Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital

07/25/2025

The Diabetes and Nutrition Service team at Chester County Hospital is deeply committed to helping people at risk for Type 2 diabetes stay on track through life's challenges.

We’re proud to share that the team recently earned Full Plus Recognition from the CDC for delivering an exceptional National Diabetes Prevention Program. This status places us on the CDC’s national registry and reflects our success in helping participants lower their risk of Type 2 diabetes by more than 50% through healthy eating, physical activity, and stress management.

A big congratulations to Maureen Boccella and the entire team for their outstanding work in prevention, education, and support. Thank you for making a real difference in our community’s health!

07/23/2025

Dr. Kevin Sowti, hospitalist and chief quality and safety officer at Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital, said he gets a kick out of showing off our amazing library to visitors and prospective colleagues.

Dr. Sowti sees the library as more than just a quiet space. To him, it’s a vital hub for staying current, preparing for recertification, and reflecting on how to deliver better care, especially through curated resources like books on bias in medicine.

“It’s my personal Batcave of knowledge,” he said.

What’s the best thing Dr. Sowti has read recently?

“Malcolm Gladwell’s The Revenge of the Tipping Point, which I absolutely loved for its sharp insights into social phenomena and how small changes can spark massive impact—classic Gladwell brilliance.”

07/21/2025

Joshua Smith, a certified HVAC technician at Chester County Hospital, is one of the many unsung heroes who ensure our facilities operate smoothly. Through regular rounds and preventive maintenance, he works proactively to identify and resolve issues before they impact patient care or staff comfort.

Recently, Shane Flickinger, vice president of operations, went behind the scenes with Josh to learn how the team keeps the hospital running safely and efficiently. On the tour, Josh showed Shane the air handler units on the roof, which work around-the-clock to heat and cool the building.

Thank you, Josh, and the entire Plant Operations team, for your knowledge, skill, and dedication.

07/18/2025

From Division I field hockey to the U.S. Women’s National Team, Amanda Antonini has always pushed her limits as an athlete. Now, as a physician assistant at Penn Medicine Orthopaedics, she brings that same drive and determination to helping others heal and get back to doing what they love.

After competing on the world stage and experiencing firsthand the physical demands of elite sports, Amanda developed a deep respect for the human body, along with a passion for orthopaedic care. Whether it's athletes recovering from injury or patients seeking relief from joint pain, she understands the journey because she’s lived it. http://spr.ly/61894YatF

07/16/2025

Introducing Frontline Focus, a new initiative from Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital leadership aimed at strengthening the connection between leaders and staff by stepping into the shoes of our incredible frontline teams.

In our first spotlight, we're celebrating the Environmental Services (EVS) team for their outstanding work in the inpatient units and the launch of their new recognition program focused on Cleanliness of the Environment — a key measure from patient satisfaction surveys.

The images shown here feature the Highest Scoring and Most Improved units and are a true testament to the impact of the EVS team’s dedication and excellence. http://spr.ly/61824lqyG

07/14/2025

Big congratulations to Chester County Hospital’s Pharmacy Residency graduates, Reena Samkutty (left) and Rachel Collins (right).

Pictured here with PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency director Trisha Patel, these outstanding pharmacists have shown incredible determination, resilience, compassion, and dedication to their patients, as they completed an important milestone on their professional journey.

We’re so proud of all they’ve accomplished — and excited to see the impact they’ll make.

07/13/2025

Emma Dolezal was born without a uterus and never thought she'd be able to carry a child. That is until the Uterine Transplant Program at Penn Medicine gave her hope--and a healthy baby. This week, Dolezal finally met her donor, Sara Leister, a nurse at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, along with Olivia, the 8th child to be born via Penn's program.

“To be able to create more amazing moms is really something special for me,” said Kathleen O’Neill, MD, director of the uterine transplant program.

🎥: WGAL News Channel 8 Susquehanna Valley, Pa.

07/12/2025

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) can be life-saving, but adjusting to life with one can come with questions and challenges. Laura Dennin, CRNP, from the Electrophysiology Department at Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital, is passionate about helping people overcome those challenges.

Along with Chester County Hospital’s Wellness Team, Laura offers support and guidance so ICD patients and their families feel empowered to live fully with this life-saving device. http://spr.ly/61834aMEb

07/11/2025

It was the night of the Eagles’ Super Bowl game. While most people were glued to their screens, immersed in the excitement of touchdowns and team spirit, a different kind of team spirit was quietly unfolding in the in NICU at Chester County Hospital.

Rebecca “Becky” Hornberger, RN, wasn’t scheduled to work that night. But when word spread that two critically ill babies were being admitted, she didn’t hesitate. Without being called, Becky offered to come in to the hospital.

What followed was a whirlwind of high-stakes care. As the charge nurse managed another critical admission, Becky took charge of the unit’s response. She called an urgent capacity meeting, coordinated additional staffing from other units, and even took on a two-patient assignment herself, ensuring no colleague felt unsupported and every baby received the care they needed.

In the middle of one of the year’s most anticipated nights, her peers who nominated Becky for a DAISY Foundation Award, described her as a model of teamwork, leadership, grace under pressure, and unwavering commitment to patient care.

Congratulations, Becky! You are an inspiration.

07/10/2025

At a recent charity golf outing benefiting Community Volunteers in Medicine, a Penn Medicine foursome took home the win with the lowest team score of the day, beating out even seasoned golfers!

CEO Dr. Karen Pinsky shared:
“The team played in a scramble/best ball format, where the best shot from each player on every hole contributed to the final score. The win wasn't thanks to one standout—it was the result of collaboration, shared effort, and a whole lot of heart. Even in a sport known for being individual, this victory was all about teamwork.”

07/09/2025

Meet Julie Alliger, a certified diabetes care and education specialist who’s passionate about helping others make the connection between good food and good health. Inspired by her own family’s health challenges, Julie empowers patients to manage diabetes and chronic conditions through practical nutrition and lifestyle changes. For her, the most rewarding moment is when the light bulb goes off, and a patient truly understands how powerful healthy choices can be. http://spr.ly/61814YajT

07/06/2025

We’re excited to share that AInSights, an AI system developed by a team at Penn Medicine, won Healthcare Innovation’s 2025 Innovator Award for its significant clinical impact. This powerful tool helps providers diagnose diseases and create better treatment plans by giving more precise, 3D views of internal organs—automatically and seamlessly providing information at a volume that greatly improves staff workflows and patient outcomes.

Automated solution extracts quantitative measures from existing imaging studies to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce physician burden