November Movers & Shakers

UPMC received national recognition for innovation in patient safety and quality from Joint Commission and National Quality Forum, nonprofit organizations that work to improve healthcare outcomes. The award was given at UNIFYTM 2026: Convening for Quality, Joint Commission’s premier, flagship annual conference dedicated to advancing healthcare quality, patient safety and organizational excellence. UPMC was presented with the John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award for Local Level Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality for an initiative to detect and halt nascent infectious disease outbreaks. The health system developed the initiative with researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and piloted it at its flagship hospital, UPMC Presbyterian.

Construction is underway on a new UPMC specialty care destination at Clearview Mall, bringing more advanced services closer to home for Butler County residents who already rely on UPMC for many of their healthcare needs. Expected to open in early 2027, the new complex represents the next phase of UPMC's continued investment in Butler County. In addition to specialty physician services, plans include expanded diagnostic imaging and surgical offerings through strategic partnerships.

UPMC Center for Geriatric Medicine and Cognitive Health has expanded to the North Hills. Kelly Bellia, DO, is accepting patients at the new UPMC Center for Geriatric Medicine and Cognitive Health, Cranberry, Part of UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. Dr. Bellia offers primary care for ages 65-plus and geriatric consultations for dementia. They are located at 20130 Route 19, Suite 2300, inside West Medical Building 6.

Pittsburgh native, Mike Komara, 26, who graduated from Penn State in 2022 with a material science engineering degree, recently competed in the 44^th FIPS Mouche World Fly Fishing Championship in Idaho/Montana/and Wyoming. This was his 6^th year competing. The team did something that has never been done before by a US Fly Fishing Team—come home with a team Gold Medal!  A US team member also won an individual gold medal as well.  For more details, visit innovativeangling.com. 

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced that the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, was once again granted accreditation by AZA’s independent Accreditation Commission. Following a comprehensive evaluation, the Accreditation Commission determined that the facility has continued to meet AZA’s standards for animal well-being, care and management. A thorough review ensures that each facility has met and will continue to meet ever-rising standards. As a condition of Association membership, AZA facilities must complete this rigorous accreditation process every five years.