UPMC Physician Assistant Urges Action Following Traumatic Shooting Incident

Lester Mendoza, a physician assistant at UPMC Memorial Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, revealed that he informed the shooter, Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz, about the death of a loved one days before a tragic incident on February 23, 2025. During this event, Archangel-Ortiz held hospital staff hostage and shot six people, resulting in the death of police officer Andrew Duarte.

Mendoza’s Facebook post emphasized the importance of mental health support and highlighted the emotional connection he formed with Archangel-Ortiz during their interactions. He described witnessing the man’s devastation after learning about his loss and expressed disbelief that such an act could follow their conversation. Mendoza argued that grief combined with exhaustion and isolation can lead individuals to dangerous outcomes when adequate support is lacking.

He also addressed systemic issues within healthcare that contribute to burnout among medical professionals. Mendoza stated that healthcare workers are often expected to provide extensive care despite limited resources, which can hinder their ability to connect with patients effectively. He noted that burnout leads to emotional detachment from patients due to overwhelming stress.

• Mendoza thanked Officer Andrew Duarte for his sacrifice during the incident.
• He stressed the need for change within healthcare systems to prevent future tragedies.

The tragic events at UPMC Memorial Hospital underscore significant concerns regarding mental health resources and support systems both for patients experiencing loss and for healthcare providers facing increasing demands. Mendoza’s call for awareness reflects broader issues affecting many professionals in high-stress environments.

This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for comprehensive mental health services and systemic reforms within healthcare settings to address both patient needs and provider well-being.