The Scoop Volume 59 October 2026

October 2026 Volume 59

Recognition

Department of Ophthalmology Patient Navigator Dana McGinnis-Thomas talked with the Pittsburgh Tribune about how she helps break down healthcare barriers.

Read the interview

Catherine V. Palmer, PhD, Chair, Department of Communication Science and Disorders, and Director, UPMC Audiology, and Leah Helou, PhD, CCC-SLP, Director of Speech-Language Pathology, UPMC Voice Center, talked about their work with athletes, coaches, and personnel to protect their hearing and voice.

Read about how they help on the sideline

Congratulations to Carl Snyderman, MD, MBA, on the publication of "Global Consensus on the Management of Primary Localized Chordoma" in JAMA Oncology!

Chordoma is a rare and challenging malignant bone tumor associated with high rates of local recurrence, significant morbidity, and metastatic spread in up to 60% of patients throughout the disease course. Given its rarity and anatomical complexity, generating high-quality evidence has historically been difficult.

This important international consensus update brings together multidisciplinary expertise to provide contemporary recommendations for the management of localized chordoma, reflecting advances in pathology, imaging, surgical techniques, radiotherapy, and supportive care since the original guidelines were published in 2015.

Dr. Snyderman was also a panelist at Startup PGH sharing his insights as an academic innovator.

Read about the panel

Congratulations to Earflo on being recognized by Fast Company's 2026 Innovation by Design awards!

See the list

Congratulations to Ryan Soose, MD, Chief, Sleep Division, on being named a recipient of the UPMC Excellence in Patient Experience Specialty Excellence Award!

Of the 5000 physicians at UPMC, less than 50 receive the award which represents the top patient satisfaction scores in each specialty. Dr Soose has earned this award for the top ratings in Otolaryngology across the UPMC system in 4 of the last 5 years.

Articles

First Robotic Assisted CI Surgery at CHP

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh recently performed its first cochlear implant surgery with the iotaSOFT Insertion System, the world’s first FDA-authorized robotic-assisted electrode array insertion technology. It was the first pediatric iota surgery in the state and only the second pediatric-focused center in the country to use iotaSOFT.

Chance Meeting Led to Internship at Vision Institute

A chance meeting because of a friendly dog led college student Marwa Rahim to an internship at the UPMC Vision Institute.

Helping People Find Their Most Authentic Voice

Of the many services the UPMC Voice Center provides, its voice care program is especially highly regarded and unique.

Dr. Finkelstein to Retire

Jerome Finkelstein, MD, FACS, is retiring from the Department of Ophthalmology at the end of the 2026 calendar year. He joined the Department in 2021 and serves as Executive Vice Chair of Clinical Operations; Clinical Associate Professor; Chief of Ophthalmology at UPMC Mercy and Presbyterian Shadyside; and Physician Lead, Ophthalmic Technician Training Program.

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