(June 13, 2025, DuBois, Pennsylvania) – Penn Highlands State College continues to recruit skilled physicians and providers who bring new specialties to the region. Most recently, they began offering cosmetic/non-surgical and surgical procedures for the breasts, body, face and hands.
J. Ryan Rice, MD, FACS, who is dual board-certified in general surgery and plastic surgery and practices with Penn Highlands Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery, joined the staff of the hospital. He specializes in breast reconstruction, hand surgery, craniofacial reconstruction and general reconstruction. Dr. Rice’s cosmetic expertise includes breast surgery, rhinoplasty, face lift, facial rejuvenation, fillers, liposuction, abdominoplasty, laser skin treatments and basic skin care.
Josie Cartwright, MSN, CRNP, FNP-BC, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who sees patients alongside Dr. Rice at Penn Highlands Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery. She provides non-invasive cosmetic treatments, including laser skin treatments and injectables, as well as evaluation and management of hand conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and Dupuytren’s contracture.
Michelle Hallstrom, CRNP, is a certified registered nurse practitioner specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery with Dr. Rice and the team at Penn Highlands Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery. She provides cosmetic treatments including injectables, laser skin treatments, skin care products and evaluation and management of Dupuytren’s contracture, skin conditions and ulnar neuropathy.
For people suffering from hand and wrist pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, Dr. Rice is one of the first surgeons in the region to offer endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery – an innovative procedure for carpal tunnel release. The procedure uses a small camera that allows him to guide surgical instruments through a tiny incision in the wrist and palm area to release the carpal tunnel. Benefits of the surgery include a smaller incision, less pain around the surgical site, lower chance of infection, shorter recovery time and faster functional recovery of grip strength.
In addition to pain relief, people have plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for many reasons. Sometimes it is needed following an accident or injury to restore both the appearance and function of body parts affected by trauma. In addition, many women who undergo a mastectomy have breast reconstruction surgery. Still others, choose to have plastic surgery to improve their appearance. Some of the non-surgical procedures offered include Botox injections and dermal fillers. Skin-care products also will be offered.
“While enhancing appearance or restoring function, plastic and reconstructive surgery can help to improve a person’s quality of life,” said Dr. Rice. “For some, it can reduce or eliminate pain and discomfort as well as help restore feelings of confidence.”
Dr. Rice and the nurse practitioners at Penn Highlands Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery see patients in the Penn Highlands State College Medical Office Building located at 239 Colonnade Boulevard in State College on Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. For an appointment call 814-503-8368.
For more information, visit www.phhealthcare.org/rice-plastics.
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Penn Highlands Healthcare was officially formed in 2011 and is comprised of nine hospitals. Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley, Penn Highlands Tyrone have served area communities for the past 100+ years. Penn Highlands State College is a new state-of-the-art hospital that opened in 2024. The health system’s business continuum also includes a home care agency, long-term care facilities and residential senior living communities, as well as durable medical equipment companies and retail pharmacies.
Penn Highlands Healthcare has evolved into an organization with approximately 6,200 employees in 150+ locations throughout 26 counties in Pennsylvania that include community medical buildings, outpatient facilities, surgery centers and physician practices. The facilities have a total of 1,396 inpatient, skilled nursing and personal care beds. The system, which has 849 physicians and 427 advanced practice providers on staff, offers a wide range of care and treatments with specialty units for cancer, cardiovascular/thoracic, neurosurgery, pulmonology, neonatal and high-risk pregnancy patients. Being focused on what is important – patients and families – makes Penn Highlands Healthcare a great choice for healthcare in the region.