Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center

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Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center

Multi-hospital health system serving patients and communities across central Pennsylvania. An acute care hospital, Penn State Health St. Francis, St. St.

If you have a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest emergency department. Joseph Medical Center serves the Berks region with outpatient and inpatient diagnostic, medical and surgical services on its Bern Township, Pa., campus. Founded in 1873 by the Sisters of St. Joseph Medical Center has earned national accreditations for its centers of excellence in the treatment of chest pain, stroke, heart failure and cancer. Joseph Medical Center joined Penn State Health in 2015. In coordination with Penn State College of Medicine, St. Joseph Medical Center offers a three-year family practice medical residency program. When interacting with Penn State Health and its affiliates social media channels, please note that the comments, messages and mentions directed to Penn State Health may be visible to audiences extending beyond your own network. By its nature, the Internet is not secure. Do not use social media platforms to send or to request sensitive information. Penn State Health cannot guarantee the confidentiality of any messages transmitted over the Internet. By interacting with this page, you assume all risks related to sharing your information. We reserve the right to remove any posts that include vulgar language, inappropriate or objectionable content, and abusive, malicious or hateful messages. Please feel free to engage and participate on our page with these guidelines in mind. Thank you!

26/03/2026

🩺 March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Don’t wait on what you can prevent.

Colorectal cancer often starts with no symptoms — but it can be prevented with regular screening.

Starting at age 45, there are multiple options available, including colonoscopy and simple at-home tests.

💙 The most important step? Starting the conversation with your provider.

👉 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4rXyIdA

25/03/2026

🧠 Big advances in brain and spine care are happening right now.

At Penn State Health, our experts are leading the way with innovative treatments for conditions affecting the brain and spine — from minimally invasive procedures to breakthrough technologies.

🎥 Want to learn more?
Join us for Brainstorm tonight at 7:30 p.m. on abc27.

💬 Stay after the program for a live webchat with a spine specialist and get your questions answered in real time.

👉 abc27.com/Brainstorm

24/03/2026

🏥 Recognized among the top hospitals in the U.S.

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has been named one of the top 50 hospitals in the United States in Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2026.

Ranked #48 in the U.S. and #3 in Pennsylvania, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center was also recognized for excellence in infection prevention and patient experience.

This recognition reflects the dedication of our teams — and their commitment to delivering expert, compassionate care every day.

👉 Learn more: https://bit.ly/40RGcUw

23/03/2026

🌷 This spring, something meaningful is growing in our community.

At Penn State Health, we’re proud to partner with Lebanon County Christian Ministries to support a community garden at the Lebanon Farmers Market that’s helping make fresh, healthy food more accessible.

What began with eight raised beds in 2023 has become a shared space where neighbors, volunteers and families come together — to grow, to give and to take what they need.

From tomatoes and peppers to herbs and potatoes, fresh produce is cultivated and shared with the community throughout the season.

💙 Because healthier communities grow through access, connection and care.

20/03/2026

🌷 Hello, spring.

A new season brings a fresh sense of hope, healing and brighter days ahead — for our patients, families and teams.

From all of us at Penn State Health, welcome spring 💙

18/03/2026

🩺 AI in health care isn’t all good — or all bad.

More people are turning to AI for medical answers — but these tools can sometimes reinforce what you’re already worried about, instead of giving you the full, accurate picture.

At Penn State Health, we’re using AI in very specific ways to improve patient care:

🔹During visits: AI helps capture conversations in real time so important details aren’t missed
🔹Behind the scenes: Physicians can quickly access trusted, evidence-based research
🔹 At home: Remote monitoring tools help track conditions like blood pressure — with programs helping many patients improve control

💡 The difference?
When AI is used by care teams, it’s guided by clinical expertise and reviewed for accuracy.

➡️ Learn more in this week's Medical Minute: https://bit.ly/4rCPoH2

17/03/2026

⚡️ E-bike and e-scooter injuries in kids are on the rise

As more kids spend time riding outdoors, doctors at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital are reminding families about the risks tied to e-bikes and e-scooters — and the serious injuries they can cause.

In fact, providers have treated more children for these injuries in one year than in the previous three years combined.

“These vehicles may seem like toys, but they can reach speeds of 20 miles per hour or more, and the injuries we’re seeing are often serious,” says Dr. Bryanna Emr, pediatric trauma medical director.

Parents can help reduce risk by making sure children are old enough to ride, wearing a properly fitted helmet, staying off phones and headphones, avoiding sidewalks and roadways, and staying visible.

Learn more about how to help your child stay safe: https://bit.ly/4bzvJC3

16/03/2026

🏒 Penn State Health Night with the Hershey Bears!

Penn State Health joined fans at the Giant Center over the weekend for a fun night of hockey and community connection during Penn State Health Night with the Hershey Bears.

Health care professionals from across Penn State Health were stationed throughout the concourse, sharing health information, answering questions and connecting with fans.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and learn more. We’re proud to partner with the Hershey Bears and be part of such an incredible community. 💙

13/03/2026

Our pal Blippi stopped by Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital a few weeks ago — and honestly…we’re not sure who was more star-struck! 🩵🧡

11/03/2026

Hundreds of flashing lights and a powerful show of community support came together for this year’s Light Up the Night event at Penn State Health. 🚓🚑🚒

More than 100 vehicles representing over 65 organizations helped brighten the evening for children and families at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Local law enforcement, EMS and fire agencies from across central Pennsylvania were joined by towing companies, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Derry Township Police Department, Pennsylvania Game Commission, PA State Police and Life Lion to create an incredible display of support.

Thank you to every organization and first responder who helped bring a little extra light — and a lot of smiles — to our patients and their families. 💙

09/03/2026

🧠 Shaky hands once made everyday tasks nearly impossible. New treatments are helping patients regain control.

Essential tremor causes uncontrollable shaking that can make simple activities like eating, drinking or writing incredibly difficult.

In the latest Medical Minute, Penn State Health neurosurgeon Dr. Pratik Talati explains how advanced treatments — including focused ultrasound — are helping reduce tremors and restore independence.

Focused ultrasound uses targeted sound waves to treat a small area of the brain involved in tremors, often without traditional surgery. Many patients experience dramatic improvement and can return to the activities they once struggled to do.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4db7BrG

26/12/2025

Due to inclement weather, Penn State Health has modified some operations for Friday, Dec. 26. A detailed list of clinical locations that have either modified their hours or closed can be found at https://bit.ly/3NjXp5a

25/12/2025

Happy Holidays from Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center! 🎄

We are deeply grateful to our community members, community partners, volunteers and employees who have brightened the days of patients, staff and visitors at Penn State Health locations throughout the region this holiday season. Your visits, kind gestures, generosity, donations and thoughtful acts have delivered joy and warmth to so many.

From spreading cheer in patient rooms to supporting our caregivers behind the scenes, your contributions embody the true spirit of the season and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

From all of us at Penn State Health, we wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday and a New Year filled with health, hope and connection. 💙

24/12/2025

🎅 The Breidegam Family Birthing Center at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center had a special visitor Dec. 23! Santa Claus greeted our newest babies and their families. Here, he cradles day-old Annie Wolfskill.

✨ Wishing all our families and friends a season filled with joy, peace and love

23/12/2025

🎄 Holiday Hours Notice 🎄

All Penn State Health Medical Group and Outpatient locations will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 31. They will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Our Urgent Care locations will close at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 and will also be closed on Christmas Day.

Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center will remain open 24/7 throughout the holidays.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season! ✨

22/12/2025

🎅 When Dr. Daniel Lodge, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center, took his 7-year-old son Sasha to Grings Mill Dec. 13 to see Santa, he did a double take.

“Mr. Rhodenizer?” he asked.

It took Santa a moment — Dr. Lodge had grown an impressive beard since they last met. Then Santa’s cheeks grew even rosier as he exclaimed to Sasha:

“Your daddy saved my life! Your daddy saved Santa!”

Back in August 2022, Jim Rhodenizer went in for pre-op testing before knee surgery. The tests revealed severe aortic stenosis. That’s how he met Sasha’s dad, who performed open-heart surgery to replace his narrowed valve.

Santa’s recovery was swift, and he was back to checking his naughty-or-nice list in no time.

We know where Dr. Lodge ranks. And now Sasha does too. The boy was beaming with pride in his dad. ❤️

Some gifts are priceless. 🎁

09/12/2025

Congratulations to Maryana Popeliastiy, a nurse in the 2 North Intermediate Care Unit at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center! She received the hospital’s DAISY Award after being nominated by a grateful patient for her respect and compassion.

“A kind smile and warm words help the long, lonely nights pass. I feel all nurses have a special gift; some just get an extra dose from God himself,” wrote her patient.

Way to go, Maryana!

04/12/2025

Planning to hit the slopes this winter? ⛷️

Dr. Neil Blanchard, orthopedic surgeon at Penn State Health Orthopedics and Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center — and a physician for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team — shares his top tips for staying safe on the mountain.

Here’s what to keep in mind:
1️⃣ Get slope-ready with 6 to 8 weeks of cardio, strength training and core work.
2️⃣ Warm up first with 5 to 10 minutes of light cardio and stretching.
3️⃣ Prevent injuries by using the right equipment, checking weather conditions and knowing when to call it a day.
4️⃣ Hydrate before, during and after your runs.
5️⃣ If you get hurt, don’t tough it out — call a medical professional.

➡️ Read the full Medical Minute for more ski-season guidance from Dr. Blanchard: https://bit.ly/48Tgvri

27/11/2025

During this season of gratitude, we’re especially thankful for our Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center family. 💙

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team members who provide exceptional care and support and to the patients whose partnership and confidence inspire everything we do.

Wishing everyone in our community a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving! 🦃

21/11/2025

“You see a little bit of everything here,” says Marcee O’Heher, an RN at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. “It’s a very supportive, interdisciplinary environment.”

After leaving a corporate career, Marcee discovered new purpose in her life working in the hospital’s Critical Care Unit.

If you’re looking for a place where collaboration and compassion lead to breakthroughs every day, this is where you belong.

💙 Explore open positions today and find your next role: https://bit.ly/444wQXg

20/11/2025

📺 Tune in to WFMZ-TV 69 on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. for Conquering Cancer, a special program featuring Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center experts.

This live broadcast highlights advanced cancer care close to home and shares a powerful mother-daughter breast cancer survivor story. It also explores the latest approaches in breast and prostate cancer treatment.

Viewers will learn about early detection, the Cancer Risk Evaluation Program and how patient navigators support individuals throughout their care journey.

18/11/2025

❤️ Building the next generation of lifesavers

More than 300 students at Wyomissing Area Junior-Senior High School learned Hands-Only CPR during a recent event with the American Heart Association and Penn State Health.

Pediatric cardiologists Dr. John Breinholt and Dr. Thomas Dispenza from Penn State Health Children's Hospital helped kick off the day, explaining cardiac arrest and the steps of Hands-Only CPR before students practiced the skill in their classrooms.

As part of Penn State Health’s support for the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge, the school also received three CPR and First Aid Anywhere training kits to help expand CPR education for years to come.

14/11/2025

For Trevor Bontrager, service runs deep, both in the Emergency Department at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center where he works as a patient care assistant and as a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.

“I appreciate how flexible my supervisors are with my schedule,” Trevor says. “They truly are supportive of my military obligations.”

At Penn State Health, we’re proud to stand behind those who serve and to create a workplace that feels like family.

➡️Explore open positions today and find your next role: https://bit.ly/4oJOGXO

Address

2500 Bernville Rd

19605

Telephone

+16103782000

Website

https://www.pennstatehealth.org/locations/st-joseph

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