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2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Sarah E. Eiser, MD
President
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Physicians Lancaster Physicians for Women
Stacey S. Denlinger, DO
Immediate Past President
Highlands Family Practice & UPMC Wound and Hyperbaric Center
Robin M. Hicks, DO President-Elect
UPMC Supportive Care & Palliative Medicine
Christopher R. Scheid, DO Vice President College Avenue Family Medicine
James M. Kelly, MD
Treasurer
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Physicians Family Medicine Lincoln
David J. Gasperack, DO Secretary WellSpan Health
DIRECTORS
Lena Dumasia, MD
Laura H. Fisher, MD
Abby K. Geletzke, MD
Anna Goetze, DO | Resident
Logan Lawson, DO, MPH | Resident
Jessica Miller, MD | Resident
Karen A. Rizzo, MD, FACS
Daniel J. Schlegel, MD, MHA, FAAFP
Susanne E. Scott, MD, MPH
Danielle Rubinstein, DO
Osvaldo Zumba, MD
EDITORS
D awn Mentzer
Bet h E. Gerber
Lancaster City & County Medical Society
Stacey S. Denlinger, DO
Family
LancasterPhysicianis a publication of the Lancaster City & County Medical Society (LCCMS). The Lancaster City & County Medical Society’s mission statement: To promote and protect the practice of medicine for the physicians of Lancaster County so they may provide the highest quality of patient-centered care in an increasingly complex environment.
Hello physicians, health care community, and patients!
We blinked and summertime is here. Cue the allergies in Lancaster County!
This season, our magazine features the second article in our series about AI in health care—which is probably here to stay. We also share articles about genetic testing for cardiovascular disease and domestic violence resources.
In addition, we announce our 2026 Foundation scholarship availability, along with our usual features, including health system best practices, a member physician’s Passion Outside of Practice, and a Frontline Group Spotlight.
I wish you all a healthy summer!
Thank you,
Sarah Eiser,
MD Penn Medicine Lancaster
General Health Physicians
Lancaster Physicians for Women
You’re proud to be a physician. Support the organization dedicated to serving you and your passion. United we are stronger and can work together to make a positive impact in Lancaster County medicine and beyond.
If you aren’t already a member, we hope you’ll consider a membership investment in LCCMS.
Scan the QR code below to learn more.
best pr ctices
ALSO IN THIS SECTION
• Penn State Health Expands Access to Breast Health Services in Lancaster County
• Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s Innovative Lifestyle Medicine Group Medical Visits Transform Chronic Disease Management
WELLSPAN PAIN PROGRAM
Offers a Body-Mind Approach That Helps Patients Reclaim Their Lives
Dave Bucher (center) with some of the members of the Restorative Pain Program team
Dave Bucher had given up. A mason by trade, his physical job laying bricks and heavy concrete blocks involved a lot of lifting and twisting movements, leading to back problems and unrelenting pain. He underwent half a dozen surgeries and procedures and took medication, but the agony he felt often drove him to bed. He was having trouble working and even turned to alcohol to numb the stabbing discomfort that ruled his days.
“I was at the point where I didn’t know what to do anymore,” he says. “I was tired of surgeries, tired of opiates. I was grumpy and fussy. People just started leaving me alone. They didn’t want to poke a monster.”
Then he heard about WellSpan’s Restorative Pain Program. The one-year program offers a multi-disciplinary, intensive, bodymind approach. Patients receive physical therapy, pain intervention services and medication, acupuncture, yoga, nutritional counseling, and massage therapy. They learn how to meditate and also receive training in how to use their mind to help lessen the pain and improve their function.
“I saw it as a sign that the Lord is trying to show me something here,” he says.
Feeling he had nothing more left to lose, Dave signed up for the program.
“A blissful transformation” is how he describes his journey. His pain is not gone, but he now knows how to manage it and live his life fully. Two years ago, he was using a cane. Now he’s working on setting up a woodworking shop at his home in northern Lancaster County.
“This program is a godsend in my eyes,” he says.
A new approach to chronic pain
Chronic pain—pain that lasts more than three months—is a common health condition, impacting about 116 million people in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health. Its impact is huge, costing about $635 billion in medical costs including lost productivity every year.
WellSpan wanted to find a better way to help their patients suffering from chronic pain from a variety of causes: muscular conditions, accidents, fibromyalgia, or other issues. These patients often have tried a wide variety of therapies, including surgery. They want and need an effective and safe way to treat their pain.
Begun in 2023, the program offers a comprehensive approach that includes clinical care from a physical medicine and rehab physician and a physical therapist, body work that includes acupuncture and massage therapy, and training the mind to help decrease pain signals.
“The program works to improve patients’ function and their ability to decrease the effect of pain on their lives,” says Dr. Ben Roitberg, WellSpan chief medical officer of neurosciences. “They learn how to relieve and manage pain. The goal is that pain no longer defines their lives.”
How it works
During the first month of the program, patients attend weekly sessions that feature classes and therapy, with the sessions decreasing in frequency over time. The purpose of the intense schedule is to help patients form new habits, a process that takes about four months.
Patients may meet with as many as five specialists in a single visit, a team that focuses on their unique history with pain and their individual needs as they progress through the program. The specialists understand the challenges these patients are facing. They know that pain doesn’t just hurt—it changes the way people live, their routines, their workday, and their relationships with others.
Ultimately, they want to help them interrupt the cycle of pain.
“Chronic pain is learned pain,” says Dr. Sergey Borodianski, a physical medicine rehabilitation specialist and lead physician of the program. “This pain is as real as the pain you feel when you are first injured. But the nervous system has memorized
its response to the injury and repeats that response long after the injury has healed.”
That’s why the program addresses body and mind with a specific treatment called Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), which helps train the nervous system to reinterpret the signals it is misreading.
“It rewires your nervous system and helps you ‘unlearn’ chronic pain,” Dr. Borodianski says.
Research backs this up. A 2021 study showed that 66% of patients with chronic back pain were pain-free or nearly pain-free after PRT, compared to 10% who received standard care.
How it worked for Dave
Dave says the program’s classes taught him about how the body processes pain and how different internal signals can influence it. He learned about the role of the mind in pain.
He learned how to stretch and lift properly. He also got to try new therapies: acupuncture and massage therapy were particularly helpful, he found. And Dr. Borodianski took a new approach to injections, which previously had not been effective for Dave, probing to find the precise pain points and injecting the medicine in those exact spots. Dave felt almost immediate results.
Dave describes his “blissful transformation” this way: “You know how it feels when you first hit your thumb with a hammer? Imagine that every day. That excruciating, shooting, nagging pain—that was my life. It was like I kept hitting myself in the thumb with a hammer over and over. I would herniate a disc, have a fusion, it was just a vicious cycle.
“Now my mind says, ‘Don’t hit yourself with a hammer again.’ And that is what the program is all about. They teach you how to take care of the pain and keep it under control before it becomes a problem.”
Penn State Health Expands Access to Breast Health Services
IN LANCASTER COUNTY
Penn State Health has expanded its breast cancer treatment team in Lancaster County with the addition of Dr. Marnie S. Kaplan in July 2025. Kaplan, a York, Pennsylvania, native, joins her husband, plastic surgeon Dr. Chance Kaplan, in seeing patients at Penn State Health Medical Group – Noll Drive in Lancaster.
Penn State Health’s breast health services team specializes in procedures such as lumpectomies, oncoplastic closures, and skin-and-nipple-sparing mastectomies, as
Dr. Marnie Kaplan, left, a breast surgeon, joined her husband, Dr. Chance Kaplan, a plastic surgeon, at Penn State Health Medical Group – Noll Drive in July.
well as plastic surgery procedures, including breast reconstruction, augmentation, reduction, and other plastic surgery options. Performed at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center, these services enhance access to care and streamline cancer treatment for women in Lancaster County.
Combining Procedures for Faster Healing
Oncoplastic surgery combines the removal of cancerous tissues with cosmetic surgery, often reducing the need for additional procedures. Marnie says oncoplastic approaches vary widely—from simply hiding the scar tissue from a lumpectomy to initiating the first steps of reconstructive surgery.
“When I meet with a patient who’s been newly diagnosed with breast cancer, I try to get a sense of their expectations for how they want their breasts to look after whatever cancer surgery they need,” Marnie says. “The number one goal is to take care of the cancer, but the number two goal is to achieve the
best possible aesthetic outcome based on what the patient wants.”
This option can eliminate an extra procedure for patients needing both a lumpectomy and bilateral reduction. Marnie says that combining the two standard procedures can reduce recovery time to roughly three weeks, after which patients can start radiation and the rest of their cancer treatment.
Even women who choose a complete reconstruction can benefit from beginning the process with oncoplastic measures. An expander implant is inserted during the initial surgery, and it can be easily replaced after the patient completes the rest of the treatment regimen, reducing their time under anesthesia and speeding recovery.
Greater Efficiency, Fewer Complications
The breast health services team is leveraging their decades of experience to offer Lancaster women the breast cancer treatment
and surgical options they need to regain their health and confidence.
“I learned a lot through the military about reconstruction, not only breasts, but total body reconstruction from combat injuries,” says Chance Kaplan, who received training from the U.S. Army and gained experience in various cosmetic procedures, including tummy tucks, liposuction, and breast reduction, augmentation, and reconstruction.
Working together isn’t just a perk for Chance and Marnie—it results in more efficient surgical procedures with fewer complications.
“Working together on mastectomies and breast reconstructions cuts down the total time in surgery by half to two-thirds because we work as a team,” Chance says. “The patient has less time under anesthesia and a lower risk of complications. It’s better for the patient overall and takes them less time to recover.”
Medical Visits Transform
Chronic Disease Management
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health (LG Health) recently pioneered a new approach to chronic disease management through its Lifestyle Medicine Group Medical Visit (LM-GMV) program. The program combines the expertise of primary care physicians with certified health and wellness coaches to help diabetic and prediabetic patients achieve better health outcomes through collaborative care.
The innovative program’s debut brought together small groups of patients with their primary care providers and National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches in an extended format that allowed for comprehensive education and personalized support. Operating out of LG Health Physicians Family Medicine Strasburg, the inaugural program represented a significant departure from traditional one-on-one medical visits, offering patients 90 minutes of group interaction monthly, supplemented by individual 30-minute phone consultations with coaches between sessions.
A TEAM-BASED APPROACH TO WELLNESS
Two primary care providers—Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Regional Medical Director Celeste Heckman, MD, and Family Practice Physician Katie O’Rourke, MD—were paired with certified health and wellness coaches Tracey Davis and Jennifer Krouse from LG Health’s newly-opened Holistic Therapy Community Clinic. Each physician led a group of six to eight patients, with dedicated coach support throughout the 17-week program, which concluded in May.
“There is a huge educational component that goes along with chronic disease management and health promotion,” Dr. Heckman said. “I usually have 15 to 20 minutes with each patient in a regular office visit, but to be able to have 90 minutes with patients once a month in a group setting, getting questions answered, and learning from that group—it’s huge to have that amount of time.”
Following the Lifestyle Medicine approach, the program focuses on enhancing care outcomes through education and behavior change around six main pillars of health: sleep, exercise and movement, nutrition, stress management, healthy social connections, and substance use avoidance.
EMPOWERING PATIENTS THROUGH COLLABORATIVE SUPPORT
The program’s structure allows for both group learning and individualized attention. During monthly group sessions, patients engaged in discussions about lifestyle modifications while receiving medical advice from Heckman or O’Rourke. Between sessions, coaches Davis and Krouse worked one-on-one with patients to set achievable goals and provide ongoing support.
“The health coaches help patients with what they want to work on, helping them reach their goals by breaking them down into
tiny steps,” explained Davis. “We may set two or three goals, then check back in the next month. From what they’re learning, the patients are deciding what changes they want to make.”
The program has shown promising results in both clinical markers and patient empowerment. While participants often see improvements in hemoglobin A1C, blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol values, the program’s impact extends beyond numbers.
“The greater impact is the feedback we get after the program—like, ‘I’m feeling much more hopeful about my ability to make changes,’” Dr. Heckman said. “More than 50% of participants identify stress management as their first priority. If they can get that under control, they can go on to incorporate the other pillars.”
BUILDING COMMUNITY AND FAMILY IMPACT
The group format creates an unexpected benefit: community building among participants. Patients learn not only from health care providers but also from each other’s experiences and challenges.
“The takeaway I see most often is that patients feel empowered to make choices about their own health,” Davis noted. “There’s also a ricochet effect—one person is participating, but they likely have a partner along for the ride as well, so it impacts the whole family.”
EXPANDING HORIZONS
The program operates under the guidance of Nicholas Dower, LG Health’s Holistic Therapy Community Clinic acupuncture supervisor, who emphasizes the importance of using only certified coaches to ensure quality and predictability. The initiative builds on the foundation of LG Health’s Holistic Therapy Community Clinic, the first integrated therapy clinic of its kind in the area.
Looking ahead, the program is exploring expansion opportunities, including a pediatric version targeting four- to six-year-old patients alongside their parents or caregivers. Dr. Heckman envisions following participants longitudinally from childhood to adulthood to measure long-term impact.
“The possibilities are endless,” Davis said. “We’re partnering with doctors, creating community with patients, improving caregiver relationships, and coaches are there to help with change. The individual appointments can take a toll on doctors, so sitting down in a group setting has been found to be reinvigorating for physicians, too.”
As LG Health continues to develop this innovative care model, the Lifestyle Medicine Group Medical Visit program represents a significant step toward more comprehensive, community-centered approaches to chronic disease management and health promotion.
Caring and Healing at the Heart of Everything We Do
From primary care to specialty care, the team at UPMC Lititz is focused on providing a caring, healing environment for you and your family. Our hospital has 148 licensed beds and o ers services including 24/7, short wait time Emergency Care, orthopaedic surgery, interventional cardiology, women’s care, Level III NICU, and surgical services. In addition to the hospital campus, our community has access to 12 primary care practices, multiple outpatient centers for imaging, lab, specialty services, and urgent care across Lancaster and Lebanon Counties.
Our exceptional care is demonstrated in both our patient outcomes and these prestigious designations:
• American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain — MI Registry Silver Performance Achievement Award
• Network of Excellence in Hernia Surgery from Surgical Review Corporation
• Pathways to Excellence designated hospital
Key services at UPMC Lititz include:
• Heart and Vascular Services
• Magee-Womens Services
• Orthopaedic Care
• Surgical Services
Expert HVI Care in Your Community
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Lititz provides diagnostic testing as well as a range of treatment options for many conditions a ecting the heart and blood vessels. Having advanced services in Lancaster County means patients can remain in their communities while receiving high-quality care. For more information or to request a second opinion, please visit UPMC.com/Heart.
Delivering More Care for Women
UPMC Magee-Womens is here for you, from disease prevention and screenings to family planning and specialty services. With more than 110 years of experience, our providers deliver exceptional care throughout your life journey.
Our comprehensive health services include:
• Behavioral Health
• Breast Health
• Cancer Screenings
• Cardiovascular Care
• Gynecology
• Labor and Delivery (including spacious, modern birthing suites)
• Level III NICU
• Pregnancy and Childbirth
• Sexual Assault Support
• Urogynecology
• Surgical Services
To learn more, visit UPMC.com/CentralPaWomen
Expanded Orthopaedic Care
The orthopaedic surgeons at UPMC are nationally recognized experts at getting you back in action — whether that means on the playing field or playing with the grandkids.
UPMC provides our orthopaedic and sports medicine patients with a vast network of resources, including access to:
• Advanced imaging and diagnostic technologies.
• Advanced surgical technologies including robotic assisted devices.
• Excellence in knee and hip replacement surgery.
These resources are part of the UPMC’s continuum of care, which provides services to take you from diagnosis and treatment to rehab and recovery — and everything in between.
For unanticipated sprains, strains, or sports-related injuries, the UPMC Walk-in Orthopaedic Clinic is now open at 1555 Highlands Drive.
For more information about UPMC Orthopaedic Care, please visit UPMC.com/CentralPaOrtho
Surgical Excellence
At UPMC, it’s our goal to provide compassionate care, unsurpassed expertise, and the most advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical procedures to provide patients with the safest and most e ective surgical outcomes.
From general surgery to advanced procedures, you can be confident that UPMC Lititz surgical teams will provide an exceptional experience and assist you through recovery.
At UPMC Lititz, we care for each patient the way we want our loved ones to be cared for. Visit UPMC.com/Lititz for more information.
Supports Baby Boom
With UPMC Lititz delivering a record-breaking 1,300 newborns in 2024, the need for modern nursery equipment like updated bassinets to accommodate mobility needs, and warming beds to reduce the risk of respiratory distress and feeding di culties, has never been greater.
“Having more warming beds opens up our more intensive bed spaces for babies that need extra thermoregulation support,” explains Eliza Zeidman, senior clinician at UPMC Magee-Womens.
When the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation participated in Lancaster ExtraGive 2024 to support these vital upgrades, the community response was heartwarming. Building on the successful fundraising campaign, the Foundation was able to provide the critical equipment to support newborn care.
“Having more bassinets and updated equipment enables us to say ‘thank you’ to our patients for continuing to put their trust in us,” says Anastasia McDonnell, clinician at UPMC Magee-Womens, UPMC Lititz.
Thanks to UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, Lancaster County’s newest residents have a safe and sound start.
To learn more about supporting UPMC Lititz and patients in need in Lancaster County, visit upmcpinnaclefoundation.org or contact Bub Parker at parkerme@upmc.edu.
HEALTH CARE ON THE FOREFRONT OF AI
A series featuring different Lancaster County health care providers and how they are leveraging artificial intelligence to improve the patient experience.
FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE: PENN MEDICINE LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH
AI Transformation: A New Era in Health Care
MATTHEW TORRES, MD
Penn Medicine
Lancaster General Health
For many years, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health (LG Health) has been closely following advancements in the field of AI, exploring applications in clinical practice and developing a framework for the disciplined implementation of this transformative technology. As our integration with the rest of Penn Medicine has progressed, we’ve been fortunate to leverage the expertise of clinician-researchers and data scientists in collaboration with local clinical leaders and other innovators. While the potential of AI touches every aspect of health care delivery, we’ve been especially focused on reducing burnout and improving clinical quality. In this article, we’ll provide a snapshot of how Penn Medicine LG Health is using AI to advance clinical care and highlight our experience with ambient scribe technology, an ever-evolving tool that has improved the experience of ambulatory medicine for providers as well as patients. We hope this overview provides fellow clinicians an enhanced perspective on the current landscape of medical AI and inspires likeminded innovators across Lancaster County.
At LG Health, we curate a broad pipeline of innovative ideas, which can originate from multiple sources including clinicians, nurses, operational leaders, and individuals from outside the organization. Many of these concepts incorporate AI solutions, but to reach the stage of a pilot, these ideas must first pass through a rigorous process to evaluate the potential impact, technical feasibility, and legal and ethical considerations. Our exploration of AI touches many parts of the health system, and we’ll highlight a few examples of projects currently underway.
OR Black Box
The OR Black Box is an AI-enabled platform developed by Surgical Safety Technologies that analyzes audiovisual data from the operating room to improve adherence to best-practices and increase efficiency. Currently installed in multiple ORs at Lancaster General Hospital, this technology is expected to raise the bar of surgical excellence in our community.
Augmented Response Technology
Penn Medicine was among the early adopters of Augmented Response Technology (ART), an early-stage tool released by the Epic (developers of cloud-based EHR software) designed to decrease the burden imposed by inbox tasks. ART uses large language models to help clinicians and support staff respond to patient portal messages by providing a draft that is then edited before sending. ART makes it easier to respond in a patient-friendly manner and shows promise to increase efficiency.
Eko Sensora
One of our most recent initiatives is deployment of the Eko Sensora AI platform. Using a smart stethoscope paired with machine learning models, clinicians can detect pathologic murmurs and other signs of cardiac dysfunction with far greater sensitivity.
These examples provide an idea of where opportunities exist to meaningfully employ this exciting new technology.
Ambient Scribe: A New Standard for Documentation
Ambient Scribe technology is among the most promising and impactful AI tools implemented at LG Health to date. Designed to passively listen to clinical conversations and automatically generate progress notes, this tool addresses one of the most persistent sources of physician burnout: documentation.
In the second half of 2024, Penn Medicine began piloting Microsoft DAX CoPilot with a small group of clinicians across the health system. The early results were encouraging, with many providers reporting improved efficiency and a much greater ability to focus on the patient in front of them. Based on these findings, the program was rapidly expanded and today nearly 500 providers across LG Health are using ambient scribe technology in their clinical practice.
Quantitative and qualitative feedback has been strong, with internal data showing a 20% average reduction in time spent documenting, and many clinicians feel the technology has returned joy to their practice. Analysis has also shown a decrease in time spent in the EHR after hours. While some patients have been skeptical of the AI technology, the freeing of their providers from the computer has been immediately visible and appreciated.
Notably, this path to success had its challenges. The very first impressions of the product were underwhelming, with inconsistent note quality and formatting that was difficult to parse. Thankfully, ongoing feedback to Microsoft and rapid development cycles allowed the product to improve quickly. Indeed, the author of this very article was initially indifferent to this tool and has since been successfully converted to an avid user, now relying on ambient scribe for more than 80% of visits. The technology does not currently perform well in all clinical scenarios but really shines in capturing the narrative of open-ended, complex discussions that don’t follow a strict template. With that in mind,
it is not surprising that the greatest impact has been seen in primary care, but specialists across the system have also begun to realize the benefits. The marketplace of ambient scribe vendors continues to rapidly evolve, and Penn Medicine will continue to keep a watchful eye on the leaders in this field.
AI in Health Care: The Promise Will Be Realized With Collaboration
At LG Health, we expect the way we practice to be disrupted by artificial intelligence, but we aim to both embrace and help shape that change. While AI is an inherently powerful technology, its real potential in the domain of health care cannot be realized without deep collaboration with clinicians and all the other members of the ecosystem we work in. We believe the use of AI should be guided by clinical voices, grounded in real-world experience, and shaped through iterative collaboration with partners in industry and academia. From ambient documentation to AI-enhanced auscultation and intraoperative analytics, we’re finding the most promising applications and integrating them into our everyday practice. As the role of AI in health care continues to expand, we believe true success will rely on alignment with the workflows, judgment, and values of the clinicians who care for patients every day.
We’re proud to be helping shape that future here at LG Health, and we invite our colleagues across Lancaster County to join us in ensuring that AI doesn’t simply change health care, but that it truly changes it for the better.
SHOULD WE DO GENETIC SCREENING FOR CVD AND OTHER DISEASES?
C. ANWAR CHAHAL, MD, PHD, FRCP WellSpan Health
Genetic sequencing is far more accessible than it was 10 to 15 years ago. This capability makes it possible to screen for genetic types of cardiovascular disease (CVD) before patients develop symptoms.
But many questions must be answered before we know that a genotype-first approach is truly viable and valuable.
The Genotype-First Approach Investigators group, which I contribute to, is now pursuing these questions. Our recent paper uses CVD as a catalyst for this conversation—and makes it clear that the future for genetic screening isn’t certain. Instead, it is balanced with both promise and peril: It may be right for certain conditions and save lives, including preventing sudden death, arrhythmia, and heart failure. But to do that, we must get it right and avoid imposing unnecessary financial and psychosocial hardship on patients.
It’s important for cardiologists to understand the potential benefits and risks of a genotype-first approach so they can make informed choices for their patients, and, perhaps,
contribute to research and guidelines shaping this strategy.
SOME TYPES OF CVD MAY BE RIPE FOR WIDER SCREENING
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recognizes 94 genes that are considered significant to warrant reporting to individuals, half of which are associated with types of CVD. Many of these types are caused by mutations in a single gene, such as the LMNA gene, which causes dilated and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and heart block requiring pacing.
Widespread screening for monogenic types of CVD may be worthwhile because of the effect size of the genes behind them. One tiny mutation can have massive clinical consequences—for example, causing a child to collapse on the playing field with no warning. If we knew everyone’s risk for these outcomes when they were born, we could help people enjoy longer and healthier lives.
3 QUESTIONS GUIDE FUTURE RESEARCH
To find out if widespread genetic screening has clear clinical benefit, we must answer three questions.
1. Is a Given Gene Associated With Disease?
In some cases, like LMNA, we already know the answer to this question. But in many cases, we don’t.
Multiple projects are underway to catalog the disease associations of genes and variants as they are discovered. I am a member of the Hereditary Cardiovascular Disease Gene Curation Expert Panel with ClinGen, which follows a systematic approach and shares its findings for anyone to query. The panel is chaired by my colleague Dr. Jodie Ingles and includes a wide group of experts, including clinical cardiologists, scientists, geneticists, and genetic counselors. I invite all providers to use the panel’s work to stay abreast of the latest research in CVD-associated genes. You can also contribute to our efforts by curating or contributing data.
It’s important for cardiologists to understand the potential benefits and risks of a genotype-first approach so they can make informed choices for their patients, and, perhaps, contribute to research and guidelines shaping this strategy.
2. Which Variants of the Gene Are Consequential?
Answering this question is the “holy grail” for us right now. A single gene can have hundreds of variants. For genetic screening to yield answers we can act on, we have to know which variants lead to disease and which are benign.
Fortunately, technology advancements enable new ways of finding out. For example, an ion channel associated with electrical rhythm problems in the heart may have dozens of variants. Instead of creating dozens of mouse models, researchers can create thousands of cells and place electrodes directly into them to measure the change in electrical current. If they see a change, the variant is more likely to be disease causing.
3. Does the Variant Express Disease?
A person may carry a disease-causing genetic variant and never express disease. And here lies the peril in taking a genotype-first approach: Someone known to have a CVD-associated gene could be denied or overcharged for life insurance, excluded from a high-risk career like the military or piloting, or prohibited from playing sports—even if their actual risk of developing disease is low or unknown.
Addressing this peril will take immense research, combining both genetic and clinical data:
• Who developed which symptoms?
• How severe were they?
• What genetic, health, and demographic factors correlate?
When we know these answers, then we can achieve our ultimate goal of finding patients who are truly at risk and avoid foisting personal consequences onto those who are not.
WHAT GENETIC TESTING MEANS FOR CARDIOLOGISTS TODAY
While we explore these broader questions, physicians and patients are already reckoning with genetic information. Direct-to-consumer genetic tests and biobank projects like NIH All of Us are increasingly popular. They’re extremely valuable as well. Through the Gene Health Project at WellSpan Health, we have screened more than 40,000 patients for CDC Tier 1 diseases, leading to more than 700 potentially life-saving diagnoses.
What do you do when your patient gets a positive result from one of these tests? For CVD, at least, there is a plan. I joined a team of multidisciplinary experts from around the world in authoring a statement from the American Heart Association that includes a pathway for patients found to carry a CVD-causing gene.
As the medical community learns more about the promise and peril of a genotype-first approach, it’s important to keep an open mind. Look at this approach the way we look at any medical advancement: Does it help our patients? How do we know? Only through honest, collaborative study will we learn what role our genes should play in screening and prevention.
To learn more about research within Precision Medicine at WellSpan and/or The Gene Health Project and how a patient can enroll into the project for no-cost genetic screening, please reach out to Rebecca Eberly at 717-3565395 or genehealthproject@wellspan.org.
Chinenye Emuwa, MD, FCCP
Lancaster Pulmonary & Sleep Associates
It’s our pleasure to highlight a Lancaster City & County Medical Society member’s “passion outside of practice” in each issue of Lancaster Physician. Beyond their commitment to health care, LCCMS members have many other talents, skills, and interests that might surprise you. In this issue, we’re thrilled to feature Chinenye Emuwa, MD, FCCP, and his passion outside of practice.
Would you briefly describe your passion outside of practice for those who might be unfamiliar with it?
My passion outside of practice is physical fitness. I exercise every day, usually before going to work, or when not possible, after work. I go to the gym to work out, and I run on a treadmill or outdoors at least 5K at a minimum of three times a week.
How did you develop an interest in your passion outside of practice?
It initially started after I was diagnosed with prediabetes in an effort to improve my health and wellbeing. I was working out at the gym, then eventually became interested in running after I participated in my first 5K during a fundraising event for The Wheel of Hope Initiative.
How long have you been participating in this activity?
I started in 2012, which was when I was diagnosed with prediabetes.
Why is this pursuit special to you?
Exercise boosts my mood, reduces stress. and improves my overall mental and physical health. Realizing that I can control certain aspects of my health means a lot to me and makes me feel I can be more present for my family and my patients. It is has really helped me to find balance between work and personal life.
What else would you like readers to know about this passion?
Exercising can seem intimidating because of the effort involved. In addition, many people are busy and have limited time. Starting good habits is sometimes challenging, but after you take the first step it becomes easier. If you begin with just a small amount of activity, even walking, and increase gradually, it will make a difference and deliver benefits. Exercise is now an ingrained passion that I cannot do without.
Passion Outside of Practice: Physical Fitness
SUPPORTING SURVIVORS AND ENGAGING IN PREVENTION:
YWCA LANCASTER’S SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES
MANDY BILLMAN, LSW Director, Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center YWCA Lancaster
Every day, countless individuals in our community carry the weight of trauma caused by sexual violence. For many, the impact goes unseen, unheard, and unspoken. But here at YWCA Lancaster’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center, we believe that every story matters. We stand alongside victim survivors with empathy, action, and unwavering commitment. By breaking the silence and addressing the reality of sexual violence, we begin the collective work of healing, justice, and prevention.
Sexual Violence: The Scope of the Issue
Sexual violence is a significant problem in the United States and has a profound impact on lifelong health, opportunity, and well-being. Sexual violence is a term that relates to any unwanted sexual contact, including (but not limited to): rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, assault, incest, grabbing, sex trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation. At their roots, sexual violence-related crimes are almost always about the perpetrator exerting power and control through the use of force, fraud, manipulation, or coercion.
An important note about terminology: When referring to people who have experienced sexual assault, it can be difficult to identify which term to use. Words have different implications and connotations for everyone who has
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experienced sexual violence. Best practice is to use the language preferred by the person who has experienced the trauma. Some preferred terms include victim, survivor, thriver, or victim survivor. For the purposes of this article, the term victim survivor will be the one most used when referring to a client or individual who has experienced sexual violence.
The impacts of sexual violence and resulting trauma are far-reaching, and they vary depending on, among other things, the individual’s age, support systems, past trauma, and access to resources. The impact of sexual violence falls into different categories, which include:
• Psychological and emotional: Depression, anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, shame, guilt, and self-blame.
• Physical: External and internal injuries, sexually transmitted infections, chronic health conditions, or unwanted pregnancy.
• Relational and social: Isolation, challenges with trust or consensual sexual intimacy in relationships, and secondary wounding by negative or victim-blaming reactions from peers or society.
• Cognitive and behavioral: Emotional numbness or hyperarousal, risk taking behaviors, changes in sleep patterns and difficulties concentrating or engaging in school or work.
• Educational and economic: Truancy, costs associated with medical treatment, legal services, loss of job, and financial instability. (4,5)
It is hard to get an accurate number of how many victim survivors there are in our communities. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of people impacted by sexual violence is underreported for various reasons. Some victim survivors may feel ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid to tell medical providers, police, friends, family, or other social service providers about the trauma. They may not disclose due to fear of judgment, negative reactions, or not being believed.
For those who have reported their violence,
the numbers are striking. For adults, one out of every two women, and almost one in every three men, have experienced sexual violence that was physical in nature (rape, unwanted touching, etc.) during their lifetimes. One in four women and about one in twenty-six men have experienced completed or attempted rape (1). With numbers this high, it is safe to say this is an issue that impacts all of us, either directly or indirectly.
Most sexual violence occurs between people that have a pre-existing relationship. Approximately 70% of adult rape and sexual assault victims knew the perpetrator/offender prior to the assault (2). For children, 37% were assaulted by a biological parent, 23% by non-biological individuals who are partners to the biological parent, and 40% by others (including other family members) (3). Considering the gravity of the numbers, it is easy to become daunted by the scope of this issue; however, it is important to remember there is hope when it comes to both the prevention of sexual violence, as well as healing the harm that has been caused to victim survivors.
Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center: Core Services
YWCA Lancaster’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center (SAPCC) is Lancaster County’s only agency dedicated to providing specialized support for victims of sexual violence. Our center has been operating in the community since 1990 and offers our services, free of charge, not only to victim survivors but also to non-offending individuals, including friends, parents, guardians, partners, and siblings. Our clinicians serve community members of all ages, from young children as young as 3 years of age, to individuals well into their nineties. In the 2023-2024 period, we provided care to 548 individuals.
Individual Counseling Services
Individual counseling and support are at the core of SAPCC’s services. Individual support services play a crucial role in addressing the needs of victim survivors in the aftermath of an assault. Specialized counseling and therapy provide space for victim survivors to process feelings and minimize trauma symptoms. SAPCC has the proud distinction of being the designated rape crisis center for Lancaster County and is
one of 51 such centers throughout the state that are members of the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR). PCAR works at the state and national levels to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and advocate for the needs of victim survivors.
Our clinicians engage clients in crisis-based counseling, which is a short-term intervention that is action-focused, client-centered, and trauma-informed. Clinicians work with clients to set goals for themselves, which may include:
• Identifying immediate needs following crisis
• Understanding the effects of sexual abuse
• Understanding personal reactions to trauma
• Identifying coping skills
• Gaining understanding of the legal process
The therapeutic process sometimes relies on other forms of intervention and evidence-based modalities proven to minimize trauma symptoms. This may include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which aim to minimize the long-term effects of trauma. No matter the therapeutic modality employed, our clinicians approach all clients with a strengths-based lens. The goal of therapy is to minimize trauma reactions related to sexual violence and help clients resolve problems of everyday life using coping skills, as well as the examination of core beliefs and how these may have shifted because of trauma.
24/7 Hotline
SAPCC’s hotline is operated by trained volunteers and staff who are available every hour, every day of the year. Community members call the hotline for many reasons including crisis intervention, resources and referral information, and general questions related to abuse, harassment, and assault. During the year 2023-2024, SAPCC received 174 hotline calls related to direct victim survivor advocacy, and an additional 57 calls related to the needs of non-victim services.
Support Groups
Support groups are offered throughout the year and vary based on age. They may include
self-help, peer/social support, crisis intervention, and yoga/body movement. An Adult Survivor Gathering is held the first Monday of each month from 6-7pm in person and virtually. In this groups, individuals are invited to connect with peers who have shared experiences, find community, and experience the benefit of being in a safe space with others who can relate to what they are going through.
Medical Advocacy
SAPCC offers a team of medical advocates who accompany victim survivors to sexual assault forensic exams (SAFEs) throughout Lancaster County. These exams include specially trained nurses conducting medical forensic exams and gathering physical evidence for “rape kits.” These exams are free and can reveal injuries or collect evidence that may not easily be seen, which might later be used as evidence in court if the victim survivor chooses to engage in the criminal justice system.
Advocates are dispatched to Lancaster General Hospital, UPMC Lititz, Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center, and WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital. The advocates work alongside hospital staff to address the victim survivor’s physical and emotional health, as well as their overall safety. Medical advocates provide support for the duration of the patient’s stay at the hospital and offer referrals and follow-up care as part of their services.
Our medical advocacy program relies on generous donations from the community to offer support to victim survivors in the aftermath of an assault. Donations include new stuffed animals, stress balls, fidget toys, and coloring pages to provide comfort during the medical process. If a patient’s clothing is needed as forensic evidence, the hospitals provide comfortable, new clothing items for the individual to wear upon discharge from the facility. Clothing donations are also procured via generous donations from the community during drives we host throughout the year.
Legal Advocacy
SAPCC’s legal advocates provide various types of support to victim survivors which include:
• Being a presence during interviews with law enforcement
• Accompanying clients to preliminary hearings or other court proceedings
• Providing legal advocacy and guidance for individuals seeking Protection from Abuse (PFA) or Sexual Violence Protection Orders (SVPOs)
• Aiding in the completion of Victim’s Compensation paperwork for service reimbursement
Sexual Violence and Accessibility
Sexual abuse, harassment, and assault are crimes that affect all individuals regardless of age, race, gender, ability, ethnicity, or socio-economic status. As a result, SAPCC staff are intentional to limit or eliminate barriers to accessing services whenever possible.
receiving specialized counseling support from SAPCC related to sexual violence. Our clinicians work alongside the primary therapist to support the clients in goal completion.
The Power of Prevention
Sexual abuse, harassment, and assault can be prevented. Preventing sexual violence requires understanding and addressing both risk and protective factors. Prevention is most effective when individuals, institutions, and the collective community work together. One of the ways we promote this type of collaboration is via SAPCC’s prevention and education services. These services include empowerment groups for children, educational workshops, and informational series. We provide information tables with prevention resources at local colleges and other community events around Lancaster County.
Our trainings and workshops can be provided to schools, churches, businesses, community groups, medical facilities, and organizations
For adults, one out of every two women, and almost one in every three men, have experienced sexual violence that was physical in nature (rape, unwanted touching, etc.) during their lifetimes.
Clinicians travel to schools, businesses, libraries, and other community settings to provide counseling and therapy services to clients for whom transportation is a barrier. Clients have the option to receive telehealth services if needed due to safety, comfort, health, or transportation barriers. In addition to having Spanish-speaking staff, the center provides its services through certified interpreters for all languages.
As already mentioned, all our services for victim survivors and non-offending individuals are offered at no cost. There are no sliding scale fees, no co-pays, and no negotiations with insurance companies. It is not uncommon for our clients to receive additional mental health support from outside providers for pre-existing mental health conditions, while simultaneously
for people of all ages. Many of our educational programs involve one-time presentations that are designed to raise awareness about sexual violence and other related topics. Some education topics we address include sexual harassment, empowerment, consent, personal safety, healthy relationships, and human trafficking awareness. Trainings can be blended and customized to best meet the audience’s learning goals.
Our primary prevention programs are designed to move beyond awareness by providing a more in-depth education focused on skill-building, changing attitudes and beliefs, and learning about behaviors that contribute to sexual abuse, harassment, assault, and other
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Patient Advocacy
forms of violence. Our prevention programs are comprehensive, developmentally appropriate, and offered in several sessions over a set period of time. We also offer mandated reporter trainings for licensed professionals in Pennsylvania who need to complete their Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse education per Act 31 requirements. The mandated reporter training also fulfills Act 126 requirements for all school entities and independent contractors who have direct contact with children. SAPCC engaged 4,776 Lancaster County residents with prevention and education trainings in 2023-2024.
Collaboration and Community
Communities play a vital role in supporting victim survivors of sexual abuse, harassment, and assault. The SAPCC team frequently collaborates with Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency, Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, Lancaster County Children’s Alliance, Community Action Partnership’s Domestic Violence Services, county-side law enforcement agencies, North Star Initiative, and other social services agencies. As partners, we review protocols and procedures, identify and solve for gaps in resources and information, and ensure overall improved service delivery throughout Lancaster County for victim survivors.
Community members who wish to become more involved can offer support by:
• Believing victim survivors
• Engaging their community via our educational opportunities (To see a comprehensive list or request a training visit www.ywcalancaster.org.)
• Inviting our team to host information tables or trainings at their school, church, or business
• Volunteering for our 24-hour sexual assault hotline (We provide a thorough training to prepare community members to provide support.)
• Donating new clothing and comfort items
• Advocating with local and state representatives for polices that protect against sexual violence and promote increased funding for victim services
Education, compassion, and collective action are ways the community can show support to victim survivors. Anyone in the community who would like to become a part of the solution to ending sexual violence need only reach out to us as a first step. By working and collaborating together, we can create safer communities where everyone can thrive.
Building a Path Forward
Victim survivors deserve more than just acknowledgement — they deserve support, respect, and a community committed to advocating for them. At YWCA Lancaster, we hold space for processing, amplify
the voices of those impacted, and actively build systems of care rooted in compassion and equity. Whether you are a victim survivor, an ally, or someone who simply wants to make a difference, your role in this work matters.
Looking for Resources or Support? Contact us!
We believe you. We support you. We hear you. Individuals requesting services can call (717) 869-5009 or email wehearyou@ywcalancaster.org. The intake process includes basic demographic questions and an intake questionnaire that may be completed independently or with the assistance of the Administrative Assistant and Intake Specialist. Individuals in crisis looking for immediate support can call the 24-hour sexual assault hotline at (717) 392-7273.
References:
1. About Sexual Violence. (2024, January 23). Sexual Violence Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ sexual-vioelnce/about/index.html
2. Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute. (2024, March 27). Resources for sexual assault survivors in Central Pennsylvania- Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute. http://ppimhs.org/newspost/ resources-for-sexual-assault-survivors-in-central-pennsylvania
3. About Sexual Violence: Children, PCAR (n.d.). https://pcar.org/about-sexual-violence/children
4. Effects of sexual violence, RAINN. (n.d.) http://rain.org/effects-sexual-violence
5. About Sexual Violence| PCAR. (n.d.) http://pcar.org/about-sexual -violence
Minnie Taw, MD Board certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Obesity Medicine
Lancaster County Health Care Systems Reflect
ON RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS
SUSAN SHELLY Writer
Health care systems serving Lancaster County have been widely recognized for various achievements during the past year and are rightfully proud of their accomplishments.
Honors and recognitions range from “A” safety ratings from the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit watchdog organization, to prestigious awards from the American Hospital Association, the Surgical Review Corporation, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, and other organizations.
Representatives of the health care systems say the awards validate a lot of hard work, collaboration among staff members, and dedication to excellence, providing a means for hospitals to make their communities aware of their efforts.
Experts claim awards help boost morale and reduce burnout among employees while strengthening the culture of hospitals and health care systems.
Lancaster Physician reached out to the health care systems serving Lancaster County to hear about the awards and recognitions they’ve received.
One system, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, focused on the advanced stroke certification it received from the Joint Commission, while others highlighted a variety of awards and certifications.
WELLSPAN HEALTH
The most significant award WellSpan received during the past year was the 2024 Quest for Quality Prize, presented by the American Hospital Association (AHA).
Dr. David Gasperack, vice president and chief medical officer for the health care system’s Primary Care Service Line, said the prestigious
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Dr. David Gasperack
award, which focuses on safety and WellSpan’s commitment to high-quality care, recognized three key efforts.
Tiered Safety Huddles
The first, explained Gasperack, was WellSpan’s tiered safety huddle system, a daily event implemented about three years ago as a means of working toward zero harm for all patients and team members.
Front line workers, which make up tier one, begin the huddles every morning at 7:45, with every member encouraged to report their concerns. Any issues are communicated to the next tier, and, if warranted, eventually brought to the attention of WellSpan’s CEO.
“The huddles last about 15 minutes at each level,” Gasperack said. “By 9 a.m. it’s up to the CEO.”
While implementing daily huddles to report and discuss safety concerns required a shift in culture and mindset, the gatherings have paid off significantly.
“Every team member is encouraged to report,” Gasperack shared. “We’d rather have overreporting than underreporting, because every one of these safety events is an opportunity to learn.”
Extensive Use of Artificial Intelligence
The second effort recognized by the AHA was WellSpan’s extensive use of AI in its hospitals and ambulatory settings, such as a system that identifies fall risks and alerts staff of potential problems.
“Relentless”
Focus on Equity
The third area of AHA recognition was the health care system’s focus on reducing health disparities in life expectancy and improving health outcomes in the communities it serves.
WellSpan hosted listening session with Hispanic community partners to better understand and address barriers to care, an effort that resulted in a more than 10% increase in screening rates among that community.
“We wanted to close the disparity between our white, English-speaking patients and non-white, non-English speaking patients,” Gasperack explained. “We’ve been working hard to make sure that happens.”
In a press release addressing the Quest for Quality awards, the AHA noted that WellSpan is “relentlessly committed to elevating equity.”
Other Achievements
WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, along with three other WellSpan locations, earned “A” safety grades for fall 2024 and spring 2025 from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog organization.
Leapfrog’s hospital safety grade is based exclusively on a hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and resulting harm to patients.
The hospital also was named high performing in heart attack and heart failure care by U.S. News and World Report, and in 2024 was the first hospital or facility in central Pennsylvania to be recognized as a Diagnostic Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.
Systemwide, WellSpan Health was recognized for the second consecutive year in 2024 as one of American’s Greatest Workplaces by Newsweek and the Plant-A Insights Group. That recognition is based on a survey of more than 250,000 employees.
Gasperack said that while WellSpan is committed to excellence for the sake of patients and staff, recognition of the system’s hard work is gratifying.
“These awards say that what we’re doing is working—that our efforts are making a difference,” he noted. “And they separate us from our competitors.”
UPMC
Deborah Willwerth, president and chief nursing officer of UPMC Lititz, is proud of the hospital’s achievements and recognitions during the past year.
“It really shows our dedication to excellent care,” she said. “Not only do we know we’re providing that quality of care, the awards we get allow us to show that to the public, as well.”
She highlighted the hospital’s Baby-Friendly Hospital designation, a standing it has enjoyed since 2016.
The designation, awarded by Baby Friendly USA, is contingent on meeting specific criteria established by international experts in the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.
“It’s an ongoing award and we’re proud that we continue to meet those important goals,” Willwerth said.
Recognition for Nurses and Patient Care Teams
Willwerth credited nurses and patient care teams at the hospital for earning the Pathway to Excellence® designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
The recognition, which UPMC Lititz received last August, focuses on evidence-based, nursing-driven care, something Willwerth said the hospital is known for.
“Our nurses are all about that care,” Willwerth shared. “They’re by the bedside and they’re involved in every level of care for our patients.”
Nursing steering committees are in place on each unit, she explained, and nurses work together on staffing and are present at infection prevention task force meetings.
“Our nurses have a lot of voice in the care they provide for patients,” she said.
Recognizing nurses is integral in the work of the hospital. It has resulted in significantly lower rates than the national average for vacancies, Willwerth said, with no travel nurses needed since 2023.
“That really speaks to our culture and the value our nurses have,” she noted.
Deborah Willwerth
Stroke Care
Having met all its goals for 24 consecutive months, UPMC Lititz was recognized as a Gold-Plus Stroke Center by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get with the Guidelines program.
The hospital also was named a Stroke Honor Role Elite Plus winner for achieving administration of drugs to dissolve blood clots to 85% of patients in less than 60 minutes.
“Our patients are getting expert care in an extremely timely manner,” Willwerth noted.
She said AI and telestroke are used to speed up stroke detection and diagnosis and coordinate teams of UPMC neurologists. While Lititz is one of UPMC’s smaller hospitals, it has excellent technology, which continues to be upgraded.
“As we keep advancing our technology it advances our care,” Willwerth said.
Recognitions for Surgery
Lititz was one of seven central Pennsylvania UPMC hospitals recognized last year as a Network of Excellence in Hernia Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation. The designation was the first time it was given in Pennsylvania.
UPMC surgeons in central Pennsylvania perform more than 2,500 hernia repairs each year, using advanced and minimally invasive techniques.
Lititz and the other hospitals recognized: UPMC Carlisle, UPMC Community Osteopathic, UPMC Hanover, UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Memorial, and UPMC West Shore, were required to meet national and international standards to achieve the accreditation.
UPMC Lititz also was recognized in 2024 by the UPMC Health Plan as a Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Surgery Center of Excellence.
“That recognition looks at the total care for those patients and the overall experience in this hospital,” Willwerth said.
CMS Four-Star Rating
Willwerth also noted that UPMC Lititz received a four-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the second highest rating based on data that evaluates outcomes, patient experience, and process.
CMS ratings are considered an important tool for making informed decisions about where to seek health care.
“Our CMS rating is significant for a community-based hospital,” Willwerth said.
PENN MEDICINE LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH
Lancaster General Hospital (LGH) is certified as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center (TSC) by The Joint Commission; an accomplishment Dr. Danielle B. Cross considers exceptional.
“Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center certification is a recognition of the expert multi-disciplinary collaboration that takes place at Lancaster General Hospital,” said Cross, medical director of the stroke program at Lancaster General Health. “We are proud to display this certification as a representation of the uniquely high level of care we can provide the community.”
The certification, which demonstrates that Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health meets high standards for performing endovascular thrombectomy and providing post-procedural care, is the second highest accreditation level a hospital can receive from The Joint Commission, a nonprofit that accredits more than 22,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States.
In addition, LGH is consistently recognized by the American Heart Association as a top performer based on annual metrics of stroke care delivery.
Leading the Region in Advanced Stroke Procedure
Lancaster General Hospital has been performing mechanical endovascular
thrombectomy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat acute ischemic stroke, since October 2018.
“We are leading the region in performing this advanced stroke procedure,” Cross noted. “Our patients benefit greatly from us being able to remove clots and restore blood flow to the brain on site, rather than delaying treatment so they can be transported to another hospital with thrombectomy capabilities.”
During the procedure, a specialist removes large blood clots from blocked arteries in the brain, helping to restore blood flow and prevent further brain damage.
According to The Joint Commission, organizations seeking TSC certification are required to adopt a set of standardized performance measures and collect monthly data for each measure in the set.
Once certified, the hospital must continue to meet standards to maintain its status as a TSC.
The Joint Commission returns for multiday onsite evaluations of PMLGH stroke program, Cross explained, during which a reviewer scrutinizes compliance by all levels of medical staff involved in patient care from admission to discharge and beyond.
“Joint Commission Survey is taken very seriously,” said Cross. “It’s an opportunity to demonstrate the consistent high level of care we provide and learn how we can continue to improve.”
The certification, which is offered by The Joint Commission in collaboration with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, represents Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s commitment to excellence and continuing desire to provide the best possible care to patients in Lancaster County.
“Our team’s clinical expertise, coupled with our top-notch compassionate quality of care, continues to enhance our excellent
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Dr. Danielle B. Cross
patient outcomes,” Cross shared. “We look forward to continuing to grow the program and our capabilities.”
PENN STATE HEALTH
Lancaster Medical Center has exceeded expectations since it opened in October 2022, according to Angela Sonon, the hospital’s senior vice president and chief operating officer.
Those efforts have resulted in distinctions and accreditations from organizations including The Leapfrog Group, the Comprehensive Center for Bariatric Surgery, The Joint Commission, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“These awards take a tremendous amount of work as a new hospital,” Sonon said. “They demonstrate the staff’s commitment to quality and intention to excellence since we’ve opened.”
National Recognition
Lancaster Medical Center received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, recognizing the facility’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and errors.
The Safety Grade program uses up to 30 national performance measures to rate a hospital’s overall performance in keeping patients safe. Grades are publicly reported and available to patients deciding where to seek care.
“Your hospital receives a safety grade, which is available for the public to view,” Sonan explained. “An ‘A’ ranking lets patients know a hospital has demonstrated superior performance in keeping them safe.”
The “A” grade, which was awarded this spring, is Lancaster Medical Center’s first letter rating from Leapfrog. Previously, the facility was named a Top General Hospital for excellence in safety, quality, and patient care by the watchdog organization, as it
hadn’t been operating long enough for a letter rating.
Heart and Vascular Accreditations
Lancaster Medical Center recently received several recognitions and accreditations for its heart and vascular programs, including The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Stroke Care and Stroke Silver Plus recognition from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
The hospital also is certified by the Accreditation for Cardiovascular Excellence to perform percutaneous coronary intervention, a minimally invasive procedure to open narrowed coronary arteries.
Sonan said the accreditation confirms that patient outcomes meet or exceed national benchmarks and reflects Lancaster Medical Center’s dedication to continuous quality improvement through ongoing data analysis and evidence-based practices.
Also, the medical center was awarded three-year vascular testing accreditation from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission, signifying consistent quality care in vascular testing.
Sonan said the accreditation confirms that patient outcomes meet or exceed national benchmarks and reflects Lancaster Medical Center’s dedication to continuous quality improvement through ongoing data analysis and evidence-based practices.
Orthopedic and Bariatric Surgery Recognition
Lancaster Medical Center earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Joint Replacement – Knee Certification and Joint Replacement – Hip Certification earlier this year and received accreditation by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program as a Comprehensive Center for Bariatric Surgery.
Disease-specific certification exemplifies a hospital’s strong commitment to superior patient care and safety, as it minimizes
unwanted variations in clinical practice, enhances the overall patient experience, and establishes a consistent standard of care through ongoing reassessment informed by the latest research and evidence-based protocols, Sonan explained.
“We take pride in being part of an organization that values and supports the importance of specialized certification programs to care for patients right here in Lancaster County,” she said.
Family Birthing Suite Designations
Valerie Ritter, vice president and chief nursing officer at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center, is particularly proud of the hospital’s achievement as a Keystone 10 facility for successfully implementing evidence-based maternity care practices to improve breastfeeding care and rates, along with advancing the health of new mothers and their babies.
The facility achieved the designation in just one year, she said, which is a notable accomplishment.
“The short time it took to reach this designation is a testament to our staff’s commitment,” Ritter said.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health manages the initiative in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Kimberly Plitsch, director of women’s services at Lancaster Medical Center, said the designation was achieved through multidisciplinary effort by Family Birthing Suite nurses, OB providers, newborn providers, lactation specialists, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Radiology Accreditations
The American College of Radiology last year awarded the hospital three-year terms of accreditation in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, and ultrasound.
Angela Sonon
Valerie Ritter
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES SUMMER 2025
As the 2025-2026 legislative session begins to come to an end, the legislative calendar has remained relatively light compared to previous years. This has been caused, in part, by the passing away of a legislator in January, which resulted in a 101-101 tie in the House.
Like last session, we have seen a strong partisan divide on votes, regardless of the bill under consideration. Now, as the Pennsylvania Legislature actively works on the 2025 State Budget, a surge of legislative activity is underway.
Bill for Diagnostic Breast Exam Coverage Passed in the House
The Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 433, which would require health insurance policies to cover all costs associated with diagnostic breast imaging. The bill, introduced by Rep. Gina Curry (D-Delaware County), defines diagnostic imaging to include diagnostic mammography, breast MRI (standard or abbreviated), and breast ultrasound. Current Pennsylvania law already mandates insurance coverage for screening mammograms. House Bill 433 aims to expand this to follow-up imaging needed when abnormalities are detected. The bill awaits further consideration from the Senate.
Cannabis Legalization Stalls in PA Senate
House Bill 1200, a proposal to legalize cannabis for adult use in Pennsylvania, passed the House in a 102–101 vote. The bill allows adults age 21 and older to purchase cannabis through a state-regulated system. It includes provisions for personal cultivation, expungement of certain low-level marijuana convictions, and allocation of tax revenue to community programs.
The bill was referred to the Senate Law and Justice Committee, where it did not advance out of committee following a vote on May 13.
PAMED has long been, and remains, opposed to broad-based use of cannabis as medicine. We support clinical research and trials evaluating the therapeutic use of cannabis and cannabis products but do not believe the currently existing scientific evidence meets the standards for a prescription drug product. Regarding adult recreational use, PAMED supports the decriminalization of personal use but not full legalization. We believe continued research and monitoring of the public health effects of such use is necessary before making such a significant change.
As it relates to House Bill 1200, PAMED does not support legalization of adult use. However, we believe if legalization is pursued it must be accompanied by a robust regulatory framework that mitigates harm and promotes informed decision-making, such as the one outlined in HB 1200. Any state legalization should include requirements to regulate the products effectively to protect public health and safety. PAMED will continue to monitor the bill and its movement.
Oversight of Health Care Transactions Involving Private Equity
Introduced by Representative Lisa Borowski (D-Delaware), House Bill 1460 aims to strengthen oversight of major health care transactions involving private equity and large health systems. The bill requires advance approval from the Department of Health and the Attorney General, increases transparency, and limits sale-leaseback arrangements.
PAMED supports HB-1460, aligning with its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in health care operations.
As of June 3, 2025, HB-1460 was reported as amended and received its first consideration in the House. It has since been re-committed to the House Rules Committee for further deliberation. PAMED will continue to monitor the status of HB-1460 as it advances through the legislative process.
Establishment of the J-1 Visa Waiver Primary Care Physician Grant Program
Introduced by Representative Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks), House Bill 425 proposes creating a grant program to support J-1 visa physicians practicing in underserved areas. The program would allow for employers of physicians with a Conrad 30 waiver to apply for funding that would be intended to help cover physician salaries.
PAMED supports HB-425 as a strategic initiative to enhance access to primary care in underserved communities across Pennsylvania.
As of June 3, 2025, HB-425 was reported as amended and received its first consideration in the House. It has since been re-committed to the House Rules Committee for further deliberation. PAMED will continue to monitor the progression of HB-425 through the legislative process.
As we enter the end of this legislative session, PAMED continues to advocate for you and your patients.
For more information about any of the items mentioned above, please visit the Advocacy Section of PAMED’s web site at www.pamedsoc.org/advocacy
Carter MD Aesthetics
Carter MD Aesthetics (CMDA) is a humble and innovative company consisting presently of nine staff members working out of a 2,300 square foot space at 805 Estelle Drive in Lancaster (actually Centerville). People find the practice most easily when they are told that the location is just across the street from AAA. When William A. Carter MD started providing outpatient aesthetic services in January 2000, the practice, then called Medical Cosmetics was primarily focused on Botox injections, not only for wrinkle reduction but also for migraine prevention.
Over the years, the practice has changed locations twice, increasing the size of the office space and adding several additional talented providers to the team.
Simultaneously, more outpatient options for appearance enhancement were progressively developed in the industry. The dilemma now is exactly what to add to the practice repertoire and what to let go. It is difficult to believe that there are now seven different companies offering FDA approved botulinum A toxin products! And one of them, Daxxify, has a median duration of six months vs. all of the others which last three to four months. Similarly, when Dr. Carter began his aesthetic journey, the only FDA approved filler was Zyderm, made from cows’
collagen and requiring two spaced out skin tests on the patient prior to injecting it as a filler. It only lasted three months! Now, there are more than 20 fillers made of various components and several can last over a year. The practice also has an assortment of biostimulators, which may prove more useful than the fillers that have been loved for years. Perhaps even more impressive over these decades has been the explosion of advanced equipment that is used routinely in the practice.
The staff at CMDA is the greatest asset. Each member is virtually irreplaceable. Sonya is the business brain, and Dr. Carter is the background chief medical/aesthetic resource. Patients are greeted by friendly and helpful front office staff who make the whole operation flow. The practice also has three RNs and two licensed aestheticians who operate the appearance enhancement equipment. The well-rounded team is knowledgeable about skin care products, peels, IPLs, microneedling, lasers, microwave, and radio frequency devices.
Lancaster is fortunate to have a great deal of both operative plastic surgeon expertise and outpatient aesthetic resources such as can be found at offices like CMDA. There are now so many ways to enhance one’s appearance and self-esteem.
PAMED Recognizes Top Physicians Under 40
The Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) recently announced the recipients of its annual Top Physicians Under 40 awards—recognizing the most exceptional early-career physicians who are making a profound impact in medicine. Nominated by their peers and carefully selected by a committee of PAMED members, these outstanding professionals embody the future of patient care and medical innovation.
“These candidates truly set themselves apart,” said Arvind R. Cavale, MD, FACE, FCPP, PCEO, president-elect and member of the awards committee. “Their unwavering commitment to patient care and forward-thinking ideas will undoubtedly shape the future of medicine.”
This year’s distinguished honorees represent a broad range of specialties, showcasing the diverse expertise shaping Pennsylvania’s healthcare landscape. Included in the group are three physicians from Lancaster County: Kevin J. Lynch, MD, Family Medicine; Jyothy Punnoose, DO, Hospitalist; and Danielle Rubinstein, DO, Geriatric Medicine (Family Medicine).
Dr. Kevin Lynch is a former resident board member of the Lancaster City & County Medical Society. Upon completion of his family medicine training at Lancaster General Hospital, Dr. Lynch, as a first-year clinician, stepped into a leadership role as Managing Physician of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Physicians Family Medicine Leola. In addition, after the retirement of a tenured physician, he also stepped into a role as managing physician of Penn Medicine Lancaster
General Health Physicians Family Medicine New Holland. Ten minutes separates New Holland and Leola, and Dr. Lynch has continued in a management role at both sites while balancing a full patient panel.
“Dr. Lynch has been instrumental in stabilizing the provider work force and patient access at Leola and New Holland, two practices serving patients in rural areas of Lancaster County. He is dedicated to patient access, strong clinical outcomes, and ensures a positive environment in terms of provider wellness,” his nominator said.
Dr. Jyothy Punnoose, a previous WellSpan Ephrata Provider of the Year, leads the hospitalist team with compassion and joy for patient-centered care. Her leadership, patient advocacy, and community service continue to help transform the work environment at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital. Dr. Punnoose has successfully led the human experience and length of stay work for the hospital. Under her leadership, they have been able to reduce thousands of excess days, resulting in improved patient experience and better patient outcomes. They have also been recognized for excellent physician communication.
Her nominator also shared, “She creates a culture of accountability and professionalism. There are countless examples of her generosity and dedication to improving health and wellness in our communities.”
Dr. Danielle Rubinstein, a current member of Lancaster City & County Medical Society board
Dr. Jyothy Punnoose
Dr. Kevin Lynch
Dr. Danielle Rubinstein
of directors, is a kind and compassionate physician who is widely respected by her patients and colleagues. She provides both inpatient and outpatient care—unique in today’s medical climate. Dr. Rubinstein strives to reduce polypharmacy in our patients, and this ultimately improves the quality of her patients’ lives and reduces pill burden and cost. She has the ability to engage the patient and families in “serious illness” discussions and involving palliative care when appropriate. As an attending, she is always eager to learn from specialists and communicates with them personally.
Her nominator said, “Dr. Rubinstein is kind and compassionate with her patients and her patients are able to share this with me. She is like a “sponge” seeking medical knowledge and practicing high quality and high value medicine. She leads by example and strives to follow evidence-based medical practice, actively sharing her knowledge and insight with her peers and colleagues.”
To qualify for this distinguished recognition, physicians must be PAMED members under the age of 40. Their dedication to advancing health care and enriching the lives of patients exemplifies the highest standards of medical excellence.
For a full list of this year’s winners, please visit www.pamedsoc.org/top40.
Palliative Care
Specialized care at home
• Pain and symptom management related to serious illness
• Conversations about care options
• Patient advocacy and care coordination
• Caregiver support and education
Specialized Care at Home www.ChoicesHealth.org
To make a referral, call (877) 898-0685 or email us at choicesreferrals@choiceshealth.org
This custom Costello Builders home on .76 acres showcases an elegant stucco and stone exterior. Inside, ten-foot ceilings on the main level, rich crown molding, and highend finishes create a luxurious feel. The layout offers five bedrooms and four full baths, including a first-floor guest suite.
A dramatic two-story foyer with hickory hardwood floors and a curved staircase sets the tone. The main level provides a formal dining room, great room with coffered ceiling and fireplace, hearth room with stone fireplace, and gourmet Manny Beiler kitchen with island, breakfast area, and wet bar.
Upstairs, the spacious primary suite has a luxurious bath with soaking tub, dual vanities, stone tile shower, and walk-in closet with direct laundry access.
The finished lower level boasts a custom wet bar, media center, billiards and exercise rooms. Outdoor living features a covered patio, uncovered patio extension with built-in grill and stone fireplace. Extras include a 3-car garage, central vac, and whole house generator hookup.
FRONTLINE GROUPS SUMMER 2025
Frontline Practice Groups have made a 100% membership commitment to LCCMS and PAMED. We thank them for their unified support of our efforts in advocating on your behalf and facilitating an environment for physicians to work collaboratively for the benefit of the profession and patients.
Avalon Primary Care
BestFit Virtual Health + Wellness PLLC
Carter MD Aesthetics
Community Services Group
Conestoga Eye
Dermasurgery Center PC
Dermatology Associates of Lancaster Ltd.
Dermatology Physicians, Inc.
DermDox Dermatology Centers PC-Leola
Eye Associates of Lancaster Ltd.
Eye Health Physicians of Lancaster
Family Eye Group
Family Practice Center PC - Elizabethtown
General Surgery of Lancaster
Glah Medical Group
The Heart Group of Lancaster General Health
Hospice & Community Care
Hypertension & Kidney Specialists
New Members
Aliza Ajmal, DO resident, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Colin Allen, DO resident, UPMC Lititz
Avery Briguglio, MD resident, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Jake Cannon, DO
Brian Fang, MD resident, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Altan Z. Frantz, DO
Carey Hung, DO UPMC Lititz
Marnie S. Kaplan, MD Penn State Health Breast Surgery
Rebecca Allison Keller, MD Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Physicians Maternal Fetal Medicine
Scott Kimbel administrator, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Physicians Sports Medicine
Deborah Knaub administrator, Retina Associates of Lancaster
Anthony J. Milazzo student, Penn State College of Medicine
Karlie Perez administrator, Lancaster Ear, Nose & Throat
Kendall Prowse, DO
Shubhra Rajpurohit student, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Benjamin Sallavanti student
Sarah M. Scott student, Duquesne University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Nawal Syed student, Drexel University College of Medicine
Philippe Warren, MD resident, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Mercedes Engracia Agudo, MD
Tatianie Jackson, MD Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Anubhav Kumar, MD
Lillian Sangha, MD resident, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
Physicians Family Medicine Susquehanna
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
Physicians Gynecologic Oncology
Pennsylvania Specialty Pathology
Retina Associates of Lancaster
Shady Grove Fertility – Lancaster
Union Community Care – Duke Street
Union Community Care – Hershey Avenue
Union Community Care – Kinzer-Church Street
Union Community Care – New Holland Avenue
Union Community Care – Water Street
UPMC Breast Health Associates
UPMC Ephrata Primary Care
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
UPMC Lancaster Pulmonary & Sleep
WellSpan Ephrata Cancer Center
WellSpan Family Health – Georgetown
LCCMS EVENTS 2025
Small Group Networking Walk & W(h)ine
Thursday, July 24, 7 p.m. East Hempfield Township
Asha Zacharia, MD CHOP at Women & Babies Hospital for more information, and to register, please
Small Group Networking Volunteer Service
Wednesday, August 13, 6:30 - 9 p.m. Blessings of Hope, Leola Holiday Social & Foundation Benefit Saturday, December 6, 6:30 - 10 p.m. Lancaster Country Club
