Geisinger Doctors Recognized Among PA Medical Society’s Top Physicians Under 40 Four Geisinger providers were honored among the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s (PAMED) Top Physicians Under 40 for 2021. Family medicine physician Jason Dinko, M.D., cytopathologist Renee Frank, M.D., palliative medicine specialist Lauren Nicholls, M.D., and clinical informatics fellow Raghuveer Puttagunta, M.D., were nominated by their colleagues and selected by a committee of PAMED’s member physicians. The awards are bestowed yearly to talented, early-career physicians who are already performing at a high level throughout the commonwealth. Dr. Dinko is a board-certified physician specializing in family medicine. He is the site leader for the family medicine practice at Geisinger Healthplex Woodbine in Danville, where he leads a group of eight providers and mentors local medical students. Dr. Dinko has been recognized for his leadership by example and his continual effort toward excellence in care. He grew up in White Haven and graduated from The Commonwealth Medical College (now Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine) in 2014. After completing his residency in Washington, Pa., Dr. Dinko returned to central Pennsylvania to serve communities near his hometown. Dr. Renee Frank is a cytopathologist who works in laboratory medicine at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. Since joining Geisinger, the Dupont native has served on tumor boards and lectured and mentored medical students. She was recently promoted to assistant chair of education for laboratory medicine, where she serves on numerous medical school and hospital committees to optimize medical student education, bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical practice and explore new curriculum opportunities. Dr. Frank was described by her nominator as embodying the “spirit of a doctor’s doctor.” Dr. Lauren Nicholls is a dually trained palliative care and family medicine physician focused on improving quality of life for her patients. A Scranton native, she practices at Geisinger Community Medical Center and specializes in adult, perinatal and pediatric palliative medicine. She provides compassionate care for patients with terminal illnesses, attending to their emotional and physical well-being while managing their symptoms. Dr. Nicholls also provides guidance and support to patient families, and she has a clinical interest in end-of-life care. She has published several works on end-of-life symptom management and communication. Dr. Nicholls has been recognized for going above and beyond to engage patients and families during their most difficult times. Dr. Raghuveer Puttagunta is a board-certified physician in internal medicine and pediatrics with a clinical focus on caring for families and patients living with pediatric chronic disease throughout their life. He is currently in fellowship training in clinical informatics at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. Dr. Puttagunta is leading several Institutional Review Board research projects with a focus on improving health care utilization for people managing chronic diseases, specifically those with intellectual disabilities, autism and adult congenital heart disease. He is also leading initiatives to improve provider efficiency within the electronic health record as part of the Geisinger Clinical Efficiency Program. Dr. Puttagunta has been recognized for his mentorship of trainees through medical school, internship and residency.
People on the Move: Allied Services Integrated Health System Lori Steeves, NHA, PHCA: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Lori Steeves, NHA, PHCA as Assistant Administrator of the Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton. Steeves brings nearly 20 years of experience in the fields of Skilled Nursing and Personal Care. Focusing on providing quality care, Lori will continue to work on the development and implementation of measures to ensure the highest quality of long-term care services and positive resident experiences. Lori received her Bachelor’s degree from Kutztown University and is both a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Licensed Personal Care Home Administrator. Rita Kuchta, RN, BSN: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Rita Kuchta, RN as the new Director of Nursing at the Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton. During her extensive nursing career, Kuchta has specialized in Gerontology, directly overseeing the operations of multiple nursing units at the facility in Scranton. Throughout her career with the integrated health system Rita has held various administrative positions including Unit Manager and Assistant Director of Nursing. Rita has been an employee at Allied Services Skilled Nursing in Scranton for more than twenty years, which not only demonstrates her loyalty but true Skilled Nursing experience. Rita received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Penn State University. Melissa Palermo, RN: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Melissa Palermo, RN as the new Assistant Director of Nursing at the Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton. Palermo previously served as Unit Manager where she was responsible for clinical care oversight and providing staff direction to ensure the highest quality of care. After joining the Skilled Nursing Center in 2003 as a Certified Nurse Aide, Palermo utilized Allied Services education assistance programs and was able to further her career by becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, and then a Registered Nurse receiving her degree from Excelsior College. Jamie Sheridan, RN, BSN: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomes back returning employee Jamie Sheridan, RN, BSN as the new Staff Development Coordinator for the Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton. In her role, Jamie will use her extensive experience to organize and implement new employee orientation and clinical competency programs, develop staff training programs and continued clinical competency, and plan general in-service programming. Sheridan received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University and is currently enrolled in Chamberlain’s Master of Science in Nursing program with a specialty in nursing education. Patrick Quinn: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Patrick Quinn as Assistant Director of the Developmental Services Division. Quinn has worked exclusively in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities for 38 years. He is an accomplished lecturer on a local, state, and national level advocating for persons with disabilities. Quinn is a graduate of the University of Scranton and holds certificates from the University of Delaware National Institute on Developmental Disabilities and the University of Scranton Non-Profit Leadership Program. William Lezinski, MBA, CMA: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced William Lezinski, MBA, CMA as Assistant Vice President of Vocational Services. Lezinski joined the integrated health system in 2020 as the Director of Accounting for the Vocational Services Division bringing more than 25 years of experience in the banking and real estate industries. Lezinski’s extensive financial knowledge has enabled him to master the complex financial reporting required by the various programs that make up the Vocational Division. Within the financial services area, Lezinski will also work to ensure compliance for the numerous federal and state janitorial contracts, Human Services Programs fiscal requirements, and general day-to-day business operations. In addition to his existing job duties, Bill will now be responsible for all real estate leasing agreements for the integrated health system. Lezinski earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Penn State University and his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from the University of Scranton. Jeff Snyder, BA: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Jeff Snyder, BA, as Assistant Vice President of Behavioral Health, Burnley Employment and Rehabilitation Center, and Waiver Coordination. Snyder began his career at Allied Services in 2005. In 2017, he was promoted to Director of the Burnley Employment and Rehabilitation Center in Stroudsburg and in 2019 was promoted to Executive Director adding the Waiver Coordination Division to his core responsibilities. In 2019, Snyder was also awarded the Charles Luger Memorial Employee Award in recognition of his commitment and dedication to Allied Services and its mission. In addition to his existing duties, Jeff will now oversee the Behavioral Health Division. The Behavioral Health Division provides residential and supported living services to over 400 individuals with mental health concerns in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Schuylkill, and Bradford Counties. Snyder earned his Bachelor of Arts in Management from Penn State University. Mike Killeen, BS: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Mike Killeen, BS, as the Assistant Vice President of the Developmental Services Division. He joined the Developmental Services Division at Allied Services in 1978 as a Direct Care Worker and has dedicated his professional career to the care of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Over the past 43 years, he has served in numerous clinical and management positions. In his new role, Killeen will have oversight of the care teams providing round-the-clock care for more than 100 individuals with intellectual disabilities in 7 home-like settings in the community. In 2007, Killeen was awarded the Charles Luger Memorial Employee Award for his extraordinary leadership and dedication to serving individuals with disabilities. Killeen earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Penn State University. Charlotte Wright: Allied Services Integrated Health System announced Charlotte Wright as Assistant Vice President of Development and Marketing. Wright joined Allied Services in 2011 assisting in both the Vocational Services Division and Foundation Office. In her new role, Wright is responsible for the organization’s digital marketing strategy, external communications, and development activities including the annual charity campaign, WNEP’s Ryan’s Run. Wright earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from Durham University, England, and a Master of Science in Forced Migration from Oxford University, England. Maurya Incavido, BFA: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Maurya Incavido, BFA as Talent Manager for the Human Resources Department. In her new role, Incavido will serve as an employee career counselor and assist with internal staffing system-wide. Incavido will aim to help employees with assessment, performance improvement, career transitions, workplace and career paths, and work/life balance situations. Prior to joining Allied Services, Incavido worked in the United States Senate for nearly 15 years. Incavido earned her Bachelor in Fine Arts from Marywood University. Laurie Fleming, BS: Allied Services Integrated Health System welcomed Laurie Fleming as Volunteer Coordinator for the integrated health systems Hospice and Palliative Care division. Fleming will coordinate and manage the divisions’ volunteer program including helping to facilitate volunteer services for patients and their families receiving care in both the health systems in-patient hospice centers and those at home. Prior to joining Allied Services Fleming was the Manager of the West Side Active Older Adult Center and Director of the Older Adult Program for the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Flemming earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Policy with a concentration in Health Care Management from Penn State University and a Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Southern California.
Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education Scholarly Abstract Accepted for Presentation at HRSA’s National Conference Dr. Karen ArscottDr. Meaghan RuddyDr. Linda Thomas-HemakScott ConstantiniJumee Barooah A scholarly research team at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education has had their scholarly abstract, “An Addiction Medicine Fellowship’s Valuable Engagement in an Essential Community Provider’s ‘Whole Person’ Care and Education Model,” accepted for presentation at a highly competitive national conference. The federal Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) abstract review committee chose the research article for its Bureau of Health Workforce Virtual All Grantee and Stakeholder Meeting in April. The focus of the meeting is for participants to learn from grantees and trainees about programs, ideas and research that can improve the health workforce. Dr. Karen Arscott, a primary care and addiction medicine specialist, will make the public presentation of the abstract for the research team. Drs. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO, and Jumee Barooah, designated institutional officer, also contributed to the research along with Scott Constantini, director of behavioral health, and Meaghan Ruddy, Ph.D., senior vice president of assessment and advancement for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. The abstract, one of 72 accepted for presentation, illustrates how HRSA’s investment in the Geisinger-Wright Center for Community Health addiction fellowship partnership helped improve access to health care services and trained the health workforce to address behavioral and community health needs.
HNB Celebrates 185 Years of Supporting Local Communities On December 26 The Honesdale National Bank officially celebrated 185 years in business. The Bank recognizes the milestone as an example of its achievements, but considers it more a testament to its ability to support the financial needs of the local area for years to come. Earlier in December, Thomas E. Sheridan, Jr. rejoined HNB to reprise his role as president and CEO of the oldest financial institution headquartered in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Back at the helm, his sights are set on establishing the course for the Bank’s promising future by harnessing tradition. The historical financial institution based in Honesdale, Pa has done anything but remain stagnant since its inception, often bringing the first of improved customer experience offerings to the area such as the first TV Auto Bank Drive-Up system in 1968, to its most recent deployment of a checking product suite that focuses on benefits that enable their customers to take advantage of all aspects of their life, including protection, wellness and promotion of shopping in our local communities through exclusive deals and discounts. “The benefits that community banks bring to the areas we serve is a point of pride,” said Sheridan. “The directors, management team, and staff at HNB have done an outstanding job in moving the bank forward. They have targeted their efforts on helping our area to prosper by focusing on what is best for our customers. In each and every role, HNB’s people are truly concerned with assisting our customers and willing to provide the extra effort to help.” Sheridan believes that bankers serve a unique and important role in helping communities grow. Ultimately, aiming to elevate all of the factors that make our communities such a desirable place to live, play and work In the Bank’s historic service span, Sheridan noted there have been many extreme challenges to the economy. He shared how HNB not only persevered, but more importantly, helped improve many difficult situations for local businesses and families to help the area forge new beginnings. “Experience has taught us that the greatest innovations are often the result of the need to overcome some significant challenge. The pandemic has forced many of us to face changes. With many people being relieved of the need to live within commuting distance of work, our area is now a residential option for telecommuting. We are very fortunate to live in an area that still embraces the spirit of community. We look forward to providing banking services for the business opportunities of an expanding area and new customers providing that growth,” he said. “The HNB team spends their time and talents thinking of ways for the Bank to better meet the needs of our customers at every stage of life,” said Sheridan. Facing what could be a turbulent year ahead with prospects of inflation, recessions, regulatory scrutiny and more, HNB bodes confidence in its service model as it also prepares to crest $1 billion in assets. Echoing the steps that have been taken in recent years by the Bank’s leadership team, Sheridan stated, “We will continue our quest to stay ahead of the technology curve. With each advancement in technology the ease, speed and security of meeting our customer’s needs is improved and with that comes a better banking experience. Most importantly, we will not lose sight that personal service will always be important in meeting our customer’s needs.” “Our concern for the wellbeing of the people and businesses who bank with us has been the foundation upon which we have built such a long history,” Sheridan said. “This is the standard that has been set and passed on throughout the years among employees and board members. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to contribute to progressing that mission.”
Geisinger Hospitals Awarded for Treatment of Severe Heart Attacks Three Geisinger hospitals have been recognized by the American Heart Association for adhering to proven care guidelines that benefit patients suffering the most severe type of heart attack. Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre have received the Mission: Lifeline ® Gold Plus Receiving Quality Achievement Award, and Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton has received the Mission: Lifeline Gold Receiving Quality Achievement Award. The hospitals earned honors for implementing specific quality improvement measures in treating ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack. Each year, more than 250,000 Americans experience a STEMI, which is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. To prevent death, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication. The Mission: Lifeline program helps reduce barriers to swift treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 911 call, to EMS transport and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge. Coordination among EMS, hospital and health system is key to providing optimal care to heart attack patients. “We pride ourselves in always implementing and following the latest, evidence-based methods of treatment, because we know it leads to better outcomes for our patients,” said Cinde Bower-Stout, RN, MHA, manager of cardiovascular quality for the Geisinger Heart & Vascular Institute. As Mission: Lifeline Heart Attack Receiving Centers, the hospitals have shown they meet or exceed quality of care measures for restoring blood flow in STEMI patients, and their achievement awards are the result of maintaining a standard of performance in delivering quick, appropriate, lifesaving care to patients coming into the hospitals directly or by transfer from another facility. “Our hospitals are committed to providing the best possible care for heart-attack patients,” said Vishal Mehra, M.D., Ph.D., director of cardiovascular quality for the Geisinger Heart & Vascular Institute. “Geisinger’s STEMI program was designed to achieve these same goals, and we’ve been honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication and achievement in cardiac care since Mission: Lifeline was launched.”
Governor Wolf Announces 22 Municipalities to Improve Traffic Safety with Red Light Enforcement Funds Governor Tom Wolf announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will distribute approximately $12.9 million in Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) funding to 22 municipalities statewide to fund 28 safety projects. Pennsylvania’s ARLE program aims to improve safety at signalized intersections by providing automated enforcement at locations where data shows red-light running has been an issue. “This program helps communities across the state make investments in safety and efficient traffic flow,” Governor Wolf said. “These improvements complement the many road, bridge, and multimodal projects happening in Pennsylvania.” Grant funding is supplied by fines from red light violations at 32 intersections in Philadelphia. State law specifies that projects improving safety, enhancing mobility, and reducing congestion can be considered for funding. Municipalities submitted 132 applications, totaling $48.3 million in requests. Projects were selected by an eight-member committee based on criteria such as safety benefits and effectiveness, cost, and local and regional impact. This investment brings the total dollars awarded through the ARLE funding program to $112.7 million, funding 501 transportation enhancement projects since 2010. The Lackawanna County project includes: Lackawanna County Blakely Borough: $123,210 to improve pedestrian safety on Depot Street at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail mid-block crossing. Improvements will include ADA accessible ramps, flashing beacons to alert drivers and pedestrians/cyclists to slow down and be aware of conditions, signage to encourage sharing the road and a high visibility colored concrete crossing. For more information, visit PennDOT’s website, or email ARLE@pa.gov.
The Dime Bank Contributes to The Stock Market Challenge The Dime Bank recently contributed $9,000.00 to the nonprofit Brighter Financial Futures (dba PennCFL). This donation, which was made through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, supports local schools in the sponsorship of The Stock Market Challenge. The Stock Market Challenge is a web-based stock simulation platform and curriculum. Students can learn how to trade all year long by using the whole curriculum, courses, and more, including six ten-week competitions. The competitions are held in the classroom, by county and state-wide. The Stock Market Challenge recently announced that Henry Reichman finished in first place in the Middle School Division for Wayne and Pike County and in the top ten of the Statewide Middle School Division. He is a seventh-grade student at Wallenpaupack Area School District and worked under the leadership of Mrs. Argyro Paspalas. President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Bochnovich commented, “We feel it is very worthwhile for students to gain a greater understanding of the world of finance. It provides them with a foundation for their future success. It is our hope that all of the eligible schools will continue to participate in and take advantage of this learning opportunity.”
PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for New Year’s Holiday PennDOT announced that all driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, January 1, 2022, in observance of the New Year’s holiday. Additionally, the Pittsburgh Driver License Centers and all services at the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg will be closed Friday, December 31, 2021. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services. A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2021 is available online. Motorists can check conditions on major roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
Wright Center’s Chief Fellow Publishes 100th Scholarly Article The chief fellow for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Gastroenterology Fellowship recently published the 100th scholarly article during his fellowship, “Scope of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Gastrointestinal Oncology,” in Cancers, a peer-reviewed journal of oncology that is published semimonthly. Dr. Hemant Goyal, a fellow of the American College of Physicians, was invited to review literature that addressed the most current information available about the role of AI in diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, which cause more than 2.8 million deaths annually worldwide. He and his co-authors labeled the advancements and use of AI in endoscopic procedures as a “significant breakthrough in modern medicine.” The diagnostic accuracy of AI systems has markedly improved in screening, diagnosing and treating various cancers by accurately analyzing diagnostic clinical images, but it needs additional collaboration among physicians. Overall, he has published more than 175 peer-reviewed articles in various national and international scientific journals. Goyal’s research, “Taste Changes (Dysgeusia) in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis,” appeared in the Gastroenterology, the No. 1 scientific journal in the field of gastroenterology. It was the first published meta-analysis that highlighted taste changes as one of COVID-19’s symptoms. Goyal also published, “Hyperlipasemia and Potential Pancreatic Injury Pattern in COVID-19: A Marker of Severity or Innocent Bystander,” in the Gastroenterology. The research highlighted the importance of elevation in lipase levels, which help the human body digest fats, in patients with COVID-19. The International Journal of Colorectal Diseases included his scholarly research article, “Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer: Hospitalization Trends and Gender Disparities in the United State 2010-14.” It showed that white females between 41-50 years of age with colorectal cancer have higher hospitalization rates. The abstract earned first place at the 2019 Pennsylvania Society of Gastroenterology meeting. Goyal, a gastroenterologist-in-training and doctor of internal medicine, accepts adult patients at The Wright Center for Community Health’s Mid Valley Practice, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn, for treatment of Hepatitis C. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Institutional Review Board-approves research studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Overall, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education has had 75 scholarly abstracts written on a wide array of topics in medicine accepted for presentation at professional conferences since the beginning of the 2021-22 academic year. For more information about The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, go to www.thewrightcenter.org or call 570-343-2383.
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