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Mike Spaeth, working foreperson, Engineering Maintenance, UPMC Williamsport, joined the Air Force right out of high school. Unsure of what he wanted to do, Mike needed to pick a trade. He chose what was then called air conditioning and refrigeration, today, known as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). “I kind of picked air conditioning and refrigeration hoping I’d get stationed in a warm place,” Mike said. Now more than 45 years later into his career, he chose wisely. Mike has worked as a certified HVAC technician at UPMC Williamsport since 1980 and oversees maintenance and repairs on everything heating, ventilation, and refrigeration. “I’m a working foreperson so I do preventive maintenance and the service calls,” Mike said. “I do the work and direct the other workers. I’ll order materials, work with vendors, and make sure everything is in working order.” Mike oversees the HVAC team at UPMC Williamsport and UPMC Williamsport Divine Providence Campus. Prior to becoming a working foreperson about three years ago, Mike mostly worked out of a van and traveled to Williamsport, Muncy, and Lock Haven to respond to service calls. Now, much of his time is maintaining old equipment, helping install new equipment, and monitoring the systems that keep the hospital operational and comfortable. “Our systems are all automated, which makes it kind of nice,” Mike said. “I can get on a computer, and I can look at Building Automation. I can look at the AC system, the chillers, boilers, I can look at everything and a lot of times I can see things before they happen.” Mike’s son, Mike Spaeth II, service technician, Engineering Maintenance, UPMC Muncy, also got into HVAC. Though they have yet to work together, it’s still a point of pride for Mike to give his son some work advice. Though he’s not working in a tropical climate like he hoped almost 50 years ago, Mike is happy with his career field. He enjoys his job and the people he works with and even recommends a job in the trades to anyone interested. “I have a good crew. I enjoy the people I work with, and I have a good crew of mechanics that work with me so that makes it easy,” Mike said. “I was able to raise my family with this job so that’s what’s most important.”

UPMC is among the world's largest and most comprehensive centers for robotic surgery. Our experts operate surgical robots at more than 20 UPMC hospitals. Recognizing the potential to address unfulfilled market demands, the UPMC Enterprises Translational Sciences team is actively investigating #medicaldevice opportunities while maintaining a strong focus on #therapeutics research. Learn more about the surgical robotics landscape from our organization’s innovation, commercialization, and venture capital arm: https://lnkd.in/e7yWXbYt

At UPMC, our team members are more than just their job titles. Every day, they bring their unique skills and expertise to their roles. But there’s more to their story! Our colleagues also pursue their artistic, athletic, and creative passions. Whether they’re reigniting old hobbies or discovering new talents, our workplace is brimming with creativity. Meet Edward Dewitt, Manager, Public Relations, UPMC Western Maryland. “Making maple syrup is a wonderful way to shake off the winter blues and enjoy the outdoors,” says Edward. Sugarmaking is a family tradition, with his cousin’s family commercially producing maple syrup, which inspired him to start about six years ago. For Edward, the highlight of the entire process is gathering around the fire with family and friends, cherishing the time spent together.

Congratulations to Sr. Carolyn Schallenberger on an incredible 65 years of service!

This week's episode of UPMC NOW highlights a UPMC Vision Institute patient who received a genetic treatment aimed at treating her loss of vision and a program in Harrisburg that provides access to quality and physical health care through fitness and education. Next, see the newly opened Zoe Atrium on the 13th floor of UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital and watch as UPMC Horizon announces the expansion of its emergency department to provide greater access to emergency medical services in the community.

Congratulations to the team at UPMC Lititz on receiving their first Pathway to Excellence® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center! Pathway to Excellence recognizes the hospital's dedication to creating an empowering and supportive environment for nurses and recognizes the exceptional care experiences they consistently deliver. It also serves as a testament to our strong and continued commitment to nursing excellence and reflects the dedication, hard work, and collaborative spirit that define our hospitals. UPMC Lititz nurses embraced the six Pathway Standards, learning ways to prioritize their own well-being and health while focusing on safe, high-quality care for their patients.

The Center for Connected Medicine at UPMC released its 8th annual “Top of Mind for Top Health Systems” survey. This survey collects insights from senior leaders at health systems, acting as a barometer for priorities and concerns regarding digital innovation. For the second year in a row, AI has been highlighted as the most exciting and improved technology by surveyed leaders. In response to the survey, Dr. Robert Bart, Chief Medical Information Officer at UPMC, acknowledges the enthusiasm for AI’s potential to revolutionize health care by automating labor-intensive tasks. However, he stresses the importance of maintaining a balance and prioritizing high-quality patient care and robust data protection measures. 📥 Download the survey for key findings. https://lnkd.in/eUfmRjyE

Much gratitude to UPMC Lititz Employee Experience Committee for their efforts in gathering 56 backpacks stuffed with essential school supplies benefitting the students at the Warwick School District!

Through its clinical affiliation with UPMC, Washington County Ambulance and Chair became one of the first EMS organizations in the region to be trained and equipped to carry and administer blood to patients in the field. “Our ability to administer blood before a patient arrives at the hospital is increasing access to rapid, life-saving care,” said Larry Pollock, executive director, Ambulance and Chair EMS. “This is especially important for our predominantly rural communities that are a greater distance from the nearest hospital or trauma center.” The Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services made a change to protocols, allowing for specially trained paramedics to administer blood in the field. “This program has required a substantial investment of time, equipment, and training hours for all involved in taking this next step in combating morbidity and mortality related to significant blood loss,” said Larry Pantuso, vice president of Strategy and Clinical Services, UPMC Washington, and board chair, Ambulance and Chair EMS. “Ambulance and Chair EMS is thrilled to be a part of making history in the evolution of advancing emergency medical response.” “At UPMC, when we see a need in the community, we look to see how we can make a difference,” said Vincent Mosesso, M.D., medical director, UPMC Prehospital Care, and chief medical officer, Ambulance and Chair EMS. “We are grateful for the opportunity to help make a difference for people in Washington County and surrounding communities before they get inside a hospital.”

We're excited to share that UPMC Williamsport has once again achieved Level II Trauma Center accreditation by the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation. “Since our Level II Trauma Center designation in 2021, our care teams have been instrumental in saving thousands of lives,” stated Ronen Elefant, MD, trauma surgeon and medical director of trauma services, UPMC in North Central Pa. “On average, we have cared for over 1,300 individuals annually with a remarkable 98% survival rate. While these statistics highlight our clinical expertise, the true measure of our success is seen in the lives we impact. Every life saved reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional, high-level clinical care here in Williamsport.” The PTSF accredits Pennsylvania trauma centers at four levels. UPMC Williamsport has been awarded the maximum three-year reaccreditation, highlighting the program’s exceptional clinical care, performance improvement, patient safety, and commitment. This achievement reflects a comprehensive review process that confirmed these high standards by independent surveyors and the board of the PTSF. UPMC Williamsport stands out as one of only three trauma centers serving the 12-county region of north central Pa. “In 2021, we set a new standard for care in the region, and three years later, we proudly celebrate a program that has grown significantly and continues to deliver life-saving benefits to our patients and the community,” said Patti Jackson-Gehris, president, UPMC Williamsport and UPMC in North Central Pa. Delivering advanced trauma care demands a collaborative team effort across various hospital departments, ensuring 24-hour availability for severely injured patients. Trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, cardiac surgeons, radiologists, nurses, and support staff all bring specialized training and expertise to the treatment of traumatic injuries. Beyond their clinical responsibilities, UPMC’s trauma experts also engage in community education and outreach, with a focus on injury prevention.