World-class care delivered close to home
Penn State Health is uniquely positioned to turn new discoveries into patient breakthroughs – by uniting our academic medical center with our community hospitals to deliver innovation close to home.
From primary care in local communities to nationally recognized quaternary care in Hershey, Penn State Health covers the full spectrum. Patients don’t need to leave central Pennsylvania for advanced options like GammaTile® brain therapy, congenital heart surgery or precision cancer trials because those are already here.
Penn State Health is not just a health system; it is directly linked to Penn State College of Medicine. That integration means patients have access to the latest research, clinical trials and physician-scientists working on the front lines of discovery, while also benefiting from the compassionate, community-based care of a regional health system. Few systems can claim both.
While many competitors are based in Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, Penn State Health is of and for central Pennsylvania. It invests in local hospitals, practices and outreach programs while still offering access to a world-class academic medical center at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Discover how our breakthroughs in medicine and the power of Penn State benefits you.
Saving lives with science
Making the trip worth every mile
Ford was your typical toddler – until he was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Fortunately, Ford's family found Giselle Sholler, MD, who discovered the only drug to treat his cancer, making the trip from Pittsburgh to Hershey worth every mile.
Beating the odds through expert care
Cameron’s life was changed after a tragic car accident, but thanks to the expert care provided at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and powered by Penn State College of Medicine, he is back to playing the sports he loves.
Breakthrough brain tumor treatment gives woman hope for the future
After years of fighting a recurring brain tumor, Amanda Rinehart found herself at another crossroads. When the tumor returned for the third time in 2022, she was determined to explore new options.
Healing faster with Penn State innovation
An accomplished multi-sport endurance athlete, Nancy was only one mile from finishing a 51-mile bike tour when she was involved in a near-fatal collision, changing her life in an instant.
Inspiring videos
Ford Bartle was a typical toddler when he was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that mostly affects children under 6.
Cameron Wamsher was 8 years old when he was hit by a car and landed on another before being airlifted to Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
Amanda's world was changed forever when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After multiple recurrences and aggressive treatments, a new approach was needed.
Nancy Rehm suffered more than 20 broken bones after being struck by an SUV. Her life was saved by a breakthrough approach developed at Penn State College of Medicine: RibFix Advantage™
Behind the breakthroughs
Providing the best care possible for the kids
Matt Swift, RN, understands that words alone aren’t enough. He must prove through his actions that he has the knowledge to help a child recover.
Enhancing care with patience and creativity
By remembering the small things like what type of room they like, Julie Bender, RN, helps ease patient's anxiety.
Making a difference one patient at a time
With more than two decades of experience, Anthony Tsai, MD, has developed the skills needed to handle complex cases like Cameron's.
The turning point
All of the children that we treat are so important. Research and medical innovations are helping to make their lives better.
Building a Nationwide Network
Giselle Saulnier Sholler, MD envisioned bridging the gap between research and clinical care through innovative translational research programs.
Restoring lives with neurosurgical precision
Christopher Zacko, MD, thrives on the challenge of treating brain injuries caused by trauma; each case demanding quick thinking.
Advancing patient-centered brain tumor care
Dr. Brad Zacharia's early fascination with the brain made neurosurgery a natural career choice.
Combining clinical skill with deep compassion
Alexa Lantz is a steady source of support and education for patients in their most difficult moments.
Redefining care through compassion and innovation
Dr. Sean Mahase helped build a program that provides a personalized approach to care and leading-edge medicine.
Highlighting our staff and students
Finding solutions for patients in their time of need
Kelsey Miller takes pride in connecting with patients in their time of need.
Empowering the community to help one another
Sunny Goodyear leads safety programs across communities in Penn State Health’s five-county area.
Changing lives by creating a positive experience
Jodi Bracken understands the importance of seeing patients for more than just their medical condition.
Designed a disabilities curriculum
Lydia Smeltz developed a curriculum for students at Penn State College of Medicine.
Welcoming every patient
Eric Wayman describes his role as Lancaster Pediatric Center’s official greeter as the joy of his life.
Reaching out to a community in need
Tara Simmons understands people just want to be heard, taken care of and loved.
Advocating for her beloved profession
Kelsey Barrett is passionate about providing expert and compassionate patient care.
Breaking down barriers to care
Angela Shuman gives marginalized populations the time and respect they need to feel valued.
Advocating for patient care excellence
Aileen McCormick is resilient, able to switch gears quickly and always ready to help.
Ensuring every patient gets the care they need
Leah Holmberg understands that supporting staff is essential to providing quality care for patients.
Practicing global health in her backyard
Leesha Helm, MD, is dedicated to helping patients who face barriers to care.
Inventing the future of reconstructive surgery
Dr. Dino Ravnic thrives in a dual role that allows him to blend clinical practice with research.
Striving to make every patient feel valued
Nate Oster ensures patients have the services and supports they need.
Bringing people together
Wendy Marumoto-Vlahos enjoys planning creative events that show support for her department.
Supporting cancer patients at every step
Rebecca Gingrich focuses on every patient having a positive experience.
Sharing her experience for the benefit of others
Doris Shank understands the importance of clinical trials in advancing cancer care.
Helping kids be kids, even in the hospital
Pam Baranowski does everything she can to ensure patients and their parents have a positive experience.
Improving lives as a humanitarian first
Saul Elertas treats patients with comfort and compassion.
Inspiring the next generation of medical professionals
Osiris Martinez Urquilla uses her leadership role to inspire technicians and students.
Training the Next Generation in Medicine
Dr. Burrows believes the institution’s commitment helped shape him into a compassionate physician.
Turning a Passion into Practice
Riley Gerber chose Penn State because it wasn’t just about earning a degree.
Where Purpose Meets Possibility
Dr. Maglakelidze's education allowed her to approach patient care through scientific rigor.
Building meaningful connections with every candidate
Patty Shipton believes the best part of her job is getting to know the candidates and their stories.
From Pennsylvania, For Pennsylvania
Dr. Mark Stephens is guided by his rural Pennsylvania roots and lifelong commitment to service.
Answering the call
Sister Rose Dvorak tends to the spiritual needs of patients, families and staff.
Providing compassionate care, one call at a time
Cindy Rivera is a source of reassurance, guidance and compassion.
Building meaningful patient relationships
Lisa Duncan enjoys making a positive difference in the lives of her patients.
Guided by one unwavering principle
Dr. Marc Rovito strives to provide exceptional patient care.
Where medicine meets innovation
Third-year medical student Sai Kurapati works to bridge health disparities.
Preparing students to deliver the highest level of care
Phillip Stark helps students develop critical thinking skills, knowledge and confidence.
Educating and improving patient care
Gretchen Ramsey spends her days coaching providers on how to connect with patients and family members.
A sense of family working on the third shift
Greg Mull and his coworkers share a bond built on laughter, mutual support and patient care.
Supporting health equity in our communities
Jessica Wadsworth believes everyone deserves access to quality health care.
A journey of resilience and purpose
Alison Smolinski is dedicated to supporting the next generation of physician-scientists.
Giving back one patient at a time
Jennifer Ovechka connects with patients in a way that few people can.
Taking care of our neighbors
Manny Isherwood pushes to do what is best for patients.
Educating the next generation of physicians
Dr. Aghazarian is passionate about teaching complex surgical concepts and hands-on skills.
Improving patient care through innovation
Dr. Jonathan Ken studies the evidence behind new technology to benefit patients and the health system.
Building connections that go beyond the job
Alex Blackwood wants to be the first person on the scene to help patients in an emergency.
Serving patients with purpose
Jatin Patel is committed to supporting patients in any way he can.
Empowering patients in critical moments
Nirmala Dahal is fulfilling her promise to pursue a career helping those in need.
Restoring function and quality of life
Dr. Jessyka Lighthall brings life-changing care to patients who once had limited options.