Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System’s Post

Congratulations to Nobel Prize Laureates Katalin Karikó, PhD, and Drew Weissman, MD, PhD! Penn Medicine scientists Dr. Karikó and Dr. Weissman have been awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their development of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The Nobel Prize is awarded to those whose contributions “have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” Rarely has the work of an honoree had such an immediate relevance to so many. We are so proud of these scientists and their groundbreaking discoveries, which have not only met the challenge of a global pandemic, but will have a profound impact on the treatment and prevention of many other diseases in the decades to come. Together, Dr. Karikó and Dr. Weissman have been recognized with multiple national and international commendations, including the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, the Breakthrough Prize, the Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research, the VinFuture Grand Prize, and the Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science. Learn more: http://spr.ly/6040uJxMq

Penn Medicine researchers are helping to craft guidelines for using psychedelic drugs in psychiatric and oncologic care settings. We asked them about the clinical benefits, as well as the pitfalls and potential ethical concerns. “The medicines, themselves, can help with treatment but also help us understand the brain and how to pursue treatment through new mechanisms,” said Dominic Sisti, PhD, an associate professor of Medical Ethics & Health Policy. “It’s exciting that we’ve taken the first steps to put an infrastructure together for that work.” http://spr.ly/60459OuI5

Dubbed the "quarterbacks of inpatient care", hospitalists are physicians who specialize in providing care exclusively within the hospital environment. Last summer, we elevated Hospital Medicine to its own division, recognizing its crucial contribution to high quality patient care and overall hospital operations. “We often say the hospital is our second patient,” said the division’s inaugural chief, S. Ryan Greysen, MD. “When the hospital is functioning well, the patients get the best care.” http://spr.ly/6047gPWJV

How do you count the impact of research? Sometimes a discovery in a lab sounds exciting to researchers, but it’s a long way from treating or curing a disease. We've spent years focusing on helping researchers move their discoveries along the pathway to becoming real medicines whenever possible—and we are now counting exactly how many times that has happened. Every approved treatment added to our official count is carefully vetted, so we can stand behind the fact that Penn Medicine research was essential to bringing new treatments to patients who need them. http://spr.ly/6048gP5oM

Last week, the Office of Governor Josh Shapiro honored 17 female veterans from across the commonwealth in recognition of Women Veterans Day. Among the remarkable group was head of Penn Medicine's Veterans Care Excellence Program Paula Crawford-Gamble, MSN, CRNP, accompanied by her service dog, Dollie. After 25 years in the armed forces, Crawford-Gamble returned to Penn to recruit and train new veteran employees of the health system, while also ensuring veteran patients receive optimum care. Her latest project? Establishing a post for Warrior Canine Connection at Penn to help match fellow veterans with service animals like her own pup, Dollie. Learn more: http://spr.ly/6040gplua

The Perioperative Quality and Safety team at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) held an educational roadshow for staff as part of #NationalTimeOutDay, a health care campaign focused on empowering clinicians, strengthening communication, preventing errors, and bolstering safety. This year’s observance at HUP was themed “Go for Gold” and emphasized winning strategies for clear communication in the high-pressure environment of the operating room.

"You have to tolerate frustration to be able to work in a lab," says Nobel Prize Laureate Drew Weissman, MD, PhD. "But when you do make a finding, even if it’s a little finding, because of all the frustration and all the difficulty getting it, it makes it that much more important. It’s really kind of an inner joy." Dr. Weissman joined The Nobel Prize Conversations podcast to discuss his Prize, how he was captivated by science at an early age, and why scientists need to think about global health. Check out the full interview: http://spr.ly/60445C8fu

Radiologist Dr. Tom Quinn and hematologist/oncologist Dr. Zachary Quinn aren't just colleagues at Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital, they're father and son. While working under the same roof doesn’t mean working side-by-side, they enjoy being able to share their expertise with each other when the opportunity arises. “I often order procedures that are done by [my father],” says Zack. “Once or twice it’s been a Dr. Quinn–to–Dr. Quinn handoff!” Wishing a very Happy Father's Day to both Drs. Quinn, and to all the dads in the Penn Medicine community who motivate and inspire. http://spr.ly/60435abc1

"I have lost several childhood friends and family from gun violence," says Trauma Violence Recovery Program lead specialist Rodney Babb. "Being able to support my community members by providing resources and a sense of hope is how I stay motivated." Rodney and his team aim to provide trauma-informed care to patients who've experienced violent injuries, re-injury, mental health struggles, and engagement with the criminal justice system. "In order to stop [the cycle of] violent retaliation, it's essential to support survivors and their families," says Rodney. "One of the ideal times to do this is while they're in a hospital getting care for their injuries." Learn more about the Trauma Violence Recovery Program: http://spr.ly/60455qvRB #GunViolenceAwarenessMonth