UPMC

During #BlackHistoryMonth, UPMC is highlighting the excellence of Black professionals across our network. Dr. Olawaiye is a clinician and researcher at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. A UPMC Magee-Womens gynecologic oncologist, he is a leader in women’s cancer therapeutics. His research focuses on drug development and advancement. Additionally, Dr. Olawaiye is a professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) School of Medicine. He also serves as the department’s diversity, equity, and inclusion vice chair. "I believe most people inherently mean well. I’m unaware of any individual doctor who intentionally sets out to say or act in a hurtful way to a patient. But hurtful things do happen, so we must continue to encourage each other as colleagues to recognize our biases. It’s part of being human — but awareness is key if we’re to curtail our biases in the disposition of our actions. If we can work together to do that, I’m optimistic about the future. It is very hard to change long-held attitudes. But recognizing that these attitudes need to change is the driving force behind everything we do in DEI. I firmly believe that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive society is stronger and better. And it’s important to know that no matter who you are, whatever your job or resources, you can contribute to supporting these changes. One of the most effective ways is to look for opportunities to form alliances — be it with other individuals, communities, or organizations — who share your commitment to change and growth."

If you've spent time at UPMC Magee, you know the care that our team takes to ensure that our patients are fed well. We're so grateful to Priya Krishna and NYT Cooking for highlighting our food service program at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. https://lnkd.in/eHrUCteW

Join our team and the Center for Connected Medicine (CCM) for an engaging virtual panel discussion on cutting-edge advancements in obesity treatment. This expert-led webinar will offer valuable insights into personalized approaches for diagnosing and managing obesity. Meet the Experts 💡 → [Moderator] David Rometo, MD, Clinical Director, UPMC Center for Obesity Medicine, and Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh → Andres Acosta M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Co-Director of Nutrition Obesity Research Center, and Director of Precision Medicine for Obesity Program, Mayo Clinic → Jaime Almandoz, MD, MBA, FTOS, Medical Director, Weight Wellness Program, and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center → Noor Khan, MD, Associate Program Director, UPMC Obesity Medicine Fellowship Program Discussion topics💡 → The challenges of treating obesity and the role of precision medicine → The latest insights on GLP-1 medications and personalized care plans → Future innovations beyond GLP-1s in obesity treatment 📅 Thursday, February 20, 2025 / 3:00–4:00 PM ET 🔗https://lnkd.in/e4nbuDAv

Don’t miss today’s webinar, “From Obstacles to Opportunities: Advancements in Prior Authorization Technology” hosted by Beckers Healthcare, featuring Dr. Rob Bart, Chief Medical Information Officer at UPMC, Becky Taylor, Vice President of Pharmacy at UPMC, Chronis Manolis, Senior Vice President of Pharmacy at UPMC Health Plan, and Christie Callahan, Chief Operating Officer, Arrive Health. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dw_wCitK

On Oct. 22, 2024, UPMC Western Maryland cardiothoracic surgeon Mark Nelson, MD, and his team performed the program’s 5,000th open heart surgery. This milestone is the latest accolade for the open heart surgery program at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI) at UPMC Western Maryland. Dr. Nelson has been with UPMC Western Maryland's cardiac program since it began in 2000. Over the past 25 years, the program has been the sole provider of open heart surgery west of Baltimore, offering thousands of patients world-class care within their community. The team includes staff from various departments and specialties. “Being able to provide this care locally is very valuable, and with UPMC, we are all together under one umbrella. That fosters the teamwork required for positive outcomes,” says Dr. Nelson. “Five thousand hearts mean 5,000 families that we have positively impacted over the years,” said Chrissy Lechliter, chief nursing officer and vice president, Patient Care Services, who has been with the program since day one. “It means 5,000 patients that did not have to travel for hours and be separated from their families and away from their homes, and it is 5,000 patients that we have been privileged to care for from our community.” Congratulations to Dr. Nelson and his team at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Western Maryland!

The Finance team in north central Pa. recently demonstrated their heartfelt support for local veterans. After seeing a social media post requesting handmade blankets for veteran patients of UPMC Family Hospice, the team sprang into action. Jennifer Christian, senior financial analyst, proposed the project as their monthly team-building activity, and the entire department enthusiastically participated, donating funds and then crafting the blankets themselves. The result? Five beautiful, lovingly made blankets, ready for presentation to veteran patients during a special pinning ceremony which are conducted by a Veteran Volunteer. Thanks so much to Jennifer and team for their kindness and generosity for local veterans.

In a first, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC researchers use spinal cord stimulation to reverse neural circuit dysfunction in an inherited degenerative motoneuron disease. A new drug-free, minimally invasive intervention targets the root cause of progressive loss of neural function in spinal muscle atrophy (SMA), an inherited neuromuscular disease. An intervention, which involves electrical stimulation of the sensory spinal nerves, can gradually reawaken functionally silent motor neurons in the spinal cord and improve leg muscle strength and walking in adults with SMA. The findings were reported by University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers in Nature Medicine today.

The 2025 Precision Medicine World Conference is happening this week, Feb. 5-7, in Silicon Valley, CA. Top #precisionmedicine leaders will convene to discuss the latest industry innovations and challenges. Dr. Marija Balic, co-director, Magee-Womens Cancer Program, UPMC, will bring her expertise to the conference in a discussion on "Improving Sensitivity of MRD and MCED - Tumor-agnostic vs Tumor-informed ctDNA Approaches." We are proud to showcase Dr. Balic’s work and reinforce the Institute for Precision Medicine’s leadership in precision oncology.

Top global researchers, medical professionals, and innovators in the health care and biotechnology industry have gathered this week for the annual Precision Medicine World Conference in Silicon Valley, CA. Dr. Mylynda Massart, associate director (Institute for Precision Medicine), associate professor (University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine), and director, UPMC Primary Care Precision Medicine Clinic, is a featured panelist on “Harnessing Emerging Diagnostic Technologies in Primary and Critical Care.” Dr. Massart’s session highlights the Institute for Precision Medicine’s expertise in leveraging new technologies to enhance patient care and outcomes across various health care settings.

Join leading experts, Dr. Rob Bart, Chief Medical Information Officer at UPMC, Becky Taylor, vice president of Pharmacy at UPMC, Chronis Manolis, senior vice president of Pharmacy at UPMC Health Plan, and Christie Callahan, Chief Operating Officer, Arrive Health to explore the opportunities innovations in prior authorization can present for heath care providers and patients. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dw_wCitK