Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System

Congratulations to Nobel Prize Laureates Katalin Karikó, PhD, and Drew Weissman, MD, PhD! Penn Medicine scientists Dr. Karikó and Dr. Weissman have been awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their development of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The Nobel Prize is awarded to those whose contributions “have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” Rarely has the work of an honoree had such an immediate relevance to so many. We are so proud of these scientists and their groundbreaking discoveries, which have not only met the challenge of a global pandemic, but will have a profound impact on the treatment and prevention of many other diseases in the decades to come. Together, Dr. Karikó and Dr. Weissman have been recognized with multiple national and international commendations, including the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, the Breakthrough Prize, the Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research, the VinFuture Grand Prize, and the Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science. Learn more: https://spr.ly/6040uJxMq

From mRNA vaccines to CAR T cell therapy to groundbreaking Alzheimer's research, Penn Medicine is a hub for scientific breakthroughs. "I'm convinced CAR T cells could not have been made anywhere else," says CAR T cell therapy trailblazer Carl June, MD. Hear how Penn's unique culture of collaboration helped progress the development of CAR T cell research beyond cancer into infectious diseases and even veterinary medicine.

Meet Angela Merritte Mansaray, Senior Benefits Specialist and Penn employee since 2004. Angela has participated in Penn’s Way every year since she started at Penn, passionately supporting numerous organizations, including the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, where she volunteered for 18 years, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, the Equal Justice Initiative, Girls Inc., and The Black Women in Sport Foundation. One organization especially close to her heart is the Legacy of Love Foundation (LOLF), the scholarship endowment fund of the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. LOLF provides academic scholarships and grants to over 50 nonprofits that foster community leadership in education, health, economic empowerment, and the arts. “I’ve seen firsthand the difference this makes in communities and for students furthering their education,” Angela shares. “Penn’s Way allows me to support this mission and many others that mean so much to me.” If you’re a Penn Medicine or University of Pennsylvania employee, join Angela and other colleagues in making an impact through Penn’s Way. Every donation goes even further with Penn’s 100% matching contribution this year. Learn more and participate today. https://spr.ly/6045sB54R

For every assist this Philadelphia 76ers season, Penn Medicine and the 76ers will put $76 toward six local violence prevention organizations. Known as "Assists for Safe Communities", the program aims to reduce violence and slow the effects that violence can have on public health. “Since grassroots organizations are vital to driving community-level change, it’s important to us to step up and help them when we can,” said Ajeenah Amir, director of Civic Engagement & Community Partnerships at Penn Medicine. “That is especially true on an issue as critical as gun violence here in our community.” Representatives from these organizations were recognized on-court at a Sixers game earlier this week. Power of Paint Art Academy & Management Center For Family Services ACHIEVEability Learn more: https://spr.ly/6043sPp8P

“The year I had cancer was the worst and best year of my life,” says U.S. Army veteran Chris Naimo. His experience as a Penn Medicine patient inspired him to change careers from insurance fraud investigator to Penn Presbyterian OR nurse. In a personal essay, Naimo expresses gratitude for the care team who cheered him on, including his wife Caitlin Naimo, a HUP electrophysiology nurse, and says he works "every day to return the overwhelming kindness" he received as a patient. After being declared cancer free in 2021, Naimo became a father, completed his first 100-mile bike ride, and will celebrate his one-year anniversary on Penn Medicine’s nursing staff this month. Read the full story: https://spr.ly/6043sJkD1

One of the many ways Penn Medicine supports our troops is through our partnership with the US Navy to prepare military medical teams for the demands of deployment. Through immersive trauma simulations and real-world experience at our Level I Trauma Center, Navy physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals gain the hands-on skills and teamwork needed for critical situations—whether in combat zones or disaster responses. This collaboration allows military medical teams to practice life-saving care in fast-paced, high-stakes environments, readying them to support Americans whenever and wherever they're needed. As we move into the next phase of this partnership, training multiple teams over the next six years, we look forward to further strengthening our commitment to exceptional care and the readiness of our nation’s heroes. https://spr.ly/6044SAopq

Love to see Penn Medicine Basser Center for BRCA co-founder Jon Gray getting after it this morning in his Basser Center gear! ?? Great reminder to take time for ourselves amid a busy week.

Meet Jamie Eidlin, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania. This year, she is proud to support To Love a Canine (TLC) Rescue through Penn’s Way, Penn's employee giving program. TLC Rescue, based in Malvern, PA, is dedicated to rescuing and finding forever homes for abandoned, stray, and surrendered dogs, reducing the needless euthanizing of vulnerable animals. In April 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Jamie and her husband adopted their dog Hamilton from TLC. “We had to postpone our wedding, and we needed something to lift our spirits. We’d always wanted a dog, so we thought, why not now?” Hamilton joined their family and even got to be a part of their backyard wedding. “Supporting TLC is my way of giving back to an organization that works tirelessly to help vulnerable dogs. TLC changed our lives for the better.” If you’re a Penn Medicine or University of Pennsylvania employee, join Jamie in making a difference to the organizations close to your heart. This year, every dollar donated goes even further with Penn’s 100% matching contribution. Learn more and get involved today: https://spr.ly/6048SsyAK #OurWayPennsWay

“In my years of working as a social worker, both in the Emergency Department and on the units, I quickly realized how crucial an early intervention was to help de-escalate behavioral outbursts and challenging situations,” said behavioral health supervisor Patrick Johnson, MSW. Situations like these are why Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital created the Behavioral Response Team–to provide both staff and patients with resources and solutions to mental health and behavioral care. Read the full story: https://spr.ly/6048StPC6

Congratulations to CAR T cell therapy pioneer Carl June, MD, on receiving the Abarca Prize for his development of the revolutionary treatment that trains a patient's immune system to fight their cancer. While in Madrid to accept his award, Dr. June was personally congratulated by HM King Felipe IV of Spain in a private audience, pictured here. The Abarca International Award for Medical Sciences aims to highlight the impact of medical innovations on a global scale, recognizing scientists whose work has made a significant contribution to improving the health of people and populations. A press release from the Abarca Prize stated, "The development of CAR T cell therapy is one of the most relevant medical-scientific advances of our time, comparable to the discovery of antibiotics, chemotherapy, or genetic research." Learn more: https://spr.ly/6042STIs2