UPMC Western Maryland

03/16/2026

Mammographers—and the nurses who support breast imaging—play a vital role in early detection of breast cancer. Get to know Tisa Matamoros, RN, Nurse Coordinator–Mammography.

Tisa has been a dedicated nurse for 23 years, spending most of her career caring for patients in the ICU before joining the mammography team in June 2025. Her passion for helping others and her personal connection to breast cancer inspire her work every day.

When asked why she chose this path, Tisa shared, “My grandmother had breast cancer, so being part of the mammography team is something I hold close to my heart. We put our hearts in our hands, and we use our hands to heal.”

Her favorite part of her role is witnessing the compassion her team shows each patient—helping nervous patients feel comforted, supported, and at ease throughout their mammogram experience.

Feeling nervous about your mammogram? Tisa reassures: “It’s completely normal to feel nervous—especially if it’s your first time. A mammogram is one of the best tools we have to detect breast cancer early. The exam is quick, and while compression can be uncomfortable, it shouldn’t be painful. We’re here to support you, answer your questions, and make the experience as easy and comfortable as possible.”

Don’t put off your mammogram; early detection can save your life.

03/15/2026

We are proud to celebrate the exceptional work of our speech‑language pathologists, Jessica Hotham, Dawn Bassler‑Howard, and Megan Angleberger, whose compassion, expertise, and dedication make a meaningful difference every day. Providing skilled care six days a week across a wide continuum of services, they support patients in inpatient acute care, modified barium swallow studies, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient speech and language therapy, including outpatient.

Their commitment to helping patients regain function and enhance their quality of life is evident in every interaction. Thank you for the vital work you do across the hospital and our outpatient settings! 💜

03/11/2026

Congratulations to Steve Neilson, our February Values in Action Award winner!

Since joining UPMC Western Maryland in 2024, Steve has been a shining example of compassion, dedication, and teamwork. As a housekeeper, he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every patient, visitor, and staff member feels supported and cared for.

His work ethic speaks for itself. During hospital rounds, we hear constant praise for the pride he takes in his work and the positive energy he brings to every interaction. Steve truly lives the core values of UPMC in everything he does.

Thank you, Steve, for building strong partnerships, elevating those around you, and helping us deliver care with compassion and integrity.

03/05/2026

UPMC Western Maryland has been named a 2026 Minogue Award for Patient Safety Innovation winner by the Mid-Atlantic Patient Safety Center.

Each year, the Minogue Awards recognize groundbreaking efforts to advance patient safety across the region. This year, UPMC Western Maryland was one of eight Circle of Honor winners, recognized for its initiative “We All Have Skin in the Game: Preventing Pressure Injuries Together.”

The award highlights the hospital’s innovative work to prevent hospital-acquired pressure injuries — a leading practice that is helping transform care delivery and improve patient outcomes.

“This award is a direct reflection of the collaboration, innovation, and commitment to excellence here at UPMC Western Maryland,” said Jill LeMay, patient safety and risk management coordinator. “The work our team has done to prevent hospital-acquired pressure injuries is making a meaningful difference for our patients.”

03/04/2026

When recently retired Allegany County resident, Frank Palumbo, noticed he was slipping into a sedentary routine filled with too much TV and too many sweets, he knew it was time for a change. After seeing a Facebook post about health coaching offered by UPMC Western Maryland, he decided to take control of his health and sign up.

At his first health coaching appointment, Frank met UPMC Health Coach, Mike Browning, who reviewed his health history, assessed his fitness level, and helped him schedule a visit with dietitian Joanie Brode. With Mike’s encouragement, he began a simple routine that soon grew into a consistent gym habit, eventually joining the YMCA and working out nearly every day.

Over the next six months, Frank made remarkable progress. He lost 45 pounds, lowered his A1C from 6.8 to 5.4, and built healthier eating habits, even cutting sweets entirely. More importantly, he regained confidence, motivation, and a sense of purpose.

“The best part has been how much better I feel about myself,” he shared. “Mike’s positive attitude and dedication kept me going.”

03/02/2026

Congratulations to our DAISY Award recipient, Jodi Spillane, Senior Professional Staff Nurse II in Labor & Delivery!

The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who deliver extraordinary, compassionate care, qualities that Jodi demonstrates these qualities every day.

During a challenging labor involving a V‑BAC attempt and continuous monitoring needs, Jodi remained calm, attentive, and encouraging. She repeatedly adjusted equipment, offered reassurance, and supported the patient through every stage with genuine compassion. The patient shared that, after six births, Jodi stood out as “one of the best” and a true blessing during a difficult experience.

Thank you, Jodi, for the meaningful difference she makes for patients, families, and the Labor & Delivery team. 🌼

03/01/2026

Please be aware that phone lines at UPMC Urgent Care at Frostburg Plaza are currently down, but the facility is open as usual today until 8 p.m.

03/01/2026

Hani Alkhatib, MD, from the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Western Maryland, recently joined Magic 100.5 Radio to talk about why getting your heart checked is so important.

Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States — one in five people will die from it each year. That’s why regular heart screenings matter.

Dr. Alkhatib shared that most heart disease is preventable. A simple checkup can make all the difference.

During a heart screening, you can learn key facts about your health, including your:
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Blood sugar
• Weight & body mass index (BMI)

The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute is committed to helping you take care of your heart so you can keep taking care of the people you love.

02/26/2026

Pradhum Ram, MD, from the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Western Maryland, recently joined WCBC Radio to discuss the importance of understanding heart disease and the steps you can take to prevent it.

Heart disease often begins with plaque buildup in the blood vessels, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. It can also involve issues with the heart valves, rhythm, or heart muscles making early awareness essential.

Dr. Ram emphasized paying attention to symptoms such as:
• Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort
• Heart palpitations or fluttering
• Pain in the jaw, neck, back, or arms
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the feet or ankles

Many risk factors for heart disease, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and physical inactivity, can be managed. Dr. Ram encourages everyone to:
• Get an annual heart screening
• Stay active
• Maintain a heart healthy diet
• Follow up on blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels
• Avoid to***co use

Dr. Ram emphasized that you can never be too safe when it comes to your heart. It never hurts to get your heart checked.

02/25/2026

We are thrilled to recognize our outpatient dialysis technicians as our latest PETALS Award winners!

Dialysis technicians are often the unsung heroes of our unit. They come in early, stay late, troubleshoot machine issues, mix solutions, disinfect equipment, and still find the energy to care for patients on the floor.

With dual certifications and nonstop responsibilities, both alongside the nurses and behind the scenes, they truly are the backbone of dialysis.

👏 We are incredibly proud and grateful to work alongside such dedication. Congratulations to our well‑deserving PETALS Award recipients!

02/24/2026

Measles cases are on the rise. Andrew Nowalk, MD, shares what you need to know.

02/23/2026

You don’t need an app or medical degree to get started. Get the basics from a women’s health expert. Learn how tracking your menstrual cycle can help you understand your body, manage symptoms, and support your overall health.

Read the beginner’s guide here:

Discover what to know about tracking your menstrual cycle so you can manage your symptoms, birth control, and natural family planning.