In Their Words

Embark on an inspiring journey with us in this special episode, where the heart and soul of UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing come to life through the stories of its students. Join a candid conversation with these aspiring healthcare professionals as they open up about the profound impact of their educational experience. Discover the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal moments that have shaped the li...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ta-Liah Jones, one of the first graduates from UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing at UPMC Harrisburg's innovative accelerated RN program. Selected by her peers to deliver a moving graduation address to her historic class of 42 graduates, Ta-Liah embodies the spirit of modern nursing education. Ta-Liah shares her remarkable journey from choosing nursing as a...

In this episode of In Their Words, Senior Respiratory Therapists Sandy Gates and Amy Borneo of UPMC Hanover Pulmonary Rehab share their perspective on Holly Brown's inspiring recovery journey. They discuss their approach to patient care, reflect on Holly's determination through rehabilitation, and provide insights into the vital work of helping patients reclaim their lives after respiratory illnes...

In this inspiring episode of In Their Words, grateful patient Holly Brown shares her journey of survival and recovery after a severe battle with COVID-19. Just weeks after her wedding in fall 2021, Holly was hospitalized with blood clots, pneumonia, and spent three weeks in the ICU. Through intensive care, rehabilitation, and UPMC’s pulmonary rehab program, Holly relearned to walk, rebuilt her str...

In this compelling follow-up episode of In Their Words, we hear directly from Sabrina Torres, a certified doula with the Diversifying Doulas Initiative. Inspired by her own transformative birthing experience, Sabrina shares her journey into the world of doula care and her mission to support Black and Latinx birthing persons in Lancaster County. Building on the foundation laid in our conversation w...

In this powerful episode of In Their Words, Dr. Sharee Livingston discusses the incredible work of the Diversifying Doulas Initiative, a program proudly supported by the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation in partnership with Patients R Waiting. This initiative combats health inequity by hiring and certifying women of color as doulas to support Black and Latinx birthing persons in Lancaster County. Dr. Livin...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with grateful patient Melissa Mann to hear her inspiring story about navigating life without health insurance. Melissa shares how the UPMC Healthy Woman Program has been a lifeline, providing her with free annual mammograms, breast exams, and pelvic exams. As a Personal Trainer and Nutritional Coach for women, Melissa highlights the critical importance of acc...

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the heart of women's healthcare with two extraordinary professionals on the frontlines of community health. Linda Weibrecht, Nurse Coordinator of the UPMC Healthy Woman Program, and Nancy Cupps, Director of Women's Services at Magee-Womens Hospital, share raw, emotional insights into a mission that goes far beyond medical screenings – it's about saving l...

In this episode, we celebrate Chris Prince, a true hero and living kidney donor who uses his unique platform to spread awareness about the life-saving power of organ donation. Chris isn’t your typical Santa—he’s a Punk Rock Santa, rocking out and raising support for a cause close to his heart. When a close friend faced a life-threatening kidney condition, Chris didn’t hesitate to step up, get test...

This December, In Their Words embraces the spirit of the holiday season with an inspiring episode filled with hope, resilience, and gratitude. Listen to the remarkable healthcare journeys of Evamarie, Karenmay, Chad, and Pam—grateful patients from Central Pa. who share their powerful stories of overcoming challenges, finding strength, and receiving exceptional care from their UPMC providers. Throu...

In this episode, we sit down with Clara I. Roberti, MSW, LSW, the Lead Forensic Interviewer at UPMC Child Advocacy Center of Central Pa. (CAC). As a bilingual professional and certified medical interpreter, Clara offers unique insights into the critical role of language in child advocacy. Following our previous episode on law enforcement's involvement with Child Advocacy Centers, we now explore th...

Get ready for a gripping episode of "In Their Words" that takes you behind the scenes of child advocacy. This powerful installment features an all-star panel of unsung heroes fighting for our community's most vulnerable. Hear firsthand from the fearless Detectives Lee Tarasi and Jeff Corcoran as they unveil the intricate world of child abuse investigations. Feel the passion of Victims Advocate Kim...

In this follow-up to our previous episode, we dive deeper into the world of grant funding and its real-world impact. Join us as we sit down with Mindy Reighard, Manager of Grants & Contracts at the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, and discuss the Mobile WISH (Women's Health Services) unit, a groundbreaking initiative supporting women's gynecological needs. Mindy reveals the intricate process of secur...

In this compelling first installment, we're joined by two remarkable healthcare professionals at the forefront of women's health: Denise Turoczi, BSN, RN, OCN, Manager for Gyn Oncology Nurse Navigation at UPMC in Central Pa., and Dr. Joshua Kesterson, Gynecologic Oncologist and Medical Director of Gynecological Oncology with UPMC in Central Pa. Together, they unveil the groundbreaking Mobile WISH...

In this powerful episode, we meet Rose Colon, an Operations Specialist at UPMC in Central PA., and a determined mother whose life took an unexpected turn when her son suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in an accident. Rose shares her family's emotional journey through the initial shock, the challenges of recovery, and the realization that support for TBI survivors and their families was criti...

In this powerful episode, Leigh Ann Wilson shares the emotional and inspiring story of her husband, Dr. Matthew Wilson's, traumatic brain injury (TBI) following a near-fatal crash. She recounts the harrowing moments after the accident and the challenging road to recovery that followed. Dr. Wilson, defied the odds to not only recover but also return to his medical career at UPMC. Their experience w...

Dr. Silver, a renowned psychiatrist and gynecologist, discusses how integrating mental and reproductive healthcare proved crucial in changin lives, as we revisit the story of Ashley Fox and how she achieves her dream of motherhood. Offering unique insight into the support provided by Women's Behavioral Health during this critical time. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of holistic women's health...

In this episode, Ashley Fox shares her transformative journey through pregnancy, detailing her experiences with Women's Behavioral Health teams at UPMC in central PA. Her powerful story illustrates how specialized mental health care not only supported her path to motherhood but also profoundly changed her life, offering hope and insights for other women facing similar challenges.

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Denise Haas, an Outpatient Pediatric Social Worker at UPMC Children's Specialty Services, to delve into the profound impact of their work. Join us as we explore the crucial role social workers play in the lives of pediatric patients and their families.

Join us for a heartfelt episode as we follow the remarkable journey of nine-year-old Caremy Darr, who faced a life-changing Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis after initially presenting flu-like symptoms. Discover the pivotal role played by the dedicated healthcare professionals at UPMC, who provided Caremy with unwavering support, personalized care, and the tools to manage her condition. Caremy expresses...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with the esteemed Penny Lenig-Zerby, PhD, RN, CSN, Director of UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing. Join us as Penny takes us on a journey through the transformative impact of the Shadyside School of Nursing on aspiring healthcare professionals. Discover the unique philosophy, educational approach, and real-world experiences that shape the curriculum at UPMC Sh...

In the latest episode of In Their Words podcast, we sit down with Gretchen Rupp, a healthcare professional embarking on an exciting new chapter in her career journey. Join us as we delve into Gretchen's decision to transition from the ambulatory world to the dynamic environment of UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing at West Shore Hospital's ICU. With insights into her motivations, aspirations, and th...

In this episode of In Their Words, we explore the collaborative efforts of UPMC Veteran Care Services, the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, and Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (VOPA) in creating Veterans Grove, a sanctuary nestled along the serene Susquehanna River in south Harrisburg. Joined by guests Marc Migala, Tom Zimmerman, and Bill Habacivch, we uncover the vision and development of this transfo...

In this compelling episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Kelly Luster, a grateful patient of the Veteran Care Services program at UPMC in Central Pa. Kelly shares his deeply personal story, recounting his years of service in the military and the injuries he sustained during his deployment to Iraq, including herniating five discs in his back. Through candid and heartfelt narration, Kelly...

Step into the world of transplant surgery with Dr. Ladie. In this episode, she shares insights into her work, highlighting the touching story of Mary Oliveira—a living donor she worked closely with. Explore the intricacies of living donor transplants and the powerful connections that make these journeys so remarkable. Join us for an impactful glimpse into the compassionate realm of organ donation...