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!

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 $75 per person and $150 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.