UPMC Central Pa.

12/01/2025

The UPMC Magee-Womens Breastfeeding Support Group hosted a Friendsgiving party – and these cutie pies stole the show. Each week in Camp Hill and Harrisburg, these little ones, along with their moms, come together to celebrate with each other, discuss challenges, and share what’s new. All breastfeeding families are welcome to join either group. For more details about the group, please visit https://upmc.asapconnected.com/?org=3750 =284172

11/28/2025

A full circle moment: more than 60 stroke survivors recently reunited with their care teams at the first-ever Stroke Survivors Reunion, hosted by UPMC Pinnacle Foundation and the UPMC Neurological Institute. See the highlights in this week's episode of UPMC NOW.

11/27/2025

11/24/2025

What started as a scary fall led to a life-saving diagnosis for John Steiner.

After passing out at his home in Sunbury, Steiner was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. However, during his imaging, the doctors discovered a spot on his lung that turned out to be a cancerous tumor. Dr. John Brady, a thoracic surgeon at UPMC West Shore, was able to quickly remove the tumor using a minimally invasive procedure.

Steiner and Dr. Brady hope this story will encourage others to take the necessary steps to detect lung cancer early through an evaluation screening.

“If I hadn’t fallen in my cellar, who knows how long it would’ve gone undetected. It may have been too late,” Steiner says.

Read more of his story and learn how you can be proactive in detecting lung cancer early:

After Sunbury resident John Steiner passed out and broke his back, a routine hospital scan uncovered a lung tumor.

11/24/2025

Double the joy (four times over!) at UPMC Lititz, where our Magee-Womens team recently delivered four sets of twins in one week!

Of the eight newborns, six were boys, and two were girls, including three sets of twin boys and one set of twin girls.

Since 2004, UPMC Lititz has been delivering the next generation of Lancaster Countians. Last year, hospital staff delivered 1,328 babies, and they are on track to deliver 1,340 babies this year. Delivering four twins in one week, however, is a rare and memorable experience for all.

“We’re thrilled to share this extraordinary news during the Thanksgiving week of gratitude,” said Deborah Willwerth, president, UPMC Lititz. “In my experience here, this is the first time I can remember having four sets of twins born in the same week. We’re just so grateful to serve our community, and we appreciate the trust families place in us to deliver their most precious gifts.”

The parents are thankful, too. April Strepko of Reinholds was the first to welcome a set of twin boys. “Being in the hospital with three other sets of twins was a blessing,” said Strepko. “We are so thankful for the wonderful nurses and doctors at UPMC Magee-Womens who took such good care of us.”

Lois Hoover from Quarryville welcomed her twin boys, making them the family's seventh and eighth children. “We have six other children, and this is our first set of twins,” Hoover said. “Their siblings are incredibly excited, and we are very grateful to UPMC for this experience. It was especially delightful to learn that four sets of twins were born in the same week.”

Jailene Rosado of Lancaster welcomed a set of twin boys and said she’ll carry this moment with her forever. She can’t wait to share the story with her twins in the future. “This has been such a memorable and exciting experience,” said Rosado. “We were overjoyed to welcome our twins and finding out that three other families were experiencing the same joy at the same time made it even more special.”

The mother of a set of twin girls, Chakria Corinne DePetrio of Manheim, said the rare occurrence was an amazing miracle, and she feels blessed to have delivered her twins in good company. “We’re beyond grateful to the nurses and doctors at UPMC Lititz,” said DePetrio. “Our twins came so fast we barely made it inside, but the team jumped into action without hesitation. In those intense moments, they made us feel safe and supported every step of the way.”

11/23/2025

In this episode of the Midstate Medical Moment, Luke Piper, MD, psychiatrist, UPMC Lititz, explains that depression can look different from person to person because not everyone shares the same symptoms.

There are several treatments for depression, including talk therapy and medication. Dr. Piper says it’s important to take any changes in a family member or friend’s mood seriously. If they don’t seem like themselves, talk to them and see what’s going on.

As health care workers, it’s also critical to take care of your own mental health by knowing where to go for support after a traumatic event, critical incident, or adverse outcome at work, or for assistance with other personal, relationship, and job-related needs. The Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) ASAP team and LifeSolutions, our employee assistance program (EAP), each provide support for mental health, depending on your needs. Learn a bit about each and how to use the program.

The 988 national mental health hotline (call, text, or chat) is available if you or a loved one need emotional support. More information about the hotline and additional resources are available through

11/21/2025

Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but there's hope in early detection. As Lung Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, take a few minutes to learn more UPMC'S Lung Cancer Screening Program and how early detection can save lives.

https://go.upmc.com/2289GS8Lt

11/20/2025

Do you know what a certified nurse midwife does?

At UPMC Magee-Womens, certified nurse midwives (CNM) are part of the team of providers caring for patients – but not just pregnant patients.

Nakia Dumas, CNM, who specializes in midwifery at UPMC Women First Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists, explained in a recent article the roles of CNMs and how they support pregnant and non-pregnant patients.

Read the full article here: https://www.cpbj.com/what-is-a-certified-nurse-midwife/

11/19/2025

Do you know what you are putting in your body when you smoke to***co?

Burning to***co produces more than 4,000 chemicals, including ni****ne, carbon monoxide, and tars. These chemicals can transform normal cells into cancer cells.

The Great American Smokeout is an annual event held by the American Cancer Society as a day to encourage people to quit smoking.

Adam Bennett, certified to***co treatment specialist, recently appeared on WHP’s Taking Care of Business to discuss the upcoming event. Listen as Adam talks about the importance of quitting smoking, and available to***co treatment and resources in central Pa.

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/459-taking-care-of-business-wi-23938092/episode/11825-upmc-smoking-cessation-305707378/

11/18/2025

Did you know that over 34 million people in the U.S. have some form of diabetes? November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and each year, more than 1.2 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with the disease.

Soni Srivastav, MD, endocrinologist, UPMC Endocrinology, recently appeared on ABC27’s Good Day PA to discuss diabetes symptoms, prevention, and management. Watch her interview and learn more about available treatment options in Central Pa.

https://www.abc27.com/good-day-pa/upmc-diabetes-risk-factors-treatment-options/

11/17/2025

Tiffanie Kemp, a certified registered nurse practitioner, recently joined the urogynecology team of UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa. to help women navigate through female pelvic floor disorders, particularly urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse — also known as conditions like urine leakage and vaginal bulging.

Tiffanie started in obstetrics, and in 2014 transitioned to urogynecology. “I enjoy taking care of my patients and interacting and growing a relationship with them. I also love the team I work with,” she shares.

When she’s not seeing patients in Hanover or York, she enjoys spending time with her family. “I am the mom of 3 amazing men, who have fabulous partners and 1 grandson thus far. I also enjoy the beach with the sounds of the ocean, warm air and the relaxation it gives me.”

For more information about our urogynecology services and locations for care, please visit https://go.upmc.com/2315CyYzE

11/13/2025

Last month, UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa. brought together breast-specific medical oncologists, breast surgeons, breast-focused nurse practitioners, and primary care residents to offer women ages 18 and older with no history of breast cancer free breast screenings in Harrisburg.

“One in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Every woman deserves timely, compassionate care. By offering accessible services and emphasizing early detection, we’re working to close these gaps and ensure that no one is left behind,” said Katherine Barton, MD, FACS, breast surgeon, UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa.

Many women received screenings, including one patient who received her first breast exam; a patient who recently lost her job and health insurance but didn't want a lapse in care; and a few women who had not scheduled a mammogram in some time and wanted to make a change.

It's never too late to schedule a mammogram. Visit https://go.upmc.com/23144qe91 to schedule yours.