Conemaugh Physician Group

02/24/2026

💙 A Second Opinion Saved Her Leg 💙

Amanda Fortson, a grandmother of 10, was told she might need her left leg amputated after a clogged artery cut off blood flow. Refusing to give up, she sought a second opinion at Conemaugh Health System.

Vascular surgeon Dr. John Gray performed minimally invasive surgery and restored blood flow. Just days later, Amanda was walking again with no amputation needed.

“Because of him, I’m back on my feet, both of them, and beyond thrilled,” Amanda said.

🙏 Sometimes a second opinion can save more than hope, it can save your life.

Read more about Amanda's story at https://www.conemaugh.org/real-patients-real-stories/patientstories/2026/02/10/Amanda-Fortson-patient-story

02/23/2026

Practice these winter wellness tips to help boost your immune system and fend off winter colds!

02/21/2026

Derek Crook, a longtime EMT, never imagined he would be the patient. While at a gun range, he felt sudden facial numbness — a stroke was forming. Thanks to Conemaugh’s rapid Stroke Alert and a clot-busting drug, TNK, his stroke was stopped within minutes.

“I could feel something happening… then my facial numbness was gone. I could smile again,” Derek said.

Derek calls Conemaugh’s stroke care “second to none,” praising the fast, efficient team that saved his life. ⏱💪

Every second counts. Know the FAST signs of stroke: Face droop, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.

Read more about Derek's story at https://www.conemaugh.org/real-patients-real-stories/patientstories/2026/02/10/stroke-survivor---conemaugh-health-system-is-second-to-none

02/21/2026

Whether it's simple testing or complex diagnostics, Conemaugh Health System is Specializing in You and your heart care.

Offering the latest treatment and testing right here in your hometown, our cardiovascular team of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, technicians, and staff are equipped and ready to provide comprehensive cardiac care for you and your loved ones.

Learn more about your heart care at Conemaugh.org/Heart.

02/18/2026

Today, Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center proudly unveiled the newly renovated Maternity Care Center and NICU with a dedicated ribbon cutting ceremony. 💗💙

Designed with comfort, safety, and family-centered care in mind, these updated spaces reflect our continued commitment to providing exceptional care for moms, babies, and growing families. From welcoming labor and delivery and postpartum rooms to an enhanced NICU, every detail was created to support healing, bonding, and peace of mind.

At Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, more than 1,500 babies are welcomed into the world each year. With these new renovations, we're proud to provide comforting and technologically advanced spaces for the many growing families in our communities.

02/17/2026

She feared she was dying. Her husband, a paramedic, thought so, too. About an hour earlier, Pam Vyhonsky passed out at home. She was rushed by ambulance to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center's Emergency Room, where Dr. D’Shea Mackenzie and Dr. Michael Galuska diagnosed a pulmonary embolism (PE).

As an ER nurse for 38 years, Pam took care of dozens of PE patients. And she knew she could well be staring death in the face.

“PE is a mysterious, sneaky, hidden disease,” said Pam, nurse manager of Conemaugh’s ER. “I have no idea how I got it or what caused it. But because of my ER background, I knew exactly what had to be done. And I’m just grateful I was diagnosed by doctors Mackenzie and Galuska and treated by Dr. DeKornfeld.”

After spending a day recovering in Conemaugh’s intensive care unit (ICU) and two days in the cardiac-care unit, Pam returned home. The following Monday, she was back to work.

“People tell me I nearly died and I’m lucky to be alive,” Pam said. “But I feel absolutely fine now, back to work and enjoying my regular life."

“But if not for Doctor DeKornfeld, the operation and Conemaugh’s ER, I wouldn’t be here today."

Read more about Pam's story at https://www.conemaugh.org/real-patients-real-stories/patientstories/2026/02/03/pam-vyhonsky-patient-story.

02/17/2026

You put your heart into everything you do. That is why it's important that you have someone there to support your heart health, someone who Specializes in You! ❤

From advanced testing and diagnostics to the latest in cardiovascular procedures, Conemaugh Health System is here to support every aspect of your heart health journey. Learn more about your hometown cardiovascular care at Conemaugh.org/Heart.

02/16/2026

Save time and take control of your healthcare—anytime, anywhere. Through your patient portal, you securely access your medical records, send a message to your care team, view lab results, request medication refills and pay bills easily. To get started, visit conemaughphysiciangroup.com and click “Patient Portal” under “Patients” in the top navigation bar.

02/15/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome Noah Kirshner, DPM, AACFAS, to the Conemaugh Physician Group – Orthopedics & Sports Medicine team! 🎉

Dr. Kirshner recently completed an ACFAS-accredited orthopedic fellowship at Premier Orthopedics in Philadelphia, where he received advanced training in complex lower extremity trauma, degenerative joint disease, and evidence-based surgical and nonsurgical care. He also completed his podiatric medicine and surgery residency at Bryn Mawr Hospital, holding leadership roles and actively mentoring future physicians.

With a focus on foot and ankle reconstruction, sports injuries, and trauma, Dr. Kirshner is dedicated to helping patients recover, regain mobility, and return safely to the activities they love. He’s also an active researcher and presenter, contributing to advancements in patient care across all ages. 🦶

Learn more at Conemaugh.org/news/2026/02/02/conemaugh-physician-group-welcomes-noah-kirshner--dpm--to-orthopedics-and-sports-medicine-team.

02/14/2026

Good luck to all the athletes competing in the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference Basketball Championships this weekend! Play hard and enjoy the moment. 🏀

And while we hope you don't need us, we're here for you if you do as an official healthcare provider for the LHAC. 💪🩺

02/13/2026

TOMORROW is the last day to apply for the Conemaugh Health System Mentoring in Medicine Class of 2026! 🩺

Entering its 23rd year, the 10-week summer internship provides students with immersive clinical exposure to prepare the next generation of healthcare providers. Participants gain firsthand insight into a variety of medical specialties while learning about the realities of practicing medicine and the path to medical school.

In addition to clinical shadowing, students receive academic guidance to support their medical school journey, including personal statement development, interview preparation, and mentorship from practicing physicians.

Since its inception, Mentoring in Medicine has supported 220 students and maintains an impressive 80% medical school acceptance rate. Applications are TOMORROW, February 14!

Want to learn more, or submit your application? Visit https://www.conemaugh.org/news/2025/12/16/conemaugh-health-system-accepting-applications-for-the-2026-mentoring-in-medicine-program today!

Conemaugh Health System is now accepting applications for the Class of 2026 Mentoring in Medicine program— a 10-week, fully funded summer internship offering hands-on physician shadowing and mentorship.

02/12/2026

Conemaugh Health System is proud to provide advanced cardiac care, right here in your hometown.

Care that ranges from prevention and early diagnostics, to complex surgical treatments and personalized cardiac rehabilitation. Care that comes from a compassionate team of cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and rehab specialists united by one thing. You!

Discover cardiac care centered around you at Conemaugh.org/Heart today.