UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Dr. Rebecca Simcik has been appointed the medical director at University Health Services (UHS). She began the role on March 16 after serving as interim medical director since Sept. 2021.
“We are pleased Dr. Simcik has accepted the medical director position. In addition to her excellent medical care, she brings energy and vision to the administrative team at UHS,” said Andrea Dowhower, associate vice president, Student Affairs and interim senior director for UHS. “As a former student and student leader at Penn State, she also brings an understanding of student life outside of the care provided through clinical services. She will be an important leader in Student Affairs’ strategic initiative focusing on a collaborative approach to student health and wellness.”
As the medical director, Simcik oversees the Clinical Services department at UHS which includes all nurses, physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, lab, radiology, and physical therapy. The position also oversees the care teams at UHS including the Healthy Eating and Living Support (HEALS) and the gender diverse care team.
“As a fellow Penn Stater, I’m grateful to be serving in this role more permanently,” Simcik said. “UHS strives to provide meaningful medical care to our students, and I am looking forward to the future. UHS is often the first place a student may seek care independently and this should be an empowering experience [for them].”
Simcik began working at UHS in Nov. 2018 and previously trained and worked for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Simcik currently practices internal medicine, commonly known as adult primary care medicine. Other areas of her practice include mental health medication management, prescribing PrEP, gender-affirming care, and sexual/reproductive health.
In the UHS ambulance bay at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Simcik worked as one of UHS’ first COVID-19 aid providers. During her time as UHS’ interim medical director, Simcik oversaw more than 100 staff members who comprise Clinical Services, facilitated daily operations of clinical staff and collaborated with University entities like Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), among other responsibilities.
Simcik obtained a bachelor’s in biology from Penn State and a medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed an internal medicine residency at UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside.
UHS, a unit of Penn State Student Affairs, is an all-inclusive, on-campus health care service offering medical, pharmacy, physical therapy, insurance, lab, imaging, medical records and emergency services.