Mission of Mercy 2025
Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh’s October event shattered the previous record, surpassing 2,000 patients. In fact, the free dental, vision, and hearing clinic reached capacity by early afternoon on its second day. The Eye & Ear Foundation in partnership with Call to Care hosted the two-day event, which took place October 24-25.
Read More
| | |
The landmark clinical trial co-led by José-Alain Sahel, MD, on the PRIMA retinal implant continues to gain national recognition. The wireless retinal implant can restore central vision in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to clinical trial results published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Advanced atrophic AMD, also known as geographic atrophy (GA), is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in older adults, affecting more than 5 million people worldwide.
Here is a compilation of press stories in national and local outlets.
Watch the documentary (7 minutes and 31 seconds long) about the team of scientists, surgeons, and engineers who pursued what seemed impossible: restoring functional central vision to people blinded by geographic atrophy. This is the story of the people who made it happen: the dedication, the setbacks, and the hope that drove this team forward.
| | Congratulations to Peter Santa Maria, MD, PhD, whose Earflo device has been recognized as one of Time’s Best Inventions of 2025! Earflo: The Best Inventions of 2025 | TIME! This accolade is a testament to the innovation and dedication that Dr. Santa Maria and his team have poured into this groundbreaking project. Earflo also received $415,000 from RK Mellon. | | Congratulations to Ryan Soose, MD, on receiving the International Surgical Sleep Society (ISSS) Lifetime Achievement Award! “This ISSS award means the world to me, as this is the organization where I grew up and where I tried to emulate so many of the great sleep leaders before me," Dr. Soose said. "I would like to thank my mentor, Dr. Pat Strollo, and dedicate this award to him. Dr. Strollo believed in me from day one—at a time when it was not common for surgeons to practice sleep medicine. I owe any and all success to his ever-present guidance, training, and mentorship.” | | Congratulations to Marie-Hélène Errera, MD, PharmD, PhD, who received the Mission of Mercy award from the Mercy Physician Wellness Committee! | | Congratulations to Ethan Rossi, PhD, on receiving the Medical Student Research Mentoring Merit Award from the University of Pittsburgh! His summer research mentee Charlotte Sprauls recommended him for this award during the 2025 Deans Summer Research Program. | | Congratulations to the Pitt OTOHNS SLP team, which took first place at the UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside 2025 Quality & Safety Fair for their project, “Tracheostomy & Passy-Muir Speaking Valve (PMV) Education QI Project!” The team gave a shoutout to Hannah Speedy, Sarah McKinney, and Kate Krobot for their outstanding work, and to Tamara Wincko for her leadership and support throughout the project. They also gave special thanks to their partners in Pitt Nursing and Respiratory for their essential contributions, and to Dr. Contrera for his continued guidance. | |
The Voice, Airway & Swallow Center's Novel Technology for HNC Patients
The Voice, Airway & Swallow Center has novel technology for head and neck cancer patients and is working with the UPMC Head & Neck Cancer Survivorship Clinic and speech language pathologists to implement them.
Read More
| |
Ellen Butts is Living Her Childhood Dream
Ellen Butts, OD, has wanted to work at UPMC since she was 12 years old. Now she is Division Chief of the Optometry Service, living out her dream.
Read More
| |
Finding Balance: Susan George's Journey
After practicing as a physical therapist at UPMC for over 38 years, Susan George was enjoying being a grandmother. Suddenly, she began losing her balance a little bit here and there, which never used to happen. Despite being born with one leg, she was surprisingly sure-footed.
Read More
| |
The Art of Vision Science
The Mercy Vision Institute Scientific Image Contest recently announced this year’s winners. Out of about 70 submissions, 12 made the shortlist, one clinched the top prize, and another was chosen as the fan favorite.
Read More
| |
UPMC Swallow Disorders Center Seeks Funding for Mobile HNC Screenings
Sandra Stinnett, MD, hopes to collaborate with the Communication Van for head and neck cancer screenings. But a few things need to happen first, including lining up some funding for necessary expenses.
Read More
| | | | | |
