UPMC Pinnacle

07/16/2025

UPMC’s gynecologic oncology team provides compassionate preventive and treatment services for women with gynecologic cancer and other complex conditions of the female reproductive system. This includes ovarian, cervical, uterine, endometrial, peritoneal, vulvar, vaginal, and other pelvic diseases.

In a recent appearance on WHP’s Taking Care of Business, Sharon Fitzgerald, MD, gynecologic oncologist, discussed gynecologic cancers and the importance of routine gynecologic screenings. Listen to learn more about the services and treatments for patients.

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/459-taking-care-of-business-wi-23938092/episode/71225-upmc-gynecologic-cancer-285101692/

07/15/2025

07/12/2025

After a difficult knee replacement in 2017 at a hospital near her home, Fern vowed never to go through it again. An anesthesia mistake led her to spend time in the cardiac ICU, ultimately delaying her recovery and physical therapy. But when pain in her other knee became unbearable, she knew she couldn't ignore it.

Before receiving care at UPMC, Fern, 72, briefly returned to the doctor who had replaced her first knee.

"He said it was just mild to moderate arthritis," she said.

That didn't explain why her pain was becoming unmanageable. By late 2023, she was having trouble walking.

Her daughter Michelle, who works for UPMC, suggested she visit Orthopaedic Specialists of Central Pa.–UPMC in Lancaster, Pa.

There, Fern met with orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Seth Baublitz, and he diagnosed the source of her pain. It wasn't just mild arthritis; she also had tears in her meniscus.

Although the thought of having another knee replacement made Fern nervous, she was unable to do the things she loved, like gardening and traveling. Her two great-grandchildren would ask her to play ball in the yard, and she couldn’t.

In January 2025, Dr. Baublitz performed a robotic-assisted knee replacement on Fern's left knee, and she couldn't be happier.

“He said using the robot was a newer technique and meant less stitches,” said Fern.

She was also told she’d have a nerve block. While she wouldn’t feel anything and wouldn’t be awake, it wasn’t the same as the anesthesia she'd had previously.

It was a vastly different experience from the first knee replacement. She began physical therapy the same day she returned home and continued for about three months, finishing in April.

She's grateful she made the switch to UPMC.

"UPMC felt different right away — in all of the best ways," she says. "I felt completely at ease with everyone I met there."

07/11/2025

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is pleased to welcome Emily Graybill, PA-C, to the medical oncology team in York.

Emily grew up in Somerset, PA, and worked as an EMT there before attending PA school. She met her wonderful husband, Ben, at the University of Pittsburgh, and the couple recently relocated to York—Ben’s hometown.

In their free time, they enjoy playing card games, cooking together, and cheering on their favorite Pittsburgh sports teams (Go Steelers!). Emily also loves outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and playing pickleball.

Her favorite moments are spent sharing stories around a campfire or enjoying meals with friends and family.

07/08/2025

When Brittany Kilmer was still pregnant, she was told her baby would be born with clubfoot. “It was scary,” Kilmer said. “We weren’t really sure what was going to happen. There were a lot of tears and a lot of uncertainties.”

But now, her two-year-old son Waylon is thriving.

Pediatric orthopaedic surgeon Melissa Meyer, DO, has treated Waylon from the time he was born - first with corrective casts and boots and bar braces, followed by surgery.

“Since the surgery, Waylon is doing fantastic,” Dr. Meyer said. “His feet have stayed down flat. He’s walking, he’s running, he’s playing. He’s doing really, really well.”

A clubfoot diagnosis can be scary for new parents; but with medical advancements and persistence, kids can overcome clubfoot.

Learn more about Waylon’s story: https://www.abc27.com/local-news/mommy-minute-clubfoot-affects-1-in-1000-infants/

07/07/2025

As summer break begins, maintaining a consistent routine remains important for children’s well-being. Rebecca Smith, MD, pediatric intensivist at UPMC Children’s, discusses the benefits of structure during the .

Key recommendations include keeping regular sleep schedules, ensuring daily physical activity, setting limits on screen time, and prioritizing time for parental self-care.

If your child experiences illness or injury this summer, consult their pediatrician or consider UPMC Children’s Express Care in Mechanicsburg or Hummelstown for same-day care.

07/05/2025

Look and feel your best this summer with our quarterly specials from UPMC Central Pa. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Check out each location’s specials here: https://go.upmc.com/1526hxh7F.

07/04/2025

Have you or someone you know struggled with joint pain for weeks, months, or even years? In this installment of the , Eric Kutz, DO, surgeon, UPMC Orthopaedic Care, explains the different treatment options available for osteoarthritis — including hip and knee replacement surgery.

07/03/2025

Located in UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Children’s provides acute and critical inpatient pediatric care for infants, children, adolescents and teens.

Recently, with the support from the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, UPMC Children’s introduced a new MRI simulator and cinema system for pediatric patients at the hospital. This innovative technology helps children prepare for critical MRI scans without the need for anesthesia, transforming what can be a scary medical moment into something calming. By projecting engaging visuals and creating a more relaxing environment, the system helps kids feel empowered and supported throughout their care journey.

This was made possible thanks to a grant from the Dunkin' Joy of Childhood Foundation. One dollar from every iced coffee and cold brew sold at participating Dunkin’ locations nationwide will be donated to the Joy in Childhood Foundation, helping bring the simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness. One hundred percent of the funds raised will stay local, supporting organizations that help deliver joy where it’s needed most.

07/01/2025

For some, the summertime can be a relief from asthma symptoms – but not for everyone. Sometimes, heat and humidity can trigger symptoms. For children in central Pa., UPMC Children’s Specialty Services has Heather Jahoda, a physician assistant and certified asthma educator for pediatric pulmonology. She specializes in seeing kids with asthma or wheezing concerns.

“I teach the patients and their families about asthma, and I encourage them to ask questions. I work to make sure my patients feel heard and cared for, allowing for a thorough discussion surrounding their medical care and treatment plan. I really enjoy how fun and energetic pediatric patients are and seeing their asthma symptoms improve over time, allowing them to be a kid and participate in sports, music, and other activities. I couldn't imagine a better job for myself,” says Heather.

Heather explains that since much of a child’s asthma diagnosis involves discussion with families about symptoms, reactions, and responses to treatments, many appointments can be virtual. Plus, if the child needs a breathing test, one option at UPMC Children’s Specialty Services in Lemoyne, is the telemedicine cart. This means the family visits the office for the nurse to take vitals and prepare the breathing test. Then, the nurse puts the stethoscope on the child, and Heather listens virtually.

When Heather isn’t meeting with families, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on hikes, cooking – and eating the creations of course! Best place she’s traveled? She says it was Italy because the culture was so beautiful, filled with so many great experiences and adventures.

If your child is experiencing asthma symptoms, contact UPMC Children’s Specialty Services at 717-988-0090.

07/01/2025

Osteoarthritis left Donna Viera with severe knee pain for years. After undergoing a total knee replacement performed by Eric Kutz, DO, she’s finally found relief.

"It was to the point where I would go and walk to get a drink or a tool, and I couldn't even straighten my knee [or] leg out," Donna says. "I couldn't even walk on it. It hurt that bad."

Donna, who loves gardening and spending time with her grandchildren, is excited to enjoy the summer without pain on her new knee. "It feels like a reawakening."