In Their Words

UPMC Pinnacle Foundation and UPMC Central Pa
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Health & Fitness

The IN THEIR WORDS podcast by UPMC Pinnacle Foundation and UPMC Central Pa. features patient stories, expert insights, and community impact in inspiring interviews.

  1. 6d ago

    Understanding Palliative Care: Part 2 — Dr. Robin Hicks

    In this episode of In Their Words, we sit down with Dr. Robin Hicks, physician medical director of UPMC Supportive Care and Palliative Medicine in Central Pennsylvania, for a conversation about compassion, connection, and caring for patients and families through some of life’s most difficult moments. Dr. Hicks shares what drew her to palliative medicine, some of the misconceptions surrounding this often-misunderstood specialty, and how listening to patients and families continues to shape her work. She also discusses the role philanthropy can play in providing meaningful support beyond traditional medical care. From honoring a patient’s wishes to finding small but powerful ways to support families, Dr. Hicks offers a thoughtful look at the human side of medicine.

  2. Aug 18

    Understanding Palliative Care: Part 1 — Angela’s Story

    In this episode of In Their Words, Angela Miller, a lead LPN at UPMC with more than 40 years of nursing experience, shares a deeply personal perspective on palliative care. After a career spent caring for others, Angela found herself on the other side of healthcare when her father faced advanced heart failure. She reflects on how her family’s experience with the palliative care team transformed her understanding of end-of-life care and showed her the profound impact of compassionate, patient-centered support.

  3. Jul 28

    Fighting to Quit: The Work Behind the Wins, Part 2

    In this episode, Pamela Miller, Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and Health Educator II, discusses tobacco cessation programs offered through UPMC Central Pa and at UPMC Memorial. Pamela shares how education, personalized support, and practical strategies help individuals and employees successfully quit smoking. She also reflects on Bill’s journey from the previous episode, sharing how meaningful his experience was to her and how emotional it was to see the program truly change someone’s life after so many years of trying.

  4. Jul 14

    Fighting to Quit: Bill’s Story Part 1

    After decades of failed attempts, Bill thought quitting smoking was impossible. Then one workplace program at UPMC Central Pa changed everything. Six years later, he is smoke-free and thriving. Hear what clicked for him, why this approach worked when nothing else did, and the moments that transformed his mindset.

  5. May 26

    Hope and Healing in Hanover: Dominic's Journey, Part 2

    On this episode of In Their Words, the podcast brought to you by UPMC in Central PA and the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, we share the stories, voices, and perspectives that matter most in healthcare and healing. Today's episode features Stacie James, Program Director for the UPMC Hanover Pediatric Rehabilitation Center. In this episode, we'll get to know Stacie. her journey, her passion, and what drives her work every day. And we'll hear her perspective on our last episode, where we spoke with Katie St. Claire about her son Dominic's remarkable journey at the Pediatric Rehabilitation Center. a journey that helped him gain independence and truly transformed his life.

  6. May 12

    Hope and Healing in Hanover: Dominic's Journey at UPMC Pediatric Rehab, Part 1

    Kathryn St. Clair shares the remarkable journey of her son, Dominic, whose diagnosis of spina bifida during pregnancy set their family on a path filled with decisions, challenges, and moments of profound strength. Now four years old, Dominic receives much of his ongoing support through UPMC Hanover’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Program, where physical and occupational therapy have helped him gain strength, confidence, and independence.

  7. Apr 28

    The Call That Changes Everything: Donate Life Month

    In honor of Donate Life Month, this episode of In Their Words features Rebecca Brown, Director of the Kidney Transplant Program at UPMC in Central Pa., offering an inside look at what transplant care truly involves. From evaluation to life after transplant, Rebecca walks through the full journey patients and families experience. She shares what it means when a patient gets “the call,” the realities behind the growing transplant waitlist, and the critical role of living donors in saving lives. Through both clinical insight and human connection, this conversation highlights the urgency, the hope, and the impact of organ donation.

  8. Apr 14

    The Great Social Experiment: Inside the Living Donor Journey

    Candice S. Coleman, Workplace Culture and Community Engagement Consultant at UPMC Central Pa., David Krissman, creator of The Great Social Experiment, and Riley Brubaker, Campaign Associate for The Great Social Experiment and a kidney transplant recipient, come together to share a powerful look at the impact of living kidney donation. Candice reflects on donating a kidney to save a family member’s life, while Riley offers her lived experience navigating kidney failure, dialysis, transplant, and recovery. Listen in to hear how lifesaving donations brought these three together and the remarkable stories that fuel The Great Social Experiment and its mission to change outcomes for patients in need.

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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

The IN THEIR WORDS podcast by UPMC Pinnacle Foundation and UPMC Central Pa. features patient stories, expert insights, and community impact in inspiring interviews.

Information

  • Creator
    UPMC Pinnacle Foundation and UPMC Central Pa
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © UPMC Pinnacle Foundation and UPMC Central Pa
  • Show Website
    In Their Words