UPMC

"These aren't things that are part of being a physician, per se, but they're part of being a global citizen,” said Noe Woods, MD, obstetrician-gynecologist, UPMC, and assistant dean for sustainability, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. A recent “Chemical & Engineering News” feature highlights how hospitals nationwide are rethinking everyday clinical practices to reduce environmental impact. Through the leadership of the UPMC Center for Sustainability and the dedication of clinicians, engineers, and staff across the system, we are committed to taking meaningful steps to lower carbon emissions and support a more sustainable organization for all of our employees and patients. One significant example of this progress is our systemwide removal of desflurane, a commonly used anesthetic with a disproportionately high environmental impact. By eliminating its use across our hospital, we have reduced greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining the same high standards of patient safety and clinical care — demonstrating how informed, clinician‑led decisions can drive meaningful environmental change. Learn more about the UPMC Center for Sustainability and our ongoing initiatives here: https://lnkd.in/dTkxgi5x Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eEEV5trn

This EMS Week, we extend our deepest appreciation to all EMS professionals who serve our communities every day. Amid ongoing EMS workforce shortages, we are proud to support Pennsylvania’s first federally registered EMS apprenticeship program, where Roman is beginning EMT training with McCandless/Franklin Park Ambulance Authority. The program is made possible through a partnership between the Richard King Mellon Foundation and UPMC Health Plan’s Pathways to Work Program and Freedom House 2.0, creating a pathway from training to full-time employment by combining real-world experience with education and certification. Learn more about the apprenticeship program and how it’s helping shape the future of the EMS workforce: https://lnkd.in/eumJPHgM

The Hastings Center for Bioethics and the Cunniff-Dixon Foundation is pleased to name Gina Piscitello, MD, as a recipient of a 2026 Hastings Center Cunniff-Dixon Physician Award. This award recognizes physicians who provide exceptional care for patients nearing the end of life with outstanding technical competence, personal integrity, empathic communication, active family engagement, thoughtful discussions about advance directives, and compassionate relief of suffering. Dr. Piscitello is the second UPMC Palliative and Supportive Institute physician to be honored this year, joining her colleague. Amar Bansal, MD. A palliative medicine physician and researcher at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Piscitello is also the medical director of the inpatient palliative medicine consult service at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. Her research interests focus on the intersection of clinical medical ethics and palliative medicine, including identifying and addressing disparities in care for patients with serious illnesses. Her work has been published in journals including JAMA, JAMA Health Forum, CHEST, and the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. She is passionate about promoting discussions and scholarship about clinical medical ethics locally and nationally. Dr. Piscitello is highly regarded for her integrity in research and clinical practice in the interest of improving both patient care and staff well-being. She does not shy away from challenging the status quo in clinical practice when there is risk of negative impact. Additionally, she has created a forum for the discussion of ethics topics across the university community and advanced the practice of shared decision making across the UPMC hospital system. She will be honored formally at a June ceremony. We congratulate Dr. Piscitello on this prestigious honor.

This week on UPMC NOW: Experience the excitement as newborns at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital are welcomed with Terrible Towels during Draft week in Pittsburgh, witness the powerful celebration of Donate Life Month across UPMC, see impressive progress on the Kamin Tower, and discover inspiring stories of hope at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center with Lynn Swann and Cal Adomitis.

During EMS Week, UPMC is proud to highlight leaders like Tony Bixby, MBA, NRP, CCEMT-P, FP-C, Director of Prehospital Services and EMS Chief for Susquehanna Regional EMS in UPMC North Central Pa., who is advancing emergency care beyond the field. Tony was recently elected to the Board of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), representing the East Central Region. With more than 25 years of experience across EMS, Tony brings deep clinical expertise and leadership to the role. He is actively involved in statewide and national efforts, from advancing critical care protocols to advocating for EMS professionals. Under his leadership, Susquehanna Regional EMS has earned top honors, including Pennsylvania EMS Agency of the Year and national recognition with the 2025 Dick Ferneau Career EMS Service of the Year Award. Tony’s leadership reflects the strength of UPMC’s partnerships with EMS and the impact of the professionals we celebrate during EMS Week. Learn more about UPMC and EMS partnerships: https://lnkd.in/eP-GzhEU

Did you know that modern EMS has its roots right here in Pittsburgh? Founded in the Hill District, the Freedom House Ambulance Service was the first emergency medical service to be staffed with trained paramedics. Starting in 1967, Freedom House was operated by Black paramedics from the Hill District neighborhood in Pittsburgh. They pioneered emergency medical care, offering high standards of care previously unheard of for patients en route to the hospital. Answering thousands of calls a year, Freedom House paramedics worked out of what is today UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Mercy. Freedom House went on to set the standard for emergency medical care across the U.S. and around the world. The impact of that work is still felt today. In 2020, UPMC launched a program called Freedom House 2.0. This six-week program trains students for careers in health care while honoring the legacy of the Freedom House Ambulance Service. These photos span generations, honoring the original trailblazers and the continued legacy. Through Freedom House 2.0, we're working to prepare future EMTs and paramedics to serve their communities with skill, dignity, and purpose. During National EMS Week, we thank the EMS professionals who carry this legacy forward. Thank you for answering the call, building trust, and saving lives every day. 💜

Ten years ago, prior to its affiliation with UPMC, UPMC Jameson faced an uncertain future. Since joining UPMC in 2016, we’ve expanded services, invested millions in the facilities, and built a network of care serving communities across Lawrence and Mercer counties. Today, the hospital stands as a vital part of a strong, connected regional health care system delivering advanced care close to home. This week, UPMC Jameson proudly celebrated this 10-year milestone with staff, physicians, board members, elected officials, and community members by hosting an outdoor event and staff picnic. Marty Griffin also broadcast his show on-site, speaking with leaders and team members who have witnessed the incredible transformation over the past decade. With nearly 3,000 team members and continued investment in the next generation of caregivers, we’re proud of how far we’ve come—and even more excited for what’s ahead. https://lnkd.in/gcsaXxaX

Behind every moment of care is a team of dedicated people making sure everything runs smoothly. During Hospital Week, we’re proud to recognize employees who help turn our mission into action. In his time as a housekeeper at UPMC Shadyside, Anthony has made a real mark on the patients there. Working on the oncology floor, Anthony says he gets really attached to the patients and forms a bond with them. This bond became even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the hospital limited visitation. “I love our patients, love to talk to them, and I’ll do whatever I can do for them to make their stay as comfortable as possible,” Anthony says. “We talk about their families. I talk about my family. “I get so connected to them. It’s more like we’re family.” That connection continues even after patients leave the hospital. Anthony stays in contact with many of them after their discharge. Anthony tries to make each patient’s stay as comfortable as possible. His first question is always about whether they need anything. The familial feeling goes beyond just Anthony and the patients he cares for. He feels at home at UPMC Shadyside. “I love working here,” he says. “My bosses are great. The people in this hospital, the whole crew, we have a lot of love here.”

UPMC's impact is powered by people working with purpose. As part of Hospital Week, we’re celebrating employees whose contributions help keep us focused on what matters most. When Jason was 12, his mother encouraged him to volunteer for Meals on Wheels. The experience transformed him and helped lead him to his current role with the UPMC Parking Department. “I found that people sometimes just wanted someone to listen,” Jason says. “And it’s what I’ve applied to my work here.” As a Parking Department supervisor at UPMC Presbyterian, Jason is often one of the first people that people see when they arrive at the hospital. He responds to people in need and helps to solve problems. “Working in the Parking Department is almost an extension of the (Emergency Department),” he says. Jason has worked at UPMC for more than 20 years, beginning as a parking valet and rising through the ranks to his current position. His brother has worked at UPMC for even longer. After all these years, Jason is still there to listen and help others.