The Wright Center Receives Two Awards for Scholarly Research

Two faculty colleagues in The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education collaborated on two award-winning scholarly research posters at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2021 Annual Scientific Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, in October.

Mark Madhok, M.D., Ph.D., a board-certified internal medicine faculty physician and associate program director for the internal medicine residency program, presented, “National Trends in the Sporadic Malignant Colorectal Polyps in Young Patients: An 18-Year Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) Database Analysis,” which was co-authored with Hemant Goyal, M.D. The scholarly presentation outlined their collaborative research based off national data about cancerous colorectal polyps in people 20-49 years of age. The research highlighted polyp growth that preceded full-blown cancer, a new and preventable problem in the age group. The poster received an ACG Presidential Award in the category of colorectal cancer screening.

Dr. Goyal, the chief fellow of the Gastroenterology Fellowship Program, presented the research poster, “Peptic Ulcer with Adherent Clot – Treat It or Leave It: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis of Randomized Trials,” which was co-authored with Dr. Madhok. The scholarly work analyzed best practices to treat peptic ulcers with adherent clot found during endoscopy. Their work showed that treating these high-risk clots discovered during endoscopy reduces the risk of rebleeding. The poster received an ACG Presidential Poster Award in the category of GI bleeding.

The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education is the nation’s largest Health Resources and Services Administration-funded Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education Consortium. It trains highly skilled physicians in community-immersed, clinical-learning networks that strive to address the nation’s physician shortage and related health care access disparities. Resident doctors can choose from programs in internal medicine, family medicine, national family medicine and psychiatry. Fellowships also are available in cardiovascular disease, gastroenterology and geriatrics.

Disney On Ice Returning to Wilkes-Barre

Hosts Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse bring audiences on an expedition across raging seas, snow covered mountains and the marigold bridge in Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic. This action-packed extravaganza, produced by Feld Entertainment, Inc., features Disney’s Moana, Frozen, Coco and Beauty and the Beast with other beloved Disney characters skates into Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza from January 6 – 9, 2022.

Disney On Ice Preferred Customers can purchase advance tickets starting today, October 26, 2021, to get the best seats available before tickets go on-sale to the general public on November 2, 2021. Fans can still sign up to become a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code.

Disney On Ice presents Into The Magic takes families on a high-sea adventure as Moana sets sail on a life-changing quest to save her island with help from the demigod Maui. With the ice floor transformed into the vast oceanic scape, Disney On Ice allows Moana’s strength and determination to take center stage. This engaging atmosphere lets audiences deepen their existing connection to their favorite wayfinder and discover one’s true identity is never out of reach.

Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney●Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons in a beautiful cultural celebration of family.

Beautiful production numbers invite audiences into the world of Beauty and the Beast, as Belle shows what it means to be fearless. Along with her new friends in the enchanted castle, Belle is encouraged to step outside the ordinary and find joy in the bleakest situation. As she looks beyond the harsh exterior of the Beast to reach his gentle heart, fans learn there are teachable moments in everyday life.

Through the athleticism and grace of Anna and Elsa, Rapunzel and Flynn, and Cinderella, brave heroes from Frozen, Tangled and Cinderella ignite passions to believe. Showgoers will witness each characters’ unique qualities and talents inspiring children around the world to discover their inner hero.

While delivering the same magical experiences guest expect from Disney On Ice, Feld Entertainment is continuing Guest Wellness Enhancements to help keep families safe at its live events. Fed Entertainment is working closely with venue partners to establish and follow COVID-19 health and safety standards in accordance with all federal, state and local guidelines. Please monitor the venue website for health and safety policies, including face coverings and entry requirements, which are subject to change. Full details on Feld Entertainment Guest Wellness Enhancements can be found here.

Event Location: Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Blvd, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702

Dates and Times of Performances:

  • Thursday, January 6 7:00pm
  • Friday, January 7 3:00pm 7:00pm
  • Saturday, January 8 11:00am 3:00pm 7:00pm
  • Sunday, January 9 11:00am 3:00pm

For ticket prices and to purchase tickets visit www.disneyonice.com, Ticketmaster.com or visit the NBT Bank Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

New Workforce Development Program Launches in NEPA

In an effort to help remove socio-economic barriers for some individuals looking to enter the workforce and earn a life-sustaining wage, Johnson College, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund have formed a unique partnership to address this critical need and solve the skills gap in NEPA.

RISE: Readiness In Skilled Employment is a workforce development program to serve residents of Lackawanna and Luzerne counties with the opportunity to obtain technical training while accessing additional supports to remove any barriers that stand in their way of starting a new career. Funded by the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, the support and services offered will provide enrolled participants the pathway necessary to earn a family-sustaining wage. RISE paves the way for individuals and their future generations to succeed.

“There are over 7,000 jobs currently posted available in NEPA even with a declining unemployment rate and increased labor force participation,” commented Teri Ooms, Executive Director at The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development. “These jobs require all different levels of education, training, and skills. There is opportunity! RISE addresses both the education and training to secure those jobs, while helping individuals with all the other challenges that affect their ability to learn and be gainfully employed.” Participants will achieve the hands-on education through Johnson College to secure an in-demand job in NEPA.

“For over 100 years, Johnson College has worked to produce skilled technicians needed for the workforce, and now the need is greater than ever,” said Dr Katie Leonard, Johnson College CEO & President. “By our organizations working together, more people from our community will have an opportunity to lessen the job market’s skills gap by becoming well-trained technicians without having to overcome certain barriers. Plus, they will enter the workforce with the knowledge and training to be able to earn family-sustaining wages . RISE will change lives.”

“United Neighborhood Centers is thrilled to be working with Johnson College, The Institute, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund on this new initiative,” noted Lisa Durkin, President & CEO of United Neighborhood Centers. “Never before has the need for a strong skilled workforce been more evident. Many industries and professions are looking to fill key positions right now. It is our goal that we meet the demand of area employers and prepare the families and individuals we work with for these rewarding opportunities.”