Meadowbrook, PA, June 2025 - Redeemer Health announced the addition of two new cardiologists to its physician network. Rakesh Shah, MD, MBA, and Ronald Fields, MD, will both see patients in Redeemer Health’s medical office building at Suite 305, 1650 Huntingdon Pike in Meadowbrook, Pa.

Dr. Shah provides care for patients with cardiac, vascular, cardiometabolic conditions and advanced heart failure in the outpatient setting. He is a skilled clinician who was responsible for performing the first of several types of minimally invasive heart procedures in Bucks County.

He notes that heart disease affects everyone either directly or indirectly. He seeks to understand each patient’s everyday needs and challenges, then crafts a solution around his findings. This includes educating patients to promote the best possible outcome and enable them to share information that may positively affect the health of their loved ones.

Dr. Shah is board certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, and internal medicine. He earned his medical degree from Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Temple University Hospital, where he also received fellowships in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology. Dr. Shah obtained an MBA from the University of Oxford to further his commitment to achieving better outcomes in health care administration, practice management, and access to cardiovascular care. He participated in more than 50 clinical research trials. 

Dr. Fields provides preventive cardiology care, diagnostic testing, interventional procedures such as angioplasty and stenting, cardiac rehabilitation, and ongoing management of chronic heart conditions. He works with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their unique needs and goals. He empowers patients to take control of their own health by educating them about their conditions and involving them in the decision-making process. 

He earned his medical degree from the Pennsylvania State University Milton S. Hershey College of Medicine. He served his residency in internal medicine at the Letterman Army Medical Center at the Presidio of San Francisco, before completing a fellowship in cardiology at Letterman. He is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and interventional cardiology. 

Dr. Fields served seven years with the Army Medical Corps, earning the rank of major. He has led or been involved in dozens of clinical research trials. 

Cardiology at Redeemer Health combines sophisticated diagnostics, innovative treatments and ongoing therapies to keep your cardiovascular system healthy. Call 215-436-1420 for an appointment.

- by Sheena Jain, MD, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper 

Cancer survivorship is a testament to human strength, resilience, and hope. It’s not just about living with courage through cancer, but about celebrating life every step of the way. 

Every survivor’s story is unique, showcasing extraordinary strength and hope. This blog honors the journeys of survivors, celebrates milestones, and acknowledges the supportive communities that uplift them along the way. 

How Survivors Celebrate Their Journey

Survivors find heartfelt ways to mark their journeys, from remission anniversaries to small, everyday joys like sharing a meal or watching a sunrise. Many join awareness events, engage in art, or simply savor moments of gratitude and reflection. These traditions symbolize celebration and inspire hope, strength, and beauty.

The Role of Loved Ones in Survivorship

Friends and family play an important role in a survivor’s life. Whether offering a hug, lending an ear, or helping with daily tasks, their care and support create a foundation of strength and reassurance. Small acts of love can make a big difference. 

Finding Joy in Celebration 

Celebrations, big or small, offer survivors a chance to reflect and connect. Through shared stories, laughter, and milestones, these moments honor the challenges overcome and inspire hope for the future.  

Whether a Survivor, Loved One or Supporter—Join the Celebration

Survivorship shows how strong and resilient people can be, not just in June when it’s celebrated, but every day. By sharing stories and challenges, we build a supportive community filled with strength and hope. Together, we can create a united community rooted in strength and hope that lasts a lifetime. 

What does survivorship mean to you? Every story matters—share yours and join the conversation!

Advanced Cancer Care, Close to Home

Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper takes a multi-disciplinary disease-site specific approach to cancer care, where experts work together to provide each patient with personalized care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery and beyond. To learn more, call 215-938-3555 or visit RedeemerHealth.org/MDAndersonatCooper     

About the Author 

As Medical Director of Radiation Oncology and Executive Director, Redeemer Health in partnership with MD Anderson at Cooper, Dr. Sheena Jain works closely with a team of radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, and other professionals to provide personalized, compassionate care and support to patients. Dr. Jain earned her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and completed residency training in radiation oncology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. She is board certified in radiation oncology.

Meadowbrook, PA, March 2025 – Yehuda “Yudi” Kerbel, MD, joined the orthopedic surgery department at Redeemer Health in June 2025. Dr. Kerbel specializes in the full spectrum of care for hip and knee arthritis — from therapy, injections, and other non-surgical treatments, to partial and full hip and knee replacements. He also provides complex revision surgeries for patients who’ve had a prior joint replacement, and performs general orthopedic procedures, including knee arthroscopy for meniscus tears and fracture surgeries to repair broken bones. 

Dr. Kerbel studied pre-med at La Salle University, and earned his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. He completed residencies in orthopedic surgery at Drexel and at Penn Medicine, and a fellowship in adult reconstruction joint replacement at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

When Dr. Kerbel began exploring medicine as a hands-on way to help people, orthopedics made sense to him, not just for the variety of patients and conditions to treat, but for its ability to restore people’s quality of life. With comprehensive knowledge and experience, he customizes every patient’s treatment plan and surgery to fit their needs, ensuring they receive an individualized approach. 

He sees patients in Redeemer Health’s Rockledge and Abington orthopedics offices. Call 215-745-4050 to make an appointment. Visit Dr. Kerbel's profile page here.

The Lafayette, St. Joseph Manor, and Little Flower Manor, part of the Redeemer Senior Living family, have received an overall 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This recognition, awarded through the CMS Nursing Home Compare program, reflects the highest standards in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care among Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes.

The overall 5-star rating evaluates critical factors such as compliance with health and safety regulations, staffing levels, and resident outcomes. It serves as a trusted guide for families seeking care solutions, with relatively few facilities nationwide achieving an overall 5-star distinction.

Redeemer Senior Living communities provide short-term rehabilitation aimed at helping individuals recover strength, mobility, and independence following a hospital stay. Through personalized care plans developed in collaboration with each patient’s medical team, patients receive targeted therapy to support their recovery goals. For those in need of continuous assistance, the communities offer long-term care designed to support individuals who can no longer live independently, ensuring they receive the comprehensive care needed for their well-being.

About Redeemer Senior Living
Redeemer Senior Living is part of Redeemer Health, an integrated health care system that has delivered compassionate care in the region since 1924. Dedicated to its mission to care, comfort, and heal, Redeemer Senior Living provides a continuum of services tailored to older adults, from short-term rehabilitation to long-term residential care. For more information visit redeemerseniorliving.org/health-services.

- by Lisa Kaplin, DO, Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine Specialist 

As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, Dr. Lisa Kaplin shares practical steps to support your ACL recovery, rebuild strength to get you back to the activities you love, and stay motivated along the way.

Take Recovery One Step at a Time

Recovering from an ACL injury is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes patience and consistency. If surgery is part of the plan, pre-hab can prepare your body by strengthening muscles and improving joint mobility, setting you up for better post-surgery recovery.

Healing Takes Patience

After surgery, your body needs time to heal. Start with simple exercises to reduce swelling and improve movement, then gradually build up to strength and balance work. Trust your therapist and stick to your rehab plan.

Build Strength, One Step at a Time 

Strengthening your leg muscles, especially the quadriceps and hamstrings, is key to stabilizing your knee. Low-impact exercises like cycling or swimming can boost fitness without overloading your joint. 

Stay Positive 

Recovery is as much mental as it is physical. Set small goals, celebrate progress, and use visualization techniques—like mentally rehearsing your time back on the field or court—to stay focused on getting back to the activities you love.

Every improvement, like better movement or completing therapy exercises, is a win. Lean on your support team when needed to push through tough times.

Fuel Your Comeback

Recovery isn’t just about rehab exercises. Nutrition matters. Eating a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats helps repair tissues and fight inflammation. Staying hydrated is equally important, especially during physical therapy. Your body needs fluids to recover and staying hydrated gives you stamina to power through the rebuilding process.

Get Back to Play Safely 

Returning to your sport is the ultimate goal, but it’s important to make sure you’re fully healed first. Your doctor and therapist will check your strength and stability before giving you the all-clear. Sports-specific training can also help you regain confidence and get ready for game day.

Be patient with yourself. Restoring your ACL isn’t just about physical recovery but also regaining trust in your body. Take the time to rebuild that confidence so you can return to action without hesitation. 

Remember, You've Got This!

Recovering from an ACL injury isn’t easy, but it’s a chance to grow your strength and resilience. Take it one step at a time, and believe in your ability to come back stronger.

Your comeback isn’t just a goal—it’s a reminder of how strong and capable you truly are.

About Lisa Kaplin, DO
Lisa Kaplin, DO, is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, treating injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Her services include minimally invasive arthroscopic surgical procedures for stabilization, repair or reconstruction of knees and shoulders, as well as fracture care and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. She also provides general orthopedic care for non-athletes. After earning her medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Kaplin then completed an orthopedic sports medicine fellowship at Wake Forest University College of Medicine. She sees patients at Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Associates at Redeemer Health, with offices in Rockledge, Abington and Meadowbrook.

Learn More—Take the Next Step 
If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, you should see your doctor or consider an evaluation by a sports medicine physician, orthopedist, or physical therapist. Call 215-745-4050 or visit osraorthopedics.com to find an orthopedic specialist near you.

Meadowbrook, PA, March 2025 – Redeemer Health is welcoming Lisa Kaplin, DO, to the orthopedics team in May 2025. She specializes in sports medicine and will see patients at both the Rockledge and Abington offices. Call 215-745-4050 to make an appointment.

As a former intercollegiate soccer athlete, Dr. Kaplin has enthusiasm for all things sports- and fitness-related. This passion carries into her practice as a physician and board-certified orthopedic surgeon, where she helps patients get back to competitive sports, recreation and fitness.

As a sports medicine specialist, Dr. Kaplin treats injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Her services include minimally invasive arthroscopic surgical procedures for stabilization, repair or reconstruction of knees and shoulders, as well as fracture care and platelet-rich plasma therapy. She also provides general orthopedic care for non-athletes.

Having enjoyed biology and other sciences while an undergrad at Brandeis University, Dr. Kaplin was particularly drawn to the field of medicine by a fascination with the ability of her fellow athletes to both avoid and overcome injury. Afterward, she went on to earn a master’s degree in medical science from Boston University followed by a D.O. from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.

During her early career, Dr. Kaplin covered teams in hockey, rugby, basketball and football. In 2019, she completed a fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine at Wake Forest University College of Medicine. She is a former team physician for La Salle University Athletics and Salem Community College.

Dr. Kaplin will tell you that the patient is the priority “all the time.” She works to create an environment of trust and understanding that is respectful of patients’ autonomy, so that they feel comfortable and confident as partners in their care. In her free time Dr. Kaplin enjoys exercising and spending time with her spouse and two children.

Visit Dr. Kaplin’s page on our website to learn more and to watch her video.

MEADOWBROOK, PA – May 1, 2025 — Holy Redeemer Hospital earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for the twelfth consecutive scoring season. The hospital was notified that it is one of only 10 hospitals in Pennsylvania to score an “A” every scoring season since fall 2019. Fewer than 5% of hospitals nationwide have scored an “A” every season since fall 2019.

“Being a leader in patient safety is always a hospital’s goal,” said Peter J. Adamo, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Holy Redeemer Hospital. “But achieving an A-grade in patient safety a dozen times in a row represents our team’s ongoing expectation to deliver safe care. Maintaining high scores in categories like preventing harmful events, safe medication administration, and effective leadership in preventing errors over a long period of time reflects the culture of safety that we insist on here.”

According to The Leapfrog Group, out of nearly 3,000 hospitals across the country, only 12% are designated “Straight A” status, like Holy Redeemer Hospital. Only one in eight hospitals sustained an A-grade for more than two years.

“Our continued success in patient safety is celebrated at Holy Redeemer Hospital,” said Patient Safety Officer Krzysztof Stypulkowski, DNP, MBA, RN. “This level of high performance is evidence of the focus and responsiveness we see from everyone, every day.” Stypulkowski explained that Holy Redeemer Hospital also earned high scores in preventing MRSA infections, urinary tract infections and sepsis after surgery, as well as staff working together to prevent errors, and of course handwashing. 

Stypulkowski accepted Holy Redeemer Hospitals recognition as a top Leapfrog performer from the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health (GPBCH) this week. GPBCH recognizes Leapfrog leaders in southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.

The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization that assigns safety grades to hospitals across the country based on more than 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually. 

“Patient safety is a relentless, never-ending quest to put patients first,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO, The Leapfrog Group. “That’s why Leapfrog is highlighting the hospitals across the U.S. that have earned Straight A’s for over two years. Sustaining an A over multiple years reflects a deep-rooted commitment to patient safety.” 

To see Holy Redeemer Hospital’s full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit Leapfrog’s Hospital Safety Grade and read the Leapfrog newsletter on social media. 

Pictured above: Accepting recognition from the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health for Holy Redeemer Hospital’s 12th patient safety A-grade in a row was Health Care Delivery Patient Safety Officer Krzysztof Stypulkowski, and AVP of Quality Susan Radick.

Authored by Lee S. Halpern, MD, OB/GYN, Redeemer Health

Menopause is a natural part of life, usually occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. While it’s normal, it can bring changes like hot flashes and mood shifts that may disrupt daily life. The good news? There are ways to manage these symptoms and thrive through this transition. 

What is Menopause? 

Menopause happens when a woman’s menstrual cycle ends, confirmed after going 12 months without having one. This happens as the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone—the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Most women go through menopause in their late 40s or early 50s, though it can happen earlier due to genetics, surgery, or certain medical treatments. 

Physical Changes and Symptoms

The physical changes of menopause are often the most noticeable—bringing changes like hot flashes and night sweats. You may also notice weight gain or changes in body shape. Less commonly, you may notice joint pain, headaches, or changes in your hair and skin. 

Hormonal Shifts and Their Impact 

As estrogen levels drop, you might notice mood swings, anxiety, trouble concentrating, or struggles with sleep that leave you feeling drained. Physical discomfort, like dryness, or shifts in energy and emotions are also common. Menopause doesn’t just change your body; it can also affect your emotions. It’s common to feel sad, worried, or frustrated, especially if you’re also dealing with life other challenges like career changes, caring for aging parents, or empty nesting.

Supportive Strategies for Successfully Navigating Menopause 

• Lifestyle Changes. Regular exercise not only helps control weight but also boosts your mood and strengthens your bones. Adding weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or yoga, protect against bone loss.
• Healthy Eating. Consumer a balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and healthy fats. Small changes, like cutting back on caffeine or spicy foods, can reduce hot flashes. And don’t underestimate the importance of sticking to a sleep schedule—create a calming bedtime routine and try relaxation techniques like meditation.
• Medical Options. Hormone Replacement Therapy can help some women manage menopause symptoms by replacing hormones and easing issues like hot flashes while supporting bone health. It’s not for everyone, so it’s important to discuss this option with your health care provider to see if it’s right for you.
• Non-hormonal Treatments. If you prefer not to use hormones, treatments like moisturizers, lubricants, or certain medicines can help ease menopause symptoms. Talk with your doctor to find what works best for you.

Thriving After Menopause 

Menopause marks a new chapter, offering countless opportunities to rediscover yourself. It’s the perfect time to try out new hobbies, build deeper connections with loved ones, and focus on what brings you joy! Embrace the change—this is your time to thrive, grow, and truly shine!

About Redeemer Health OB/GYN Women's Health 

With locations in Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, Redeemer Health OB/GYN offers convenient and personalized care for every stage of your life. To find a Redeemer Health OB/GYN near you, call our Physician Referral Service at 800-818-4747 or visit the Find a Provider directory on Redeemer Health’s website here.

About the Author

Lee Halpern, MD, provides general OB/GYN care, including office visits, deliveries, circumcisions, and treatment of endometriosis and fibroids, as well as pre-pregnancy care and reproductive health. She also specializes in minor and major gynecologic surgery, with a focus on minimally invasive procedures. After earning her medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Halpern completed an OB/GYN residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center. She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Dr. Halpern sees patients at Millennium OB/GYN, a Redeemer Health practice providing complete obstetrical and gynecological care.