Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center

09/25/2025

Behind every patient story is a care team dedicated to making a difference. For Amanda, who faced a brain tumor diagnosis, that included Dr. Brad Zacharia, neurosurgeon at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

For more than a decade, Dr. Zacharia has built a multidisciplinary team focused on advancing brain tumor care — combining expertise, compassion and research from Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine to improve outcomes for patients like Amanda.

It’s one example of how breakthrough medicine powered by Penn State is transforming patient-centered brain tumor care.

💙 Read Dr. Zacharia’s story: https://bit.ly/3W7ZfHz

09/25/2025

Hyundai Hope On Wheels brought hope to Penn State Health Children's Hospital 💛

Dr. Giselle Sholler, division chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, received a $400,000 Scholar Hope Grant to advance pediatric cancer research at Penn State College of Medicine.

The grant was presented alongside a handprint ceremony, where children receiving treatment for pediatric cancer at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital added their painted handprints to a white Hyundai vehicle — a powerful symbol of hope and solidarity in the fight against childhood cancer.

Since 2011, Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine have received more than $3 million in support from Hyundai Hope On Wheels.

09/24/2025

Penn State Health Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is now offering an enhanced option for sleep apnea care for people who can’t tolerate or benefit from CPAP.

Led by Dr. Guy Slonimsky, our team at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center recently performed the first Inspire V implant in Lancaster County — an advancement of the Inspire device previously offered at Penn State Health.

This newest version allows for a faster surgery, less postoperative pain and a quicker recovery, giving more patients in Lancaster the chance to breathe easier and sleep better than ever before.

09/24/2025

Congratulations to Kara Smith, a registered nurse in the Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center Emergency Department who received our 2025 Excellence Award for Extraordinary Clinical Nurse.

Kara’s nurse manager, who nominated her, applauded her “unwavering dedication to the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, consistently going above and beyond to ensure victims seeking medical advice, forensic collection or emotional support are receiving the best care possible. She fosters a culture for the team that is compassionate and encourages a safe environment for the patients, families and their support systems.”

Her advocacy extends beyond the bedside. Kara collaborates with community partners, organizing awareness initiatives and leading efforts like clothing and toiletry drives to maintain dignity for survivors. As her manager shared, “She continues to inspire others to uphold the same level of commitment to excellence in nursing care that she demonstrates every day.”

Thank you, Kara, for your extraordinary leadership and advocacy.

09/23/2025

For Amanda Rinehart of York, every breakthrough means more than advanced treatment — it means more moments, more hope, more life ahead.

First diagnosed with a brain tumor at just 17, Amanda has endured multiple surgeries, rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. When her tumor kept returning, she turned to Penn State Health for new answers.

Her care, guided by experts at Penn State Health and informed by the latest research from Penn State College of Medicine, gave her access to advanced therapies like GammaTile — a breakthrough treatment that targets tumors directly while protecting healthy brain tissue. After years of setbacks, Amanda finally has renewed optimism about the future.

“I’m really grateful that Penn State Health is always pushing for new breakthroughs,” she said. “I’m not ready for my story to end.”

Breakthrough medicine. Powered by Penn State: https://bit.ly/426vJ8C

09/23/2025

For Amanda Rinehart of York, every breakthrough means more than advanced treatment — it means more moments, more hope, more life ahead.

First diagnosed with a brain tumor at just 17, Amanda has endured multiple surgeries, rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. When her tumor kept returning, she turned to Penn State Health for new answers.

Her care, guided by experts at Penn State Health and informed by the latest research from Penn State College of Medicine, gave her access to advanced therapies like GammaTile — a breakthrough treatment that targets tumors directly while protecting healthy brain tissue. After years of setbacks, Amanda finally has renewed optimism about the future.

“I’m really grateful that Penn State Health is always pushing for new breakthroughs,” she said. “I’m not ready for my story to end.”

Breakthrough medicine. Powered by Penn State: https://bit.ly/426vJ8C

09/22/2025

September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. A painless lump in the neck may not seem serious — but it could be thyroid cancer.

When 54-year-old Tom Murphy came to Penn State Health Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, he learned his cough wasn’t the problem — a lump in his thyroid was.

In this week’s Medical Minute, Dr. Emily Funk explains the symptoms you shouldn’t ignore and why early detection makes all the difference.

➡️ Read more: https://bit.ly/3KjxqJH

09/22/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Philip Jantzi, a staff physician at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center who received our 2025 Excellence Award for Provider Collaboration.

Nominated by nurses for his exceptional teamwork and communication, Dr. Jantzi is a consistent, calming presence at our hospital, checking on patients multiple times a day and collaborating directly with clinical staff to ensure clear, coordinated care — all with “a smile on his face and a kind word to say,” wrote one of his nominators.

Dr. Jantzi’s face-to-face communication, inclusive approach and compassion make him a role model for patient-centered care and inter-professional collaboration. Thank you, Dr. Jantzi, for setting the standard for excellence!

09/20/2025

🎉 Penn State Health celebrated National Environmental Health Services Week with a carnival to thank our teams for keeping our hospitals clean, safe and welcoming for patients, families and staff. We’re grateful for their dedication every day.

09/19/2025

Breakthrough Medicine, Powered by Penn State: Amanda’s Story

After years of fighting a recurring brain tumor, Amanda Rinehart of York turned to Penn State Health for hope and answers. Her care team brought together specialists across neurosurgery, oncology and radiation to deliver the latest innovations — including GammaTile therapy, a breakthrough treatment that targets tumors directly while protecting healthy tissue.

Amanda’s journey reflects the power of collaboration, advanced technology and breakthrough medicine powered by Penn State.

🎥 Watch her 60-second story.

09/18/2025

💃🕺 Earlier this week, Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center employees laced up their dancing shoes for a heart-healthy line dancing event.

Led by Dance with Heidi and supported by the American Heart Association, staff learned new moves, got their hearts pumping, and raised awareness about cardiovascular health.

❤️ Thank you to everyone who joined us on the dance floor!

09/18/2025

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Jonathan Shingles as the new director of emergency services at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center!

With more than 20 years of experience in emergency medicine, health care administration and physician advisory services, Dr. Shingles brings a wealth of expertise to our team. He’s been part of Penn State Health since 2021, serving in key roles at Hershey Medical Center and teaching at Penn State College of Medicine.

As director, he'll focus on advancing clinical excellence, improving efficiency and enhancing the patient experience in our Emergency Department. His leadership will strengthen coordination with local EMS providers and ensure every patient receives timely, compassionate and high-quality care.

We’re excited for the positive impact he’ll make in the lives of our patients and the community we serve.

09/17/2025

☀️ From treatment to triumphs ☀️

Ford was diagnosed at 2 with neuroblastoma and faced multiple relapses. Thanks to DFMO — a breakthrough drug developed through the research of Dr. Giselle Sholler and clinical trials through Research: Beat Childhood Cancer — Dr. Sholler, his physician at Penn State Health Children's Hospital, helped guide his treatment every step of the way. DFMO is the first treatment shown to help prevent relapse in children with otherwise incurable neuroblastoma.

This summer, Ford soaked up the sunshine on a Florida vacation with his parents and four siblings. Now back in school and looking strong, he and his family are celebrating each step forward with excitement. 💛

Ford’s journey shows how the collaboration of Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine turns research and clinical trials into life-changing care — a true example of how breakthrough medicine and the power of Penn State can transform lives.

09/17/2025

☀️ From treatment to triumphs ☀️

Ford was diagnosed at 2 with neuroblastoma and faced multiple relapses. Thanks to DFMO — a breakthrough drug developed through the research of Dr. Giselle Sholler and clinical trials through Research: Beat Childhood Cancer — Dr. Sholler, his physician at Penn State Health Children's Hospital, helped guide his treatment every step of the way. DFMO is the first treatment shown to help prevent relapse in children with otherwise incurable neuroblastoma.

This summer, Ford soaked up the sunshine on a Florida vacation with his parents and four siblings. Now back in school and looking strong, he and his family are celebrating each step forward with excitement. 💛

Ford’s journey shows how the collaboration of Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine turns research and clinical trials into life-changing care — a true example of how breakthrough medicine and the power of Penn State can transform lives.

09/16/2025

Last month, Dr. Tarik Ali performed the hospital’s first endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) — a minimally invasive procedure to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms. This milestone reflects our commitment to expanding access to complex, high-quality care right here in Lancaster County.

Whether you're looking to lower your risk of heart disease or need treatment for a complex cardiac or vascular condition, our team delivers expert care and personal attention at Lancaster Medical Center and convenient locations throughout the community.

Patients have access to the latest approaches to treating heart and vascular diseases, including:

• Minimally invasive techniques
• Traditional surgeries
• Hybrid procedures that combine both approaches

With leading-edge technology and compassionate care, we’re helping patients live healthier, longer lives – right here, close to home.

09/16/2025

Every heartbeat is a gift ❤️

Yesterday, heart transplant recipients returned to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, reuniting with the very team that gave them a second chance at life. Some have been living with their new hearts for decades, others just months, but each story reflects the hope made possible by 41 years of transplants.

09/15/2025

🏈 From hospital halls to high fives with Penn State Football 🏈

In May, 11-year-old Cameron Wamsher, who survived a severe trauma after being hit by a car three years ago, got a special surprise at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. Expecting a press conference about his recovery, Cameron was thrilled when Head Coach James Franklin walked in with a jersey and signed football — and he spent the afternoon playing, laughing, and making memories with members of the Penn State football team.

Cameron’s journey — from critical care and specialized trauma treatment provided by Penn State Health and guided by the expertise and research of Penn State College of Medicine — shows how our teams combine advanced medicine with compassionate care to help patients not just survive, but thrive. 💙

Discover how our breakthroughs in medicine — and the power of Penn State — benefit you.

09/15/2025

🏈 From hospital halls to high fives with Penn State Football 🏈

In May, 11-year-old Cameron Wamsher, who survived a severe trauma after being hit by a car three years ago, got a special surprise at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. Expecting a press conference about his recovery, Cameron was thrilled when Head Coach James Franklin walked in with a jersey and signed football — and he spent the afternoon playing, laughing, and making memories with members of the Penn State football team.

Cameron’s journey — from critical care and specialized trauma treatment provided by Penn State Health and guided by the expertise and research of Penn State College of Medicine — shows how our teams combine advanced medicine with compassionate care to help patients not just survive, but thrive. 💙

Discover how our breakthroughs in medicine — and the power of Penn State — benefit you.

09/15/2025

The Capital Region Heart Walk is about more than steps — it’s about stories. We’re honored that Bob, our 461st heart transplant patient, will be walking alongside survivors, families and supporters in Harrisburg to raise awareness and celebrate the gift of life. ❤️

📞 "We have a heart. Can you get here by midnight?" It's a phone call that Bob Stephens had been waiting to receive for nearly two years. He woke up his wife, packed a bag and rushed to Penn State Health where he became their 461st heart transplant patient. It was the start of a new chapter, one that is dedicated to helping other heart patients persevere through their treatment journey and inspiring more people to become organ donors. We invite you to join us as Bob shares his story and walks with hundreds of other local survivors, families and supporters at the Capital Region Heart Walk on Thursday, September 18th at Harrisburg's City Island. Learn more, link in comments.

09/13/2025

Thank you for your support, Stephen! 👏

09/12/2025

After a serious car accident, Cameron was airlifted to the only Level I pediatric trauma center between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia — Penn State Health Children's Hospital.

He arrived with severe injuries to his skull, brain and internal organs. Thanks to a coordinated team of trauma surgeons, neurospecialists, pediatric ICU staff and therapists, Cameron received the specialized care he needed to survive and recover.

Today, he’s back on the field playing the sports he loves — a testament to how breakthroughs in medicine and the power of Penn State can turn critical moments into hope and healing.

Penn State Health brings advanced treatments, research and clinical expertise to central Pennsylvania, ensuring patients like Cameron have access to world-class care close to home.

09/09/2025

Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center colleagues rolled up their sleeves at the Lancaster County Food Hub to sort and organize clothing donations.

As part of the United Way of Lancaster County, PA's Week of Caring, their efforts are helping neighbors facing clothing insecurity access the items they need.

We’re proud to work alongside partners like United Way and the Food Hub to support the health and well-being of our community.