flow.

    Physicians at Penn Highlands Mon Valley recently began using the innovative Coronary Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) System to help “crack the calcium” in patients who have highly calcified lesions in their coronary arteries. The IVL system uses sonic pressure waves — known as shockwaves, which travel from a balloon-based catheter to the surrounding tissue, to safely and selectively break superficial and deep calcium deposits. Once the calcium has been cracked, the artery can be expanded at low pressure so that a stent can be implanted to improve blood flow. The minimally invasive procedure, which is performed on an outpatient basis in the hospital’s Interventional Radiology Suite, takes from 30 to 90 minutes to complete.

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley is continually recognized by prestigious national organizations for its commitment to providing high quality cardiac care. In the past three years, Penn Highlands Mon Valley was named “One of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention” by Healthgrades; a “Best Hospital in Heart Failure” by U.S. News & World Report; and “One of America’s Best Hospitals for Heart Care” by the Women’s Choice Award. In addition, the hospital has earned the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get With The Guidelines Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.


    Employee Engagement

    Rewards & Recognition Celebration Recap: May 2023
    05/26/23

    As part of Penn Highlands Healthcare’s quarterly Rewards & Recognition, celebrations are planned to thank employees, honor professional achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout our health system. 

    Rewards and Recognition Week was celebrated May 8-12, 2023 to coincide with National Hospital Week (May 7-13) and May 15-19, 2023 to coincide with National Nursing Home Week (May 14-20).

    During "We Are Healthcare,” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme, employees were encouraged to dress in PHH logo wear and participate in themed activities.

    Congratulations to all of this quarter’s honorees! Please click on the links below to enjoy a recap of the celebrations. 

    Penn Highlands Brookville

    Penn Highlands Clearfield

    Penn Highlands Connellsville

    Penn Highlands DuBois

    Penn Highlands Elk

    Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon

    Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

    Penn Highlands Physician Network

    Penn Highlands Tyrone

    Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services

    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon To Implement Cerner Electronic Health Record and More!
    05/25/23

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon is upgrading its current Electronic Health Record, Radiology PACS and Financial and Supply Chain systems to improve patient care and communication with our other hospitals.

    The conversion to the Cerner Electronic Health Record, which will enable PH Huntingdon to interact seamlessly with the other Penn Highlands hospitals using Cerner, has been underway for months and is expected to be in productive use on June 1, 2023.

    Penn Highlands Healthcare is making a significant investment for the purchase and installation of hardware and software as well as infrastructure improvements to refresh the network, computing and telecommunications systems throughout Penn Highlands Huntingdon.

    “The implementation of the Cerner Electronic Health Record at Penn Highlands Huntingdon will lead to greater efficiencies for the staff," said Joe Myers, President of Penn Highlands Huntingdon. "A project of this magnitude requires a great deal of coordination prior to the implementation and I thank everyone for their dedication in making this technology available to the staff at Penn Highlands Huntingdon."

    In addition to improved communication with other Penn Highlands hospitals, the transition to the Cerner platform has numerous other benefits, which include: accurate, up-to-date and complete information for faster diagnosis; medical error prevention; improved care coordination; improved productivity; and legible, complete documentation.

    All departments will be involved in the transition with both inpatient and outpatient areas directly impacted, as well as fiscal services and business offices. All departments will experience changes in the way information is gathered and accessed.

    Similar to the previous electronic health record system at Penn Highlands Huntingdon, the new Cerner platform has numerous safeguards that comply with federal guidelines for security and confidentiality.

    "The Cerner Electronic Health Record platform allows for accurate documentation of patient care and activities, and also enables physicians to more easily access that documentation from an office setting,” said John McLendon, Penn Highlands Healthcare Chief Information Officer. “As we have experienced in the other hospitals in our health system using this patient-centric documentation system, Cerner allows for more meaningful data to be available to our physicians and staff as they care for our community across the health continuum.”

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon is also converting to Merge PACS in radiology on June 1, 2023. The implementation of Merge in Hemo (Cath Lab) and Cardiology (CPAC) will follow in the coming months.




    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands Healthcare Visitation Policy Change
    05/24/23

    Effective immediately, patients at all eight Penn Highlands Healthcare hospitals may have multiple visitors during their stay. 

    It is important to note: 

    • Visitors must be free from respiratory illness. 
    • Patients who are in isolation due to an active COVID-19 infection may have one visitor, with rare exceptions being made for scenarios such as end-of-life and other special situations. 
    • Certain departments, such as the ICU, NICU, etc. may have more restrictive visitor policies.

    While the number of COVID-19 hospital admissions and community transmission levels have declined, the health system will continue to monitor the spread of the virus and make adjustments to the policy accordingly.

    PHH Headlines

    Welcome New Providers
    05/24/23

    Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!

    Indraneel Banerjee, MD
    DuBois

    Urologist Indraneel Banerjee, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Urology at 145 Hospital Avenue, Suite 200, in DuBois.

    With more than a decade of experience, Dr. Banerjee provides patients with comprehensive care using state-of-the-art technology, including minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery. He is a fellowship-trained urologist, specializing in Urologic Oncology and Robotic surgery.
    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Banerjee started the dedicated Urologic Oncology and Robotic surgery program at Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals, Kolkata: the largest multispecialty Hospitals in Eastern India. He also worked as the Intuitive Surgical Urologic Oncology and da Vinci Robotic surgery fellowship Program Associate Director in HCG Cancer Hospitals, Bangalore, India and Trustwell Hospitals in Bangalore, India.

    Dr. Banerjee graduated and completed his residency in general surgery from Medical College Kolkata, India, Asia’s oldest Medical School. He completed his residency in Urology and Renal transplant at Sawai Man Singh Medical College & Hospital in Jaipur, arguably one of the busiest Urology residency programs in Northern India. He has completed fellowships in Minimally invasive and Robotic Urology at Fortis Escorts Kidney and Urology Institute in New Delhi, India; OLV Ziekenhuis in Aalst, Belgium: one of the top Robotic Urology programs in Europe; and the University of Miami in Miami, Florida, the busiest Robotic Urologic Oncology program in Southeastern United States.

    Board-certified cardiac anesthesiologist Victoria Belopolsky, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands DuBois at 100 Hospital Avenue in DuBois.

    With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Belopolsky provides expert care for all aspects of advanced diagnostics and perioperative management of patients with coronary artery and valvular cardiac diseases, among others. She is also highly skilled in TEE (transesophageal echocardiogram) procedures.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Belopolsky practiced at UPMC Altoona in Altoona and Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, Ill.
    Dr. Belopolsky graduated from Ukraine National Medical University, Kiev, Ukraine. She completed her externship at State University of New York at Buffalo, VA Hospital, in Buffalo, N.Y. She completed a residency in anesthesiology and a fellowship in cardiovascular anesthesiology at State University of New York at Buffalo in Buffalo, N.Y. She is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists.

    Board-certified cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon Augusto Cuellar, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at 145 Hospital Avenue, Suite 300, in DuBois.

    Dr. Cuellar specializes in peripheral and endovascular surgery and general thoracic surgery, including minimally invasive procedures. He has 35 years of experience and is a fellowship-trained surgeon, having achieved the highest level and training and recognition in the cardiothoracic and vascular surgery field.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Cuellar practiced in private practice, Vascular and Thoracic Texarkana and Ocala in Texarkana, Texas; South Florida Cardiovascular in Davie, Fla.; Ohio Cardiovascular and Vascular Surgeons in Lima, Ohio; and Raj Cardiovascular Association in Pittsburgh.

    Dr. Cuellar graduated from Javeriana Medical School in Bogotá, Colombia. He completed residencies in internal medicine at SUNY Medical School in Brooklyn, N.Y.; general surgery at University of Illinois at Chicago in Chicago, Ill.; and general surgery at CMC Cornell University Affiliate in New York, N.Y.

    He completed fellowships in general thoracic surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas; endovascular surgery at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh; and thoracic-cardiovascular surgery at Newark Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, N.J., and Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York, N.Y.

    Board-certified ophthalmologist Jon M. Lampkin, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Eye Center in St. Marys.

    Dr. Lampkin has more than two decades of experience and provides patients with comprehensive care for a wide range of diseases and conditions, including routine diagnoses such as cataract, diabetes, glaucoma, dry eyes and macular degeneration, as well as systemic diseases with ocular manifestations. He also performs surgical procedures, including cataract surgery and ophthalmic laser procedures, with an excellent record of surgical safety and post-operative visual outcomes.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Lampkin practiced at a Veterans Hospital in Virginia. He has also practiced ophthalmology previously in Pennsylvania, and in Texas, where he was a LASIK surgeon in addition to practicing comprehensive ophthalmology.

    Dr. Lampkin graduated from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Eye and Ear Institute in Pittsburgh and his internal medicine internship at UPMC Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh.

    Board-certified vascular surgeon Luke K. Marone, MD, FACS, joins the team at Penn Highlands Vascular Surgery at 1029 Country Club Road, Suite 204, in Monongahela.

    Dr. Marone has nearly three decades of experience. He is a highly renowned, fellowship-trained specialist, conferring the highest level of training in his field. He has served as Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Chief of Vascular Radiology Services and Co-Director of the Heart and Vascular Institute at West Virginia University. He has been named a Pittsburgh Best Doctor for three consecutive years.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Marone practiced at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, W.Va.; UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh; UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh; UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh; UPMC Passavant in Pittsburgh; Summersville Regional Medical Center in Summersville, W.Va.; St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon, W.Va.; Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, W.Va.; Potomac Valley Hospital in Keyser, W.Va.; Braxton County Memorial Hospital in Gassaway, W.Va.; Davis Medical Center in Elkins, W.Va.; United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, W.Va.; Reynolds Memorial Hospital in Glendale, W.Va.; Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland, Md.; Monongahela Valley Hospital in Monongahela; Fairmont Regional Medical Center in Fairmont, W.Va.; Grafton Memorial Hospital in Grafton, W.Va.; Jameson Hospital in Newcastle; Jordan Hospital in Plymouth, Mass.; and Shriners Hospital in Boston, Mass.
    Dr. Marone graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Mass. He completed his internship in general surgery, residency in general surgery and a distinguished fellowship of the society for vascular surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Mass. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the Society for Vascular Surgery; fellow of the American College of Surgeons; and a member of the Society for Vascular Surgery, Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery, International Society for Vascular Surgery and Eastern Vascular Society.

    Ajay K. Mathur, MD. FACP

    Monongahela

    Board-certified rheumatologist Ajay K. Mathur, MD, FACP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Rheumatology at 1029 Country Club Road, suite 203, in Monongahela.

    Dr. Mathur has more than three decades of experience and has practiced in the Monongahela area for more than 30 years. He is a fellowship-trained rheumatologist, which means he has received the top level of training and is considered a specialized expert in his field. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Mathur’s research has won numerous awards, and he has been published in leading medical journals.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Mathur practiced at Mon Valley Hospital in Monongahela, where he was the medical director of the arthritis program. He also practiced rheumatology in Pittsburgh.

    Dr. Mathur graduated from the Medical College at the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur, India. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital in Johnstown and S.M.S. Hospital in Jaipur, India. He completed his fellowship in rheumatology at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

    He is a member of the American College of Rheumatology, and he is a fellow of the American College of Physicians.

    Rebecca Adams, CRNP
    Brookville

    Certified registered nurse practitioner Rebecca Adams, CRNP, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Family Medicine and QCare Brookville Walk-in Clinic at 88 Hospital Road, 1st floor, in Brookville.

    Rebecca has 15 years of experience in assessing, diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions in patients of all ages. She is also experienced as a patient advocate by assisting patients and families with quality of care concerns.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Rebecca practiced at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital in Kittanning.

    Rebecca earned her Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minn. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, Penn.

    Naomi Blackburn, PA-C
    DuBois

    Certified physician assistant Naomi Blackburn, PA-C, joins the team at
    Penn Highlands Neurology at 123 Hospital Avenue in DuBois.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Naomi gained clinical experience at Excela Health in Greensburg, Pittsburgh VA Medical Center in Pittsburgh, UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Pittsburgh, UPMC Magee - Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, Sharon Regional Medical Center in Sharon, UPMC East in Monroeville, UPMC Montefiore in Pittsburgh and UPMC General Academic Pediatrics Clinic in Pittsburgh.

    Naomi earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at
    the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh and her Bachelor of Science
    in Exercise Science at Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock.

    Eric Bridenbaugh, PA-C
    Huntingdon

    Certified physician assistant Eric Bridenbaugh, MPAS, PA-C, MBA, joins the team at Penn Highlands General Surgery in Huntingdon.

    Eric has more than a decade of experience, and he is highly skilled in surgical procedures, including complex trauma care. He provides patients with a full spectrum of care, from initial diagnosis to procedural work to discharge and follow-up care.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Eric practiced at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, UPMC Altoona in Altoona, UPMC Bedford Memorial Hospital in Everett, Lancaster General Hospital in Lancaster and Somerset Hospital in Somerset.

    Eric earned his Master of Physician Assistant Sciences from Saint Francis University in Loretto. He earned his Master of Business Administration from Juniata College in Huntingdon and his Bachelor of Science in Natural and Social Sciences.

    Michael Gigliotti, CRNP
    DuBois​

    Certified registered nurse practitioner Michael Gigliotti, CRNP, joins the team at QCare DuBois at 621 South Main Street in DuBois.

    Michael has nearly a decade of experience. At our QCare Walk-in Clinic, Michael provides patients of all ages with highly skilled care for minor injuries and illnesses when you need it most.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Michael practiced at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh and Punxsutawney Area Hospital in Punxsutawney.

    Michael earned his Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mount Aloysius College in Cresson. 

    Nicole Orr, PA-C
    Punxsutawney

    Certified physician assistant Nicole Orr, PA-C, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Family Medicine and Pediatric Care and QCare Punxsutawney at 21911 Route 119 in Punxsutawney.

    Nicole provides comprehensive care to patients of all ages. She also offers walk-in care for minor conditions, such as the flu, strep throat, earaches or minor injuries. In addition, she is experienced in treating mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and ADHD, in children and adolescents.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Nicole practiced at Pediatric Care Center in Indiana, Penn., and Marion Center, Penn.

    Nicole earned a Master of Physician Assistant Science and Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Saint Francis University in Loretto. She is certified in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support and Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certified.

    Thamar Perry, PA-C, LAT, ATC
    Monongahela

    Certified physician assistant Thamar Perry, PA-C, LAT, ATC, joins the team at Penn Highlands Cardiology at 1290 Chess Street, Suite 101, in Monongahela.

    Thamar has more than a decade of experience in healthcare, and she offers expert care to patients with a wide range of cardiology conditions.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Thamar gained clinical experience at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute in Egg Harbor Township, N.J.; Jefferson Health NJ in Stratford, N.J.; Einstein Medical Center in East Norriton; Village MD in Egg Harbor Township, N.J.; Center for Family Guidance-Atlantic County Jail in Mayslanding, N.J.; Abington Hospital in Abington; Village MD in Galloway, N.J.; Eastern Shore Hospital Center in Cambridge, Md.; and Pediatrics Day and Night in Trenton, N.J.

    Thamar earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, her Master of Science in Sports Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh and her Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training at California University of Pennsylvania in California, Penn.

    She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Associates, Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants, National Athletic Trainer’s Association and Pennsylvania Athletic Trainer’s Association. 

    Haley Wagner, PA-C
    Houtzdale and Tyrone

    Certified physician assistant Haley Wagner, PA-C, joins the teams at Houtzdale Rural Health Center at 120 Spring Street in Houtzdale and Tyrone Rural Health Center at 221 Hospital Drive in Tyrone.

    Haley has experience in treating a wide range of conditions in patients of all ages. She is dedicated to caring for the whole person, and she works to forge personal relationships with her patients to provide them with individualized care.

    Haley gained clinical experience at Still Waters Family Health Services in Clearfield, Blue Mountain Pediatrics in Brodheadsville; Lycoming Internal Medicine in Jersey Shore; Volunteers in Medicine Clinic in Hilton Head, S.C.; Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College; Penn Highlands Elk in Saint Marys and Houtzdale Rural Health Clinic in Houtzdale.

    Haley earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and Bachelor of Science in Health Science from Lock Haven University in Lock Haven. 

    Cody Wakefield, CRNP
    Clarion

    Certified registered nurse practitioner Cody Wakefield, CRNP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine and QCare Clarion at 265 Holiday Inn Road, Route 68, in Clarion.

    Cody is a highly skilled provider specializing in family health, internal medicine, pediatrics and women's health. Cody has 15 years of comprehensive nursing experience and provides dedicated, compassionate care to patients of all ages.

    Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Cody practiced at Titusville Area Hospital in Titusville and Saint Vincent Hospital-Allegheny Health Network in Erie.

    Cody earned his Master of Science in Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in Clarion and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in Edinboro. He received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Clarion University of Pennsylvania in Clarion.

    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands State College Construction Update
    05/17/23

    Construction is progressing well for Penn Highlands State College, our new state-of-the-art hospital and medical office building, projected to open in summer 2024.


    During the past few weeks, the exterior brick and glass were installed on the hospital and the roofing was dried in - all locations. Hospital elevators were installed. Interior stud framing and ductwork have been ongoing as well as drywall hanging in patient rooms.

    This video, which was shot before some of the recent exterior work began, shows the scope of the project.

    For more information, visit, www.phhealthcare.org/statecollege.
     


    Employee Engagement

    Penn Highlands Healthcare Values Your Opinions
    05/11/23


    Penn Highlands Healthcare is conducting a Pulse Survey to gauge our efforts in improving your satisfaction and engagement following the biennial Employee/Provider Engagement Survey that you participated in last spring. 

    You may recall that the 2022 survey asked many questions related to both your employee satisfaction and engagement -- the emotional commitment you have to Penn Highlands and our goals. The feedback we received from last year's survey formed the foundation of a system wide action plan involving all employees and providers. Over the course of the past year, we implemented department- and system-level action plans to make improvements based on your input. Department leaders were charged with selecting a departmental initiative, developing a plan to support the system initiatives and scheduling a departmental meeting to discuss the employee survey results and potential initiatives. If you are not familiar with the initiative of your department, please do not hesitate to reach out to your department leader for details.

    The Pulse Survey is being conducted through May 17, 2023. You are strongly encouraged to take the survey that should not take more than five minutes to complete. It is important to note that the survey is confidential. 

    Remember, your opinions are valued. Thank you for sharing them by completing the Pulse Survey.

    PHH Headlines

    We Are Healthcare!
    05/08/23


    I look forward to each spring when we celebrate National Hospital Week. This year, our theme is “We Are Healthcare” in celebration of how we as individuals, departments and hospitals come together for our communities. 

    Innovations in the delivery of medical care are occurring continually. Every day, the employees, physicians and volunteers at Penn Highlands Healthcare are committed to excellence in clinical care and customer service. You are among the most talented, compassionate, enthusiastic and devoted people to serve the residents of Northwestern/Central and Southwestern Pennsylvania. I see the teamwork, high level of skill, spirit of cooperation and the kindness that each of you bring.

    From May 7-13, our eight hospitals will observe National Hospital Week which closely coincides with Penn Highlands Healthcare Rewards and Recognition Week. Each of the hospitals has something special planned during Hospital Week to show our appreciation to each of you for the role you play in making our health system a great place to receive care and work.

    As we celebrate National Hospital Week, I have two small words but they convey my sincere appreciation for all that you do -- thank you!


    Employee Engagement

    Rewards and Recognition Week Activities Planned
    05/03/23

    Rewards and Recognition Week will be celebrated May 8-12, 2023 to coincide with National Hospital Week (May 7-13) and May 15-19, 2023 to coincide with National Nursing Home Week (May 14-20). 

    This National Hospital Week, the American Hospital Association (AHA) will follow the "We Are Healthcare" theme, recognizing the amazing people who work in America's hospitals and health systems. "We Are Healthcare" is also the theme for this quarter's Rewards and Recognition Week.

    Penn Highlands Healthcare plans these quarterly celebrations to express appreciation to employees, recognize personal achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout the health system. Past Rewards and Recognition celebrations have generated much interest and enthusiasm among employees.

    Throughout Rewards and Recognition Week, employees across the system are encouraged to dress in PHH logo wear and participate in themed activities. For more details about festivities at each PHH facility, click on the link below to download the flyer for the schedule of activities where you work.

    Penn Highlands Brookville

    Penn Highlands Clearfield

    Penn Highlands Connellsville 

    Penn Highlands DuBois

    Penn Highlands Elk

    Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

    Penn Highlands Huntingdon

    Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

    Penn Highlands McKinley Health Center

    Penn Highlands Mon Valley

    Penn Highlands Physician Network

    Penn Highlands Tyrone

    Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services

    Please remember to submit photos from your R&R Celebration to be posted to the PHH Facebook page and your completed PowerPoint to be included with the Vital Lines recap to jweidel@phhealthcare.org by May 22, 2023.

    As a dedicated Penn Highlands Healthcare team member, your input is critical in helping us make our organization an even better place to work. A Pulse Survey is being conducted from May 3 through May 17, 2023. This important survey will help us gauge our efforts in improving your satisfaction and engagement since the previous surveys. All non-provider staff at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley and Penn Highlands Tyrone are asked to complete the survey.

    Thank you for all that you do. We look forward to your participation!

    Hospital News

    Penn Highlands Connellsville Leadership Change
    05/02/23

    John Andursky, President of Penn Highlands Connellsville, is retiring effective May 1, 2023.

    While serving as president, John worked diligently to ensure that people in Fayette County and surrounding areas had access to quality health care and services. During his tenure, he established the Regional Center for Autism, which became affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital’s Center for Autism. The school has earned a reputation for ensuring that each student receives individualized care to feel successful. Also during John's tenure, Penn Highlands Connellsville earned many certifications and accreditations ranging from Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) Certification to American College of Radiology (ACR) Accreditation -- All Digital/3D Mammography. John also was instrumental in bringing Highlands Hospital into Penn Highlands Healthcare.

    We thank John for his dedication to Penn Highlands Healthcare and wish him well in his retirement.

    In the interim, Peter Adamo, Penn Highlands Healthcare Market President — Southwestern Region, will work with the Penn Highlands Connellsville management team to oversee the hospital operations.

    Masking Mandate Update
    05/01/23


    It has been challenging to help keep our patients, visitors, employees and physicians safe during the past three years as we faced the COVID-19 pandemic. However, you adhered to our policies and were diligent in maintaining safety precautions to help reduce the spread of the virus.

    With the COVID-19 community transmission levels and hospital admissions dropping, I am pleased to announce that effective Monday, May 1, 2023, Penn Highlands Healthcare is eliminating universal source control, removing the requirement for masking at our hospitals, long-term care facilities, personal care facilities, outpatient facilities and physician offices. This applies to patients, visitors, employees, physicians, volunteers and vendors.

    ​It is important to note the following:

    • Masking will continue to be mandatory in clinical settings that traditionally require masking.
    • Masks are still strongly recommended in areas caring for moderate to severely immunocompromised patients.
    • Masks are required when caring for patients who are COVID-19 positive or who are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.
    • Patients, visitors and employees may choose to continue wearing masks, and should be treated with respect.
    • Additionally, if an outpatient or inpatient is voluntarily masked, staff are asked to wear a mask out of respect when within six feet of the patient.
    • All standard precautions, such as practicing hand hygiene, should continue to be followed.
    • Employees who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are still required to contact Employee Health.
    • A list of Frequently Asked Questions is attached to address additional questions related to masking.

    On behalf of the leadership of Penn Highlands Healthcare, I express our gratitude to you for maintaining universal source control and following our policies as we weathered the pandemic together.




      Hot News

      Penn Highlands Healthcare Appreciates Our Nurses
      05/01/23

      From May 6-12, 2023, Penn Highlands Healthcare will join health systems across the U.S. as we all honor our dedicated nurses.

      When I began to write this message to recognize our nurses, a passage from the Royal College of Nursing came to mind that epitomizes each and every Penn Highlands Healthcare nurse in our hospitals, outpatient facilities and physician offices. I am confident that you will agree that the text below describes our nurses.

      Nurses make holding your hand seem like the most important thing in the world when you are scared.

      Nurses can make your child breathe when he stops.

      Nurses can make your father survive a heart attack.

      Nurses make themselves get up at 5 a.m. to make sure your mother has the medicine she needs to live.

      Nurses work all day to save the lives of strangers.

      Nurses make their families wait for dinner until they know that your family member is taken care of.

      Nurses skip lunch so they can make sure that everything they did for your wife is charted.

      Nurses work weekends and holidays because people don’t just get sick Monday through Friday.

      What do nurses make? They make a difference.

      Please join me in saluting our nurses during National Nurses Week!

      Employee Engagement

      Congratulations to Our Recent CCMA Graduates!
      04/21/23

      Congratulations to the five Penn Highlands Physician Network employees who participated in the sixth accelerated Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program through Brockway Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT). The recent graduates passed their certifications and began working in new clinical roles earlier this month.

      The 14-week course prepares students for the medical environment while they learn administrative and clinical duties with a focus on acquiring proficiency in the use of the electronic health record systems and clinical skills. .

      Shown in the photo above are the instructors Kelly Walker and Sharon Doolittle (on the far left and far right respectively) along with recent graduates (l. to r.) Ellen Carlson, Alyson Heffner, Mekayla Cochenour, Janessa Sago and Kristen Potter.

      Hot News

      Penn Highlands DuBois New ED is Now Open!
      04/20/23

      The new state-of-the-art Emergency Department at Penn Highlands DuBois is now open and treating patients! 

      The $21.5 million Emergency Department addition is designed to meet the healthcare needs of our local community and prepare for the future trauma center designation.

      “We are thrilled to have the renovation completed for our community,” said John Sutika, President of Penn Highlands DuBois. “When people visit the Penn Highlands DuBois ED, they will immediately notice that the technically advanced environment complements the high level of care we deliver.”

      The Penn Highlands DuBois Emergency Department is now located off of South Main Street across from the DuBois Community Medical Building. There is designated patient parking at the new entrance for easy patient access.

      Highlights of the new ED include:

      • An expanded registration area and a large, comfortable waiting room.​
      • The eight-bay Vertical Care Unit for patients with minor ailments to receive expedited care.
      • Treatment rooms in a circular design with multiple nurses’ stations.
      • Four trauma treatment bays.
      • Four rooms to support patients with behavioral health needs.
      • Treatment rooms with greater privacy for pediatric patients and assault victims.

      The addition also has a Neurological/Trauma Intensive Care unit on the second floor. This unit includes 20 private patient rooms.

      The Penn Highlands DuBois Emergency Department project was part of the health system’s nearly $200 million Master Facilities Plan to enhance access to critical services and advanced care for the residents of Pennsylvania. The Plan triggered eight major expansion and renovation projects to modernize, improve and expand upon the services offered to patients at Penn Highlands hospitals in Brookville, Clearfield and DuBois, as well as Penn Highlands Pinecrest Manor and the construction of a Community Medical Building in Clarion. The plan also includes construction of a new hospital and medical office building in State College and Community Medical Buildings in Punxsutawney and Ridgway. 

      Hospital News

      Parking Changes at Penn Highlands DuBois
      04/17/23

      As a reminder, Penn Highlands DuBois has designated parking lots for patients/visitors, employees and physicians. In preparation for the opening of the new Penn Highlands DuBois Emergency Department, there will be changes in the parking lot located in front of the new emergency entrance off of South Main Street.  Effective Wednesday, April 19, these spots are officially patient/visitor parking only. Please refer to the map for more details.

      • Please keep the color coding for parking in mind:
        • Yellow lines are for patients and visitors – however, they are always allowed to park in any color-lined spot.
        • Red lines are for physicians.  
        • White lines are for employees, which includes advanced practice providers and visiting staff from other hospitals and services.
      • Students should be reminded to park in the lots above the Medical Arts Building.

      Violators’ vehicles will be booted and discipline can be up to and/or include termination. Violators will also be required to meet with their supervisor and Penn Highlands DuBois administration to discuss actions.

      Hot News

      Penn Highlands Healthcare Seeks 2023 Golf Classic Golfers and Sponsors
      04/14/23

      Penn Highlands Healthcare is seeking golfers and sponsorships for our 2023 Golf Classics, sponsored by KTH Architects.

      This one-of-a-kind event will be held Friday, June 16, with a 9:00 AM tee time at three locations in Northwestern/Central Pennsylvania to benefit Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon and Penn Highlands Tyrone. Additionally, a separate Golf Classic will be held Friday, June 23, in Southwestern Pennsylvania to benefit Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

      These Classics are the largest attended fundraisers for Penn Highlands Healthcare. Proceeds benefit cardiac care services at our Penn Highlands Healthcare facilities.  

      “Each year, our golf classics get bigger and better, and this year’s events promise to be challenging and fun,” said Lindsey Herzing, Manager of Donor Relations for Penn Highlands Healthcare. “The Golf Classic is an excellent opportunity for sponsoring businesses and organizations to receive community exposure and it is a great networking event for the golfers.”

      Teams and individuals are encouraged to register online. For those who are unable to golf, there are many sponsorship opportunities available.

      For more information, email phhfunddevelopment@phhealthcare.org or call Lindsey Herzing at 814-375-3901.

      PHH Headlines

      Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services Announces Leadership/Management Changes
      04/11/23

      Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services recently announced leadership and management changes at WRC facilities in Jefferson, Clarion and Elk counties.

      Edgewood Heights Personal Care Home
      Ashley Buzard is the new Administrator for Penn Highlands Edgewood Heights Personal Care Home in New Bethlehem, Penna. 

      Ashley has 18 years of experience with senior resident services — the last 15 years with WRC Senior Services at various locations. She served as a Licensed Practical Nurse performing assessments and medication administration at McKinley Health Center; a Resident Care Coordinator in charge of the daily operations of the residents at Laurelbrooke Personal Care and Highland Oaks at Water Run; Administrator in charge of the daily operations of the residents and staff at Jefferson Court, Jefferson Manor; and most recently a Resident Aide and Administrator at Edgewood Heights.

      Ashley received her Personal Care Home Administrator certification from Butler Community College and Certified Nursing Assistant degree and Licensed Practical Nurse degree from Clarion County Career Center.

      Highland Oaks at Water Run — Water Run Landing
      Highland Oaks at Water Run — Water Run Landing in Clarion, Penna. recently announced the appointment of Kurt Nesbitt as its new Director of Personal Care/Independent Living/Affordable Housing.

      Kurt brings extensive management and leadership experience to his new position. Prior to joining Highland Oaks, Kurt was the Admissions Coordinator at Penn Highlands McKinley Health Center. He also served as the Admissions/Marketing Director for Davis Archway Treatment Center, and held Program Management, Supervisory and Counseling positions with Abraxas Youth and Family Services during his 32-year career with the organization.

      Kurt is a certified addiction counselor and obtained certification from the Personal Care Home Administration.

      Laurelbrooke Personal Care Home
      Ronit Ghose, PCHA, was recently appointed Administrator of Laurelbrooke Personal Care Home in Brookville, Penna. 

      Prior to joining Laurelbrooke, Ronit was a Patient Administrator in the COVID-19 testing operation for AMI Expeditionary Healthcare. In this role, he worked throughout Pennsylvania providing a wide range of administrative and logistics services. He also has held administrative positions with Cerner Corporation and Pure Elegance.

      Ronit received his Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Policy and Management from Pennsylvania State University and certification from the Personal Care Home Administration.

      Penn Highlands McKinley Health Center
      Anthony Nefstead is the new Administrator for Penn Highlands McKinley Health Center in Brookville, Penna.

      Anthony brings extensive experience as a nursing home administrator to his new role. Prior to joining WRC Senior Services, he was employed by Shippenville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center — Guardian Healthcare in Shippenville, Penna. During his three-year tenure at the Center, his responsibilities progressed from Director of Admissions to Assistant Administrator and ultimately Nursing Home Administrator.

      Anthony studied Nursing Home Administration at Pennsylvania State University.

      Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor Personal Care Home
      Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor in Brookville, Penna. welcomed Chase Johnston as its new Administrator.

      Chase is a Licensed Practical Nurse who has held patient care positons at Compassionate Care Nursing, Clarion Hospital, Shippenville Healthcare and Rehabilitation and most recently at National Healthcare.

      Chase completed the Practical Nurse Program at Clarion County Career Center. While in school, he obtained his clinical experience at Penn Highlands Brookville and Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor.

      Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor Health Center
      Dana Heitzenrater, BSN, RN, NHA, CNDLTC, PCHA, is the new Administrator for Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor Health Center in Brookville, Penna.

      Dana brings 27 years of nursing and case management experience to the Health Center. Prior to joining Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services, she was the Administrator for DuBois Nursing Home where she was responsible for the operational management of the 140-bed skilled nursing facility. During her career, Dana has held nursing leadership positions at Southwestern Veterans Center, Affinity Health Services and Mulberry Square Eldercare and Rehabilitation Center. She also served as the Quality Assurance Coordinator for Christ the King Manor where she monitored the quality of care provided by the Nursing Department; Nursing Case Manager for Pennsylvania Memorial Home; Nursing Supervisor and Case Manager at Mountain Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; and for 11 years served as Director of Nursing Services at Jefferson Manor Health Center.

      Dana earned her Bachelor of Science and Associate of Science degrees in Nursing from Lock Haven University. She is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator.

      Penn Highlands Ridgmont
      Alexis Miglicio is the new Administrator for Penn Highlands Ridgmont, in Ridgway, Penna.

      Alexis brings more than 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse to this position. She has provided direct patient care at both long-term personal care facilities and to patients in their homes. Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport, Penna. and Emporium Health Center, in Emporium, Penna. are among her past employers. Most recently Alexis was employed by BLU Medstaff.

      Alexis graduated from the Practical Nursing Program at Clearfield County Career and Technological Center. She also completed coursework toward General Education at Pennsylvania College of Technology. She is a resident of Emporium, Penna.

      Penn Highlands Ridgmont is a personal care community with accommodations for 40 residents. A professional staff is on hand 24-hours to help with personal care and manage the residents’ medications and healthcare. For more information, visit www.wrc.org or call 814-772-6608.

      Please wish these new leaders well in their new roles!


       

       


      Hospital News

      Employees Invited To Tour New Penn Highlands DuBois Emergency Department
      04/10/23

      Penn Highlands Healthcare employees are invited to attend a behind-the-scenes tour of the newly expanded Emergency Department at Penn Highlands DuBois on Wednesday, April 19, from 12:00-1:30 PM.

      During the tour, employees will see:

      • The expanded registration area and a large, comfortable waiting room.​
      • The eight-bay Vertical Care Unit for patients with minor ailments to receive expedited care.
      • Nineteen treatment rooms in a circular design with multiple nurses’ stations.
      • Four trauma treatment bays so that people can receive care in their own community.
      • Four rooms to support patients with behavioral health needs.
      • Treatment rooms with greater privacy for patients who require special treatment such as children and assault victims.
      • The 20-room Neuro/Trauma Critical Care Unit for neurosurgery patients and those who need post-trauma care.
      The technically advanced Emergency Department also includes a separate entrance for greater privacy; a large ambulance bay to accommodate four ambulances at once and a second helipad to accommodate two medical helicopters at once.

      "We are very excited to give our employees a preview of this newly expanded and state-of-the-art Emergency Department,” said John Sutika, President of Penn Highlands DuBois. “Our goal has always been to provide the people in this region with the highest quality healthcare so they do not have to travel far when they are ill or injured."

      Please mark your calendar to attend!

       


      PHH Headlines

      Congratulations to Our New Nurse Aid Graduates
      04/06/23

      Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor is pleased to announce that it graduated its first class of nurse aids on March 31, 2023. Of the five students in the class, three will be employed at Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor and one transferred to Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services where she will be employed. The fifth student received a full scholarship to nursing school. 

      The program is open to Penn Highlands employees and members of the community free of charge and trainees are paid an hourly wage during the training, orientation and until they pass their Pennsylvania State CNA exam. 

      Trainees are eligible to earn the Penn Highlands CNA Recruitment/Retention Bonus if they remain at Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor and Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services and successfully complete their six-month and one-year anniversaries with the facilities.

      Congratulations to all of the new nurse aids!

      For more information about the nurse aide program, contact Mary Burkett, Nurse Recruiter, at mlburkett@phhealthcare.org or 814-591-3332.


      Hot News

      Penn Highlands Healthcare Enters New Radiology Partnership
      04/05/23

      Penn Highlands Healthcare and Mount Aloysius College announced a new opportunity to pursue a career in radiography, providing incoming students up to $44,000 in educational funding, hiring incentives and guaranteed employment at any Penn Highlands Healthcare hospital. The two-year program will feature a mix of online and in-person classes at Penn Highlands DuBois and mirrors the existing surgical technology affiliation already in place.

      Mount Aloysius College will offer a $14,000 scholarship to all incoming radiography students in the DuBois-based program. Students are also eligible for up to $15,000 in educational funding from Penn Highlands Healthcare while enrolled, and up to $15,000 in signing bonuses upon hiring at any Penn Highlands hospital.

      “This is an excellent opportunity for people in the region to further their careers and receive advanced training,” said Laura Adams, MA, HCA, BAS, RTRM, Radiology Service Line Director, Penn Highlands Healthcare. “We are excited to once again partner with Mount Aloysius College to provide  students with financial assistance and high-quality educational opportunities that will provide them with fulfilling careers.”

      This is our second program funding partnership with Mount Aloysius. In spring 2022, the health system entered into a similar partnership with the college for people pursuing careers in surgical technology. 

      An Open House will be held at Penn Highlands DuBois on April 12 at 6:00 PM for anyone interested in learning more about the programs.

      For more details on either program or to register for the Open House, please visit www.mtaloy.edu/phh or call 814-886-6383.
       

      Hot News

      Are You an Organ Donor?
      04/04/23

      Diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, or even common viruses can destroy a body’s organs. Throughout the United States, more than 100,000 people are waiting for life-saving organ transplants. Every day, someone in our region dies waiting for a transplant because too few people register as organ donors.


      April is National Donate Life Month, an observance to help raise awareness about donation, encourage people to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and honor those that have saved lives through the gift of donation. The 2023 theme is "Make a Splash for Donate Life Month!" 

      Throughout April, Penn Highlands Healthcare will help to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation among our patients, visitors, employees and communities through various communications and activities including:

      • Encouraging employees to wear blue and green on Friday, April 14, National Blue and Green Day.
      • Planning Flag Raising Ceremonies at Penn Highlands DuBois on April 14 at 11:30 AM; Penn Highlands Elk on April 24 at 11:00 AM; and Penn Highlands Clearfield on April 24 at 1:30 PM.
      • Publishing a story in the Tri-County Weekend.
      • Distributing a news release to the Pennsylvania media.
      • Using social media to encourage donor registration.
      • Flying the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) flag or posting outdoor signage at some hospitals. 
      • Hosting guest speakers at some of our facilities.


      In Pennsylvania, you can sign up online at donatelifepa.org. You can also become a donor when you renew your driver’s license in person, or online at dmv.pa.gov. Once you register, please tell your loved ones about your decision so that if the time comes, they will not be surprised and can help carry out your wishes

      If you are not already, please consider registering to become an organ, eye or tissue donor.




        Hot News

        Penn Highlands Healthcare Introduces “Return to Work” Nursing Residency
        04/03/23

        Penn Highlands Healthcare is introducing a “Return to Work” Nursing Residency to help nurses return to the workforce.

        The Return to Work Residency is an accelerated educational option that focuses on nurses who already have completed a nursing degree program. It includes courses that will assist nurses who have been out of the field for a significant amount of time to regain the necessary knowledge to care for patients again. By utilizing the experience and knowledge already gained, the program eliminates portions of a typical college curriculum.

        “This is an excellent opportunity for someone who took time off to raise a family to return to the workforce,” said Heather Franci, Chief Nursing Officer and Service Line Director, Heart Center, Lung Center, Brain & Spine, Oncology Services at Penn Highlands Healthcare. “The program serves as a bridge for nurses to build on the skills they already have while acquiring knowledge needed to provide patients with the highest level of care.”

        Students will participate in five weeks of courses which begin with didactics and progress to clinicals. Following completion of the program, depending on the employment area, additional educational needs may be required. The Return to Work Residency program reviews various content including neurology, respiratory care, cardiac care, and more.

        Once a nurse completes the program, there are various job opportunities available at Penn Highlands hospitals and skilled nursing facilities including full- and part-time positions as well as casual schedules.

        For more information, contact Nichole Unch at NSUnch@phhealthcare.org or 814-375-7725.


        Hospital News

        Recent Penn Highlands Healthcare Recognition
        03/31/23

        Penn Highlands Healthcare once again has earned prestigious state and national awards.

        Penn Highlands Elk in the Top 100 -- Again!

        The Chartis Group for Rural Health, a healthcare consulting firm based in Chicago, has named its 100 Best-Performing Critical Access Hospitals for 2023 and Penn Highlands Elk made the list! In fact, this marks the second consecutive year that PH Elk was ranked by the organization as a Best-Performing Critical Access Hospital. PH Elk was the only hospital in Pennsylvania to make this prestigious list.

        The Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™. is the industry's most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural provider performance. Based entirely on publicly available data sets, the INDEX benchmarks performance across eight pillars of performance including quality, market share and patient perspectives. The INDEX framework is widely used across the nation by independent rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints and state offices of rural health, which provide access to INDEX analytics through grant-funded initiatives.

        “Across the nation, top 100 rural providers continue to serve as a source of inspiration for hospital leadership teams and staff working diligently every day to improve the delivery of care within their local communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, the Chartis Center for Rural Health. “The list of award winners in each category is as geographically diverse as we’ve seen in some time, which is wonderful to see. We’re thrilled to be able to honor the outstanding efforts of these top performing rural hospitals.”

        Penn Highlands Huntingdon -- Earns Chartis Award for the Third Consecutive Year!

        Penn Highlands Huntingdon is proof that good things come in threes! For the third consecutive year, the hospital earned The Chartis Center for Rural Health Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital Award. Penn Highlands Huntingdon is one of only five hospitals in Pennsylvania to receive this distinction. This annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™.

        For 13 years, the INDEX has been serving as the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

        "Being recognized with this prestigious award for the last three years proves that Penn Highlands Huntingdon employees are consistently providing the highest quality of care to our patients," said Joe Myers, President of Penn Highlands Huntingdon. "We have great things happening at our hospital -- most notably the recent completion of the $9 million expansion and enhancement projects that include an expanded Behavioral Health Unit and the new Hahne Cancer and Outpatient Infusion Center on the Third Floor of the hospital as well as new Cardiac Cath Lab equipment and upgrades to our electronic medical record."

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley Receives Excellence in Care Award

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley has received an Excellence in Care Award from the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). This recognition was in the Medium Division for the Hospital's Community Care Network Transitions of Care.

        Established in 2017, the CCN, which is available free of charge, helps people receive the best health care possible through a comprehensive series of care coordination and educational strategies. The multidisciplinary team helps people transition to the next step of care and avoid readmission to the hospital. Whether it's home or to a skilled nursing facility, rehab center or another hospital, the CCN works to ensure a seamless continuity of care. The staff focuses on the signs and symptoms of chronic diseases and works with current care providers to help people understand and manage their care. To read more about the Community Care Network, click here.

        PH Mon Valley's CCN initiative was one of 12 recognized by HAP through its 2023 Achievement Awards. Started in 1978, the program recognizes hospitals and health systems that are taking innovative approaches to strengthening the safety and quality of care, enhancing operations and patients’ experience and partnering with their communities to address public health needs.

        PH Mon Valley competed against organizations of a similar size for the Excellence in Care Award, which celebrates hospitals’ and health systems’ innovative approaches to improving the quality of care. In total, there were 82 entries for this year’s Achievement Awards.

        “Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems are dedicated to not just treating illnesses and injuries but being partners in improving the health of their patients and communities,” HAP President and CEO Andy Carter said. “These award-winning projects exemplify the extraordinary work of Pennsylvania’s hospital community to enhance Pennsylvanians’ health; advance health equity; and improve the quality, delivery, and safety of care.”

        Steve Fontaine -- Health Care Power 100

        Steve Fontaine, CEO of Penn Highlands Healthcare, has been named to the City & State Pennsylvania 2023 Health Care Power 100 as “one of the most powerful individuals in Pennsylvania health care.” City & State Pennsylvania is a multimedia news organization that dedicates its coverage to state and local government, including all things politics and public policy. Their in-depth, non-partisan news coverage serves Pennsylvania’s leaders every day as a trusted guide to the issues impacting the Keystone State. City & State Pennsylvania offers comprehensive coverage through its daily First Read newsletter, print magazine and events.

        We should all be proud of Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley and Steve Fontaine on receiving these prestigious awards!



        Employee Engagement

        Dr. Hallahan Named Regional Chief Medical Officer for the Central Region
        03/30/23

        Margaret M. Hallahan, DO, FACOI, HMDC

        Please join me in congratulating Margaret M. Hallahan, DO, FACOI, HMDC, our new Regional Chief Medical Officer for the Central Region. When Dr. Hallahan begins her new position on April 10, she will provide medical perspective, knowledge, experience and leadership while facilitating communication and understanding among senior management, medical staff and clinical departments. In addition, Dr. Hallahan will be responsible for ensuring that our patients in the Central Region receive the highest level of care.  

        Dr. Hallahan, who is board certified in Internal Medicine, brings more than a decade of experience as a medical director, hospitalist and palliative care physician to her new role. For the past five years, she has been practicing Internal Medicine and Palliative Medicine at Penn Highlands Huntingdon. She also has been serving as the Medical Director and attending physician for Embassy of Woodland Park, a skilled nursing facility in Orbisonia, Penna., and as an attending physician at Embassy of Huntingdon Park, located in Huntingdon, and at Graystone Manor Huntingdon. In addition, Dr. Hallahan served as Assistant Hospice Medical Director for Kindred Hospice/Southern Care, Inc. and provided Internal Medicine and Palliative Care at Broad Top Area Medical Center, in Huntingdon. She began her medical career as a hospitalist at Pinnacle Health Systems' Community General Osteopathic Hospital and J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital -- now Penn Highlands Huntingdon.  

        Dr. Hallahan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Exercise Science from Gettysburg College and her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

        Please wish Dr. Hallahan much success in her new position! 

        Hot News

        Thank You to Our Doctors
        03/27/23

        Every year, we are given the opportunity to recognize the dedication of our physicians on Doctors' Day. Health care has become more complex than ever over the last few years, and our physicians have adapted and persevered keeping their patients at the forefront. Penn Highlands Healthcare has more than 800 physicians on the medical staff who provide exemplary care day in and day out.

        This Thursday, March 30, please join me in thanking our doctors for the commitment they make to their patients every day. With their skill, compassion and selflessness, we are able to offer high-quality, advanced medicine in our local communities. 

        Hospital News

        Penn Highlands State College Update
        03/21/23

        Construction for Penn Highlands State College, our new technologically advanced hospital and medical office building that is anticipated to open in the summer of 2024, is progressing well.

        Since late February, the electrical generator pad was formed, poured and stripped; fireproofing work for the hospital was completed; and the roofing was installed on the medical office building. Additional installations include: patient room windows and rooftop mechanical units. In recent weeks, the construction team has prepared the ground floor of the medical office building for a slab on grade pour.

        During the past two weeks, the loading dock ramp was poured and stripped; the exterior insulation was installed on the central utilities plant; the medical office building portal entrance was framed; and the air and vapor barrier was installed on the hospital, central utilities plant and medical office building.

        To learn more about Penn Highlands State College, visit www.phhealthcare.org/statecollege.

        PHH Headlines

        Welcome New Providers
        03/17/23

        Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!

        Adil Chaudry, MD
        Monongahela

        Board-certified radiologist Adil Chaudry, MD, joins the team as the medical director of the radiology department at Penn Highlands Mon Valley in Monongahela.

        Dr. Chaudry has two decades of experience and specializes in a wide range of radiological procedures, particularly musculoskeletal (MSK) and body MRI, non-vascular intervention and mammography. He is a fellowship-trained radiologist, which is the highest level of training a physician can achieve and designates Dr. Chaudry as an expert in his field.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Chaudry practiced at Imaging Associates of Greater Pittsburgh and was the president and chairman of the radiology department at Monongahela Valley Hospital.

        Dr. Chaudry graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh. He completed his internship at Metrowest Medical Center, Harvard University, in Boston, Mass. He completed his residency in radiology at St Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University, in New York, N.Y., and the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y. He was a mammography fellow at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh and a body imaging/non-vascular intervention fellow at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Calif.


        Anthony Cuneo, MD, PhD
        Belle Vernon, Charleroi, Uniontown

        Anthony A. Cuneo, MD, PhD, is a pain management physician at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Dr. Cuneo is highly experienced in interventional spine and musculoskeletal medicine, as well as non-operative spine and pain management.

        He is a fellowship-trained specialist and was named a Top Physician Under 40 in 2020 in Pennsylvania. He was selected as chief resident during his physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at Temple University Hospital/Moss Rehabilitation, where he was also awarded Resident Teacher of the Year. He is a recipient of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Ruth L. Kirchstein Predoctoral Fellowship. He received a PhD from Temple University in Cellular and Molecular Physiology.


        Shane Patrick Hennessy, DO
        Belle Vernon, California, Charleroi, Uniontown

        Shane Patrick Hennessy, DO, is a non-surgical orthopedic physician at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

        Dr. Hennessy is a fellowship-trained specialist, and in addition to practicing in hospital settings, he is widely experienced as a team physician for collegiate football, basketball, swimming, and diving; high school sports; and the PGA Tour.

        He has published his research in leading journals, and he was named Exceptional Resident Teacher at UPMC Shadyside and Penn State College of Medicine.


        Scott Jacobson, DO
        Connellsville, Monongahela

        Board-certified hospitalist Scott Jacobson, DO, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

        Dr. Jacobson has more than 25 years of experience, and as a hospitalist he is specially trained for inpatient care. He works in partnership with a patient’s primary care provider to collaborate and communicate about previous care, current diagnosis, medications and treatment plans. 

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Jacobson practiced at Pish Medical Associates in Uniontown, Excela Health in Greensburg, Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, Jeanette Memorial Hospital in Jeannette, and St. John Detroit Riverview Hospital in Detroit, Mich.


        Jan W. Madison, MD
        Belle Vernon

        Board-certified pulmonary care physician Jan W. Madison, MD, has joined the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare. Dr. Madison joins the team at the Penn Highlands Lung Center in Belle Vernon.

        Dr. Madison has nearly four decades of experience and is a knowledgeable and accomplished specialist. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine in pulmonary disease and critical care, an honor that recognizes leaders in their specialty areas. She has also previously served as chief of medicine.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Madison practiced at Allegheny Pulmonary and Critical Care, Jefferson Hospital, in Pittsburgh; Pittsburgh Pulmonary in Pittsburgh; Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg; Western Pennsylvania Emergency Physicians in Pittsburgh; Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.; and Primedical in Atlanta, Ga.

        Eric Nabors, MD
        Belle Vernon, Charleroi, Pittsburgh, Uniontown

        Eric Nabors, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

        Dr. Nabors has 25 years of experience and is highly respected for his conservative approach to surgery and his rapport with patients. He is a fellowship-trained specialist and a frequent lecturer. He has also helped develop the latest approaches to the treatment of spine-related conditions.

        Waqar Shah, MD
        Monongahela

        Double board-certified radiologist Waqar Shah, MD, has joined the medical staff at Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

        Dr. Shah is a fellowship-trained radiologist with more than two decades of experience. He has achieved the highest level of training and specialization, and he is an expert in the field of radiology.

        Dr. Shah graduated from the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo, Ohio, where he also completed his internship in surgery. He completed his residency in diagnostic radiology and his fellowship in interventional radiology at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, N.Y. He is a member of the American Roentgen Ray Society, American College of Radiology and Society of Cardiovascular Imaging.

        Allan Tissenbaum, MD
        Belle Vernon, Charleroi, Pittsburgh

        Allan Henry Tissenbaum, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

        Dr. Tissenbaum is a fellowship-trained specialist with more than three decades of orthopedic surgical experience. In addition, he has served as the team physician for high school, college and professional sports teams.


        Morgan A. Baxter, DPM
        Belle Vernon, Charleroi, Uniontown

        Morgan A. Baxter, DPM, is a surgical podiatrist at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

        Dr. Baxter provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for foot and ankle conditions, including surgical treatment options. She was selected chief resident during her residency and is a highly skilled specialist. She also frequently presents her research at conferences nationwide.

        A native of Monongahela, Dr. Baxter returned to the area after medical school to provide quality, compassionate care to the community.


        Richard A. Young, DPM
        Belle Vernon, Charleroi

        Richard A. Young, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

        Dr. Young is a renowned specialist, with more than three decades of experience in podiatric medicine and surgery. He has served as department director multiple times, and he provides care for a full range of foot and ankle conditions.


        Mallory A. Boscan, PA-C
        Belle Vernon, Charleroi, Uniontown

        Mallory A. Boscan, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

        Mallory has more than a decade of experience in orthopedics and specializes in sports injuries, arthritis, total joint replacements, fractures, trauma care and osteoporosis. She is also skilled in interpreting imaging including X-ray, CT, MRI, total body bone scan, EMG and more.

        Chelsy Damico, CRNP
        Connellsville, Greensburg

        Certified registered nurse practitioner Chelsy Damico joins the teams at Penn Highlands Cardiology in Connellsville and Greensburg.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands Cardiology, Chelsy practiced at Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Connellsville, Highlands Hospital in Connellsville and as a registered nurse at UPMC Somerset in Somerset.

        Chelsy earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governor’s University in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.


        Mark Gindlesperger, PA-C
        Belle Vernon

        Mark Gindlesperger, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

        Mark has more than a decade of orthopedic experience and specializes in total hip/knee replacement, carpal tunnel/trigger finger release, knee/shoulder arthroscopy and fracture repair.


        Brian Ruby, PA-C
        Belle Vernon, Charleroi, Pittsburgh

        Brian Ruby, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

        Brian has years of orthopedic experience, including orthopedic surgery. He has also provided care for numerous athletic teams, as well as sideline orthopedic care at many athletic competitions.


        Brian Steve Walters, CRNP
        Belle Vernon

        Brian Steve Walters, CRNP, is a certified registered nurse practitioner at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

        With more than 20 years of experience, Brian is a highly experienced orthopedic provider, offering specialized care for all types of joint, bone and muscle issues. In addition, Brian is a frequent guest lecturer on orthopedic care and treatment.

        PHH Headlines

        Welcome New Regional Chief Medical Officer -- Northwestern Region
        03/17/23

        Philip S. Vuocolo, MD, MHA, FACS

        Philip S. Vuocolo, MD, MHA, FACS, has been named Penn Highlands Healthcare Regional Chief Medical Officer for the Northwestern Region. In this position, Dr. Vuocolo will provide medical perspective, knowledge, experience and leadership as well as facilitates communication and understanding among senior management, medical staff and clinical departments while assuring the provision of high quality care to the patients served in the Northwestern region. He assumes this new role on April 3, 2023. 

        Dr. Vuocolo has been a respected surgeon for more than 30 years and has been an attending surgeon at Penn Highlands DuBois since 2021, where he handles trauma, acute care and critical care surgeries. Prior to joining our medical staff, Dr. Vuocolo was an attending surgeon at Warren General Hospital, in Warren, Penna., and Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital in Montevideo, Minn. At these hospitals, he performed general and laproscopic surgery, endoscopy, hyperbaric medicine and wound care and laser vein surgery. Earlier in his career, Dr. Vuocolo served as an attending surgeon at hospitals in New Hampshire, Minnesota, Florida and New York. He has held many leadership positions at the health systems where he was previously employed. Most recently, Dr. Vuocolo served as the Chief Medical Officer at Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough, N.H. and Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital.

        From 1990-1991 during the Persian Gulf War, while in the United States Navy serving as a Lieutenant Commander in the Medical Corps, Dr. Vuocolo was a trauma surgeon and Director of Casualty Receiving. In 1995, while serving as a Major in the New York Air National Guard and United States Air Force Reserve, he was a flight surgeon based in Turkey and Northern Iraq. For his service he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal. 

        Dr. Vuocolo received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Fordham University in The Bronx, N.Y.; Medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical Center, in Syracuse, N.Y.; Flight Surgeon degree in Aerospace Medicine from the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine in San Antonio, Texas; and MHA degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health in Minneapolis, Minn.

        Please join me in congratulating Dr. Vuocolo on his new position.

        Hospital News

        PHH Employees Invited To Attend Penn Highlands Huntingdon Open House
        03/14/23

        Employees and guests are invited to attend an Open House at Penn Highlands Huntingdon on Thursday, March 23, 2023, from 5:00-6:30 PM, to see the new Third Floor enhancements 

        Penn Highlands Huntingdon recently completed $9 million in expansion and enhancement projects that include an expanded Behavioral Health Unit and the new Hahne Cancer and Outpatient Infusion Center on the Third Floor of the hospital as well as new Cardiac Cath Lab equipment and upgrades to its electronic medical record. During the tour, visitors will see:

        • The 28-bed Behavioral Health Unit that includes 13 dual rooms that offer a calm environment for treatment, three state-of-the-art group rooms; two safe rooms for de-escalation and a new patient cafeteria. The unit also includes advanced security measures for increased patient security and new furnishings designed for patient comfort and healing. 

        • The Hahne Cancer and Outpatient Infusion Center with nine oncology infusion bays for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hematology infusion and injections such as IV iron and bone marrow biopsy; and seven infusion bays for blood transfusions, IV antibiotics, IV iron, rheumatology and multiple sclerosis infusions and pulmonology injections.

        “We are excited for the community to see our renovations,” said Joe Myers, President of Penn Highlands Huntingdon. “Since becoming part of Penn Highlands Healthcare, the hospital’s care for the residents of Huntingdon County has been enhanced; and, the opening of these new services on the Third Floor improves access to quality care.”

        Employees are encouraged to attend the Open House! Light refreshments will be served and giveaways provided while supplies last.

        Employee Engagement

        Penn Highlands DuBois Celebrates Certified Nurses Day
        03/13/23

        Penn Highlands DuBois is celebrating Certified Nurses Day, March 19, by honoring 60 board-certified nurses on its staff. Board certification of nurses plays an increasingly important role in the assurance of high standards of care for patients and their loved ones. Nursing, like health care in general, has become increasingly complex. While a registered nurse (RN) license provides entry to general nursing practice, the knowledge-intensive requirements of modern nursing require extensive education, as well as a strong personal commitment to excellence by the nurse.

        Penn Highlands DuBois encourages national board certification for all of its nurses. There are many nursing certification specialties, such as medical-surgical, pediatric, obstetrics, neonatal care, cardiac vascular, oncology, case management, emergency nursing, trauma, critical care and many others. Many nursing certification bodies exist to serve the full range of specialized nursing care offered in the contemporary health care system. Penn Highlands DuBois recognizes that nursing board certification is so special that they now have certification exam vouchers for a variety of different certifications such as CCRN, PCCN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN and the medical-surgical certification. 

        A ceremony with light refreshments will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023, at 11:00 AM in the atrium. If you are a certified nurse, plan to attend this celebration for this important recognition! All are invited to attend! RSVP to kanthony@phhealthcare.org.

        Please join Penn Highlands DuBois and the nation’s national nursing certification organizations in honoring those hardworking, dedicated nurses for their professionalism and a job well done!


        Employee Engagement

        Penn Highlands Offers Online Nursing Education Through Nightingale College
        03/13/23

        Nearly four years ago, Penn Highlands Healthcare entered into a partnership with Nightingale College to provide our employees and communities with access to an accredited, blended-distance pre-licensure PN, LPN-to-ASN, BSN, RN-to-BSN and post-licensure MSN Ed and MSN FNP programs.

        Since opening in 2010, Nightingale College has been providing its distance-approved nursing degree programs in various states, graduating more than 1,800 students. Understanding the limitations of traditional brick-and-mortar institutions and the effect it has on the nationwide nursing shortage, the College reinvented the delivery of nursing education, challenged the status quo and developed its 32-month blended-distance BSN program. Students in the program complete all nursing core coursework online, without having to travel to a campus, then attend experiential learning activities at a College partner’s facility. Additionally, the College offers a full range of online programs.

        The College designed its distance-approved nursing programs to not only develop but maintain a steady supply of homegrown nurses with the help of local healthcare systems like Penn Highlands. Through this partnership, Penn Highlands employees can receive tuition reduction to all of Nightingale’s programs. Students are able to complete experiential learning at our hospitals and intervention skill- and case-based experiential learning at our Central Resource Center at Penn Highlands DuBois. 

        Programs

        Nightingale is currently enrolling for all programs. The BSN program is now accepting enrollments into general education courses, which are completely online, and is open to enrollments into advanced placement levels. For more details, visit www.nightingale.edu.

        Practical Nurse (PN) Diploma Program
        The PN program will prepare learners to take the NCLEXPN and enable them to apply for PN licensure. The program is intended to take as few as 12 months to complete so learners can get through school and be in the field, caring for patients, and earning a living as quickly as possible. To learn more about the PN program, visit www.nightingale.edu/pn-diploma-program

        LPN-to-ASN Program
        The LPN to ASN Program is designed to prepare you for entry-level nursing practice in hospitals, clinics and other health care settings by providing a dynamic pathway for entry into professional registered nurse (RN) practice. It continually evolves to reflect local community needs and current and emerging health care delivery trends; is responsible for instilling the tenets of advocacy, professional involvement lifelong learning and leadership; and involves evidence-based practice which prepares you to exhibit critical thinking, clinical competence and technical proficiency in health care settings. To learn more about the LPN to ASN program, visit www.nightingale.edu/lpn-to-asn

        BSN Program
        The pre-licensure BSN program prepares graduates for entry-level practice as a nurse and can be completed in as few as 32 months. The blended-distance program provides advanced placement opportunities for qualified LPNs and LVNs. The program’s innovative delivery model combines online didactic instruction with on-ground experiential learning activities. To learn more about the BSN program, visit www.nightingale.edu/bsn.

        RN-to-BSN Program
        The RN-to-BSN program is specifically designed for current RNs looking to obtain a BSN degree while continuing to work. The program is completely online and can be completed in as few as 12 months. The program emphasizes two projects that train nurses to identify areas of improvement then create a solution -- The Community Health Project and the Capstone Leadership Project. To learn more about the RN-to-BSN program, visit www.nightingale.edu/rn-to-bsn.

        MSN Ed Program
        The Master of Science in Nursing for Educators (MSN Ed) Program is an asynchronous delivery of online didactic instruction allowing for working while learning and earning your degree. The College’s MSN Ed Program is designed to equip you with the tools you will need to start teaching as a nurse educator as quickly as possible. The MSN Ed program content is grounded in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing and evidence-based on national standards. It provides the knowledge and skills that enable nurse educators to teach effectively and supports the College’s intention to help solve the current nursing shortage. To learn more about the MSN Ed program, visit www.nightingale.edu/msn.

        MSN FNP Program
        The MSN FNP Program is designed for learners who already hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This program prepares you to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with specific emphasis on the role of Family Nurse Practitioner. The MSN FNP content is grounded in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing. Also, the program is based on national standards and research related to current practice, education, legislative and research trends in health care and local needs. To learn more about the MSN FNP program, visit www.nightingale.edu/msn-fnp.

        For more information about the nursing programs and admissions, contact Andrea Bush at abush@nightingale.edu or 801-689-2160. For all other inquiries, contact Stanley Zuber at szuber@nightingale.edu or 570-436-1703. Please be sure to include your telephone number when reaching out to admissions about programs offered at Nightingale College.


        Hospital News

        PH DuBois To Host St. Patrick's Day "Mocktail" Party
        03/09/23

        Some people celebrate St. Patrick's Day by wearing shamrocks or green clothing, eating corned beef and cabbage and enjoying alcoholic beverages. In anticipation of the holiday weekend, Penn Highlands DuBois is partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to host a “mocktail party” to stress the dangers of impaired driving. The event will be held on Tuesday, March 14, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, in the lobby of Penn Highlands DuBois. During the event, the Highway Safety Network, PA DUI Association and DuBois City Police Department will be onsite to urge anyone whose celebration plans include drinking to select a designated driver ahead of time. 

        Attendees will enjoy “mocktail” beverage recipes to encourage safe celebration while testing out the impaired driving simulator. DuBois City Police officers will conduct mock standardized field sobriety tests with participants while they wear impairment simulation goggles. 

        Employees are encouraged to visit the "mocktail party" during their breaks to learn more about the dangers of impaired driving.

        For more information, contact Holly Hertlein at hchertlein@phhealthcare.org or 814-503-4771.

        PHH Headlines

        March 12-18 Is Patient Safety Awareness Week!
        03/08/23

        Patient Safety Awareness Week is March 12-18, 2023. 

        In observance of this week, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) has shared some startling patient safety statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO). For example, WHO estimates that 134 million adverse events occur each year due to unsafe care in hospitals in low- and middle-income countries, resulting in some 2.6 million deaths. Additionally, some 40% of patients experience harm in ambulatory and primary care settings with an estimated 80% of these harms being preventable.

        Preventing harm in health care settings is a public health crisis with estimates placing it as a leading cause of death in the United States. Everyone interacts with the health care system at some point in their lives. And everyone has a role to play in advancing safe health care. When preventable harm occurs, a host of organizational factors often have contributed to the outcome, many outside the control of any one person.

        Meaningful advancement in patient safety requires a coordinated system wide effort geared at providing safe care delivery across all aspects of care. Also needed is collaboration among all people involved in the delivery of patient care to anticipate risk and uniformly apply system wide safety processes across the care continuum. When we work together, we can reduce the number of incidents and keep our patients safer.

        The Penn Highlands Healthcare Quality and Safety team has prepared the attached puzzle to help promote patient safety. Complete the puzzle to learn more.

        Hot News

        Annual Giving Campaign Raises Over $152,000!
        03/07/23

        Thank you to more than 360 donors who made a generous contribution to the Penn Highlands Healthcare annual giving campaign. Because of you, more than $152,000 was raised to benefit the health system's emergency departments, as well as residents living in our nursing homes and being cared for in their homes.

        The focus of the campaign "Compassionate Care for our Communities," put an emphasis on the need to provide patients with more than just caring for their health, but also recognizing that patients have other human needs too -- needs that go beyond a discharge from the hospital or their stay in a long term care facility. A mother may need a spare set of clothing as she and her child are flown hours away from home for critical care. A man may have tattered clothing, which is not able to be worn home after a visit to the emergency department. Lastly, an elderly patient may need a new robe or blanket.  

        Donations raised will be distributed to the eight Penn Highlands hospital emergency departments as well as three nursing homes and Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home.

        Thank you again for your generous donations and watch for impact stories later this year!

        For more information about giving and supporting Penn Highlands, visit our website. Direct questions to the PHH System Fund Development team at 814-375-3901.


        PHH Headlines

        PHH Surgeon Receives Honor
        03/06/23

        Dr. Natalie Furgiuele

        Natalie Furgiuele, MD, FACS, a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in breast surgery at Penn Highlands Mon Valley, has been recognized with the 2023 Cribs for Kids Women of Achievement Award. The award was presented to her at the 16th Annual Women of Achievement Awards Dinner, on March 2, in Pittsburgh.

        Dr. Furgiuele has been in surgical practice since 1986 and breast surgery practice since 1993. She enjoys a reputation throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania for combining a high level of medical and surgical expertise with warmth, deep concern and a passion for educating her patients and the community. She frequently gives public presentations on breast cancer awareness to public school systems throughout the region. In addition, she has served as an advisor for the American Cancer Society's "Reach for Recovery" program.

        For more than 15 years, Cribs for Kids has been honoring the most outstanding women in Western Pennsylvania. The Women of Achievement Award recognizes women who have demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in their community and workplace. Honorees represent diverse cultures, roles and accomplishments, all of whom have been committed to the betterment of society, excellence in their professional field or outstanding accomplishments for the advancement of women. Dr. Furgiuele was nominated by a patient and approved by the organization's selection committee of community leaders, sponsors, Cribs for Kids supporters and past recipients of the Women of Achievement award.

        Cribs for Kids® is a national infant safe-sleep education program that helps to reduce the risk of injury and death of infants due to accidental suffocation, asphyxia or undetermined causes in unsafe sleeping environments. Since 1998, Cribs for Kids® has been making an impact on reducing the rate of infant sleep-related deaths by educating parents and caregivers on the importance of practicing safe sleep for their babies and by providing portable cribs to families who, otherwise, cannot afford a safe place for their babies to sleep.

        Please extend congratulations to Dr. Furgiuele on receiving this honor!
         
         

        Hospital News

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley Is Recognized for Advancing High-Quality Care
        03/01/23

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley has received a state wide Excellence in Care Award! This recognition by the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) was awarded in the Medium Division for the Hospital's Community Care Network Transitions of Care.

        Established in 2017, the CCN, which is available free of charge, helps people receive the best health care possible through a comprehensive series of care coordination and educational strategies. The multidisciplinary team helps people transition to the next step of care and avoid readmission to the hospital. Whether it's home or to a skilled nursing facility, rehab center or another hospital, the CCN works to ensure a seamless continuity of care. focuses on the signs and symptoms of chronic diseases and works with current care providers to help people understand and manage their care. To read more about the Community Care Network, click here.

        PH Mon Valley's CCN initiative was one of 12 recognized by HAP through its 2023 Achievement Awards. Started in 1978, the program recognizes hospitals and health systems that are taking innovative approaches to strengthening the safety and quality of care, enhancing operations and patients’ experience and partnering with their communities to address public health needs.

        PH Mon Valley competed against organizations of a similar size for the Excellence in Care Award, which celebrates hospitals’ and health systems’ innovative approaches to improving the quality of care. In total, there were 82 entries for this year’s Achievement Awards.

        “Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems are dedicated to not just treating illnesses and injuries but being partners in improving the health of their patients and communities,” HAP President and CEO Andy Carter said. “These award-winning projects exemplify the extraordinary work of Pennsylvania’s hospital community to enhance Pennsylvanians’ health; advance health equity; and improve the quality, delivery, and safety of care.”

        Congratulations to Penn Highlands Mon Valley on this prestigious award!


        Hospital News

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley Introduces Innovative Therapies
        02/24/23

        Members of the brachytherapy team at PH Mon Valley.

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley recently introduced new therapies and technology to provide an even higher level of care to its patients. 

        High Dose Rate Brachytherapy for Prostate Cancer

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley has expanded its high dose rate brachytherapy program to include treatment for prostate cancer. For more than a decade, the hospital has been offering this innovative procedure for the treatment of breast, skin and gynecological cancers.

        Performed on an outpatient basis under spinal or general anesthesia, high dose rate brachytherapy temporarily implants radioactive sources directly into or beside tumors. This procedure delivers a more conformal dose of radiation while preserving the surrounding tissue. When the patient leaves Penn Highlands Mon Valley, he is pain free and there is no risk of radioactive exposure to loved ones.

        “This is a major advancement in the treatment of men with aggressive or locally advanced prostate cancer,” explained Mohsen A. Isaac, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at the Hahne Cancer Center at Penn Highlands Mon Valley. “High dose rate brachytherapy has been proven to improve outcomes compared to other therapies.”

        Dr. Isaac and his team of physicists, nurses and therapists deliver high dose rate brachytherapy as a “boost” in combination with external beam radiation therapy to improve the quality of life and treatment outcomes for high- and intermediate-risk prostate patients. The external beam radiation is administered five days a week for five weeks with one treatment of high dose rate brachytherapy.

        “It is gratifying that we are able to make this therapy available to the people in this region,” said Dr. Isaac. “People appreciate that they can receive advanced treatment without having to leave the familiarity of this region.”

        Click here to read the full news release.

        A New Era for Kidney Dialysis

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley has introduced a new technology for inpatient kidney dialysis.

        The Outset Tablo is the first-of-its-kind technology and the most technically advanced system for dialysis. The fully automated system serves as a dialysis clinic on wheels by conveniently providing dialysis to patients anywhere at any time – across the continuum of care. While kidney dialysis is provided to inpatients on the Medical/Surgical Unit, the compact, portable machine is easily transportable so that patients can have dialysis in the Emergency Department, ICU, PCU and if a patient is isolated.

        “This is a significant advancement that transforms the dialysis experience for patients,” said Heather Franci, Chief Nursing Officer and Service Line Director, Heart Center, Lung Center, Brain & Spine and Oncology Services at Penn Highlands Healthcare. “This system reduces complexity of dialysis and leaves patients feeling refreshed and energized.”



        Employee Engagement

        February 24 is Thank a Resident Day!
        02/23/23

        The Residents at Penn Highlands Healthcare

        The mission of the Penn Highlands Healthcare Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program is to develop highly-trained and caring physicians that will deliver quality and compassionate care to their patients. Currently, Penn Highlands has 16 Family Medicine residents, eight Psychiatry residents and one Sports Medicine fellow working hard at PH DuBois and affiliate locations. Friday, February 24, has been designated as Thank a Resident Day by the Gold Humanism Honor Society to recognize residents for their hard work and to thank them for being a crucial part of our healthcare team!

        The concept of a residency program was started at DuBois Hospital in the 1980s and '90s. In 2015, Penn Highlands DuBois received its institutional accreditation from the American Council for Graduate Medical Education and registered our first class of Family Medicine residents in 2017. Through continued dedication and support from administration, employees and the community, Penn Highlands has grown our GME Program to include the Family Medicine Residency Program, the Psychiatry Residency Program, and most recently, a Sports Medicine Fellowship.

        The staff of our GME Department encourages you to show your appreciation to our residents for their dedication to our patients and the community -- and especially on Thank a Resident Day!

        Hot News

        Penn Highlands State College Construction Update
        02/22/23

        Construction for Penn Highlands State College, our new technologically advanced hospital and state-of-the-art medical office building, which are projected to open in the summer of 2024, continues to progress well.

        In early February, the steel supports were installed for the Operating Room and Procedure Room equipment booms. Concrete work has continued for the hospital, with both main canopy piers and slab on grade sections being poured. Ductwork installation also continues within the hospital interior. 

        During the past two weeks, the MRI vestibule structural steel and the outpatient medical office building under slab utilities have been installed; the hospital main entrance canopy pier supports were poured and backfilled; and the foundation has now been completely waterproofed. In addition, the gas line, roof insulation and architectural brick are being installed, while the loading dock foundation wall footings are being poured.

        To learn more about Penn Highlands State College, visit www.phhealthcare.org

        PHH Headlines

        Rewards & Recognition Celebration Recap: February 2023
        02/20/23

        As part of Penn Highlands Healthcare’s quarterly Rewards & Recognition, celebrations are planned to thank employees, honor professional achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout our health system. 

        During "Champions of Penn Highlands Healthcare ... Touchdown Care by a Championship Team,” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme, employees were encouraged to dress in PHH logo wear and participate in themed activities.

        Congratulations to all of this quarter’s honorees! Please click on the links below to enjoy a recap of the celebrations.

        Penn Highlands Brookville

        Penn Highlands Clearfield

        Penn Highlands DuBois

        Penn Highlands Elk 

        Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

        Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

        Penn Highlands Physician Network

        Penn Highlands Tyrone

        HR Info

        Highmark Security Breach
        02/15/23

        Penn Highlands Healthcare was recently notified that Highmark experienced a cyber-security incident that may have compromised its subscribers’ personal information and protected health information. In addition to names, social security numbers and treatment information, in some instances, dates of birth, phone numbers and email addresses may have been disclosed.

        Since Penn Highlands health plans are administered by Highmark, your personal information may be included in their security breach. While at this time Highmark has no evidence that its subscribers' information was misused, to help protect your identity, they are offering complimentary access to Experian IdentityWorks for 24 months at no cost to you.

        If you are a Highmark subscriber, you may have or will be receiving a letter from them in the near future with details on how to enroll in Experian IdentityWorks. You are encouraged to enroll in this service before the May 31, 2023 deadline.

        If you have any questions, please contact Highmark directly. 

        Again, this is a courtesy communication only. Penn Highlands Healthcare's information systems were in no way involved in this potential Highmark breach.

        Hot News

        Physicians Promote Innovative Procedures
        02/15/23

        Dr. Chris Varacallo   Dr. Matt Varacallo

        The spring 2023 issue of Centered Magazine is featuring two Penn Highlands Healthcare physicians in its cover story on the use of stem cell treatments to help heal orthopedic patients. Centered is a quarterly publication that is affiliated with State College Magazine. The publication covers all aspects of health and wellness in Centre County and beyond.

        In the article, Christopher P. Varacallo, DO, who practices interventional orthopedics and sports medicine and has extensive experience in microinvasive surgical procedures, discusses how stem cells are used to manage everything from tendonitis to arthritis.

        The story also chronicles the recovery of a student athlete treated by Matthew A. Varacallo, MD, Director of Orthopedic Robotic Surgery, who is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Matt Varacallo, who specializes in sports medicine and total joint reconstruction, performed his innovative fertilized ACL procedure on the featured patient.

        Dr. Chris Varacallo sees patients in Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine's new offices in the DuBois Center of Excellence located at 123 Hospital Avenue, as well as the Clarion Community Medical Building at 265 Holiday Inn Road.

        Dr. Matt Varacallo sees patients at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine located at 145 Hospital Avenue, Suite 311, DuBois. 

        Copies of the article will be available in each of the doctors' offices in a few weeks.

        Hot News

        LifeLines Debuts
        02/09/23

        Penn Highlands Healthcare is introducing LifeLines, an electronic newsletter, that is being distributed via email to more than 91,000 patients and people in the communities we serve throughout Pennsylvania. The bi-monthly newsletter will be published six times a year beginning with the February 2023 issue. In addition to providing informative stories about timely healthcare topics, such as women's heart health and reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, the newsletter will feature Penn Highlands news related to our service lines, health system growth and distinctions, as well as a listing of new physicians. 

        We hope you enjoy reading the first news-filled issue and encourage you to subscribe to LifeLines.


        PHH Headlines

        Welcome New Providers
        02/08/23

        Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!


        Craig Callovini, DO
        Clearfield, DuBois, Huntingdon, Tyrone

        Emergency medicine physician Craig Callovini, DO, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Huntingdon and Penn Highlands Tyrone.

        Dr. Callovini graduated from the Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Va. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital in Monroe, Mich. He is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, American Academy of Osteopathy, Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association and American Osteopathic Association.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Callovini practiced at UPMC Altoona, UPMC Bedford and Blanchard Valley Health System in Findley, Ohio.



        Board-certified sports medicine physician Dhurba Dhungana, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Sports Medicine in Tyrone.

        Dr. Dhungana is a primary care Sports Medicine fellowship-trained specialist physician in the US and completed his orthopedics and Trauma Surgery Residency training in Nepal which is a very selective honor that confers the highest degree of training. He has practiced as a team physician at the high school and collegiate levels, and his expertise includes non-operative clinical orthopedic and sports-related problems, concussion management and musculoskeletal ultrasound and ultrasound-guided injections.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Dhungana was a fellow in sports medicine at Bayfront Health in St. Petersburg, Fla. Dr. Dhungana graduated from Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal. He completed his internship at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Adena Health System, in Chillicothe, Ohio. He completed a residency in family medicine at Bon Secours Mercy Health in Youngstown, Ohio, and a residency in trauma and sports at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, Nepal. He is a member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and American Academy of Family Medicine.


        Certified registered nurse practitioner Morgan Goldizen, CRNP, has joined the family medicine team at the Tyrone Rural Health Center.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Morgan practiced at Wellpath-SCI Smithfield in Huntingdon and as a registered nurse at UPMC Altoona and Mount Nittany Medical Center.

        Eric Pritts, PA-C
        Uniontown and Belle Vernon

        Certified physician assistant Eric L. Pritts, PA-C, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Uniontown and Belle Vernon.

        Eric gained clinical experience in numerous health fields located around southwestern PA. Eric brings 10 years of clinical experience in orthopedics to the team. During those 10 years, he worked with Dr. David Sheba and Dr. Justin Sheba serving the greater Uniontown area. 

        David Sheba, DO
        Uniontown and Belle Vernon

        Board-certified orthopedic surgeon David R. Sheba, DO, has joined the teams at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Uniontown and Belle Vernon.

        Dr. David Sheba has 20 years of experience, and he offers a wide range of orthopedic services with an emphasis in joint reconstructive surgery. He is a fellowship-trained specialist in joint replacements, a designation given to those who have completed the highest level of training in their field.

        Dr. David Sheba graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his osteopathic internship at UPMC Horizon in Farrell; his residency in orthopedic surgery at Mercy Health - St. Joseph Health Center in Warren, Ohio; and his fellowship in adult trauma and joint reconstruction at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. He is a diplomate of the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. David Sheba practiced at Uniontown Hospital in Uniontown, Highlands Hospital in Connellsville and Elite Surgery Center in Uniontown.

        Justin Sheba, DO
        Uniontown and Belle Vernon

        Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Justin J. Sheba, DO, has joined the teams at Penn Highlands Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Uniontown and Belle Vernon.

        Dr. Justin Sheba has 16 years of experience, and he provides patients with general orthopedic care of trauma, joint replacement and arthroscopy with an emphasis on sports medicine.

        Dr. Justin Sheba graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his osteopathic internship at UPMC Horizon in Farrell and his residency in orthopedic surgery at St. Joseph Health Center/St. Elizabeth’s Health Center, in Warren, Ohio where he was chief resident. He is a member of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, American Osteopathic Association and Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Justin Sheba practiced at Uniontown Hospital in Uniontown, Highlands Hospital in Connellsville and Elite Surgery Center in Uniontown, where he served as the medical director.

        Employee Engagement

        Rewards and Recognition Activities Planned February 8, 2023
        02/03/23

        Rewards and Recognition includes a quarterly celebration planned by Penn Highlands Healthcare to express appreciation to employees, recognize personal achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout the health system.

        "Champions of Penn Highlands Healthcare ... Touchdown Care by a Championship Team,” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition theme, is being celebrated system wide February 8, 2023.

        Employees across the system are encouraged to dress in PHH logo wear and participate in themed activities. For more details about the celebrations at each PHH facility, click on the link below to download the flyer for the schedule of activities where you work.

        Penn Highlands Brookville

        Penn Highlands Clearfield

        Penn Highlands Connellsville

        Penn Highlands DuBois

        Penn Highlands Elk

        Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

        Penn Highlands Huntingdon

        Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley

        Penn Highlands Physician Network

        Penn Highlands Tyrone

        Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services


        Please remember to submit photos from your R&R Celebration to be posted to the PHH Facebook page and your completed PowerPoint to be included with the Vital Lines recap to jweidel@phhealthcare.org by February 13, 2023.

        Thank you for all that you do. We look forward to your participation!

        HR Info

        An Important Message Regarding Your PTO, Deductions and Tax Withholding Information in Infor
        02/02/23

        Penn Highlands Healthcare recently implemented Infor, an employee payroll/benefit information management system, and the transition is causing some employees to experience discrepancies in their PTO accruals/balances. It is also triggering some confusion regarding federal income tax withholding.

        PTO Accruals/Balances
        With regard to the PTO accruals/balances, rest assured that the health system is engaging all of the necessary resources to make the corrections as soon as possible. In order to help expedite the process, it is important to refrain from contacting the Payroll Department so that the staff can fully focus on resolving the issue.

        Federal Income Tax Withholding
        Employees may notice a variance in their federal income tax withholding if they did not select the same withholding options that they had in iPay when completing their new W-4 in Infor.

        In 2020, the IRS changed the tax codes drastically in an effort to reduce the number/amount of refunds. The system calculates employee withholding amounts based on their W-4 elections. Penn Highlands Healthcare updated withholding calculations to conform to the most recent tax codes for employees who completed a new W-4 or changed their W-4 elections after January 2020. These employees may take home more in their pays, but at the end of the year, they may have to pay federal income tax or will receive a much smaller refund.

        To assist employees who need to make changes to their W-4 forms, a document can be accessed here which contains details on how your selections affect your withholding. Also, a link to a calculator is included that can help you adjust your selections to achieve the amount of withholding that best meets your needs. Finally, in the Resource Guide, there are instructions on how to change your W-4 in Infor.

        Transamerica 403B Contributions
        Employees whose 403B contributions are not being deducted from their paychecks should note that staff are working to resolve this issue too.

        We apologize for any inconvenience these issues are causing you and are working diligently to have a prompt resolution.

        If you have any other questions, please submit them for review through the Infor Employee Ask.


        Hot News

        Prestigious Awards Announced
        02/02/23

        Penn Highlands Healthcare has earned a reputation for providing high-quality care to people in 26 counties throughout the commonwealth and we recently received more recognition and awards.

        It was repeat honors from Pennsylvania Business Central who recognized Penn Highlands Healthcare as one of the Top 100 Organizations for 2023. In addition, the publication recognized Penn Highlands CEO Steve Fontaine as one of the Top 100 People for 2023. Mr. Fontaine has been among the publication's Top 100 People multiple times in the past. Pennsylvania Business Central is the premier business-to-business publication in central Pennsylvania. It is distributed throughout a 23-county area to more than 40,000 readers.

        Winners were recently announced for the 2023 Jefferson County Readers' Choice Awards presented by the Jeffersonian Democrat. Penn Highlands Brookville once again was named the Favorite Medical Facility; Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home was recognized as the readers' Favorite Home Health Care; and Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor was selected as the Favorite Nursing Home.

        Congratulations!

        Employee Engagement

        This February Focus on Your Heart!
        02/01/23

        Up until Valentine’s Day, hearts are everywhere. Stores are filled with heart-shaped boxes of candy, “I love you” trinkets and sentimental greeting cards. During this time of year when many people are focused on the hearts associated with cupid, the one heart that every adult should pay closer attention to is the one at the center of their circulation system! It is important to note that cardiovascular health is important all of the time -- not just one month a year.

        February is American Heart Month, a time when men and women should focus on their cardiovascular health. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States; and, cardiovascular disease claims more lives each year in the United States than all forms of cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease combined.

        Throughout the month of February, Penn Highlands Healthcare will raise awareness about heart health by:

        • Participating in National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3. Employees are encouraged to wear red and take photos. A "Wear Red Day" photo album will be posted to the PHH Facebook Page. Submit individual, group or department photos to Joy Weidel JWeidel@phhealthcare.org by Monday, February 6.​
        • Educating the community about the risks of heart disease with a full-page ad, “Healthy Heart – Healthy You!” in the DuBois Area Chamber of Commerce newsletter.
        • Submitting stories to local newspapers. For example in one story, Dr. Adil Waheed shares some simple self-care tips such as taking time to de-stress and preparing healthier meals to benefit your heart.
        • Encouraging employees to take the Heart Health Quiz to gauge your heart health while identifying any risks. Take the quiz here.

        Keeping your heart healthy is important for your overall health. Penn Highlands cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and providers are available to help you have a healthier heart. To learn more about Penn Highlands Healthcare heart care services, visit www.phhealthcare.org/heartcare.


        Employee Engagement

        January 31: Holiday Gift Order Deadline
        01/27/23

        If you have not yet ordered your holiday gift, time is running out! Full- and part-time employees and physicians are reminded that January 31, 2023 is the last day to use your $20 discount code at the Penn Highlands Healthcare Logo Apparel website. The codes will no longer be active at the vendor's site after the deadline date.

        As a reminder:

        • Only full- and part-time employees received discount codes. Casual, agency and temporary employees, as well as executives, are not eligible to participate.
        • Since this is a discount code, if the item you choose does not require the full $20, a fund balance will not remain.
        • Multiple items may be ordered if combined they total $20 or less.
        • The discount code is a for one-time use only.
        • Shipping is free.
        • Your item will be sent directly from the supplier to the address you provide.
        • Due to customization, all sales are final and returns will not be accepted.
        • Manufacturer shortages are causing shipping delays. Your item will ship as soon as it becomes available.
        • If you are a full- or part-time employee and did not receive a letter with a discount code, please contact your HR representative.
        • Google Chrome works best when accessing the site.

        We hope you enjoy your holiday gift!​ 

        Hospital News

        Penn Highlands State College Construction Update
        01/25/23

        The exterior hospital framing.

        Construction for Penn Highlands State College, our new technologically advanced hospital that is projected to open in spring of 2024 in Patton Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania, is progressing well.

        Earlier this month, the hospital exterior framing and sheathing was completed and the vault for the linear accelerator was poured. The vault walls are constructed of six to eight feet of concrete to house a state-of-the-art linear accelerator which will enable our radiation oncologists to deliver cancer care by precisely conforming the radiation to a tumor's shape.

        During the past two weeks, interior wall framing began in the hospital and Medical Office Building. In addition, trenches were dug for utility conduits and piping placement and once the utilities were installed, the area was backfilled and cement was poured. 

        Ground was broken for Penn Highlands State College in May 2022. The $70 million project, which includes the hospital and medical office building, marks the first time that a hospital is being designed and built to our health system's specifications. 

        To learn more about Penn Highlands State College, including the patient-centric design and atmosphere, technological advancements, innovative therapies and outstanding amenities, click here.




        Employee Engagement

        Penn Highlands Healthcare Employees Complete Coding Course
        01/23/23

        Congratulations to the 12 Penn Highlands Healthcare employees who recently completed the American Academy of Professional Coder's Certified Professional Coder course.

        The graduates include:  
        • Mackenzie Atcheson
        • Brittany Brendel
        • Liza Cessna​
        • Connie Clark
        • Kimberly Crawford
        • Marsha Learish
        • Kimberly Lego
        • Cassandra Pisoni
        • Alicia Shaw
        • Kathy Siple-Hancock
        • Vanessa Smith
        • Joelle White
        Following completion of the course, the employees had the knowledge to assume additional responsibilities with their current roles or moved into coding positions.

        Shown in the picture above are (l. to r.)  Kathy Siple-Hancock, Kimberly Lego, Dixie Reynolds (Instructor), Kimberly Crawford, Brittany Brendel, Joelle White, Marsha Learish and Cassandra Pisoni. 

        Please be sure to congratulate the new graduates!



        Hospital News

        Penn Highlands Brookville Implements New Policy Management System
        01/19/23

        Penn Highlands Brookville employees have access to a new Policy Management System – Policy Manager from MCN Healthcare! This user-friendly system offers many features including:

        • Policy Manager - manage policies and forms with this secure web-based, customizable document management software.
        • ​Policy Library - access more than 19,000 policies, job descriptions and forms.
        • StayAlert! - receive emails from MCN Healthcare that summarize news, changes, recalls and more from federal regulatory agencies and accreditation organizations.
        • StayAlert! Plus - provides potentially relevant matches between StayAlert! notices and documents in Policy Manager by integrating the StayAlert! notification system with Policy Manager.

        Penn Highlands is also working with MCN Healthcare to provide additional features, such as Policy Attestation/Competency, an electronic record of policy attestation and competency assessment that will be announced at a later date.

        While the new system will be officially “live” on January 23, 2023, employees are encouraged to use the system immediately to familiarize yourself with the site layout and navigation.

        An icon has been added to the VM Ware desktop -- as shown above. Click on this link to access the site. Use your network credentials (username and password) to log into the system. Please note that Guest Access has been enabled so that policies can be accessed without logging into the system. Guest Access is only functional from Penn Highlands Healthcare computers connected to the PH Computer Network.

        Self-guided training is available from the Main Page or in the Help Center. After logging into Policy Manager, select “Help,” near the top right corner of the window, then go to “Help Center.” Once the site loads, you may return to the Policy Manager site and use the links on the homepage.

        All policies and forms that were in PolicyTech and those on the Brookville intranet have been moved into the new system. Going forward, this will be the new go-to source for all policies and forms. While one hard copy of each manual will be maintained for emergency use, the hard copies will only serve as a backup in case the new system is not available.

        Please familiarize yourself with the new system because access to the policies and forms on the Brookville intranet will be removed in the next few weeks.

        Employee Engagement

        Holiday Gift Deadline Reminder
        01/16/23

        Time is running out to order your holiday gift from the Penn Highlands Healthcare Logo Apparel Site. The individual discount code provided in the letter you received is valid through January 31, 2023.

        Please note:
        • Since this is a discount code, if the item you choose does not require the full $20, a fund balance will not remain.
        • The discount code is a for one-time use only.
        • Shipping is free.
        • Your item will be sent directly from the supplier to the address you provide.
        • Due to customization, all sales are final and returns will not be accepted.
        • Manufacturer shortages are causing shipping delays. Your item will ship as soon as it becomes available.
        • If you did not receive a letter with a discount code, please contact your HR representative. 
        • Due to the volume of people visiting the site, you may receive an "error" message when you try to place an order. Keep trying or use a cell phone for faster access. Google Chrome works best.
        We hope you enjoy your holiday gift!​

        Hot News

        Five Penn Highlands Healthcare Hospitals Receive Prestigious Awards and Accreditations
        01/10/23

        Five Penn Highlands Healthcare hospitals recently received prestigious awards and accreditations from respected national and regional organizations.

        The Chartis Center for Rural Health Awards

        Three Penn Highlands Healthcare hospitals received 2022 Performance Leadership Awards for Excellence from The Chartis Center for Rural Health. Penn Highlands Huntingdon was recognized with the Outcomes Award; Penn Highlands Tyrone received the Patient Perspectives Award; and Penn Highlands Elk earned the Outcomes, Patient Perspectives and Quality awards. The Performance Leadership Awards honor top quartile performance (e.g. 75th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in Quality, Outcomes and Patient Perspectives.

        The Performance Leadership Awards are based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. INDEX data is trusted and relied upon by rural hospitals, health systems with rural footprints, hospital associations and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across several areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

        “Although the last two years have placed unprecedented pressure on the rural health safety net, the dedication to serving the community that we’re so accustomed to seeing from rural hospitals across the country hasn’t wavered,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “Let us celebrate the power of rural health and honor the facilities working tirelessly to provide access to high-quality healthcare services to their communities.”

        The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) Patient Safety Award

        Penn Highlands Brookville and Penn Highlands Elk received recognition for Excellence in Patient Safety from The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP). The HAP Excellence in Patient Safety Recognition Program supports the continued improvement of quality and patient safety among Pennsylvania Hospitals by recognizing Pennsylvania’s top performing hospitals that have reduced healthcare-associated infections.

        HAP used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Healthcare Safety Network to identify and recognize its member hospitals that perform better than the mean standardized infection ratio (SIR) across Pennsylvania in three key measures: central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) and clostridium difficile infections (CDI).

        Corazon, Inc. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Program Reaccreditation

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley (PHMV) recently received reaccreditation for its Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Program from Corazon, Inc., a national leader in services for the cardiovascular specialty. PCI is a non-surgical procedure that uses a catheter to place a small stent to open blood vessels in the heart that have been narrowed by plaque buildup. The accreditation proves that the PHMV program has once again met or exceeded the requirements established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health for PCI procedures.

        UPMC Health Plan Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Surgery Center of Excellence

        UPMC Health Plan designated Penn Highlands Mon Valley as a UPMC Health Plan Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Surgery Center of Excellence. The hospital earned this designation for demonstrating a commitment to providing UPMC Health Plan members with high-quality care and an optimal patient experience. Requirements for the Center of Excellence program include meeting thresholds of volume, readmission and complication rates, CAHPS and pre- and post-patient reported outcomes annually. The Center of Excellence entitles Penn Highlands Mon Valley to be listed on the UPMC Health Plan website for members and referring physicians.

        Congratulations to each of the hospitals on these stellar awards and accreditations! 

         


        PHH Headlines

        Welcome New Providers
        01/09/23

        Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!

        Ronald Dibble, MD
        Huntingdon

        Ronald Dibble, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Gynecology in Huntingdon.

        Dr. Dibble provides experienced and compassionate gynecological care for a wide range of women’s health issues. He is certified in robotics and has a background in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and urogynecology. Dr. Dibble is the recipient of the Starfish Award, which recognizes healthcare providers who go above and beyond for patients. He is also a published researcher and award-winning teacher.

        Dr. Dibble graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in obstetrics/gynecology at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh and Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich.

        Macy Herbstritt, PA-C
        St. Marys

        Certified physician assistant Macy Herbstritt, PA-C, joins Penn Highlands Eye Center in St. Marys.

        Along with Dr. Brett Karlik, Dr. Perry Ward Younger and certified physician assistant Alicia Wurm, Macy works with patients who have cataracts, glaucoma, eye muscle problems, blocked tear ducts, and corneal or eye injuries. They also see patients with macular degeneration, double vision and all other diseases of the eye.

        Macy is a compassionate and qualified healthcare provider who has cared for a wide range of patients in various settings. In addition to her practice, she has also conducted research into various medical conditions.

        Brett Karlik, MD
        St. Marys

        Board-certified ophthalmologist Brett Karlik, MD, joins Penn Highlands Eye Center in St. Marys.

        Along with Dr. Perry Ward Younger and certified physician assistants Alicia Wurm and Macy Herbstritt, Dr. Karlik works with patients who have cataracts, glaucoma, eye muscle problems, blocked tear ducts, and corneal or eye injuries. They also see patients with macular degeneration, double vision and all other diseases of the eye.

        Dr. Karlik is highly skilled, with 20 years of ophthalmological experience. He previously served as Chief of Ophthalmology at Nassau University Medical Center. He is a skilled ophthalmologic surgeon, versatile in performing no-stitch micro-incision cataract surgery, pterygium excision, eyelid blepharoplasty, Botox treatment and laser refractive vision correction, and he has performed hundreds of cataract and laser surgical procedures.

        Daniel Kirkpatrick, DDS
        Clearfield

        Oral surgeon Daniel Kirkpatrick, DDS, sees patients at Rice Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, located at 109 North Front Street in Clearfield.

        Dr. Kirkpatrick is a highly skilled specialist providing expert oral care to patients in Clearfield and the surrounding areas. Prior to joining Rice Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Kirkpatrick was an oral and maxillofacial resident at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

        Dr. Kirkpatrick earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Missouri—Kansas City School of Dentistry in Kansas City, Mo. He completed his internship at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio.

        Ajay K. Mathur, MD, FACP
        Monongahela

        Board-certified rheumatologist Ajay K. Mathur, MD, FACP, joins the team at Penn Highlands Rheumatology in Monongahela.

        Dr. Mathur has more than three decades of experience and has practiced in the Monongahela area for more than 30 years. He is a fellowship-trained rheumatologist, which means he has received the top level of training and is considered a specialized expert in his field. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Mathur’s research has won numerous awards, and he has been published in leading medical journals.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Mathur practiced at Mon Valley Hospital in Monongahela, where he was the medical director of the arthritis program. He also practiced rheumatology in Pittsburgh.

        Dr. Mathur graduated from the Medical College at the University of Rajasthan in Jaipur, India. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Conemaugh Valley Memorial Hospital in Johnstown and S.M.S. Hospital in Jaipur, India. He completed his fellowship in rheumatology at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington and the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.


        Mina Salib, MD
        Huntingdon and State College

        Interventional pain specialist Mina Salib, MD, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Interventional Pain Center in Huntingdon and State College.

        Dr. Salib utilizes an approach of humility and trust to provide compassionate care for those looking for relief from pain. He is a fellowship-trained specialist, and he has trained with the nation’s leading pain management physicians through an in-depth program of study for the best doctoral graduates in the field.

        Dr. Salib graduated from Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, in East Lansing, Mich. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine, Hahnemann University Hospital, in Philadelphia and Detroit Medical Center Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit, Mich. He completed his fellowship in pain management at Alleghany General Health in Pittsburgh.

        Matthew Slaughter, PA-C
        DuBois, Greensburg and Monongahela

        Certified physician assistant Matthew Slaughter, PA-C, joins the team at Penn Highlands Neurosurgery, located at 145 Hospital Avenue, Suite 106, in DuBois, 524 Rugh Street, Suite 2000, in Greensburg and 100 Stoops Drive, Suite 200, in Monongahela.

        Matthew works with the neurosurgery team to provide patients in the region with the most advanced treatments for brain conditions, such as brain aneurysms, and spinal conditions that cause back pain and neck pain.

        Common treatments and procedures include brain care, carpal tunnel treatment, hand surgery, spine care, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), surgical services and trigeminal neuralgia surgery.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Matthew gained clinical experience at Dr. Vejendla Private Practice in Jamestown, N.Y.; Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie; Moshannon Valley Rural Center in Philipsburg; Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh; UPMC Community Children’s Pediatrics in Erie; Allegheny Health Network OB/GYN in Warren; Meadville Medical Center in Meadville; UPMC Northshore Neurology in Erie; and Orthopedic & Sports Medicine of Erie.

        Matthew earned his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Mercyhurst University in Erie and his Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Seton Hill University in Greensburg. He is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

        Shelby Stockton, PA-C
        Rostraver Township

        Certified physician assistant Shelby Stockton, PA-C, joins the team at Penn Highlands Bariatric and General Surgery in Rostraver Township.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Shelby gained clinical experience at Spartansburg Medical Center in Spartansburg; Warren General Hospital in Warren; Psychiatric Care Systems in McMurray; McMurray Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine in McMurray; University of Pittsburgh Physicians in Pittsburgh; Ripepi Surgical Associates in Pittsburgh; WMC Physicians Practices in Wintersville, Ohio; Allegheny Orthopaedic Associates in Pittsburgh; and AHN Westmoreland OB/GYN in North Huntingdon.

        Erin Wood, CRNP
        DuBois and St. Marys

        Certified registered nurse practitioner Erin Wood, MSN, CRNP, joins Penn Highlands Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine in DuBois and St. Marys.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Erin practiced at Spartan LTC in DuBois, Guardian Nurse Practitioners in Brockway, Apogee Physicians in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Penn Highlands DuBois in DuBois.

        Erin earned her Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minn., and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, Penn.

        Alicia Wurm, PA-C
        St. Marys

        Certified physician assistant Alicia Wurm, PA-C, joins Penn Highlands Eye Center in St. Marys.

        Along with Dr. Brett Karlik, Dr. Perry Ward Younger and certified physician assistant Macy Herbstritt, Alicia works with patients who have cataracts, glaucoma, eye muscle problems, blocked tear ducts, and corneal or eye injuries. They also see patients with macular degeneration, double vision and all other diseases of the eye.

        Alicia has a decade of experience in providing patients with quality care, including treating acute and chronic ophthalmic diseases, preventive eye health and pre- and post-operative care. Alicia also has experience in primary care, preventive care and women’s health.


        Perry Ward Younger, MD
        St. Marys

        Board-certified ophthalmologist Perry Ward Younger, MD, joins Penn Highlands Eye Center in St. Marys.

        Along with Dr. Brett Karlik and certified physician assistants Macy Herbstritt and Alicia Wurm, Dr. Younger works with patients who have cataracts, glaucoma, eye muscle problems, blocked tear ducts, and corneal or eye injuries. They also see patients with macular degeneration, double vision and all other diseases of the eye.

        Dr. Younger has nearly three decades of experience in ophthalmology and has cared for a diverse population of patients throughout the United States. In addition to decades of clinical practice, he has taught as an assistant professor of ophthalmology, his research has been published in academic journals, and he has presented at conferences around the world.

        Employee Engagement

        Penn Highlands Healthcare Announces The Grateful Heart Celebration
        01/03/23

        Mark your calendar to attend The Grateful Heart Celebration of Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley! The masquerade-themed event will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023, in the Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe.

        Those in attendance will enjoy a Happy Hour from 6:30 to 8:00 PM with dancing beginning at 8:00 PM. Entertainment will be provided by EBT Jazz Trio and Bachelor Boys Band. Masquerade-themed apparel is encouraged but not required for this formal/semi-formal event.

        Tickets are $75 for an individual or $150 per couple. The Celebration will include an assortment of hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Proceeds benefit the Emergency Department at Penn Highlands Connellsville and the Louis J. Panza Jr. Center for Cardiac Services at Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

        Payroll deduction forms are available for employees at Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

        For more information or to purchase tickets click here.

        Hot News

        Important Information for TransAmerica 403b Plan Participants
        12/29/22

        To all employees of PH Brookville, PH DuBois, PH Elk, Jefferson Manor and Corporate

        Some important information for participants in our TransAmerica 403b plan:

        1. ​For 2023, the maximum contribution limits have increased. The new limit is $22,500. For those 50 and over, you are eligible for the catch-up, which is now an additional $7,500.
        2. In INFOR, there is no longer two separate codes for 403b and catch-up deductions. It is all rolled into one amount. In TransAmerica you must enter ONE deduction when you are making your 2023 election. This ONE entry you elect must include both your standard deduction and the catch-up amounts. This is a change in TransAmerica with us moving to the new system. The maximum annual contribution amount ($22,500 for those under 50, OR $30,000 for those 50 and over) will be set on your individual record based on your age.
          • For you this means -
            • If you are currently receiving two separate deductions from your pays for Standard/Roth and your catch-up amount, you must CONTACT TRANSAMERICA and lump your total amount into one - either percent or flat dollar amount. Payroll cannot make this change for you.
            • Because this is all under one deduction in INFOR, you will not be able to use any combination of flat dollar and percentage of deferred income for your standard and catch-up contributions.
            • In order for your TransAmerica deductions to work properly with the first pay on 1/13/2023, ALL CHANGES MUST BE SUBMITTED TO TRANSAMERICA BY NOON ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023.
            • If you have a goal dollar amount of contributions for the year in mind, you can use a flat dollar deduction based on 26 pays for the year.

        If you have questions regarding contribution amounts or your TransAmerica account, you will need to contact TransAmerica directly - online at phhealthcare.trsretire.com or by phone at 800-755-5801.

        If you have questions regarding how INFOR processes 403b, you can contact the Payroll Department.

        Hot News

        Penn Highlands Healthcare Introduces New Recruitment Programs
        12/27/22

        Great news! Beginning December 15, 2022, Penn Highlands Healthcare is implementing a system wide Employee Refer and Earn program and sign-on bonuses for those new hires to help recruit new talent for some high-demand positions, Employees can earn bonuses by referring friends for the following positions:*

        • Registered Nurse
        • Physical Therapist
        • Occupational Therapist
        • Speech Language Pathologist
        • Licensed Practical Nurse (Acute Care and Long-term Care)
        • Lab Tech
        • Patient Care Technician
        • Physical Therapist Assistant
        • Certified Nursing Assistant (Long-term Care)
        • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
        • Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
        • Phlebotomist

        *This list is subject to change depending on recruitment needs.

        The referral and sign-on bonuses will be paid in two parts -- at six months and one year as long as the new hire remains on the payroll at the originally committed FTE level. Employees who help recruit a new part-time employee who works an average of more than 20 hours per week will be paid a referral bonus at half the rate given to those who help recruit full-time employees. The part-time employees who work an average of more than 20 hours per week will be paid a sign-on bonus at half the rate given to the full-time employees. Please refer to the links below for the bonus amounts.

        Penn Highlands Healthcare Refer and Earn 

        Penn Highlands Healthcare Sign-on Bonus 

        Employees who are not eligible to participate in the Refer and Earn program include director level and above, recruiters, medical directors and intercompany transfers. 

        Penn Highlands Healthcare reserves the right to change, adjust or discontinue the program with no advance notice. If the program is discontinued, current referral and sign-on bonus awards will be paid in accordance with the schedule described above but no new referrals will be added to the program.

        For a Candidate Referral Form, contact your HR office. To view open positions, visit careers.phhealthcare.org.​

        PHH Headlines

        Welcome New Providers
        12/27/22

        Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!

        Robyn Corby, CRNP
        DuBois

        Certified registered nurse practitioner Robyn Corby joins the team at Penn Highlands Life’s Journey OB/GYN in DuBois.

        Robyn has been working in women’s healthcare for over a decade in different capacities. She has extensive experience in a surgical setting, including robotics, suturing, positioning patients, preoperative and postoperative assessments, as well as educating patients about their surgical procedures and experience. She also worked as a Registered Nurse in surgical services and in the operating room and maternity department at Penn Highlands DuBois.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands Life’s Journey OB/GYN, Robyn trained at Family Healthcare Center of Punxsutawney in Punxsutawney, Penn Highlands Brookville Rural Health Center in Brookville, Penn Highlands Internal Medicine in DuBois and Penn Highlands Pediatrics in Clearfield.

        Robyn earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain College of Nursing in Chicago, Ill. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Association of periOperative Registered Nurses.

        Chelsea Lundgren, CRNP
        DuBois

        Certified registered nurse practitioner Chelsea Lundgren joins the team at Penn Highlands Endocrinology in DuBois.

        Chelsea gained clinical experience as a nurse practitioner at Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Reynoldsville, Penn Highlands Pediatrics in DuBois and Penn Highlands Life’s Journey in Punxsutawney. She previously practiced as a registered nurse at Somerset Hospital in Somerset.

        Chelsea earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, from Frontier Nursing University in Versailles, KY. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in Johnstown. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

        Carla McClintock, CRNP
        Connellsville

        Certified registered nurse practitioner Carla McClintock joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine, located at 814 Vanderbilt Road in Connellsville.

        Carla has three decades of nursing experience and provides patients in Connellsville with comprehensive care for the entire family. Common treatments and procedures include annual sports physicals, asthma care, diabetes care, hypertension/high blood pressure care, immunizations, preventive care and screenings and primary care.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Carla practiced at Matrix Medical Network, Excela Health Gastroenterology, Conn Family Medicine, and as a registered nurse at Excela Health Frick Hospital in Mount Pleasant, Excela Health Westmoreland Regional Hospital in Greensburg, Bayada Home Health Nursing and Excela Health Latrobe Area Hospital in Latrobe.

        Carla earned her Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner) from Carlow University in Pittsburgh and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Fla. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

        Brittany Starr, CRNP
        DuBois

        Certified registered nurse practitioner Brittany Starr joins the team at Penn Highlands Neurology, in DuBois.

        With nearly a decade of experience, Brittany offers patients highly specialized care for a wide range of neurological conditions. She works closely with the neurology team to provide comprehensive treatment plans utilizing the latest procedures and technology.

        Common treatments and procedures include Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), brain dysfunction, brain injury, concussion, dementia, epilepsy, headache, memory issues, multiple sclerosis, pain, primary and secondary brain tumors, spinal cord injury, stroke and tremors.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands Neurology, Brittany practiced at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Ariz., and at Penn Highlands in DuBois.

        Brittany earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University in Minneapolis, Minn., and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Pennsylvania State University in State College.

        Bethany Stough, DNP, CRNP
        Huntingdon

        Certified registered nurse practitioner Bethany Stough has returned to Penn Highlands! Bethany, who had previously practiced at Penn Highlands Gastroenterology, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine in Huntingdon.

        Bethany has more than a decade of experience providing primary care to diverse population groups, from pediatrics through geriatrics, guiding preventive health services and managing chronic health conditions.

        Bethany earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, at Frontier Nursing University in Versailles, Ky. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Penn State World Campus in University Park and her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at Penn State College of Health and Human Development in University Park.

        Hot News

        A Holiday Gift For You!
        12/23/22

        You worked hard this past year and your dedication to our patients and health system is most appreciated!

        To show our gratitude this holiday season, Penn Highlands Healthcare is providing you with a $20 gift code to use on our Logo Apparel site. Employees will receive a letter mailed to your home that includes your unique gift code. 

        To redeem your gift code, visit the Penn Highlands Logo Apparel site and choose from an assortment of logoed shirts, caps, outerwear, totes, tumblers, etc. Once you choose your item, click on “View Cart." Enter the gift code in the lower left corner where it indicates “Apply Coupon." Then, proceed to the checkout. 

        Important notes: 

        • For easy access, please use Google Chrome to access the link.
        • If the item you choose does not require the full $20, a fund balance will not remain.
        • Your gift code is only valid for one-time use.
        • Shipping is free.
        • Your item will be sent to the address you input.
        • Due to customization, all sales are final and returns will not be accepted.
        • Manufacturer shortages are causing shipping delays. Your item will ship as soon as it becomes available.
        • Your $20 gift must be redeemed by January 31, 2023.

        We hope you enjoy selecting your holiday gift.

        Happy Holidays!


        Employee Engagement

        Season’s Greetings
        12/21/22

        This is the time of year when the holiday spirit is all around us — from the festive decorations to the kind attitudes shared among strangers. At Penn Highlands Healthcare, the essence of this season is evident every day of the year not just during the month of December. I see it in every part of our health system as each one of you provides skilled and compassionate care to the people who reach out to us for their health and wellness needs; the tremendous generosity you show in supporting our Annual Giving Campaign; and how you support and encourage each other. You are remarkable and your dedication is most appreciated.

        To show our gratitude, in the near future, you will be receiving a letter at your home detailing how you can order a gift from the Penn Highlands Logo Apparel site as a token of our appreciation. 

        As we celebrate the holidays and start the new year, I sincerely hope that you find some much deserved time to relax and reflect on the many joys of this season and you look forward to the coming year filled with good health and happiness.

        Happy Holidays!

        Hot News

        Infection Prevention Masking Protocol Reminders
        12/20/22

        Due to an increase in community-spread respiratory infections, it is important for all employees, patients and visitors to practice effective infection-control protocols. Masks are to be worn in all patient care and common areas when not eating or drinking in hospitals, outpatient facilities and physician offices throughout our health system.   

        In addition, to help reduce exposure and transmission rates, the  measures listed below are to be followed.

        Employees 

        • All employees working in patient-facing public indoor areas are to be masked at all times except for when they are eating or drinking in designated areas. 
        • Employees who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine must wear an N-95 or higher-level respirator at all times during their shift except when eating or drinking. Employees who are not able to tolerate an N-95 mask should contact Employee Health to discuss reasonable accommodations.
        • Employees who are not vaccinated against the flu must wear a mask when they are within six feet of co-workers or patients from November 1 through March 31. 

        Patients

        • Patients receiving treatment in an Emergency Department are expected to be masked for the duration of their visit.
        • While inpatients can remain unmasked while in the privacy of their rooms, they are expected to mask when Penn Highlands Healthcare staff enter their room.
        • Inpatients are to be masked during transport outside of their rooms. 
        • Patients visiting outpatient areas should be masked for the duration of their visit. 

        Visitors 

        • All visitors are to be masked while in Penn Highlands Healthcare hospitals, outpatient facilities and physician offices.

        Your cooperation will help control and reduce the spread of respiratory infections. 

        Direct questions to the Infection Control representatives at your location.




        HR Info

        Action Required: Update Your Payroll Information
        12/19/22

        In preparation for the new payroll system launch in January 2023, please go into the HR self-service portal to complete the following two actions:


        1.    Complete a new W-4 tax withholding form. The W-4 Form is the IRS document you complete for an employer to determine how much should be withheld from your paycheck for federal income taxes. More information can be found here: About Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov). If a new W-4 is not completed, it will automatically default to 0 deductions.


        2.    Validate your Direct Deposit information. Confirm that the information for your payroll direct deposit is correct.

         
        Updates must be completed by December 28, 2022. Information on how to navigate the Infor platform can be found on the Penn Highlands website under the Employee Login section located at the bottom of the page. 


        On the Infor Global HR landing page, you will use the Tax Forms and Direct Deposit icons to validate and/or update your information as needed. 


        Thank you in advance for helping us make the HR & Payroll system launch a success!

        This new system does not impact employees from Clearfield EMS, DuBois Medical Supply, PH Connellsville, PH Mon Valley, St. Marys Pharmacy and WRC.

        HR Info

        Communications to Prepare the Organization for the New Payroll System
        12/15/22

        The Payroll Department will launch a new payroll system in January 2023. It is an integrated part of the Human Resources self-service platform being introduced on December 19, 2022. The new platform will provide employees with a modern set of tools to make it easier to interact with both HR and Payroll. In the self-service platform, you will be able to update your own personal data, (such as your address and phone number), view pay stubs and enroll in benefits, all from one central online location.What we need from you:

        Beginning December 19, 2022, you will be asked to complete the following two actions in the new system:

        Instructions will be provided once the system is open and ready for employee use.

        Thank you in advance for helping us make the HR and Payroll system launch a success!

        This new system does not impact employees from Clearfield EMS, DuBois Medical Supply, PH Connellsville, PH Mon Valley, St. Marys Pharmacy and WRC.

        Hot News

        Recent Graduates Move Into New Roles
        12/14/22

        The recent CCMA graduates shown above are identified below.

        Five Penn Highlands Physician Network employees, who participated in the fifth accelerated Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program through Brockway Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT), recently graduated and will move into new clinical roles with Penn Highlands Healthcare.

        The 14-week course prepares students for the medical environment while they learn administrative duties with a focus on acquiring proficiency in the use of the electronic health record systems.

        The recent CCMA graduates shown above with their instructors are (l. to r.): Kelly Walker, Instructor; Rion Carlson; Amanda Kline; Kileigh Rafferty; Brennan Hyde; Kay Zimmerman; and Sharon Doolittle, Instructor.

        Please congratulate these Penn Highlands Healthcare employees on their recent accomplishment!




        Employee Engagement

        Payroll Reconciliation Update
        12/09/22

        On behalf of the Penn Highlands Healthcare leadership team, we extend our sincere apologies to our employees at Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk and Penn Highlands Physician Network who received letters regarding payroll overpayment caused by the cyber security event that took place last year. Understanding the impact, especially at this time of year, we are temporarily suspending the repayment request. It was never our intent to cause financial hardship for those impacted.

        As you will recall, in December 2021, a Vital Lines was sent out regarding an international cybersecurity incident that disrupted the Kronos timekeeping system which houses many worldwide business operations, including the Penn Highlands Healthcare time and attendance information. This incident impacted all Penn Highlands employees with the exception of those employed by Penn Highlands Mon Valley. At that time, Penn Highlands Connellsville was not part of our health system. Since we wanted to ensure that all employees received a paycheck during the Kronos downtime, hours were required to be manually recorded. Earlier this year, once the incident was resolved, it was discovered that discrepancies occurred with some employees being underpaid or overpaid.

        As you may imagine, this process is quite extensive. Our employees who already completed this reconciliation, we thank you for your understanding and support. We will continue working with the remaining impacted employees at Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk and Penn Highlands Physician Network to ensure accuracy. The Human Resources department will work with each employee who was overpaid to establish a fair and reasonable repayment plan to begin in April 2023. Employees who were underpaid will receive the balance due to them in a timely fashion once their reconciliation is complete.

        During the holiday season, we all have many added responsibilities in our lives and worrying about our paychecks should not be one of them.  Please accept our apology and have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

        Hot News

        Penn Highlands Healthcare and Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology Form Partnership
        12/08/22

        People who wish to pursue a career in nursing now have a new option in Northwestern/Central Pennsylvania. Penn Highlands Healthcare and Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology (CPI) entered into a partnership to provide tuition, clinical rotations and employment agreements to students entering CPI’s licensed practical nursing program. Upon completion of the program, graduates will have the option of working at one of the many Penn Highlands Healthcare hospitals, outpatient facilities, and physician practices in the 26 counties served by the health system. The partnership is intended to address a regional shortage in nursing.

        According to the agreement, Penn Highlands will provide up to $20,000 in educational funding while the student attends the one-year program. In exchange, qualified students enrolled in CPI’s LPN program will sign an employment agreement that includes a full-time benefits package with the health system.

        “We are very excited to partner with Penn Highlands Healthcare and their regional network of care facilities,” said Todd Taylor, Vice President of Post-Secondary Education at CPI. “The new Penn Highlands scholarship for CPI nursing students is an example of the out-of-the-box thinking needed to grow the pipeline of students to meet today’s extreme skilled workforce shortage.”

        Heather Franci, MBHA, BSN, RN, chief nursing officer for Penn Highlands Healthcare and service line director for The Heart Center, The Lung Center, Brain & Spine and Oncology Services, shares Mr. Taylor’s enthusiasm. “CPI has a reputation for effectively preparing students to enter the workforce and their long-term career success. This is an outstanding opportunity for CPI students seeking careers in nursing and it will prove beneficial for our health system. The students will receive an excellent education from one of the region’s best career schools along with a seamless transition into the workforce and we will gain highly qualified nurses.”

        According to Mr. Taylor, in addition to the Penn Highlands tuition funding, eligible practical nursing students may qualify for grant funding in excess of $10,000 to help with school-related expenses, such as transportation, gas, childcare, housing and more.

        “This is really a game-changing opportunity for students who want to go to school and start a career as a practical nurse,” said Mr. Taylor. “CPI looks forward to working closely with Penn Highlands Healthcare as we grow our campus and expand our health-related degree programs.”

        To qualify for the program, students must enroll in the LPN program at CPI. Once accepted into the program, they will then be directed to a member of the Human Resources staff at Penn Highlands to review the scholarship guidelines and complete the application.

        For more information, contact Todd Taylor at ttaylor@cpi.edu or 814-359-2793 ext. 217.

        Hot News

        Penn Highlands Clearfield New ED Opens!
        12/06/22

        It’s open! The new state-of-the-art Penn Highlands Clearfield Emergency Department is now open and treating patients. The $6 million Emergency Department modernization is designed to efficiently meet the healthcare needs of the Greater Clearfield and Moshannon Valley regions. The more than 18,000 patients who visit the hospital’s ED annually will find that the renovation improves safety while it enhances functionality for hospital staff.

        “In emergency situations, people in our community do not have to travel far for high-quality healthcare,” said Brad Chapman, President of Penn Highlands Clearfield. “Our newly renovated ED is staffed by highly skilled medical professionals who are using advanced technology.”

        The Penn Highlands Clearfield Emergency Department is now located on the first floor of the hospital and accessed via Turnpike Avenue. In addition, for easier access the ambulance entrance is also now on Turnpike Avenue.

        Highlights of the new ED include:

        • A separate registration area for greater privacy.
        • A larger treatment area with 
          • Two triage rooms for more efficient flow.
          • Two trauma bays
          • Eight private exam rooms
          • Two behavioral health rooms.
          • A designated OB/GYN room.
          • An isolation room for greater safety
          • A decontamination room with a separate entrance.

        The renovation includes a new Outpatient Registration area adjacent to the main lobby for greater privacy with convenient access to the Outpatient Laboratory Services.

        The Turnpike Café and Cottage Gift Shop, which are also part of the renovation, will open soon.

        “This is a much anticipated day for this community,” said Mr. Chapman. “When people visit Penn Highlands Clearfield, they will receive care from the medical professionals they know and trust in a new modern environment.”

        The Penn Highlands Clearfield Emergency Department renovation project was part of the health system’s $180 million Master Facilities Plan to enhance access to critical services and advanced care for the residents of Pennsylvania. The Plan triggered eight major expansion and renovation projects to modernize, improve and expand upon the services offered to patients at Penn Highlands hospitals in Brookville, Clearfield and DuBois as well as Penn Highlands Pinecrest Manor and the construction of a Community Medical Building in Clarion. The plan also includes construction of a new hospital in State College for which ground was broken this past spring. Another recent project includes a new Community Medical Building in Punxsutawney.




        Hospital News

        Congratulations to Our Latest DAISY Honorees!
        12/05/22

        Penn Highlands Healthcare honors our great nursing staff with the DAISY Foundation's DAISY Award, an international recognition program that recognizes and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care that nurses provide to their patients every day. Please join us in congratulating our DAISY Award honorees at Penn Highlands DuBois from July 2022 through October 2022.


        July 2022

        Eric Groce, RN of the Intensive Care Unit

        Eric was nominated by a co-worker whose family members experienced the compassionate care he provides to his patients. “Eric treated our grandparents with the utmost respect and compassion, and his exemplary nursing care was unparalleled. He made it a point to get to know them personally and treated them like his own family, he even offered prayer alongside our grandmother. He did a wonderful job comforting them.”


        August 2022

        Stephanie Pasquarette BSN, RN, CCRN of the Cardiovascular ICU

        Stephanie was nominated by a patient’s spouse for her kindness during their experience in the CVICU.  “Thank you nurses of Penn Highlands! Your hard work and dedication are recognized and appreciated. Your care reaches beyond your patients to their family members and the communities in which they live. We are grateful! And Stephanie - you are one in a million! We are forever blessed that our paths crossed at this critical juncture and wish you and all your future patients well. With you attending to their medical needs, they will have the very finest of care!”


        September 2022

        Gloria Bennett, RN of the Maternity Unit

        Gloria was nominated by a patient who experienced the comforting and nurturing care she provides to her patients throughout an inpatient stay. “She is very knowledgeable at what she does and carries herself and her job title with confidence. Gloria consistently went out of her way to always make sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. Knowing how nervous we were about the delivery, Gloria offered to come in on her day off to help us deliver to reduce the anxiety that we had.”


        October 2022

        Cynthia Knouse, RN of the Intensive Care Unit

        Cynthia received the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award at annual DAISY Awareness Day.

        Cynthia was nominated by her co-workers in honor of her hard work and devotion as an RN over the last 38 years to patients at DuBois Regional Medical Center and Penn Highlands DuBois.

        “Cindy has worked in critical care for over 35 years. She has dedicated her life and career to caring for those who cannot care for themselves. Cindy has been a mentor to me for over a decade. She continues to teach herself, her fellow nurses, and more importantly her patients and families every single shift she works.”

        “Cindy can often be heard singing to her patients in the ICU. She always looks for things that can improve their stay in the ICU as much as possible. She brings joy and laughter to her patients and the unit as a whole.”


        DAISY Team Awards and BEE Award

        The Med-Surg 3 Unit and the Intensive Care Unit were awarded with the DAISY Team award. Both teams were acknowledged for their dedication to their patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

        Respiratory Therapy was nominated for the BEE Award for their hard work and commitment to their patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

        “I don’t think that we could have survived the second wave of the pandemic without the teamwork of these 2 units. Med Surg 3 really stepped up, caring for ICU level patients - running drips, coding and intubating patients, and dealing with many, many deaths. ICU cared for acuity higher than we had ever seen, and dealt with death and dying, also like we had never seen. But they did it, they maintained their composure and were able to support the patients, families and each other.”

        “During a pandemic becoming a COVID Unit was a specialty in its own. Staff had to learn how to care for a virus that was unknown to them. It was unknown when patients would have a turn in the medical care that they would receive and the acuity of care that they would need. Staff in three different departments quickly changed their minds and thinking of how we normally functioned as three separate teams to be one and place the patient and the public first - many times before their own loved ones who were at home worrying day in and day out. As the sixth month period continued, some of the toughest times happened in the middle when it felt as if everything that was done was never enough. When a patient was discharged, it was a relief that someone was able to be with their loved ones again. There were few patients that had a very long extended stay and they knew staff by names. When they were transferred out of the COVID unit and visited tears were shed and hugs were shared.”


        DAISY Leadership Award

        Danielle Skinner, RN, BSN, Director of Med-Surg

        Danielle was nominated by multiple employees for not only her dedication to her patients, but to her staff as well.

        “Danielle has high expectations for her staff, and challenges them regularly - and they respond well to the challenge. Over the last couple of years, the acuity of Med-Surg patients has increased, and Danielle has pushed her staff to increase their knowledge and scope. In addition to teaching them, she worked right alongside them, encouraging their professional development and comfort with things that were not their “normal." At some points, they were caring for ICU level patients - running titratable drips and caring for some pretty intense respiratory failure patients. She offered her support to her staff, her patients and their families during some very difficult times during the worst of the pandemic. She was here weekends, evenings, nights when she was needed. Sometimes the staff needed a pep talk, sometimes they needed fed and sometimes they needed an ear - whatever was asked of her she did.”

        “I could not imagine this floor running the way it does without her as our Director. She truly loves nursing, cares about the patients and their families and loves her staff and her job. She is willing to accommodate changes that will provide a better experience for not only the patients and their families but she wants it to work for her staff too. Penn Highlands and the Med-Surg staff are incredibly lucky to have her as a leader and part of our team. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award.”


        Each DAISY Award honoree is recognized at a public ceremony on his/her unit and receives a beautiful certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a hand-carved stone sculpture entitled A Healer’s Touch. In addition, everyone on the unit celebrates with cinnamon rolls.

        DAISY nomination ballots are included in patient discharge packets and other patient information. Anyone –- patients, families, physicians and employees –- may thank a deserving nurse by filling out this form and dropping it in the DAISY collection box located by the elevators throughout each hospital or by sending it via mail or email. Soon, DAISY nomination forms will be available in electronic format.

        All nominations are reviewed by the DAISY Award Committee. Winners from each hospital are chosen by the facility specific committees. Awards are presented monthly at PH DuBois and quarterly at PH Brookville, PH Clearfield, and PH Elk. The DAISY Program is being initiated at PH Connellsville, PH Jefferson Manor, PH Huntingdon, PH Tyrone and PH Mon Valley.

        As a reminder, you can visit the Vital Lines page dedicated to Nursing at any time. Going forward, DAISY Honorees will be honored in the quarterly Rewards and Recognitions Celebration communication and on social media.

        Employee Engagement

        Placing Penn Highlands Healthcare at the Top of the List
        12/05/22

        When you conduct an Internet search, do you typically click on one of the search results at the top of the list? If you do, you are in the majority!  According to Google, in 2022, the top-ranking organic search result garners 39.6% of all clicks. 

        Search engine visibility is essential to generating traffic and engagement for an organization's website. At Penn Highlands Healthcare, we use search engine strategies to optimize Google search engine visibility for our physician practices as well as some of the services we offer to patients. As part of this strategy, some PHH practices or departments may receive a postcard in the mail (as pictured) from Google. The practice or hospital department is asked to submit the postcard to the Marketing/Communications department located on the campus of PH DuBois-West, CRC Building via interoffice mail. This step is essential in helping us make your practice or service more discoverable on Google.

        Please direct any questions about this process to Dave Trudell, System Director of Marketing, Communications and Sales at djtrudell@phhealthcare.org.

        Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

        Employee Engagement

        Choose to Lose in the New Year!
        12/02/22

        Do you find yourself troubled with extra pounds and medical issues because of that weight? If so, then Penn Highlands Healthcare wants to help you Choose to Lose!

        Choose to Lose is a medical weight loss program with a focus on learning the tools needed for long-term weight loss. Participants will work with experts in Nutritional Health, Athletic Training, Behavioral Health and Health & Wellness to form a personalized care plan to help melt those pounds away.

        This program is open to all Penn Highlands Healthcare employees. Mark your calendar -- the next group starts in January 2023. 

        To learn more or to reserve a spot, contact Melissa Hill at mahill@phhealthcare.org.

        PHH Headlines

        Welcome New Physicians
        12/02/22

        ​Please join us in welcoming new providers to the medical staff at Penn Highlands Healthcare!

        Steven R. Bonebrake, DO
        Brookville, Clearfield, DuBois, Elk and Tyrone

        Board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologist Steven R. Bonebrake, DO, joins the team at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk and Penn Highlands Tyrone.​

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Bonebrake trained and practiced at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.

        Dr. Bonebrake graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed residencies in internal medicine and diagnostic radiology at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. He also completed a fellowship in vascular and interventional radiology at Geisinger Medical Center.

        George BouSamra, MD
        Connellsville and Greensburg

        Board-certified cardiologist George BouSamra, MD, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Cardiology at 2618 Memorial Boulevard in Connellsville and 1275 South Main Street, in Greensburg.

        Dr. BouSamra, who has more than 30 years of experience, provides patients with highly specialized care for a range of heart and vascular conditions. Common treatments and procedures include balloon angioplasty, coronary stenting, atherectomy, permanent pacemaker insertion, and peripheral arterial revascularization including carotid arteries, upper and lower extremities, and abdominal vessels, pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis treatment.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. BouSamra practiced at UPMC Somerset in Somerset, BouSamra Medical in Greensburg and Connellsville, Westmoreland Vascular in Jeannette and Saint Quentin Regional Hospital in Saint Quentin, France. Dr. BouSamra graduated from St. Joseph University in Beirut, Lebanon.

        Mary Rebecca Jane Chávez, MD
        DuBois

        Acute care and trauma surgeon Mary Rebecca Jane Chávez, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands General Surgery in DuBois.​

        Dr. Chávez is a fellowship-trained surgeon, a distinction that honors specialists who have achieved the highest level of training and are considered a trusted expert in their field. She was the chief resident at Morehouse School of Medicine, where she won multiple awards for junior resident of the year and teaching resident of the year. Her research has been published in leading medical journals.

        Dr. Chávez graduated from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, N.M. She completed her residency in general surgery at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Ga., and her fellowship in surgical critical care at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, N.Y. She is a member of the American College of Surgeons and the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, and is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support® (ATLS®).

        Joshua Chern, DO
        Brookville, Clearfield, DuBois, Elk and Tyrone

        Board-certified interventional radiologist Joshua Chern, DO, joins the team at Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk and Penn Highlands Tyrone.​

        Dr. Chern is a highly experienced radiologist with more than a decade of experience. As an interventional radiologist, Dr. Chern uses medical imaging to diagnose and treat cancer and other conditions without major surgery. Common treatments and procedures include CT scan, DEXA scan, mammography, MRI, nuclear medicine, PET scan, stereotactic breast biopsy and ultrasound, immunotherapy and medical oncology.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Chern practiced at Jefferson Health New Jersey in Washington Township, N.J.; Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J.; Capital Health Advanced Imaging in Trenton, N.J.; and Regional Diagnostic Imaging in Vineland, N.J.

        Dr. Chern graduated from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Osteopathic Medicine, in Stratford, N.J. He completed his residency in diagnostic radiology at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J. He completed fellowships in pediatric radiology at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia and vascular/interventional radiology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

        He is a member of the American College of Radiology, American Osteopathic Association, American Board of Radiology, New Jersey Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons, American Roentgen Ray Society, Society of Interventional Radiology, Society of Pediatric Radiology and Philadelphia Angiography and Interventional Radiology Society.

        Elizabeth Hart, DO, MBA
        Tyrone

        Family medicine physician Elizabeth Hart, DO, MBA, joins the team at Tyrone Rural Health Center located at 221 Hospital Drive, in Tyrone.

        Dr. Hart provides experienced care for every member of the family, from infants through the elderly, with an emphasis on building an ongoing personal relationship to provide the most comprehensive care possible. Common treatments and procedures include aches and pains, allergies, asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, major illnesses, minor illnesses and rashes, osteopathic manipulation, preventive medicine and sports physicals.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Hart practiced at Geisinger Health System in Lock Haven and Cherokee Nation Health Services in Tahlequah, Okla.

        Dr. Hart graduated from Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa, Okla., and completed a residency in family medicine at Northeastern Health System in Tahlequah, Okla. She earned her Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business in Stillwater, Okla. She is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association and American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

        William Kozak, MD
        Connellsville

        Family medicine physician William Kozak, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Family Medicine at 2620 Memorial Boulevard, in Connellsville.

        Dr. Kozak has more than two decades of experience treating patients of all ages, from infants through the elderly. Common treatments and procedures include annual sports physicals, asthma care, diabetes care, hypertension/high blood pressure care, immunizations, preventive care, screenings, aches and pains, allergies, heart disease, major and minor illnesses and rashes.

        Dr. Kozak graduated from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in family medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians and American Medical Association.

        Timothy A. Leone, DO
        DuBois

        Board-certified general surgeon Timothy A. Leone, DO, joins the team at Penn Highlands General Surgery Surgicalists at 145 Hospital Avenue, in DuBois to provide trauma and acute surgical care to patients.

        Dr. Leone is a highly qualified physician, with 20 years of experience in the field. He offers expertise in robotic, laparoscopic and open abdominal surgery. He is adept at upper endoscopy and colonoscopy and has extensive knowledge utilizing the latest technology for the best outcomes possible. Common treatments and procedures include emergency surgery and life-threatening conditions to include management of multi-system organ failure and surgical complication in addition to trauma surgery and care of the injured.

        Prior to his post at Penn Highlands, Dr. Leone served patients in community hospitals in Central Pennsylvania and in Iredell County, North Carolina.

        Dr. Leone earned his bachelor’s degree at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pa., and his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). He completed his internship and general surgery residency at PCOM and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – School of Osteopathic Medicine (now Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine). In addition, he completed advanced training in minimally invasive surgery and is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support.

        James Vincent Lieb, DO
        Tyrone

        Board-certified oncologist and hematologist James Vincent Lieb, DO, joins the team at Penn Highlands Oncology/Hematology, located at 187 Hospital Drive in Tyrone.​

        Dr. Lieb is a highly experienced physician, with more than 20 years of providing specialized care to cancer patients. Dr. Lieb utilizes the latest tests, including blood tests, biopsy, mammography, breast MRI, colonoscopy, endoscopy, PET scans, CT scans and ultrasound to accurately diagnose cancer and design a personalized treatment plan.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Lieb practiced at the Cancer Care Partnership at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Blair Medical Oncology in Altoona, Conemaugh Cancer Center in Johnstown and Home Nursing Agency in Altoona.

        Dr. Lieb graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Temple University/Conemaugh Memorial Hospital in Johnstown and his fellowship in hematology/oncology at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Society, Phi Sigma Gamma Osteopathic Medical Society, American Osteopathic Association, Pennsylvania Society of Hematology and Oncology, Blair County Medical Society and American Society of Hematology.

        Lumei Miller, MD
        Monongahela

        Board-certified anesthesiologist Lumei Miller, MD, joins the Anesthesiology Department at Penn Highlands Mon Valley.

        Dr. Miller is an Ivy League-trained anesthesiologist with extensive experience in academic tertiary care centers and subspecialty experience in neuroanesthesia and trauma care. Her research has been published in leading medical journals, and she was named a Posse Scholar by the Posse Foundation. She has a special interest in patient safety, quality improvement and metabolic health.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Miller practiced at West Virginia University Medicine in Morgantown, W. Va., and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh, Pa.

        Dr. Miller graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh. She completed her residency in anesthesiology at Columbia University NY Presbyterian Hospital in New York, N.Y. She is a member of the American Board of Anesthesiology and Pennsylvania Medical Society.

        Jacob Ogden, DO
        DuBois and St. Marys

        Interventional pain specialist Jacob Ogden, DO, joins the teams at Penn Highlands Interventional Pain Center in DuBois and St. Marys.

        As a fellowship-trained specialist, Dr. Ogden has undergone advanced training reserved for the best doctoral graduates and has studied and practiced with the leading experts in the field of pain management. Dr. Ogden provides a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for people dealing with chronic pain.

        Dr. Ogden graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in anesthesiology at Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey and fellowship in pain medicine at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass.

        Niketu Patel, MD, MPH
        DuBois and Huntingdon

        Emergency medicine physician Niketu Patel, MD, MPH, joins the emergency department teams at Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Huntingdon.​

        Dr. Patel provides patients with experienced care for complex and critical needs, including life-threatening circumstances ranging from stroke and heart attack to injuries following a traumatic accident. Dr. Patel provides exceptional emergency care to patients throughout the region.

        Common treatments and procedures include abdominal emergency care, emergency care, trauma care, stroke care, emergency cardiac care, broken bones, chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe allergic reaction and uncontrolled bleeding.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Patel gained clinical experience at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.; Wilmington Hospital in Wilmington, Del.; Middletown ED in Middletown, Del.; and AI DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del.

        Dr. Patel graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Del. He earned his master’s in public health at Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health in Philadelphia. He is a member of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

        Milen Petkov, MD
        Monongahela

        Board-certified anesthesiologist Milen Petkov, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Mon Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Management Department.​

        Dr. Petkov has been practicing medicine since 1996 and has nearly two decades of experience in anesthesiology. In addition, he served as clinical assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine for 15 years. Dr. Petkov has won multiple awards in anesthesiology, and he has published research in top medical journals.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Petkov practiced at Pittsburgh Locums Anesthesia in Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Physicians in Pittsburgh, Mon-Yough Anesthesia at UPMC McKeesport in McKeesport and Vraca County Hospital in Vratsa, Bulgaria.

        Dr. Petkov graduated from Medical University Sofia in Bulgaria. He completed residencies in anesthesiology at University Orthopedic Hospital in Sofia, Bulgaria, and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Ark. He is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiology and Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiology.

        Sanjay Prasher, MD
        Monongahela

        Board-certified cardio and electrophysiologist Sanjay Prasher, MD, joins the team at Penn Highlands Cardiology at 1290 Chess Street, Monongahela.

        As a cardio and electrophysiologist, Dr. Prasher specializes in the study of the electrical activity of the heart to find where an arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat, is occurring. These results can help determine whether medication, a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a cardiac ablation procedure or surgery is needed. Common treatments and procedures include cardiac ablation, catheterization, implantable cardio defibrillator (ICD) and pacemakers.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Prasher was the director of the electrophysiology labs at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, N.C.; Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, N.C.; and St. Francis Medical Center in Pittsburgh.

        Dr. Prasher graduated from Calcutta National Medical College and Hospitals in Kolkata, India. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y. He completed fellowships in cardiology at State University of New York, SUNY Downstate Program, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and in electrophysiology at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City, N.Y.

        Robert Smith, MD
        Monongahela

        Board-certified emergency medicine physician Robert Smith, MD, joins the team in the Emergency Department at Penn Highlands Mon Valley.​

        Dr. Smith is a highly skilled specialist with more than 30 years of experience in emergency medicine. He has served as director of multiple emergency departments, and provides patients in the Mon Valley region with expert care for even the most complex cases. Common treatments and procedures include abdominal emergency care, emergency heart care, emergency stroke care, emergency tests and trauma care.

        Prior to joining Penn Highlands, Dr. Smith practiced at Brownsville General Hospital in Brownsville, Monongahela Valley Hospital in Monongahela and Highlands Hospital in Connellsville.

        Dr. Smith graduated from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia and completed his residency in internal medicine at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh.

        Jeffrey Tseng, DO
        Monongahela

        Emergency medicine physician Jeffrey Tseng, DO, joins the emergency department team at Penn Highlands Mon Valley.​

        Dr. Tseng is experienced in providing critical care in highly complex situations, including pediatric medical and traumatic emergencies. With a commitment to provide care that’s as compassionate as it is experienced, Dr. Tseng’s patient satisfaction scores consistently rank in the top percentile.

        Dr. Tseng graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at UPMC Hamot in Erie.

        Employee Engagement

        Get a Shot – Win a Prize Winners Announced
        12/01/22

        As part of the 2022 "Get a Shot - Win a Prize" Influenza Campaign, everyone who received the flu vaccine by November 11, 2022, was entered into a prize drawing.

        Congratulations to all winners and thank you to everyone that got their Flu vaccine. To claim your prize, please call 814-375-3351 to provide a current address for the mailing of your gift card or you can stop at the Employee Health Office located in the CRC building in DuBois. You must have your badge to claim gift card.

        2022-2023 Flu Vaccine Prize Winners

        Penn Highlands Brookville
        Joseph Simpson, Maintenance/Security
        Sally McKinley, Patient Access

        Penn Highlands Clearfield
        Julian Gallina, Emergency Room
        Eva Barnett, Wound Clinic

        Penn Highlands Connellsville
        Shannon Revak
        Sue Klink

        Penn Highlands Corporate
        Douglas Dale, Business Office
        Dawn Luzier, PH Medical Staff

        Penn Highlands DuBois
        Kathy Bridge, HIM
        Crysta Neiswonger, Dining Services

        Penn Highlands Elk/Pinecrest Manor
        Amber Yeaples, Women’s Imaging
        Christina Cherry, Imaging Ultrasound

        Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home/Helpmates
        Kathryn Brem
        Sherry Miceli
        Dawn Ridgley
        Kathleen Ford

        Penn Highlands Huntingdon
        Ethel Boozel, Pharmacy
        Sandra Norris, Wound Clinic

        Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor
        Jenny Carr
        Mandie Aughton

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley
        Lisa Ann Merlo
        Michael Hodgson

        Penn Highlands Physician Network​
        Deborah Barnett, Urology
        Beverly Syktich, Internal Medicine - Parekh

        Penn Highlands Tyrone
        Melinda Dick, Operating Room
        Sara Folmar, Peri anesthesia

        Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services
        Pamela Dean
        Megan Rowan

        The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccine is particularly important for people who work in the healthcare industry as well as people who are at higher risk of serious complications from the virus.

        Protect yourself, your loved ones and our patients. Get your influenza vaccine and stay healthy! 

        If you still need the influenza vaccine, contact Employee Health at your location. Any employee who does not wish to receive the vaccine must sign an Influenza Declination Form.

        Employee Engagement

        Enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving!
        11/22/22

        On November 24, 2022, Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving. This holiday holds a great deal of significance in our country because it is about families and friends getting together to celebrate their blessings. 

        Here at Penn Highlands Healthcare, we are a group of 6,651 individuals representing all ages, ethnicities and religions who are a family when we are together because we share a common mission — to provide our communities with exceptional care through our community-based health system while maintaining a reverence for life.

        We each have many things to be thankful for in our lives. I am very grateful that I work at our health system with some of the most hardworking, skilled and compassionate individuals that I have ever met. On Thanksgiving, I hope that each and every one of you, whether you are enjoying a meal with your loved ones or providing care to our patients, will take a moment to reflect on your blessings. 

        Have a Happy Thanksgiving!  


        Employee Engagement

        Rewards & Recognition Week Recap: “Thankful For” November 7-11, 2022
        11/21/22

        As part of Penn Highlands Healthcare’s quarterly Rewards & Recognition Week, celebrations are planned to thank employees, honor professional achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout our health system. From November 7-11, 2022, employees were encouraged to participate in activities giving thanks for community, employees/co-workers, family, health & wellness and hometown heroes.

        Congratulations to all of this quarter’s honorees! Please click on the links below to enjoy a recap of the celebrations.

        Penn Highlands Brookville

        Penn Highlands Clearfield

        Penn Highlands DuBois

        Penn Highlands Elk

        Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

        Penn Highlands Huntingdon

        Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

        Penn Highlands Physician Network

        Penn Highlands Tyrone

        Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services


        Thank you to everyone for a great week.

        PHH Headlines

        Please Support the 2022-2023 Annual Giving Campaign
        11/15/22

        Compassion is at the very heart of patient care and sees no age or gender. At Penn Highlands Healthcare, we recognize, that our community members have basic human needs. Needs that go beyond a discharge from the hospital or their stay in a long-term care facility.

        Imagine in the middle of the night, a helicopter lifts off to fly an infant from the arms of their mother to seek emergent and specialized care hours away. What if this was your child? A hardworking father walks through the doors of the emergency department suffering from a steep fall on the job. His family is hours away and he has nothing to wear home but a paper gown as his clothing was not salvageable. What if that man was your father? Lastly, think about an elderly patient being cared for living alone. She needs a warm blanket replaced and does not have the means to do so. What if that woman was your grandmother?

        How do we help?

        Penn Highlands Healthcare continues to serve the healthcare needs of our communities despite the ability to pay for care. In 2022, $18.5 million dollars in Charity Care was given throughout the health system. This donation is necessary to ensure a healthy community no matter the cost. Now, Penn Highlands Healthcare needs your help to take care one step further.

        As we approach the season of giving, the Penn Highlands Healthcare Fund Development Team asks that you consider supporting the Penn Highlands Healthcare System Annual Giving Campaign for the purchase of compassionate care items which support our communities' needs.

        The campaign is being launched November 15, 2022 in the communities in which we serve. This campaign is an opportunity for us to help our community members beyond their necessary healthcare, but their compassionate needs as well.

        It is all about participation – not the size of your gift. Whether you can give a few dollars or a few hundred, your gift will help.

        Employees have the option of donating by check, participating in the payroll deduction plan or by donating online at www.phhealthcare.org/giving. Please use the appropriate Employee Gift Form below when making your donation by payroll deduction or by check.

        The success of this campaign rests in the hearts of all of us. Please join Penn Highlands Healthcare and our communities in showing your support. Your generosity is truly appreciated. 

        For questions, please call PHH System Fund Development at 814-375-3901 or email phhfunddevelopment@phhealthcare.org.

        Penn Highlands Healthcare is a 501c3 charitable organization. 

        Please see the links below for Gift Forms for each location.

        Penn Highlands Brookville

        Penn Highlands Clearfield

        Penn Highlands Connellsville

        Penn Highlands DuBois

        Penn Highlands Elk 

        Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

        Penn Highlands Huntingdon

        Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

        Penn Highlands McKinley Health Center

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley

        Penn Highlands Pinecrest Manor

        Penn Highlands Tyrone

        “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

        Helen Keller

        Employee Engagement

        November is American Diabetes Month: Know the Facts
        11/10/22

        November is American Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which blood glucose levels are above normal for an extended period of time because the body does not make enough insulin or cannot use its own insulin or both. Elevated blood glucose levels can cause long-term complications for blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.

        There are three types of diabetes:

        • Type 1 – The body does not produce insulin. It is often diagnosed in children or early adulthood. It is not preventable or reversible.
        • Type 2 – The body does not produce enough insulin or does not use it. This is the most common type of diabetes and it typically develops over time.
        • Gestational diabetes – High glucose levels develop during pregnancy and typically return to normal after delivery.

        Just the facts:

        According to the Pennsylvania Diabetes Action Network:

        • 1.1 million people or 11% of the Pennsylvania adult population have diagnosed diabetes.
        • 3.5 million or 34% of the Pennsylvania adult population have prediabetes.
        • Every year, nearly 90,000 people in Pennsylvania are diagnosed with diabetes.
        • Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in Pennsylvania.

        The Good News:

        Type 2 diabetes can be prevented, delayed or better controlled to prevent complications through:

        • Annual screenings
        • Annual foot and eye exams
        • Diabetes Prevention Programs
        • Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support
        Step Up to Diabetes:

        Dr. Purvi Parekh, a board-certified internal medicine physician with Penn Highlands Internal Medicine, in DuBois, offers a free program for our employees who have diabetes. Step Up to Diabetes is a program to help successfully manage diabetes by making simple lifestyle changes. Over the course of the program, participants will work with our Health and Wellness staff and receive diabetes focused education and tips from Diabetes and Nutrition staff, athletic trainers and Behavioral Health therapists. Another perk to this program is free and discounted medications and diabetes testing supplies. For more information or to enroll, contact Melissa Hill at mahill@phhealthcare.org. 

        Hot News

        Get a Shot – Win a Prize Part III
        11/07/22

        Time is running out to be eligible for the prize drawing in the 2022 "Get a Shot -- Win a Prize" Influenza Campaign. 

        Everyone who receives the vaccine from Employee Health or provides proof of vaccine from an outside facility through November 11, 2022, will be entered into a prize drawing. Vaccine papers from outside facilities will be accepted up until 4:00 PM on Friday, November 11, 2022. Proof of vaccination includes the employee's name, date of birth, vaccine lot number and expiration date as well as the date it was administered. 

        Any employee who does not wish to receive the vaccine must sign an Influenza Declination Form which is available here. 

        Proof of immunization or the declination form must be sent to Jeanne Askey at jmaskey@phhealthcare.org or via fax 814-372-2623.

        If you still need the influenza vaccine, contact Employee Health at your location. 

        The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccine is particularly important for people who work in the healthcare industry as well as people who are at higher risk of serious complications from the virus.

        Protect yourself, your loved ones and our patients. Get your influenza vaccine and stay healthy!

        Employee Engagement

        Rewards and Recognition Week Activities Planned November 7-11, 2022
        11/04/22


        “No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” – James Allen

        Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Gratitude involves recognition of the positive things in your life and how they affect you. In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity and build strong relationships.

        Rewards and Recognition Week is a quarterly celebration planned by Penn Highlands Healthcare to express appreciation to employees, recognize personal achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout the health system.

        "Thankful For,” this quarter's Rewards and Recognition Week theme, is being celebrated system wide from November 7-11, 2022.

        Throughout the week, employees across the system are encouraged to dress in PHH logo wear and participate in activities giving thanks for community, employees/co-workers, family, health & wellness and hometown heroes. For more details about the celebrations at each PHH facility, click on the link below to download the flyer for the schedule of activities where you work.

        Penn Highlands Brookville

        Penn Highlands Clearfield

        Penn Highlands Connellsville

        Penn Highlands DuBois

        Penn Highlands Elk

        Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

        Penn Highlands Home Medical Equipment

        Penn Highlands Huntingdon

        Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley

        Penn Highlands Physician Network

        Penn Highlands Tyrone

        Penn Highlands WRC Senior Services


        Please remember to submit photos from your R&R Week to jweidel@phhealthcare.org by November 14th to be posted to the PHH Facebook page and your completed PowerPoint to be included with the Vital Lines recap.

        Thank you for all that you do. We look forward to your participation!

        Employee Engagement

        Plan To Attend the Social Event of the Season!
        11/01/22

        As you begin to add seasonal events and activities to your social calendar, plan to attend a Holiday Celebration to support the Penn Highlands Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Penn Highlands DuBois and the Penn Highlands DuBois Medical Staff invite you to attend a festive Holiday Celebration:

        WhoAll employees, physicians and guests

        When: Saturday, December 3, 2022 -- Cocktails from 7:00 to 8:00 PM; Ballroom Open from 8:00 to 11:00 PM. 

        Where: DuBois Country Club, 10 Lakeside Avenue, DuBois, Pennsylvania

        Entertainment: "The Avenue" will perform.

        Attire: Semiformal/formal dress 

        Tickets: Individual tickets $60/Couple $120

        To purchase tickets in advance, visit this site or send a check payable to Penn Highlands DuBois to Marissa Bailley, Penn Highlands Healthcare, 204 Hospital Avenue, P.O. Box 447, DuBois, PA  15801. 

        Please note that tickets will not be distributed. The names of those who purchase tickets will be at the registration table at the door.

        Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

        Mark your calendar for a fun-filled evening that will raise funds for some of our youngest patients!


        Hot News

        Penn Highlands Healthcare Ranks as a Forbes Top 100 Pennsylvania Employer
        10/28/22

        Penn Highlands Healthcare is ranked as a Top 100 Employer in Pennsylvania by Forbes! Our health system has been awarded on the Forbes list of Best-in-State Employers 2022. This prestigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world's leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.

        America's Best-in-State Employers 2022 were identified in an independent survey based on a vast sample of approximately 70,000 Americans working for companies with more than 500 employees in the U.S. The respondents were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employer to friends and family. The online survey also asked the participants to evaluate whether other businesses in their community stand out positively or negatively. When the survey was tallied, Penn Highlands Healthcare was in the Top 100 for Pennsylvania. Only 17 healthcare providers in Pennsylvania even made the list! The complete list of awards can be viewed on the Forbes website

        "We are thrilled to be in the Forbes Top 100 for Pennsylvania, but not surprised," said Steven M. Fontaine, CEO of Penn Highlands Healthcare. "Our health system is a great place to work because our employees and physicians are truly dedicated to our patients and supporting each other. Everyone should take pride in sharing in this award."

         

        Hospital News

        Penn Highlands Tyrone To Implement Cerner Electronic Health Record and Infor
        10/26/22

        Penn Highlands Tyrone is upgrading its current electronic health record, financial and supply chain systems to improve patient care and communication with our other hospitals.  

        The conversion to the Cerner Electronic Health Record, which will enable PH Tyrone to interact seamlessly with the other Penn Highlands hospitals, has been underway for months and is expected to be in productive use on November 1, 2022. 

        Penn Highlands Healthcare is making a significant investment for the purchase and installation of hardware and software as well as infrastructure improvements to refresh the network, computing and telecommunications systems throughout Penn Highlands Tyrone.

        “We are looking forward to the implementation of the Cerner Electronic Health Record at Penn Highlands Tyrone," said Rhonda Halstead, Regional Market President – Central Region and President of Penn Highlands Tyrone. "A project of this magnitude requires a great deal of coordination prior to the implementation and I thank everyone for their dedication in making this technology available to the staff at Penn Highlands Tyrone."

        In addition to improved communication with other Penn Highlands hospitals, the transition to the Cerner platform has numerous other benefits, which include: accurate, up-to-date and complete information for faster diagnosis; medical error prevention; improved care coordination; improved productivity; and legible, complete documentation.

        All departments will be involved in the transition with both inpatient and outpatient areas directly impacted, as well as fiscal services and business offices. All departments will experience changes in the way information is gathered and accessed.

        Similar to the previous electronic health record system at Penn Highlands Tyrone, the new Cerner platform has numerous safeguards that comply with federal guidelines for security and confidentiality.

        “The Cerner Electronic Health Record platform allows for accurate documentation of patient care and activities, and also enables physicians to more easily access that documentation from an office setting,” said John McLendon, Penn Highlands Healthcare Chief Information Officer.  “As we have experienced in the other hospitals in our health system using this patient-centric documentation system, Cerner allows for more meaningful data to be available to our physicians and staff as they care for our community across the health continuum.”




        PHH Headlines

        PHH Welcomes Trina L. Abla, DO, MBA, as Our New Chief Medical Officer
        10/21/22

        Trina L. Abla, DO, MBA

        Please join me in welcoming Trina L. Abla, DO, MBA, as our new Chief Medical Officer. She is assuming this role as Dr. Russell E. Cameron transitions into semi-retirement.

        Dr. Abla is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. She comes to Penn Highlands Healthcare with 14 years of progressive leadership experience. Dr. Abla held two Chief Medical Officer positions with Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic -- at Mercy Catholic Medical Center, in Philadelphia and Darby, Pennsylvania and most recently at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. In these roles, Dr. Abla transformed and consolidated services to ensure community access to care; outlined and implemented paths for quality assurance; expanded telemedicine and graduate medical education; created new delivery of care models; developed strategic partnerships with providers, medical schools and government agencies; and fostered an environment of mutual respect and collaboration among the staff and community physicians.

        Prior to joining Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic, Dr. Abla was employed by Penn State Health Saint Joseph Medical Center, in Reading, Pennsylvania, where her career advanced from serving as a Hospitalist to Chief Quality Officer and Associate Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Abla began her medical career as a Family Physician for Genesis Primary Care in Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania.

        Dr. Abla earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Juniata College in Huntingdon; a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia; and a Master of Business Administration from St. Joseph's University, Haub School of Business in Philadelphia. She completed her internship and residency at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Reading. 

        Dr. Abla has conducted independent research, had works published in medical journals and served as a presenter at multiple conferences. She is a member of medical boards and advisory councils and participates in community and humanitarian initiatives.



        PHH Headlines

        Chief Medical Officer Semi-Retires and Transitions to New Role
        10/19/22

        Dr. Russell Cameron

        For the past 18 years, Russell E. Cameron, MD, FACEP, has served in leadership roles among the Penn Highlands Healthcare medical staff that ranged from Medical Director in the Department of Medicine at Penn Highlands DuBois to his current role as Chief Medical Officer and Chief Informatics Officer for our health system. Later this year, Dr. Cameron will semi-retire and limit his role to the Chief Medical Informatics Officer for Penn Highlands Healthcare and Designated Institutional Officer for our Graduate Medical Education Program.

        During Dr. Cameron's medical career that has spanned nearly four decades, he has provided invaluable guidance to his colleagues -- from leading our health system's COVID-19 clinical response to serving as the Designated Institutional Official for the Penn Highlands Healthcare Graduate Medical Education program. His experience in Informatics has been an asset to the health system. As the Penn Highlands DuBois Emergency Department Medical Director, he led the team that selected and successfully installed Medhost EDIS into that hospital's Emergency Department. In addition, he served on the Physician Advisory Board of Medhost many years. In 1999, Dr. Cameron was the physician champion for the installation of Cerner inpatient EHR into Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Brookville. The Cerner implementation included more than 30 solutions in the inpatient, surgical and maternity areas. In 2014, Dr. Cameron led the conversion of the Emergency Department to Cerner Firstnet. He also was responsible for the completion of the outpatient installation of GE Centricity in approximately 55 offices representing multiple specialties.

        Penn Highlands Healthcare appreciates Dr. Cameron's leadership and wishes him much success as he begins the next phase of his career with our health system.

        Watch for information on our new Chief Medical Office in an upcoming Vital Lines.


        Hospital News

        Penn Highlands DuBois Welcomes New Lab Director
        10/12/22

        Julie Decker, MT(ASCP), is the new Laboratory Director at Penn Highlands DuBois. In this role, she will be responsible for the overall supervision and daily operation of the laboratories at Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Clearfield including staffing, policy and procedure development, regulatory compliance and performance improvement.

        Julie joined Penn Highlands Clearfield as a Medical Technologist in October 2001. Her career advanced to include supervisory positions in the Laboratory. While serving as the Blood Bank Supervisor, she had the opportunity to serve as the Interim Laboratory Manager in March 2014 and was named the Laboratory Director in fall of 2014. As Laboratory Director at Penn Highlands Clearfield, she has implemented many changes to improve productivity as well as the regulatory standing of the Laboratory.

        Julie received a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from Clarion University and her Certificate of Clinical Laboratory Sciences from Guthrie/Robert Packer Hospital School of Medical Technology. She resides in Brockway with her husband, Michael, of 18 years and their two sons, Madox and Jaxon.

        “I am very honored and excited to take on the Laboratory Director position at Penn Highlands DuBois and look forward to getting to know everyone in the Laboratory,” Julie said.

        Please wish her much success in her new position.
         

        Hospital News

        Penn Highlands Healthcare Welcomes New Regional Market President -- Southwestern Region
        10/11/22

        Please join me in welcoming Peter Adamo, who will serve as the Regional Market President -- Southwestern Region -- which includes Washington and Fayette counties. In this newly created position, Mr. Adamo will oversee operations at Penn Highlands Mon Valley and Penn Highlands Connellsville. In addition, he will serve as the President of Penn Highlands Mon Valley, and work closely with John Andursky, President of Penn Highlands Connellsville.

        Mr. Adamo brings more than 30 years of health system management to Penn Highlands Healthcare. He is an accomplished healthcare leader with sales, operations and organizational development experience with a track record of growth and innovation. Most recently he served as the Chief Executive Officer of Crozer Health, in Philadelphia, which consists of 631 beds on four campuses that offer tertiary, academic and community medicine. Throughout his career, Mr. Adamo provided leadership to health systems with facilities in California, Connecticut, Ohio, Texas and New Mexico.

        Mr. Adamo received a Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Texas at El Paso. 

        We wish Mr. Adamo much success in his new position with our health system.


        Employee Engagement

        Celebrate Socktober - Share a Pair to Show You Care!
        10/10/22

        Each night in the United States, an estimated 600,000 people live on the streets. A small act of kindness, such as donating a pair of socks can make a big difference in the lives of our neighbors who are homeless.

        From October 1-31, 2022, Penn Highlands Healthcare is participating in Socktober to collect socks to be donated to local Salvation Army locations. Collection boxes are located in the café at PH Brookville, PH Clearfield, PH DuBois, PH Elk and PH Jefferson Manor.

        Please consider a donation to help our neighbors get back on their feet!

        PHH Headlines

        Mark Your Calendar for the Center of Excellence Open House!
        10/06/22

        All Penn Highlands Healthcare employees and their guests are invited to attend the Center of Excellence Open House on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at 1:00 PM.

        The Center of Excellence offers some of our largest specialties under one roof including Neurology, Neurosurgery, Pediatrics, Perinatology, Physiatry, Orthopedics & Sports Medicine with Imaging Services, Rehabilitation and Women’s Health. Tour the facility, meet the staff, enjoy tasty fall treats, and more. Come and celebrate the opening of our newest facility on the Penn Highlands DuBois campus.

        The Center of Excellence is located at 123 Hospital Avenue, DuBois.

        For more information about the Center of Excellence, visit our website.

        Please mark your calendar to attend!

        Employee Engagement

        It’s Time to Get Your Mammogram
        10/05/22

        October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. How does that impact you? Mammograms save lives. It’s time to get your mammogram; and men, it is time to encourage the women in your life to get their mammograms.

        Mammography is the first line of defense in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection is the key to beating cancer because when caught early it is much more treatable. With a mammogram, doctors can look for changes that are too small or too deep to feel. A mammogram can detect abnormalities up to two years before they can ever be felt.

        At Penn Highlands Healthcare, our facilities have state-of-the-art mammogram technology in private and comfortable settings. We offer two-dimensional mammography, which is the gold standard and is indicated for routine screenings. It is an excellent tool for detecting breast abnormalities. We also offer three-dimensional mammography which uses the same x-ray technology as 2-D mammography but provides images of the breast from many different angles.

        Penn Highlands Healthcare offers mammograms at eleven locations including our hospitals and many convenient outpatient facilities. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, all Penn Highlands Women's Imaging Departments have added reserved times for employees to get a screening mammogram. 

        Schedule your visit today. For more information about mammography at Penn Highlands Healthcare, visit our website.

        Hot News

        Get a Shot – Win a Prize Part II
        09/30/22

        It’s time to take action to help prevent influenza. Flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter months. That means that we are now in the flu season. Our best defense is the influenza immunization. The flu vaccine can reduce flu illnesses, visits to doctors’ offices and missed work. It also can help to make symptoms less severe and reduce flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.


        Penn Highlands Healthcare makes it convenient for you to get your influenza vaccine. Click here for employee flu shot dates across the health system. Access the 2022-2023 Influenza Vaccine Consent Form here.

        Please note staff working in physician practices will be vaccinated in their respective clinics.

        Any employee who does not wish to receive the vaccine must sign an Influenza Declination Form which is available here. These forms should be sent to Jeanne Askey at jmaskey@phhealthcare.org or via fax 814-372-2623.

        As a reminder, everyone who receives the vaccine from Employee Health or provides proof of vaccine from an outside facility from October 3 through November 11, 2022 will be entered into a prize drawing. Proof of vaccination includes the employee's name, date of birth, vaccine lot number and expiration date as well as the date it was administered.

        The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccine is particularly important for people who work in the healthcare industry as well as people who are at higher risk of serious complications from the virus.

        Click here for more detailed information on the Influenza Vaccine from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

        We hope you will visit one of the clinics to protect yourself, and to prevent you from spreading the virus to your family and our patients this flu this season.

        Hot News

        Penn Highlands Healthcare and Clearfield County Career and Technology Center Forge Partnership
        09/29/22

        Amber Weis (r.) and CCCTC staff announce the partnership.

        Penn Highlands Healthcare announced we will help expand the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center’s (CCCTC) Practical Nursing Program by sponsoring tuition for select students who sign an employment agreement. With the employment agreement, employees have the option of working at one of the Penn Highlands Healthcare hospitals, outpatient facilities and physician practices in Northwestern/Central and Southwestern Pennsylvania.

        Penn Highlands will fund tuition for qualified students enrolled in the full-time or part-time Practical Nursing program, through a partnership intended to address a regional shortage in nursing. In exchange, qualified students enrolled in CCCTC’s Practical Nursing program will sign an employment agreement that includes a full-time benefits package with the health system. Penn Highlands Healthcare will also sponsor tuition for students currently enrolled in CCCTC’s Practical Nursing program who sign an employment agreement.

        "Teaming with Penn Highlands Healthcare, to educate future Licensed Practical Nurses, is an opportunity that everyone needs to check out,” said Fred Redden, CCCTC Executive Director. “An education at potentially no cost, with opportunities to transition into introductory positions while attending school, is that break that some people need. A chance for an education to a new career all within one year. We take pride in providing Big Steps to Big Futures and our newest partnership with Penn Highlands is another great local opportunity."

        Amber Weis, PHR, SHRM-CP, Assistant Vice President, Physician Network for Penn Highlands Healthcare, shares Mr. Redden’s enthusiasm.

        “We are excited to offer this opportunity together with the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center. This is beneficial for both the students seeking careers in nursing as well as for our health system. They will receive an excellent education from one of the region’s best technical schools along with a seamless transition into the workforce and we will gain highly qualified nurses to provide care to our patients and communities.”

        To learn more about this opportunity, the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center will be hosting an Open House with Penn Highlands Healthcare on October 27, 2022, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the CCCTC located at 1620 River Road in Clearfield

        For additional information about Penn Highlands Healthcare’s tuition sponsorship and employment agreement, contact the Practical Nursing program at 814-765-4047.

        Hot News

        2022 Dr. Gary DuGan Memorial 5K/Walk Recap
        09/28/22

        Graduate Medical Education students prior to the event.

        We are pleased to report that the Fourth Annual Dr. Gary DuGan Memorial 5K/Walk was a big success! Held on September 17, 2022 at the Beaver Meadow Walkway in DuBois City Park, the event generated more than $9,000 in proceeds for the Graduate Medical Education Program at Penn Highlands DuBois.

        “We appreciate everyone who came out for the 5K/Walk,” said Lindsey Herzing, Penn Highlands Healthcare Manager of Donor Relations. “The atmosphere was festive and the weather was perfect. It was a great day!”

        Listed below are the basket winners.

        • Sheetz Gift Card – Sherry Luzetski
        • Taste of the Town – Imelda Mahmutaj
        • Coffee Basket – Henry Wilson
        • Sunflower Basket – Brooke Feasel
        • Bee Kind Wine Basket – Jocelyn Long
        • Chocolate Extravaganza Basket – Sahar Qureshi
        • Movie Night Basket – Courtney Bowers
        • Lantern – Judith Robitzer
        • Goat Night Out – Tessa Spearing
        • Touchstone Crystal Jewelry – Connie Cribbs
        • Chicken & the Egg Basket – Thomas Brown
        • Mary Kay Cosmetics Basket – Kim Folmar
        • Home Theatre Basket -- Stacey Bickel
        • Penn State Basket – Allyson Johnson
        • Campfire Fun Basket – Shayna Martin

        Thank you to everyone who supported the Dr. Gary DuGan Memorial 5K/Walk. Be sure to watch Vital Lines for information about the 2023 event! 



        PHH Headlines

        Psychiatry Residency Program Welcomes First Co-Chiefs
        09/27/22

        Shown are (l. to r.) Dr. Akanbi and Dr. Malik.

        It is with great pleasure that we announce our very first Co-Chiefs of the Psychiatry Residency Program for the 2022-2023 program year. 

        On July 1, 2022, Philip Akanbi, MD, MS, and Adam Mali, DO, became the Co-Chiefs for the Psychiatry Residency Program. They will work with Family Medicine Co-Chiefs, the GME Office, residents, residency staff/supervisors and the Program Director to move the Psychiatry Residency Program into its second year.

        Dr. Akanbi graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. In addition to his Co-Chief duties of the Psychiatry Residency Program, Dr. Akanbi is the Resident Representative for the Western Chapter of the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society. Additionally, he had presented at the Ohio State Medical Center Care Conference on advocacy work for increased Clozapine use for treatment resistant schizophrenia, in Ohio. He has a passion for advocacy work to improve policies surrounding behavioral health, novel research and social justice in healthcare. Dr. Akanbi plans to continue his residency for board certification in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In his free time, he enjoys dancing and is an avid basketball player who participates in local leagues. 

        Dr. Adam Malik graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. In addition to his new duties as Co-Chief of the Psychiatry Residency Program, Dr. Malik is leading a team of medical students in a film and research proposal which may give them the opportunity to present at the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry's (AAAP) annual convention. He has also recently submitted an application for the REACH program. This is a yearlong, remote program through Yale Psychiatry where residents have the opportunity to acquire learning in addiction psychiatry and its affects on minority populations. Adding to Dr. Malik’s accomplishments is his recent publication in Current Psychiatry, an article entitled, “Caring for Muslim Patients Who Fast During Ramadan.” The article was written with his brother, Dr. Amaar Malik, who is currently in his second year of Psychiatry residency. In addition, Dr. Malik authored a second article entitled, “The Impact of COVID-19 on Adolescents' Mental Health.” He is also completing certification in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics a neurobiological, trauma-informed approach for treating children inflicted with trauma. Dr. Malik hopes to attend the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and AAAP annual conventions this year.

        Please join us in wishing Dr. Akanbi and Dr. Malik much success in their new roles as Co-Chiefs.





        PHH Headlines

        Meet the Co-Chiefs of Our Family Medicine Residency Program
        09/26/22

        Shown (l. to r.) are Dr. Strauser-Curtis and Dr. Westcott.

        It is with great pride that the Penn Highlands Family Medicine Residency Program has selected the Co-Chiefs for the 2022-2023 academic year.


        Please join us in congratulating Kaylin Strauser-Curtis, DO, and  Alexander Westcott, DO, who assumed their new responsibilities on July 1, 2022.

        The Chief Residents are chosen for their leadership skills, ethical reliability and clinical insight. Chief Residents assist with managing various resident schedules as well as participating in strategic program leadership meetings, organizing events, and most importantly, serving as liaisons between the program, their peers and faculty.

        Dr. Strauser-Curtis is a graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is practicing care at the Penn Highlands Family Medicine Residency Clinic. She also maintains an active role on the Quality Control and Safety Excellence committees as well as leading a quality improvement project dedicated to Nursing-Driven Mobility. Upon completion of her residency training, Dr. Strauser-Curtis intends to complete a Sports Medicine Fellowship program.

        Dr. Westcott is a graduate of Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Middletown. He is practicing care at the Brookville Rural Health Center. Dr. Wescott has a background in bleeding control and has continued with that interest at Penn Highlands Healthcare. He is currently involved in the Stop the Bleed Project which includes educating the community on safe practices to stop bleeding prior to EMS arrival.

        We look forward to our new Chief Residents continuing to set the example for their resident colleagues as leaders, mentors and teachers.


        Employee Engagement

        Mark Your Calendar for Breast Cancer Awareness Month Activities!
        09/26/22

        This October during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Penn Highlands Breast Services Team encourages all employees to learn the importance of preventive screenings and breast health. System wide, we are sharing important breast health information with our employees and the people in the communities we serve. Listed below are our scheduled activities.

        • Help spread awareness while wearing Penn Highlands pink apparel. Employees interested in purchasing items can view new items on the Penn Highlands Apparel site.​
        • Employees are encouraged to wear pink apparel every Friday in October. 
        • Facilities with electronic signs will have a message displayed on the screens.
        • Our eight hospitals and the Community Medical Buildings in Clarion and Punxsutawney will offer mammograms for employees on special days and times. See the schedule for details.
        • Radio spots, narrated by Penn Highlands Healthcare physicians and employees, will air on stations in the Northwestern/Central and Southwestern regions promoting the importance of early detection and the 2-D and 3-D mammography services offered by our health system.
        • Throughout the month, news releases will be shared with the Northwestern/Central and Southwestern Pennsylvania media emphasizing the role of mammograms in early detection of breast cancer. In addition, a breast cancer awareness story will be published in the Tri-County Weekend in early October. 
        • During October, a social media campaign will be implemented to create awareness that mammograms save lives.
        • Penn Highlands Mon Valley is sponsoring its 19th Annual Lois Orange Ducoeur Breast Cancer Walk Saturday, October 8, 2022 at the Penn Highlands Mon Valley HealthPlex. A $20 registration fee for the one-mile fun walk supports the prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer in the Mon Valley. For more information or to register, visit the website.
        • On Saturday, October 8, 2022, Penn Highlands Huntingdon will be the site of "Breast Cancer Awareness Saturday." From 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, mammograms will be scheduled every 20 minutes at the Women's Imaging Center.
        • The Annual Breast and Cervical Screening will be held at Penn Highlands DuBois on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A free clinical breast exam, mammogram, pelvic exam and pap smear are available to people with or without insurance who meet eligibility requirements.
        • Table tents will be distributed to physician offices outlining the importance of annual mammograms.
        • Facilities may set-up information tables in their lobbies
        • Yard signs are being provided for each facility to place to help increase awareness. 
        • As always, the Penn Highlands Healthcare Breast Services Team encourages anyone who wants to make a donation to support breast cancer care to donate locally so our health system can remain on the cutting-edge of care with the latest technology to detect and treat breast cancer. Donate here.

        As we prepare to observe National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we hope that you will join us in helping to spread the word about breast health.



        Employee Engagement

        Get a Shot -- Win a Prize!
        09/20/22

        The initial 2022 Penn Highlands Healthcare influenza vaccine roll out begins on October 3 and runs through November 11.

        During that timeframe, everyone who receives the vaccine from Employee Health or provides proof of vaccine from an outside facility will be entered into a prize drawing. Proof of vaccination includes the employee's name, date of birth, vaccine lot number and expiration date as well as the date it was administered.

        It is important to note: 

        • Influenza vaccine will still be available after November 11, but employees must receive their vaccine from October 3 through November 11, 2022 in order to be eligible for the raffle,
        • After November 1, 2022, employees who have not received the influenza vaccine will be required to wear a mask when within six feet of another person

        Watch Vital Lines for the dates of influenza clinics.

        PHH Headlines

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley To Host Two-Part Virtual Medical Symposium
        09/19/22

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley is hosting a two-part virtual Medical Staff Symposium that will provide physicians and nurses with continuing medical education credits. 

        The first virtual session will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. "Update on the Opioid Crisis in Rural Communities" will be the topic of the first hour. Stephen A. Wyatt, DO,  Medical Director of Addiction Medicine for Atrium Health, is the featured presenter. Dr. Wyatt is a strong advocate of addiction medicine education in all levels of training and medical specialties.

        Also during the program, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Era Hanspal, MD, will lead the session titled "Update on Parkinson's Disease Treatment." Dr. Hanspal is board certified in Neurology and is an active member of the American Academy of Neurology, Movement Disorders Society and Parkinson’s Study Group.

        The second virtual session will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The session will include the following programs: "Update on Outpatient Treatment of COVID-19" presented by Jason M. Pogue, Pharm D, from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy; "Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance 2022" presented by Douglas K. Rex, MD, from Indiana University/Purdue University; and "Operable Lung Cancer and Robotic Surgery" presented by Benny Weksler, MD, Chief of Thoracic Surgery, Allegheny Health Network.

        Registration for the first session will be accepted until September 21, 2022. For more information or to register, contact dmuzina@monvalleyhospital.com.

        Penn Highlands Mon Valley is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The two-part program has been designated for a maximum of 5.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s). In addition, the hospital provide 5 CEs for nurses in accordance with PA Professional Law Section 12.



        HR Info

        HR and Payroll System Launch Delayed
        09/16/22

        Implementation of the Infor HCM HR and Payroll System, which Penn Highlands Healthcare scheduled to launch this month, is delayed.

        Any changes to your employee information should be sent to the HR Department.


        PHH Headlines

        Dr. Ekbote Assumes New Leadership Role in the Southwestern Region
        09/13/22

        Dr. Sundeep Ekbote

        As Penn Highlands Healthcare continues to grow and provide exceptional care to communities throughout Northwestern/Central and Southwestern Pennsylvania, I am pleased to announce that Sundeep Ekbote, MD, will assume the newly created role of Regional Chief Medical Officer for the Southwestern Region. In this role, he will act as a liaison between the 300-physician medical staffs at Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley and the health system's administration. 

        Dr. Ekbote began this new role in August 2022. He will continue to serve as the Director of Emergency Medicine at Penn Highlands Mon Valley -- a role he has held since 2017. With his additional duties, Dr. Ekbote will maintain a presence in both hospitals. 

        Dr. Ekbote earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Michigan and completed his residency at Drexel University, in Philadelphia. 

        “It is an honor to be the first person to serve as the Regional Chief Medical Officer for the Southwestern Region, “ said Dr. Ekbote. “I am committed to working with the entire medical staff and administration to serve the health care needs of our community.”

        Please join me in wishing Dr. Ekbote success in his new role.


        Employee Engagement

        Share Your Feedback
        09/12/22

        Penn Highlands Healthcare strives to keep you informed about the latest news across the health system. To ensure that we effectively meet your communications needs, you are invited to share your feedback through a brief survey regarding how you use the Vital Lines internal communications site. 

        Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a random drawing for one of 20 $50 gift cards for Penn Highlands Apparel.

        The survey takes less than five minutes to complete. Please complete the survey by Monday, September 26, 2022.

        Thank you in advance for your feedback.

        Click here to begin the survey.

        HR Info

        New User-Friendly HR and Payroll System Launches September 19
        09/12/22

        As we announced this past spring, Penn Highlands Healthcare is launching a new Human Resources and Payroll system that is fully integrated with the Infor Finance and Supply Management system that was implemented earlier in this year.

        The cloud-based Infor Human Capital Management (HCM) system gives employees control over their personal data and offers an easy way to keep track of and view important information through the Employee Self-Service functionality. The new system will allow you to:

        • Update personal data such as your home address or emergency contact information directly in the system.​
        • View your paycheck and pay stubs online.
        • Enroll in benefits in the system.

        In addition, there are important payroll changes with this system including:

        • While you can view payroll information in iPay, you cannot make changes in iPay.
        • All payroll corrections will be processed on the next regular pay.
        • The system does not have the ability to do interim pays.
        • All payments will be on one check, including bonuses, PTO buybacks and PTO payouts at termination.

        The Infor HCM system will be rolled out to all Penn Highlands Healthcare locations in phases. The first locations to have access include Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Tyrone, Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor and Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home on September 19, 2022. Paychecks will be generated from the new Infor Payroll system on October 7, 2022.

        If you have any questions, please contact your local HR department.

        Information on training will be shared in the upcoming weeks!

        Employee COVID-19 Booster Clinics Scheduled
        09/09/22

        The CDC has released the guidance outlined below for the updated Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 bivalent vaccines which include the omicron strain.

        The new booster recommendation for people ages 12 years and older is to receive one bivalent mRNA booster after completion of a monovalent primary series; it replaces all prior booster recommendations for this age group.
        o    Recommendations for use of a bivalent Moderna booster dose in people ages 18 years and older
        o    Recommendations for use of a bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech booster dose in people ages 12 years and older

        People who have completed a primary series of at least two shots and have not received a vaccine or booster within the previous two months are eligible. If you have not completed the primary series, you are not eligible for this booster.

        Penn Highlands Healthcare is hosting employee clinics for the new boosters. These clinics are for employees only. Please use the following link with your hospital specific information to sign-up for the vaccine.

        Employee Engagement

        Penn Highlands Pink Apparel - Order by September 15
        09/08/22

        October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

        Help spread awareness while wearing Penn Highlands pink apparel. Employees interested in purchasing items can log on and view new items on the Penn Highlands Apparel site. Orders must be placed by September 15, 2022 to receive in October. After 9/15/22, orders will NOT be guaranteed for October.  

        HR Info

        Leadership Change at Penn Highlands Healthcare
        09/07/22

        Please be advised that Jake Maijala, Chief Human Resources Officer for Penn Highlands Healthcare, has departed the organization effective today.

        Maijala has been with Penn Highlands Healthcare since September 2019. During his tenure, he was instrumental in standardizing employee benefits and human resource policies across the Penn Highlands system. He played a pivotal role with the integration of PH Connellsville and PH Mon Valley into the health system and with the management and response to the pandemic. He also led the implementation of the upgraded ICIMS recruiting software platform.

        We would like to thank Jake for his hard work and dedication to Penn Highlands Healthcare and wish him great success with his future endeavors.

        Chris Kovski, System Director of Total Rewards and Labor Relations, will serve as the interim Chief Human Resource Officer.

        Hot News

        Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Available to Penn Highlands Employees
        09/07/22

        In spring 2021, Penn Highlands Healthcare employees were informed about the Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) available free to them.

        Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are trained in traditional medicine along with OMT. These physicians use OMT as a hands-on technique, which helps prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses or injuries by manipulating and moving muscles and joints. This type of treatment works well with or even replaces medications or surgeries. Applying OMT to muscles, joints, and other tissues allows the body to alleviate pain quicker and easier.

        Who Can Benefit?

        You can benefit! People of all ages can benefit from OMT, including newborns and older adults. OMT can help a wide range of clinical conditions and problems, including:
        •    Ear and sinus disorders
        •    Joint pain
        •    Carpal tunnel syndrome
        •    Migraines
        •    Asthma
        •    Neck pain
        •    Menstrual pain
        •    Irritable bowel syndrome
        •    Lower back pain.

        In addition, physicians use OMT hands on techniques to help:

        •    Release joint tension;
        •    Promote healthy blood flow;
        •    Create more muscle energy.

        The Family Medicine Residency Physicians provide these OMT services at the Penn Highlands Family Medicine Residency Clinic, or FMRC, which is located in the Medical Arts Building at 145 Hospital Avenue, Suite 315B, DuBois. The Physicians in the Family Medicine Residency Program are participating in a study to improve the health and well-being of PHH staff members.

        Appointments for OMT are available on Wednesdays. To schedule an appointment, call 814-503-4305.

        Hot News

        Penn Highlands Healthcare To Host 6th Annual Pulmonary and Cardiothoracic Conference
        08/31/22

        The Penn Highlands Healthcare 6th Annual Pulmonary and Cardiothoracic Conference will provide medical, nursing and ancillary staff with guidelines and treatment modalities for lung disease, heart disease, cardiac surgery, genomics, obesity management, obstructive sleep apnea, COVID-19 and pharmacology and a special topic on understanding and managing generational differences in healthcare.

        The program will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022, from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM at the Penn Stater Hotel in State College.

        Penn Highlands DuBois is accredited by the Pennsylvania Medical Society to provide continuing medical education for physicians. This live activity is designated for a maximum of 8.0 AMA Physicians Recognition Award Category 1 Credits.™ In addition, Penn Highlands DuBois is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and will provide a certificate of completion for 8 contact hours which can be used for Pennsylvania state RN licensure renewal.

        There is no charge for Penn Highlands Healthcare employees and affiliates. The registration fee is $100 for all others. Registration is open until October 7!

        For more information and the agenda, access the program packet  Register here.

        Employee Engagement

        Congratulations to Our Recent Graduates!
        08/30/22

        Recent Coding Class graduates display their certificates.

        Congratulations to the Penn Highlands Healthcare employees who recently completed programs at Brockway Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) to advance their careers with our health system. 

        Coding Program

        On July 11, 2022, four Penn Highlands employees graduated from the first BCAT coding class. Carol Renee Bojalad, Jacqueline Butterbaugh, Beth Bly and Rhoda Yoder participated in the five-month class. The students received their instruction from Dixie E.  Reynolds, the Penn Highlands Healthcare Provider of Coding Education. Following graduation, the participants had the knowledge to assume additional responsibilities with their current roles or moved into coding positions. In the photo above, Dixie Reynolds is on the left followed by Carol, Jacqueline and Beth. 

        Clinical Medical Assistant Program

        Penn Highlands Healthcare employees are excited to participate in the BCAT accelerated Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) Program. The 14-week course prepares students for the real-life medical environment while they learn administrative functions including the use of the electronic health record. 

        Since early May, two classes completed the course and all participants passed their certification exams! A total of four classes have graduated since the CMA program began in 2021.

        The photo below shows students who graduated in the May 5, 2022 class with their instructors including (l. to r.):Ruth Coder, Magdelena Young-Rosey, Kelly Walker, instructor, Brittany Mohney, Dana Hoffman, Sharon Doolittle, instructor and Michele Yamrick.

        Shown (l. to r.) in the photo below with their instructor are the August 18, 2022 graduates including Sharon Doolittle, instructor, Richelle Fait, Ashley Snyder, Julie Zimmerman, Beth Konkle and Kelly Walker, instructor.

        Please be sure to congratulate these employees!




        Employee Engagement

        Trauma Nursing: Evaluating Burn Injuries
        08/29/22

        Burns can be caused by many things. Thermal burns come from open flame or steam. Radiation burns come from sunburn or radiation treatment. Chemical burns can be caused by contact with acid, alkali or petroleum. Electrical burns are caused by contact with household electrical currents or even lightning. There are also injuries such as contact burns when you touch a hot surface, or frostbite from exposure to extremely cold temperatures. Burns are classified by the degree of the injury which is based on the depth of the wound. Interventions and treatment are based upon the degree to avoid complications.

        When it comes to evaluating a burn injury, it is important to approach the patient with these three items in mind: Airway, Breathing and Circulation. During the assessment, specific items to look for would be inflammation or swelling of the airway, soot in the top of the throat or singed airway hairs. If any of these symptoms are found, it is important to secure the airway by tracheal intubation.

        During the nursing assessment of the patient, there can be various findings such as the inability to clear the airway, a deficit or excess of oxygen, open wounds, dehydration, risk for infection, pain, anxiety and body image disturbance. It is important that the assessment be completed when the patient is calm so that the nurse is able to correctly identify the symptoms.

        If the patient’s burn injury is severe, it may require a transfer to a certified burn center. Reasons for a transfer may be:

        • If the burn thickness is greater than 10% of the total body surface area
        • Burns on the face, hands, feet, genital area or any major joints
        • Third degree burns
        • Electrical burns including an injury from lightning
        • Chemical burns
        • Inhalation injury
        • A patient with a burn injury who has any preexisting medical conditions that could complicate the healing process
        • A patient who has a burn injury with other trauma injuries such as a fracture
        • Children with burn injuries that do not have access to qualified burn professionals or equipment at their current location
        • Patients with burn injuries who may need emotional, social or rehabilitative intervention
        • Patients with frostbite

        For more information, contact Robert Dice, MS, RN, Trauma Program Manager, PH DuBois, at rddice@phhealthcare.org or your nurse educator.


        Hospital News

        Nursing Leadership Changes
        08/25/22

        Heather Franci, Chief Nursing Officer and Service Line Director for The Heart Center, The Lung Center, Brain and Spine and Oncology Services, announced changes in Nursing Leadership.

        Debra Thomas, RN, who served as the Chief Nursing Officer of Penn Highlands Brookville and Penn Highlands Clearfield, resigned. Along with her other duties, Heather Franci will serve as the CNO at these hospitals until successors are named.

        Debra Thomas has been a dedicated nurse and leader and we extend well wishes to her in future endeavors.


        HR Info

        2022 United Way Campaign To Kickoff Soon
        08/25/22

        Penn Highlands Healthcare strives to improve the health and wellness of people in 39 counties in Northwestern/Central and Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our health system is proud to support organizations that also share our commitment to help the people we serve. The United Way is one of those organizations that brings people together to build stronger communities by boosting health, education and economic mobility resources.

        Once again, Penn Highlands Healthcare will conduct our annual United Way campaign this fall. The campaign will run September 1-23, 2022. 

        Penn Highlands Healthcare makes it very easy to participate. Employees will receive their United Way election cards the first week in September along with instructions on how to complete the cards and to whom they should be submitted. On the election forms, employees can indicate the amount they wish to donate as well as a specific United Way to which they want their donation distributed. 

        The DuBois Area United Way will collect the donations from all of the employees covered in the system payrolls processed from DuBois. They will then send the appropriate donations to the other United Way locations that our employees designate. Employees whose payroll is processed outside of DuBois, for example Penn Highlands Connellsville and Penn Highlands Mon Valley, will have their donations processed by their respective payroll departments and sent to their local United Way offices unless they specify otherwise. The System Director of Total Rewards will notify each United Way office of the total amount pledged to them by Penn Highlands Healthcare employees. The total raised will also be shared with the executive leadership of our health system. 

        If you have any questions, please contact your HR representative. 

        Thank you in advance for helping the people in our communities.

        Employee Engagement

        Rewards & Recognition Week Recap: “The Greatest Fair in Healthcare” August 8-12, 2022
        08/22/22

        As part of Penn Highlands Healthcare’s quarterly Rewards & Recognition Week, celebrations are planned to thank employees, honor professional achievements and help further the Creation of Excellence throughout our health system. From August 8-12, 2022, employees were invited to “The Greatest Fair in Healthcare” including games, giveaways and special treats.

        Congratulations to all of this quarter’s honorees! Please click on the links below to enjoy a recap of the celebrations.


        Penn Highlands Brookville

        Penn Highlands Clearfield

        Penn Highlands Connellsville

        Penn Highlands DuBois

        Penn Highlands Elk

        Penn Highlands Healthcare at Home

        Penn Highlands Huntingdon

        Penn Highlands Jefferson Manor

        Penn Highlands Physician Network

        Penn Highlands Tyrone


        Thank you to everyone for a great week. Mark your calendars for the next celebration – November 7-11, 2022!

        PHH Headlines

        Leadership Change at Penn Highlands Tyrone
        08/18/22

        Anna M. Anna, RN, BSN, MHA, NE-BC, President of Penn Highlands Tyrone has resigned.

        Mrs. Anna has been with Penn Highlands Healthcare since 2020 when Tyrone Regional Health Network (TRHN) partnered with our health system. She joined TRHN in 2016 as its Chief Nursing Officer and was appointed its CEO in 2020. During her tenure with Penn Highlands Tyrone, Mrs. Anna provided executive leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic ensuring the safety of patients, staff and the community while continuing to provide the highest quality of patient care.

        We thank Mrs. Anna for her dedication to Penn Highlands Healthcare and wish her great success with her future endeavors.

        In addition to her current responsibilities, Rhonda Halstead, Regional Market President — Central Region, will serve as the President of Penn Highlands Tyrone.

        Hospital News

        Four Penn Highlands Healthcare Hospitals Earn HAP Designations
        08/10/22

        The results are in! Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands DuBois and Penn Highlands Elk each earned Titanium Designation in the the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania's (HAP) 2022 Donate Life Pennsylvania Hospital Challenge. The Titanium Designation is among HAP's highest honors. 

        The annual campaign encourages Pennsylvania hospitals to increase organ, eye and tissue donation awareness and designations within their hospitals and communities. HAP partnered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the two organ procurement organizations serving Pennsylvania — the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) and Gift of Life Donor Program — to support the challenge.

        During April, in conjunction with National Donate Life Month, hospitals and health systems earned points based on the donor awareness activities they organized for patients, employees and the community, This year,109 participating hospitals conducted activities to support donation. Some of the ways that our health system participated in the 2022 campaign included:
        • Encouraging employees to wear blue and green on National Blue and Green Day.
        • Flying the CORE flag or posting outdoor signage at some hospitals.
        • Using social media to encourage donor registration.​
        • Placing posters and table tents in high-traffic employee and public areas in participating facilities.
        • A feature article in local newspapers promoting organ donation.
        “HAP recognizes the hospital teams dedicating their time, energy, resources, and passion to supporting organ donation — even as they continue to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and a workforce crisis,” said HAP President and CEO Andy Carter.

        Congratulations to the staff at all four hospitals for achieving the Titanium Designation, and everyone throughout our health system who worked very hard to promote donor awareness. 

        Hot News

        Penn Highlands Healthcare Welcomes Brockway Drug
        08/09/22

        Penn Highlands Healthcare continues to grow our pharmacy footprint by welcoming Brockway Drug as our newest pharmacy partner.

        Brockway Drug is a full-service pharmacy located on Main Street in Brockway; it is staffed by pharmacists with more than a half century of combined experience who are assisted by a team of pharmacy technicians. In addition to providing medications that meet the community’s health and wellness needs, the pharmacy provides many services ranging from durable medical equipment to administering immunizations. They also offer a complete line of gifts and home goods.

        A news release is being shared with the media later today but we wanted you to be among the first to learn this news.

        Please join me in welcoming Brockway Drug to Penn Highlands Healthcare!


        PHH Headlines

        Mark Your Calendar for the Punxsutawney Community Medical Building Open House
        08/08/22

        All Penn Highlands Healthcare employees and their guests are invited to attend the Punxsutawney Community Medical Building Open House on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 9:00 AM.

        The Punxsutawney Community Medical Building provides the residents of Punxsutawney and the Jefferson County region with many health and wellness services under one roof. Services include Outpatient Diagnostic Testing including Imaging Services and Laboratory Services; Outpatient Rehabilitation Center – offering physical therapy; Penn Highlands Family Medicine and Pediatric Care; Penn Highlands Lung Center; Penn Highlands Gastroenterology; QCare Walk-in Clinic; and a Retail, Drive-thru Pharmacy. Penn Highlands Life’s Journey OB/GYN, Penn Highlands Endocrinology, Penn Highlands Oncology/Hematology and the Diabetes & Wellness Center will be opening soon.

        The Punxsutawney Community Medical Building is located at 21911 Route 119, (across from Walmart) in Punxsutawney. 

        For more information about the Punxsutawney Community Medical Building, visit our website.

        Please mark your calendar to attend!

        Employee Engagement

        Mark Your Calendar for the Fourth Annual Dr. Gary DuGan Memorial 5K/Walk
        08/05/22

        The Fourth Annual Dr. Gary DuGan Memorial 5K/Walk will be held Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the Beaver Meadow Walkway in DuBois City Park. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Graduate Medical Education Program at Penn Highlands DuBois.

        Live Race Participants: Race check-in begins Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 7:30 AM with a start time of 9:00 AM at the Edward V. Cherry Amphitheater in DuBois City Park. The race will be run on the Beaver Meadow Walkway.

        Virtual Participants: Registered participants can begin running this virtual race event, on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 12:00 AM through Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11:59 PM. All registrants must run their virtual race by 11:59 PM on September 17, 2022. After that, time submissions will no longer be posted to the results.

        Kids ages 12 and under can participate in a Free One-Mile Fun Run.

        Adult 5K/Walk Registration: $30 donation fee (plus payment processing fees and includes DuGan race t-shirt)

        Register for the run here

        Register by September 1, 2022 to ensure your shirt is delivered prior to race day!

        Dr. DuGan is remembered for his many contributions at Penn Highlands Healthcare, in particular as an integral figure in developing the health system’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, to which all proceeds from the race will go. The Penn Highlands GME program offers medical students and recent medical school graduates opportunities for rotations and one-on-one time with attending physicians, helping to equip family medicine residents with the inpatient and outpatient training they need to prepare to meet the demands of rural health care.