News Releases

See below for the latest press releases from the Pennsylvania Medical Society on a wide range of health care issues.

Related Content

PAMED County Healthcare Access Watch List Includes 17 Counties
Statewide data shows improvements, but some counties are a concern
You’re Not Done Yet …Why Immunizations Don’t End With Childhood
Most of us think that immunizations end with childhood. We get the shots, and then we’re protected for life, right? Not so.
Medication Clean-Up Day Announced in Harrisburg
Plans to help clean up medicine cabinets throughout Harrisburg to create a safer environment for residents got a boost today when representatives of Lower Paxton Township, Drug Free PA, and the Pennsylvania Medical Society declared August 7 “Medication Clean-Up Day” in the area.
Media Alert: Harrisburg Area's Medication Clean-Up Campaign to be Announced
Leftover prescription medications can be a community hazard. Prescription drug abuse by teenagers is a dangerous and growing problem nationally.
State Politicians Need to Reconcile Differences to Best Protect Young Drivers
The following is a guest op-ed from David Turkewitz, MD, FAAP, president, Pennsylvania Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics; Daniel Wehner, MD, FACEP, president, Pennsylvania Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians; and James A. Goodyear, MD, president, Pennsylvania Medical Society, regarding the safety of teen drivers and bills in the state legislature.
Health System Reform Already Falling Short of Expectations
The following is a guest op-ed from James A. Goodyear, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, regarding an issue related to the health system reform.
Allegheny County Physician Wins State Medical Society's International Voluntary Service Award
An Allegheny County physician has been named the 2010 recipient of the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Physician Award for International Voluntary Service.
Understanding Pain and Treatment Options
Pennsylvania Medical Society member offers insight for pain sufferers.
Is Gluten the Latest Villain in the Battle for Better Health?
If you’ve been food shopping or out to eat lately, you’ve probably noticed that “gluten-free” foods now claim their own grocery store shelves and dozens of national restaurant chain menus highlight “gluten-free” entrees.
Cancer and Diet—What’s The Connection?
Combine the fear of cancer with a desire for the latest quick fix and it’s easy to understand why the dietary supplement industry is booming.
Putting a Face on Pain Focus of Harrisburg Summit
Under treated pain costs $100 billion annually in health care expenses, lost income, and lost productivity
No Stroke of Luck
Understanding the signs of a stroke, and what you can do to help
Callers Wanted to Talk/Seek Advice During PA Medical Society’s Docs on Call Program
Callers flooded the lines with an array of health-related questions during the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s public service program Docs on Call.
Popular Docs on Call Program Returns; PA Medical Society Physicians to Assist Callers
Physician members of the Pennsylvania Medical Society will answer questions and discuss medical concerns with local residents anonymously and free of charge on Wednesday, March 3.
Heartache to Heartbreak – How to Recognize a Heart Attack, or Avoid One All Together
Nearly 650,000 Pennsylvanians over the age of 35 have had a heart attack. Do you know the signs of a heart attack and what factors put you at greater risk?
Grant Awarded to Develop Health Education in Pittsburgh's Latino Communities
Pa Medical Society provides $5,000 Healthy Living in Ethnic Communities Grant to the Consumer Health Coalition of Allegheny Count
Santa’s Great Temptation: 787,500,000 Calories in Pennsylvania Alone
Children asked to help Santa by serving healthy snacks on December 24.
Wrap Rage
Here’s a holiday news nugget for those who will experience “wrap rage” this season …
Demand for Charitable Health Care Increased During Past Year, Says Statewide Survey of Pennsylvania Physicians
A report publicly released today by the Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society suggests demand for charitable care provided by physicians increased significantly in the past year, and that their ability to meet the demand may be unsustainable.
Flu Concerns Drive 256 Calls to Televised Swine Flu Hotline
Pennsylvania Medical Society members joined forces with KYW CBS-3 Philadelphia for a special call-in event to answer questions about swine flu.
Good Medicine for November 2009
The truth about food poisoning and strep.
Miss Pennsylvania and State Doctors Team Up for Health Care Week Kickoff Event Targeting High School Students
As part of the state’s November 10 Health Care Career Kickoff event, Miss Pennsylvania will join the Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery to mentor high school students interested in becoming physicians.
Flu Concerns Drive 264 Calls in 90 Minutes to ‘Doctors on Call’
Pennsylvania Medical Society members team up with WGAL to help Susquehanna Valley residents.
Local Physicians Named Chair, Vice Chair of the Pennsylvania Medical Society Board of Trustees
The Pennsylvania Medical Society has named John Pagan, MD, FACS, as chair and Karen Rizzo, MD, FACS, as vice chair of its Board of Trustees.
Physician Elected Vice President of the Pennsylvania Medical Society
Marilyn J. Heine, MD, FACP, FACEP, will become president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society in 2011.
Physicians Elected to Pennsylvania Medical Society Board
At its annual House of Delegates meeting, members of the Pennsylvania Medical Society elected the following physicians to positions on the statewide organization’s board of trustees.
Local Physician Sworn in as 160th President of the Pennsylvania Medical Society
James A. Goodyear, MD, a board-certified general surgeon from North Wales, was sworn in as the 160th president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society on October 24 during the organization’s annual statewide meeting held in Hershey, PA.
Good Medicine for October 2009
As we move into cooler months, many people will be enjoying traditional fall wilderness activities such as hunting, trapping, and leaf-viewing hikes.
Good Medicine for September 2009
"Good Medicine for Pennsylvania” featuring Peter Lund, MD, chair of the Pennsylvania Medical Society's Institute for Good Medicine and his member colleagues sharing general medical information to help you live healthier.
Coalition Responds to C+ National Report Card Grade on Pain Care
A coalition of state-based health care organizations hopes that the recently declared ‘Pain Awareness Month’ can alleviate the hurt by educating the public.
Good Medicine Web Show: Avoiding Lyme Disease
To help the public understand Lyme Disease and how to protect themselves against it, the Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society has dedicated its current web show to this topic.
Good Medicine for June/July 2009
"Good Medicine for Pennsylvania” featuring Peter Lund, MD, chair of the Pennsylvania Medical Society's Institute for Good Medicine and his member colleagues sharing general medical information to help you live healthier.
Letter to the Editor: Thanks to Senators Casey and Specter
On June 29, 2009, the Pennsylvania Medical Society issued a letter to the editor across the state regarding the recent actions in Washington, DC, on tobacco products.
Abington Memorial Hospital Wins Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Community Organization Diversity Award
Abington Memorial Hospital was recently named the 2009 recipient of the Community Organization Diversity Award from the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
Good Medicine Web Show: Eye Exams Important for Cancer Detection
The Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society has dedicated its next Good Medicine web show on eye cancer.
Pennsylvania Medical Society Names New Executive Vice President
Denise E. Zimmerman has been appointed executive vice president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society in Harrisburg.
Lancaster County Physician Wins Pennsylvania Medical Society's Highest Honor
A semi-retired Lancaster doctor, who is hailed as a medical leader and educator, has been named the 2009 recipient of the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Distinguished Service Award.
Good Medicine for May 2009
"Good Medicine for Pennsylvania” featuring Peter Lund, MD, chair of the Pennsylvania Medical Society's Institute for Good Medicine and his member colleagues sharing general medical information to help you live healthier.
Popular Docs on Call Program Returns; PA Medical Society Physicians to Assist Callers
Public service program airs Monday, May 18 on CBS-3.
Good Medicine for You: Swine Flu Special Edition
This special edition is in response to the many news stories on the swine flu.
Good Medicine for April 2009
"Good Medicine for Pennsylvania” featuring Peter Lund, MD, chair of the Pennsylvania Medical Society's Institute for Good Medicine and his member colleagues sharing general medical information to help you live healthier.
Good Medicine: Traumatic Head Injuries
Just as I was sending out my last column which included a section on head injuries, helmets, and head gear as it relates to children and sports, tragic news of the death of actress Natasha Richardson was breaking.
What has Kept You from Donating Blood
Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. About 25 percent of all Americans will require blood at least once in their lifetime.
Mann, Browne Introduce Resolutions to Improve Pain Management
State Rep. Jennifer L. Mann, D-Lehigh, and state Sen. Pat Browne, R-Lehigh, have introduced concurrent resolutions that would help improve the quality of care for Pennsylvania residents suffering from different types of pain.
More than 400 Pennsylvanians Call for Help
One caller could no longer afford her diabetes medication. Another caller asked if he should be concerned about a breast mass. And a ninth grader called to talk with a physician for her school project about becoming a doctor.
State Doctors and American Cancer Society Partner to Fight Colon Cancer
When it comes to fighting cancer, most Pennsylvanians know the importance of age-appropriate screenings, according to The Patient Poll conducted in January 2009 by the Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
Popular “Docs On Call” Program Returns; Pennsylvania Medical Society Physicians to Assist Callers
A public service program airs Wednesday, March 4 on WGAL TV.
Good Medicine for February 2009
"Good Medicine for Pennsylvania” featuring Peter Lund, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and his member colleagues sharing general medical information to help you live healthier.
Don’t Worry; Be Healthy 10 Ways to Spend Less on Health Care in a Recession
After many months of wondering, we finally have confirmation that we’re in a recession. Unfortunately, that means spending less on necessities and eliminating what we now consider to be luxuries
PA Physician Mission Group Trip to Ethiopia Being Followed at Goodmedicine.org
A medical mission trip to Ethiopia led by a group of Pennsylvania physicians can be followed on the home page of The Institute for Good Medicine.
Pennsylvanians Give Smoking Ban Thumbs Up, Patient Poll Suggests
When it comes to visiting restaurants and enjoying a nice dinner, Pennsylvanians say the recently enacted smoking ban is a welcome addition to a night out, according to a recent poll.
As Deep Freeze Hits North, Frostbite Becomes Focus of Web Show from Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society
When cold weather hits as it has across the North in recent days, the best way to avoid frostbite is to stay inside and keep warm.
New Student Body Fat Screenings May Surprise One In Five Pennsylvania Parents
Pennsylvania Medical Society offers help for overweight children to avoid health risks, social bias.
Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society Launches Website; Focuses on Professionalism Issues
With the completion of its inaugural year under its belt, the Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society kicked off the New Year by launching its first web site.
Good Medicine for Pennsylvania December 2008
“Good Medicine for Pennsylvania” featuring Peter Lund, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and his member colleagues sharing general medical information to help you live healthier.
Drug Abuse and Addiction Tackled on Web Show from Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society
Some people view getting high as “fun,” but sometimes what happens next definitely isn’t.
Legal Action by Pennsylvania Medical Society Seeks to Preserve Health Care Access
A legal action has been filed in Commonwealth Court by the Pennsylvania Medical Society to preserve funds in a dedicated health care account that’s designed to assure future access to health care.
Talking Points: Physicians Donate Time to Their Communities
Pennsylvania Medical Society physician members generously donate their time and expertise to aid the uninsured and underinsured.
Home is Where the High Is
Chances are you have prescription drugs at home. And if you have teens or young adults in your home, you could unknowingly be their drug dealer.
Institute for Good Medicine Web Show
Energy drinks are all the buzz these days, particularly as controversy rises on the impact they have on the human body.
October May Be Over, But Cancer Screenings Go On
October, a month often celebrated to raise awareness of breast cancer, has come and gone, but Pennsylvanians shouldn’t hesitate throughout the year to be screened for this and many other types of cancer.
Physicians Elected to Pennsylvania Medical Society Board
At its annual House of Delegates meeting, members of the Pennsylvania Medical Society elected physicians to positions on the board of trustees.
Local Physician Elected Vice President of the Pennsylvania Medical Society
Ralph Schmeltz, MD, FACP, FACE, was elected by his peers to serve as vice president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society for the upcoming year.
Local Physician Sworn in as 159th President of the Pennsylvania Medical Society
Daniel J. Glunk, MD, was sworn in as the 159th president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society on October 25 during the organization’s annual statewide meeting held in Hershey, Pa.
Good Medicine for Pennsylvania October 2008
“Good Medicine for Pennsylvania” featuring Peter Lund, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and his member colleagues sharing general medical information to help you live healthier.
Doctors Raise Stakes About Presidential Candidates' Health Care Plans
Survey says health care important to Pennsylvania voters.
Volunteer Physicians Help More Than 500 Patients Through ‘Doctors on Call’ Television Program
Pennsylvania Medical Society teams up with Philadelphia’s CBS-3 for public service program.
Energy Drinks - Busting Your Health for the Buzz
Energy drinks: They claim to improve performance, increase concentration, and stimulate metabolism, yet these highly caffeinated, sugar-laden beverages are causing considerable concern among health professionals.
Hospitals and Physicians Unite at Capitol to Press for Mcare Relief to Assure Patient Access
At a news conference, Pennsylvania's doctors and hospitals said that access to health care must be preserved, asking lawmakers to extend Mcare abatement and to continue to work towards a compromise to expand coverage to the uninsured.
Pennsylvania Medical Society Commended, Reaccredited by Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
The Pennsylvania Medical Society recently was reaccredited and designated as an organization “Recognized with Commendation” by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (CME) as an accreditor of CME providers.
Statement from the Pennsylvania Medical Society in Response to the US Senate Voting to Stop Medicare Cuts
The following is a statement from Peter S. Lund, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society which was issued on July 11, 2008.
Good Medicine for Pennsylvania July 2008
Welcome to “Good Medicine for Pennsylvania” featuring Peter Lund, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and his member colleagues sharing general medical information to help you live healthier.
Pennsylvania Medical Society and AARP Criticize Senator Specter for Blocking Bill to Protect Access to Doctors and Improve Medicare
Gridlock has paralyzed the U.S. Senate, derailing a critical bipartisan bill that would have stopped a 10 percent cut to doctors who treat Medicare patients, kept Medicare premiums fair, and made significant improvements to a program that 44 million Americans depend on.
Philadelphia County Physician Wins Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Highest Honor
A Philadelphia doctor, who is hailed as a scientist, researcher, educator, clinician, and community servant, has been named the 2008 recipient of the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Distinguished Service Award.
Grant Awarded to Bring Broadband Into Pennsylvania Health Care Settings
A statewide broadband health care initiative has been awarded a grant to move its efforts into a second phase that aims to provide broadband access to physicians without such service while improving speed and reliability of current users.
Allegheny County Doctor Wins State Medical Society’s International Voluntary Service Award
An Allegheny County doctor whose passion for helping people has been named the 2008 recipient of the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s Physician Award for International Voluntary Service.
Patient Access, Broadband Connected, Report Says
Adoption of health information technology will help patients gain access to care; however, roadblocks such as the costs and expertise required to buy and operate the technology are making adoption in medical settings slower than desired.
Mentoring Activity Works to Encourage Future Physicians
Learning how to tie a surgeon’s knot will bring together students from Lower Dauphin and Hershey high schools along with first- and second-year medical students at the Penn State University College of Medicine.
Good Medicine for Pennsylvania April 2008
Welcome to “Good Medicine for Pennsylvania” featuring Peter Lund, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and his member colleagues sharing general medical information to help you live healthier.
Medical Students, Residents Lobbying State to Address Rising Cost of Student Loans
The high cost of a medical education is a huge barrier to becoming a doctor, say medical student and resident leaders, and, to address the issue, they’re taking to the halls of the state capitol to ask the legislature to find a solution.
When Thinking About the Future of Health Care, Think About Today’s High School Students
The following is an editorial from Peter S. Lund, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and founder of its Institute for Good Medicine which is related to the State of Medicine in Pennsylvania 2007 report recently issued by the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
Popular “Doctors on Call” Program Returns; More Than 300 Patients Call in to Popular Program
More than 300 patients called with health concerns ranging from cancer, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and MRSA Wednesday night as the Pennsylvania Medical Society launched its annual statewide outreach program “Doctors on Call.”
Are Unhealthy Lifestyles Worth $500 Billion?
The following is an editorial is related to a recent study from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) regarding the cost of the 10 most expensive health conditions.
Good Medicine for Pennsylvania
This monthly column is brought to you as a public service of the Society’s Institute for Good Medicine.
PA eHealth Initiative Elects New Board Members, Leadership
PAeHI has elected its 2008 Board of Directors and Officers.
Want to Succeed With Your 2008 Goals? Call Your Doctor
Each New Year brings with it resolutions made by millions of Pennsylvanians who vow to lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more, worry less, and generally live healthier lives. Some succeed; others don’t.
Good Medicine for Pennsylvania
A new column, "Good Medicine for Pennsylvania" is a public service of the Society’s Institute for Good Medicine, sharing general medical information to live healthier.
Doctors Marvel at Santa’s Longevity
Santa is truly a medical marvel, according to members of the Pennsylvania Medical Society.
“Take a Shot!”: Pennsylvania Medical Society Kicks Off Campaign to Encourage Flu Shots
Patient poll indicates less than 50 percent of Pennsylvania adults plan on being vaccinated this flu season.
Giving Pennsylvania A Clean (Air) Bill of Health
Clearing the air aids smokers looking to quit.
Pennsylvania Governor's Smoke-Free Plan Could Be Popular With Public, Poll Suggests
A study conducted by the Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society indicated residents of the Keystone State want to avoid tobacco smoke when they dine out.
Keep a Cool Head on Hot, Humid Days to Avoid Heat Stroke
Pennsylvania Medical Society warns young and old alike about deadly illness.
Health Insurance Mergers Cause For Close Examination
The following is an opinion editorial in response to Highmark and Independence Blue Cross announcing merger plans on March 28, 2007.
Myth: Sunscreen Is All You Need to Prevent Skin Cancer
As the weather warms up and Pennsylvanians emerge from hibernation, we dust off the sunscreen, dab it on and head outside—feeling safe from the sun.
With Fear of Spreading Germs High, Pennsylvanians Likely to Wash Hands Often, Finds Statewide Health Care Poll
Nearly 80 percent of Pennsylvanians participating in a recent health care poll say they’re generally concerned about the spread of germs and infections.
Pennsylvania Medical Society Offers Summertime Guidance for Asthma Sufferers
The Pennsylvania Medical Society is introducing state-specific online resources to help patients cope with the commonwealth’s allergen-rich environment that aggravates asthma conditions, particularly in the summer months when people spend more time outdoors.