Geisinger School of Medicine and Northeastern Health Care Foundation Celebrate at Annual Reception

Geisinger School of Medicine and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation (NEPA HCF) recently held their annual reception to review the progress and impact of the NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program. The program continues to play a pivotal role in supporting medical students committed to serving the healthcare needs of northeastern Pennsylvania.

In October 2014, the board of the NEPA HCF approved a grant to the School of Medicine (then called The Commonwealth Medical College). The grant, payable over 11 years, established the NEPA HCF Scholars Program, funding scholarships for 20 Doctor of Medicine (MD) students. Two students were chosen from each incoming class, beginning in 2015 with the incoming members of the Class of 2019, and ending in 2024 with the Class of 2028. To date, a total of 20 scholarships to 20 students have been awarded through the NEPA HCF Scholars Program.

Laura Ducceschi, administrator of NEPA HCF, and President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, emphasized the program’s alignment with the foundation’s mission, “Establishing this scholarship made sense, given NEPA HCF’s goal to improve the region’s health and well-being. Supporting medical students committed to practicing medicine in our community ensures a healthier future for northeastern Pennsylvania.”

The reception also focused on the group’s annual report, detailing the program’s achievements. Key accomplishments include the continued support of students through substantial scholarship awards and the reinforcement of partnerships aimed at enhancing health care access in the region.

“The NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program is a wonderful example of how strategic philanthropy and medical education can work together to strengthen our region’s health care system,” said Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., Geisinger College of Health Sciences president and dean. “By investing in our students and encouraging them to stay and practice in northeastern Pennsylvania, we’re building a healthier future — one physician at a time.”

First row, L to R: Parita Ray, Laura Barna, M.D. (alumna, Class of 2019) Caitlin Doughton, Kyle Kidd, Evan Florey, Madison Ziobro, Alexis Blackburn, Abigail Glynn, Jake Parrick, M.D. (alumnus, Class of 2019), Alivia Roberts

Back row, L to R: Tonyehn Verkitus, Catherine Mihalick, Sarah Wodder, Shubhra Shetty, M.D., Jason Woloski, M.D., Laura Ducceschi, Barbara Grimaud, Michael Cordaro, Joseph Burke, Patrick Connors, Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., Peter Cognetti