Penn Medicine

11/14/2025

Revisiting last month's groundbreaking ceremony for Princeton Health's new cancer center, opening in 2028.

“This is a significant first step in our efforts to redefine cancer care in Central New Jersey,” said Penn Medicine Princeton Health CEO James Demetriades. “The Penn Medicine Princeton Cancer Center will offer patients seamless access to clinical trials, personalized therapies, and coordinated care across our entire health system.”

11/13/2025

What happens when art, science, and history collide? ☁️

Penn Medicine is proud to partner with the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream and Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde for a multi-site installation capturing “clouds” in spaces that symbolize the American Dream.

One of these clouds took shape inside Pennsylvania Hospital’s historic surgical amphitheater, blending the ethereal beauty of art with a setting that has witnessed centuries of medical innovation.

A photography exhibit of these installations is now open at the new MCAAD museum in Washington, D.C.

11/12/2025

Thanks to Philadelphia Union goalkeeper George Marks for stopping by the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania to surprise some of our patients!

11/11/2025

Carl June, MD, isn't just a pioneer in CAR T cell therapy, he's also a Navy veteran with 21 years of service. To mark the 50th anniversary of their graduation from the Naval Academy, Dr. June and some of his classmates cycled from "Gulf to Goat", raising money for worthy causes like Emily Whitehead Foundation, an organization founded by the Whitehead family after Dr. June's groundbreaking research saved Emily's life amid her battle with leukemia.

"I'm hoping we can give back to the Emily Whitehead Foundation and bring attention to the veterans, many of whom need care in our hospital systems," Dr. June said.

Today, we're sending our deepest gratitude to Dr. June, his classmates, and all the veterans for their service and sacrifice.

11/10/2025

Doylestown Health's volunteer program has a long history, with about 60 different roles for 500 volunteers, a uniquely high ratio compared to the few thousand staff. The volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds—from high school students and four-legged friends to retired adults.

They include power couple Lloyd and Midge Vansant, ages 96 and 95, who have been serving the hospital for a combined 64 years.

“Physically and mentally, it is good for us to be here,” said Lloyd. “It reminds you that while you may have some problems, it’s nothing compared to what these people are going through today. We don’t dwell on our problems; it keeps our minds on other people—and it's fun!”

11/07/2025

A new tool gives our surgeons "X-ray vision" when performing spine surgery.

“Augmented reality allows us to superimpose a 3D rendering of the pre-operative CT scan into our glasses, exactly over the actual anatomy inside the patient in real-time, directly where I’m looking,” says John Shin, MD, director of the Penn Spine Center.

“Here at Penn Medicine, we are really driving innovation in advanced technologies, like augmented reality, which can make surgery safer and arms surgeons with the best tools possible.”

11/06/2025

Side effects from cancer treatment can be debilitating, leaving some patients no choice but to visit an emergency room after hours and on weekends. Open 24/7, our Oncology Evaluation Center (OEC) aims to save patients time and offer them more flexibility.

It's sort of like an urgent care tailored to cancer patients, providing evaluation and symptom management for situations including dehydration, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and pain flares.

“It’s so nice to tell the patients that they have a place to go on the weekends, and they have that sense of relief that there’s support,” said Marie I. Carrera, CRNP, the center’s clinical coordinator.

11/03/2025

When a patient was unable to attend his son’s wedding, a Penn Presbyterian (PPMC) care team led by Nurse Manager Julie Seman, MSN, RN, brought the nuptials to him. They worked with IT colleagues to set up a TV in the patient’s room so he could watch a ceremony livestream, then facilitated a surprise visit from the newlyweds dressed in full wedding attire.

"To leave a lasting positive experience is truly a gift," Seman says. "We don’t just treat the disease, we treat the whole patient."

The patient passed away a few weeks later at PPMC surrounded by loved ones. Sending our condolences and gratitude to his entire family for allowing us to share this moving story.

10/31/2025

Across Penn Medicine — from the ICN at HUP to the NICUs at Women & Babies Hospital and Princeton Medical Center — our tiniest patients celebrated their first Halloween.

Thank you to the nurses and care teams whose compassion and creativity bring moments of magic to families facing their toughest days.

10/31/2025

10/30/2025

After her aunt revealed a secret breast cancer diagnosis, Brooklyn Olumba's decision to get genetic testing may have saved her life. Olumba learned she had a BRCA2 gene mutation, which raised her risk for breast cancer.

On the advice of her care team at Penn Medicine's Basser Center for BRCA, she began getting annual breast cancer screenings in her early 20s, which ultimately led to a stage I breast cancer diagnosis at age 28.

"I want people to know that it's really important to know your risk. And knowing your risk means talking to your family," she says.

She recently shared her story with Essence for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Read it here: http://spr.ly/618671sMn

10/28/2025

He's got four paws and a full-time job! Meet Thaddeus, the new facility dog at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, trained to bring calm, comfort, and care to patients and staff every day.🐾

Special thank you to HOPE in the AIR and The Casey Feldman Foundation for making Thaddeus' role possible.