UPMC

Soon after Dr. Robert Friedlander was born, his mother said he would become a doctor. But the journey to medicine was anything but easy. Learn how he overcame setbacks, chased big ideas, and became the leader of one of the busiest neurosurgery centers in the United States.

UPMC Western Behavioral Health’s Warm Hand-Off Program is a compassionate initiative aimed at supporting individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) who arrive at select emergency departments, with the intention of expanding to additional sites. Instead of discharging patients without a clear path forward, the program connects them with outpatient treatment and community resources. A key element of the program is the use of peer navigators, individuals with lived experience, who meet patients in the ED to offer empathy, understanding, and guidance. These navigators continue to follow up with patients after their initial visit, helping them attend appointments and stay engaged in their recovery journey. “The key is making that connection with the patients as soon as possible,” said Michael Lynch, MD, senior medical director, UPMC Health Plan Quality and Substance Use Disorder Service. “When a patient comes into an ED and wants long-term care, the transition can be challenging. Phone numbers and pieces of paper aren’t always efficient. When someone can meet with the patient, establish a relationship with them, and help them navigate the health care system, that changes everything. “ The warm hand-off program stands out for its hands-on approach and continued support after patients leave the emergency department. Unlike traditional addiction medicine programs, it emphasizes follow-up and long-term connections with clients. “Our ability to follow up with the patients we see is something that’s new and different about the warm hand-off program, compared to other programs I’ve worked at before,” explained Rhiana Woester, service coordinator, Behavioral Health. “I’ve been with this program at UPMC for two years. I worked at other facilities in addiction medicine before, but this program allows us to really connect with the clients we see in a way that is unique and effective.” Since its inception, the program has helped more than 1,700 individuals transition from crisis care to long-term support. Working in behavioral health and addiction medicine can be challenging, but success is what motivates staff like Rhiana and Tina, along with countless others who love the program. “I’ve seen a lot of recovery in my personal life among family and friends. There’s so much stigma against people dealing with addiction, and I wanted to help change that,” says Tina. “I came here because I have the need to help others. The program is advancing and growing, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Fall sports are in full swing, and we're here to help! On Friday nights under the lights, you can find our sports medicine physicians and athletic trainers on the sidelines, ready to jump into action to assist local athletes and teams.

Since the launch of UPMC’s Sports Medicine Concussion Program 25 years ago, it’s revolutionized concussion care by combining research and treatment to help patients safely return to the sports and activities they love. Led by Michael “Micky” Collins, Ph.D., clinical and executive director, and Anthony Kontos, Ph.D., research director, the first-of-its-kind program has set the standard for concussion care well beyond Pittsburgh. “Concussion is a complex injury,” said Dr. Kontos. “We say concussions ‘fight dirty’ — meaning that risk factors that patients bring to the table, like migraine or motion sensitivity history, will help drive which symptoms they have. We have also learned that concussions involve different profiles or types, like anxiety/mood, migraine, ocular, and vestibular. More recently, we have extended our research on concussion to focus on clinical trials and overall brain health. We want to be able to treat the patient using evidence-based interventions, no matter which type or types of concussion they have, and regardless of whether they are an athlete, in the military, or someone who was in a car accident.” In their research, UPMC experts have pioneered multiple tools to diagnose concussions. One of those tools is a test called ImPACT®. Ideally, athletes take the test when they do not have a concussion to provide a baseline. If a concussion occurs, retesting helps guide treatment and safe return to play. Concussion treatment varies by type and may include physical, behavioral, vestibular, and cognitive therapies. At UPMC, a multidisciplinary team tailors care, with early intervention being a crucial competent. “We’ve learned so much about this injury,” said Dr. Collins. “We know that girls take longer to recover than boys. We know that car sickness is a risk factor. We know that adolescents take longer to recover than adults. All of these things we know because of the research we’ve done. And we’re learning more every day.” The UPMC Sports Medicine Concussion Program draws patients and professional athletes from local neighborhoods to countries worldwide. Dr. Collins and his team also train clinicians globally, with over 40 fellows sharing UPMC’s approach across the U.S. and beyond. In the 25 years since UPMC launched its concussion program, treatment has evolved dramatically. The ultimate goal: a future where concussions no longer represent a barrier to kids enjoying sports, or to their parents feeling safe about letting them play.

In this week's episode of UPMC NOW: - Dr. Matthew Spector transforms a patient’s life with a groundbreaking ‘jaw in a day’ surgery with cutting-edge support from UPMC’s 3D Printing Program; - UPMC Passavant – Cranberry celebrates its newly renovated campus and expanded specialty services, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to community health care; - UPMC Memorial marks 80 years of care by unveiling a staff-crafted oak tree—an enduring symbol of strength, wisdom, and the deep roots that keep York thriving; - The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2025 rookie class spreads smiles at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

UPMC’s ambulatory strategy is built for the future where care is consumer-driven, digitally enabled, and deeply connected. We are proud to be expanding access through strategic partnerships like GoHealth Urgent Care, while preserving the integrity of the care journey. Amy Meister, DO, president of UPMC Community and Ambulatory Services, is helping us lead the way by investing in infrastructure that supports seamless transitions, real-time data sharing, and personalized care. The Center for Connected Medicine at UPMC collaborated with KLAS Research to survey health system leaders across the U.S. to better understand the latest in ambulatory care strategies. Explore their key findings here: https://lnkd.in/eg2hvvK9

At UPMC, we're proud to spotlight the diverse and meaningful career paths that make a difference every day. Meet Matt, a Patient & Family Concierge whose journey from customer service to health care has been nothing short of inspiring. Known for his compassion, selflessness, and dedication, Matt brings heart to every interaction and exemplifies the impact of patient-centered care. Curious about where your skills could take you at UPMC? Explore 20+ unique career areas and find your perfect fit: https://lnkd.in/egmCMXMq

When Sister Gabrielle Nguyen, chaplain, Pastoral Care, UPMC in North Central Pa., was in high school, she never imagined becoming a nun. Her plan was to study accounting so she could support her widowed mother, the youngest of six children focused on practical responsibilities. But a chance encounter changed her path. One weekend, sisters from Texas visited her parish to speak about religious life. Out of curiosity, Sister Gabrielle slipped away from her family plans to hear them. What stayed with her was their message that becoming a sister didn’t limit love — it expanded it. “When you marry, you love one person,” she remembers them saying. “When you become a sister, your love is for the whole world.” The idea fascinated her. Soon after, she visited the Sisters of Christian Charity in New Jersey, where she was struck by their contagious joy. “I thought, ‘I want that joy. Where does it come from?’” she recalls. That joy was enough to inspire her to finish high school early and enter the community. For many years, Sister Gabrielle taught in Catholic schools, from grade school to high school to college philosophy. While she found meaning in education, she never felt it was her true calling. That became clearer when her own sister was diagnosed with cancer. For months, she accompanied her through doctor visits and hospital stays, overcoming a lifelong fear of hospitals. “I realized how lonely it can be to be a patient or even a caregiver,” she says. “Something stirred in me to be there for people in those moments.” That experience led her to pursue clinical pastoral education and eventually chaplaincy, a ministry where she finally felt she was serving out of her deepest passion. Today, after seven years as a chaplain with UPMC in North Central Pa., Sister Gabrielle knows she is exactly where she is meant to be. She spends her days visiting patients, helping families reconnect, offering prayer, or simply listening to those who need to be heard. Some moments are as profound as helping someone pass away peacefully to their favorite song. Others are as simple as connecting a patient to their church family. In every case, she sees her role as walking alongside people in their most vulnerable times. What sustains her is both the strength of her patients and the people she works with. “So many patients have tremendous faith, sometimes stronger than my own, and I draw strength from them,” she says. “Also, the staff here truly care for one another. Their passion inspires me every day.” Looking back, she smiles at the irony of once fearing hospitals. Now, she feels at home in their hallways, finding peace in the quiet moments, joy in the connections she makes, and purpose in sitting beside people when they need comfort most. “God is full of surprises,” she says. “I never imagined this would be my path, but I’ve found so much joy in it. Each day brings a new opportunity to be that source of comfort for someone and that is a gift.”

U.S. News and World Report nationally ranked UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in all 11 pediatric specialties for 2025-26! We’re proud to be a national leader in treating and caring for childhood conditions and diseases, pioneering new therapies, and educating the next generation of pediatric specialists. With experts who treat every child like their own, it’s no wonder families trust UPMC Children’s to provide the care that helps every child thrive, both around the corner and across the world.

Meet Kendra Harrison, a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at UPMC Williamsport. She was recently recognized for delivering extraordinary care during a patient’s visit. The patient, a former nurse with 25 years of experience, was in intense pain and fear—but Kendra’s calm demeanor, attentiveness, and compassion made a profound impact. Kendra’s approach to care is rooted in empathy and integrity. She believes that the most meaningful moments in health care often come from small, humane gestures that build trust and connection. “This experience solidified my belief that outstanding care often comes from the smallest, most humane moments. It continues to motivate me to treat every patient as if they were my own family, treating all patients with the same integrity.” For Kendra, the most rewarding part of working in health care is the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, especially during their most vulnerable moments. Thank you, Kendra, for providing compassionate, personalized care to all of your patients!