Researchers Discover a Previously Unknown Bacterial Component in Kidney Stone Formation

The UCLA-led finding could lead to new ways to prevent and treat kidney stones and the infections that they often cause

BYLINE: Enrique Rivero

Newswise — In an unexpected finding, a UCLA-led team has discovered that bacteria are present inside the most common type of kidney stone, revealing a previously unrecognized component involved in their formation.

The findings, to be published in the peer-reviewed journal PNAS, point to a possible therapeutic target that could be used for prevention and treatment for the millions of people who are affected by the frequently painful condition.

“This breakthrough challenges the long‑held assumption that these stones develop solely through chemical and physical processes, and instead shows that bacteria can reside inside stones and may actively contribute to their formation,” said Dr. Kymora Scotland, an assistant professor of urology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the study’s co-senior author. “By uncovering this novel mechanism, the study opens the door to new therapeutic strategies that target the microbial environment of kidney stones.”

Continue reading “Researchers Discover a Previously Unknown Bacterial Component in Kidney Stone Formation”

Cooper University Health Care Receives Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation

Camden, NJ — Cooper University Health Care announced today that the Emergency Department at Cooper University Hospital has been reaccredited as a Geriatric Emergency Department (GED) by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), earning Level 3 (Bronze) Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation (GEDA). The designation, first obtained in 2022, recognizes Cooper’s commitment to delivering high-quality, specialized emergency care for older adults.

The Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation program was developed by ACEP to recognize emergency departments that meet rigorous standards for the care of older patients. Accreditation signals to patients and families that an emergency department is equipped with the expertise, processes, and environment needed to address the unique medical and social needs of aging adults.

Cooper’s GEDA accreditation reflects the leadership and collaboration of an interdisciplinary team, including Katherine Selman, MDZack Cutaneo, MSN, RN, and colleagues across emergency medicine, nursing, and hospital operations.

Continue reading “Cooper University Health Care Receives Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation”

How to Move Beyond Entry-Level Nursing Roles

If you’re in an entry-level nursing role, welcome. You are officially in the “learning while slightly panicking” phase of your career. This stage is less about climbing the ladder and more about figuring out where supplies are and how to finish a shift without replaying every decision on the drive home. Before worrying about the next move, give yourself time to get comfortable. Once your heart rate no longer spikes every time your name is called, you’re making progress.

Confidence Comes From Surviving the Hard Days

No nurse knows everything, no matter how confident they look walking down the hall. Real confidence comes from handling tough situations, asking questions without apologizing for them, and learning from moments that didn’t go exactly as planned. If you can say, “I’ve got this,” even when you don’t fully feel it yet, you’re already ahead of where you started. From there, an LPN to RN program may be a fantastic idea. 

Keep Learning, Even When You’d Rather Be Sleeping

After orientation ends, it’s tempting to coast for a bit, and honestly, that’s understandable. Still, the nurses who move forward usually keep learning, even when they’re tired. Certifications, extra training, or taking on more complex patients can feel like adding homework to an already full schedule. The upside is that it keeps your brain engaged and reminds you that you’re becoming more skilled, not just more exhausted.

Find a Specialty That Matches Your Personality

Some nurses love fast-paced chaos and can function perfectly on caffeine and adrenaline. Others prefer calmer settings and meaningful patient connections. If your current role doesn’t feel like a great fit, that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means you’re learning what you like. Talking to coworkers in different specialties and asking honest questions can save you from making a move you’ll regret later.

Your Reputation Travels Faster Than You Do

Nursing is a surprisingly small world. People notice who shows up on time, who helps out, and who stays calm when things get messy. Being dependable and kind builds a reputation that can open doors without you even trying. Sometimes the next opportunity starts with someone saying, “You’d be great at this,” instead of you filling out another application.

Leadership Starts Before the Job Title

You don’t need a fancy title to show leadership. Helping a new nurse, taking students under your wing, or stepping into a charge role when you’re ready all count. These experiences help you figure out whether leadership is exciting or something you’d rather admire from a distance, and both answers are perfectly fine.

Don’t Let Comparison Steal Your Energy

It’s easy to feel behind when other nurses seem to be advancing faster. Social media does a great job of making it look like everyone else has it all figured out. In reality, nursing careers move at different speeds. Rushing yourself into the next role before you’re ready is a great way to burn out, and burnout is not a personality trait.

Take the Next Step When You’re Ready

Moving beyond entry-level nursing doesn’t happen overnight. It happens as your confidence grows and your goals become clearer. Pay attention to what excites you, protect your energy, and trust your timing. You’ve already survived the hardest part. Everything else is just leveling up.

Virtua is First in Philly/South Jersey Area to use Innovative ‘Safe Zone’ Technology for Robotic Spine Surgery

Spine surgery is among the newest procedures to advance robotically.
 
Virtua is one of the first to offer it – and the only one regionally to provide a unique,
GPS-like navigation system that improves safety and accuracy.

(MARLTON, N.J., January 21, 2026) Virtua Health, southern New Jersey’s largest health system, has achieved another milestone in its robotic-surgery leadership. The Marlton, N.J.-based organization is the first in the Philadelphia region and South Jersey to provide robotic-assisted spine surgery combined with a GPS-like navigation system that enhances safety and enables better outcomes.  

The navigation software, called Spine Guidance by Stryker, enables surgeons to create “safe zones” where the surgical tools can be blocked from entering, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding structures.

“It’s the only software on the market that allows us to set up safe zones, which enables us to relieve pressure on compressed nerves more safely and efficiently,” said Dr. James Sanfilippo, vice president of clinical operations for musculoskeletal services at Virtua Health.

Continue reading “Virtua is First in Philly/South Jersey Area to use Innovative ‘Safe Zone’ Technology for Robotic Spine Surgery”

Top Reasons Surgeons Choose Locum Tenens Over Traditional Practice

Surgery has always been intense. Long days, packed schedules, and high expectations come with the territory. For many surgeons, traditional practice can start to feel like a lifestyle rather than a job, and not always in a good way. Locum tenens offers a different approach. It allows surgeons to keep doing meaningful work without feeling permanently glued to one hospital hallway. For those craving balance, it can feel like finding a smarter way to practice without giving up the scalpel.

Finally Having Control Over the Calendar

One of the biggest reasons to look for locum assignments for surgeons is schedule control. Traditional roles often dictate when you work, when you’re on call, and when you might someday get time off. Locum work flips that script. Surgeons choose assignments that fit their availability and goals. Want to work hard for a few weeks and then disappear on vacation without checking emails? That is suddenly realistic. Having control over your schedule makes time off feel planned instead of mythical.

Continue reading “Top Reasons Surgeons Choose Locum Tenens Over Traditional Practice”

President Trump Unveils The Great Healthcare Plan to Lower Costs and Deliver Money Directly to the People

President Donald J. Trump’s Great Healthcare Plan is a broad healthcare initiative that will slash prescription drug prices, reduce insurance premiums, hold big insurance companies accountable, and maximize price transparency in the American healthcare system.

This plan will deliver money directly to the American people, not insurance companies, big pharma and special interest groups—putting patients over industry leaders’ profits, just as he promised. The Great Healthcare Plan also builds on the successes of his first term by promoting competition, eliminating wasteful spending, and putting consumers back in control.

Continue reading “President Trump Unveils The Great Healthcare Plan to Lower Costs and Deliver Money Directly to the People”

Locum Surgeon Jobs: A Smart Career Move For Work-life Balance

Surgery has never been known for light schedules or short days. Long hours, packed operating rooms, and constant demands come with the job description. For many surgeons, the traditional full-time role can start to feel like living at the hospital with occasional trips home. That reality is why more surgeons are exploring locum opportunities. Locum surgeon jobs offer a way to keep practicing medicine without letting it take over every waking moment.

Flexibility That Actually Feels Flexible

One of the biggest benefits of locums jobs for surgeons is control over your schedule. Instead of committing to a calendar that seems to plan itself, surgeons can choose assignments that match their availability. Want to work a few intense weeks and then step away for a while? That works. Prefer shorter assignments that leave room for personal life? Also doable. Locum work allows surgeons to decide when they work instead of constantly reacting to someone else’s schedule.

A Practical Escape From Burnout

Burnout is no longer a quiet issue in surgery. Long shifts and constant pressure add up, even for the most dedicated professionals. Locum positions offer a chance to reset. Temporary assignments come with clear start and end dates, which can be surprisingly motivating. New environments also help. Different teams and settings keep the work fresh and prevent the feeling that every day is on repeat. Sometimes knowing the finish line exists makes all the difference.

Strong Pay Without the Extra Headaches

Flexibility does not automatically mean lower income. In fact, many locum surgeon roles offer competitive compensation, especially in high-demand specialties. Surgeons often maintain or even improve their earnings while reducing long-term obligations. Another bonus is fewer administrative distractions. Locum surgeons focus on patient care rather than meetings, paperwork, or office politics. You arrive, do your job well, and leave without a full inbox following you home.

New Experiences Without Permanent Commitments

Locum assignments expose surgeons to a variety of healthcare environments. Each facility has its own systems and culture, which keeps things interesting. This variety helps surgeons sharpen their skills and adapt quickly. Many discover new techniques or workflows along the way. It also builds confidence, since navigating different settings becomes second nature. You gain experience without feeling locked into a single place or process.

Making Room for Life Outside the OR

Work-life balance looks different for every surgeon. For some, it means more family time. For others, it means travel, hobbies, or simply uninterrupted sleep. Locum work makes balance more realistic by allowing surgeons to plan life first and work second. Assignments can be scheduled around personal priorities instead of the other way around. That alone can make the career feel sustainable again.

Support That Simplifies the Process

Locum agencies handle many of the behind-the-scenes details, including licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements. This support removes a major source of stress. Surgeons can focus on patient care without juggling administrative tasks. Having someone else manage logistics makes locum work feel efficient rather than complicated.

The idea that success in surgery must come with constant exhaustion is slowly changing. Locum surgeon jobs offer a modern approach that values flexibility and well-being. They allow surgeons to stay active, well-paid, and fulfilled while still having time for life outside the hospital. For many, locum work is not stepping back. It is stepping into a better balance.

Jefferson Health to Host Wellness Event January 18

Kick off the new year with a winning strategy for your health.

On Sunday, January 18 from 11am-2pm, Join Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital on their campus (2201 Chapel Ave. W. Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08002) for Champion Your Health, a community-wide wellness event, designed to help you learn, move and take charge of your health in 2026.

This walk-through wellness experience with various stations, tables and demonstrations will allow you to learn more about health screenings, fitness activities and health education in an interactive and family-friendly way.

Continue reading “Jefferson Health to Host Wellness Event January 18”

Innovative Recruitment Approaches for Medical Practices

As they say, the struggle is real. Your practice needs talented physicians, but the traditional job posting and waiting game isn’t cutting it anymore. The healthcare landscape has shifted dramatically, and your recruitment methods need to evolve too. Today’s physicians want more than just competitive salaries—they’re looking for practices that understand their values, lifestyle needs, and career aspirations.

The old approach? Post a listing, sift through resumes, conduct interviews, and hope for the best. The new reality? You need to be proactive, creative, and genuinely different if you want to attract top talent.

Building Your Digital Presence

Your online reputation matters more than you think. Before physicians even apply, they’re researching you. They’re checking your website, reading reviews, and looking at your social media presence. What story are your digital channels telling?

Start by authentically showcasing your practice culture. Share day-in-the-life content from your current physicians. Post about continuing education opportunities, team celebrations, and community involvement. When you’re transparent about what makes your practice unique, you’ll attract candidates who align with your values. Smart physician hiring strategies now include social media campaigns, targeted LinkedIn outreach, and even video content that gives candidates a genuine feel for your work environment.

Leverage Your Current Team

Your best recruiters are already on staff. Your current physicians have networks, connections, and credibility that no job board can match. Create a referral program that actually motivates them to reach out to qualified colleagues.

Consider these approaches:

  • Offer meaningful referral bonuses that reflect the value of a great hire
  • Ask your physicians to share opportunities within their professional networks
  • Encourage them to speak at conferences where potential candidates gather
  • Have them participate in virtual meet-and-greets with interested candidates

When physicians hear about your practice from a trusted colleague, they’re already halfway to saying yes.

Rethink Your Compensation Packages

Money talks, but it’s not the only language physicians speak anymore. Yes, competitive base salaries matter. But you need to think bigger. What about flexible scheduling that actually respects work-life balance? Student loan repayment assistance? Professional development budgets? Partnership tracks that make sense?

Consider offering tiered benefit packages where physicians can choose what matters most to them. Some might prioritize extra PTO. Others want CME allowances or relocation assistance. Give them options, and you’ll stand out from practices offering cookie-cutter packages.

Partner With Medical Schools And Residency Programs

Don’t wait until physicians are job-hunting. Build relationships with them earlier. Connect with local medical schools and residency programs. Offer preceptorships, shadowing opportunities, and mentorship programs.

These early connections serve multiple purposes. You’re contributing to medical education while simultaneously creating a pipeline of potential hires who already know your practice. When residents have positive experiences with your team, they remember. When they’re ready to commit to a practice, yours will be top of mind.

The Future Is Flexible

Remote medicine and hybrid roles aren’t going away. If your practice can accommodate telehealth positions or flexible scheduling, you’ve just expanded your candidate pool exponentially. You’re no longer limited to physicians within commuting distance. You can recruit talent from across regions while offering them lifestyle flexibility that traditional practices can’t match.

The practices thriving in recruitment aren’t necessarily the biggest or most prestigious. They’re the ones willing to adapt, innovate, and truly consider what today’s physicians need to thrive.

Update from Virtua Health and ChristianaCare

December 18, 2025)…ChristianaCare and Virtua Health announced today that they have mutually agreed to terminate the Letter of Intent entered into in July 2025.  After thoughtful evaluation, both organizations have determined that they can best fulfill their missions to serve their communities by continuing to operate independently.  Each health system remains committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care and advancing the health and well-being of the patients and communities they serve.

Continue reading “Update from Virtua Health and ChristianaCare”