Penn State Hershey represents a focused health system anchored by Penn State College of Medicine and the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. It delivers patient care, education, and research across central Pennsylvania and beyond.
As an academic medical center, Penn State Hershey combines clinical services with university-level training and innovation. The following overview highlights key dimensions of its operations, outcomes, and patient experience.
| Facility | Location | Core Specialty | Academic Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn State Hershey Medical Center | Hershey, Pennsylvania | Academic Medical Center | Penn State College of Medicine |
| Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital | Hershey, Pennsylvania | Inpatient Rehabilitation | Penn State College of Medicine |
| Outpatient Care Network | Central PA locations | Specialty & Primary Care | Integrated Practice |
| Penn State Health Children’s Hospital | Hershey, Pennsylvania | Pediatrics & Family Care | Teaching & Research |
Clinical Services and Specialty Care
Penn State Hershey organizes care into robust service lines that reflect both comprehensive specialty coverage and coordinated programs. Its clinicians manage complex medical, surgical, and rehabilitative needs within a single academic health system.
By embedding research and teaching into daily practice, the system brings early access to clinical trials and advanced therapies to patients who might otherwise travel far for expert-level care.
Key program areas include cancer care, heart and vascular services, neurosciences, orthopedics, pediatrics, and behavioral health, supported by specialized institutes and centers of excellence.
Quality Outcomes and Patient Safety
Performance at Penn State Hershey is tracked through standardized quality metrics that emphasize safety, effectiveness, and patient-centered experiences. Transparency in reporting enables comparisons and drives continuous improvement.
High-performing areas often include surgical site infection rates, timely antibiotic administration, and patient satisfaction scores related to communication and discharge planning. These measures are regularly reviewed by clinical teams and leadership.
| Quality Metric | Penn State Hershey Performance | National Benchmark | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgical Site Infection Rate | Below national average | National average | Strong infection control practices |
| 30-Day Readmission | Comparable to peers | National benchmark | Ongoing improvement initiatives |
| Patient Experience Scores | Above national average | National percentile | High communication and coordination ratings |
| Time to Antibiotics for sepsis | Within target timeframes | Guideline targets | Rapid response protocols in place |
Research and Innovation
As a teaching hospital, Penn State Hershey anchors research programs that translate laboratory discoveries into new diagnostic tools, treatments, and care models. Investigators collaborate across disciplines to address high-impact health challenges.
Patients often gain access to advanced therapies and clinical trials not widely available elsewhere. These opportunities span oncology, immunology, neuroscience, and population health, supported by strong infrastructure and funding partnerships.
Education and Workforce Development
Penn State Hershey trains the next generation of clinicians, scientists, and public health professionals through rigorous residency, fellowship, and medical student programs. Learners work alongside nationally recognized faculty in diverse clinical settings.
Continuing education offerings keep practicing clinicians up to date with evolving guidelines and technologies. Interprofessional simulation and community engagement strengthen workforce readiness and community health impact.
Strategic Growth and Community Impact
Guided by strategic priorities, Penn State Hershey expands service access, strengthens population health partnerships, and invests in technology and facilities that enhance care delivery and patient outcomes.
- Expand specialized clinical programs with shorter wait times and higher patient satisfaction
- Advance research initiatives that convert discoveries into bedside solutions
- Strengthen primary care and community partnerships to improve population health
- Enhance patient navigation and financial support to reduce access barriers
- Leverage telehealth and digital tools for continuity and convenience
FAQ
Reader questions
What specialties are most recognized at Penn State Hershey?
Penn State Hershey is especially recognized for cancer care, neurosciences, orthopedics, heart and vascular services, and pediatrics, backed by specialized institutes and multidisciplinary teams.
How do appointment wait times and scheduling compare to other academic centers?
Wait times vary by specialty and location, but Penn State Hershey offers centralized scheduling and same-day acute care access, often matching or exceeding regional academic centers for speed and convenience.
What support resources are available for patients traveling for care?
The system provides navigation support, appointment coordination, telehealth options, and guidance on accommodation and transportation to help patients and families manage the logistics of receiving care.
How transparent are costs and insurance coverage at Penn State Hershey?
Penn State Hershey provides cost estimators, insurance verification services, and financial counseling to help patients understand potential expenses and coverage before care, reducing surprise billing risks.