Geisinger School of Medicine seeks speakers for TEDxGCSOM 2026

Geisinger College of Health Sciences is seeking speakers for TEDxGCSOM 2026, an event that will challenge the community to explore a universal question: Why Care?

The event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Medical Sciences Building in Scranton.

Selected local speakers will examine the many ways care shapes lives, communities and healthcare. Applications are open to a diverse range of speakers, including patients and family members, students, healthcare providers, social workers, therapists, educators, caregivers, community leaders — essentially anyone with a meaningful perspective on the role of care in our lives.

“Care is at the heart of the human experience,” said first-year medical student and event organizer Mario Lopez. “It can be found in a life-changing medical intervention, a difficult conversation, an act of advocacy, a moment of compassion or a connection that leaves a lasting impact. TEDxGCSOM offers an opportunity to explore why care matters and how it influences our world.”

Potential topics include:

· Personal experiences receiving care

· The impact of compassionate healthcare

· Caregiving and caregiving challenges

· Patient advocacy

· Health equity and access

· Mental health

· Innovation in healthcare

· Resilience, healing and recovery

· Lessons learned through providing care

To apply, visit TEDxGCSOM Speaker Application. Application deadline is Sept. 20.

TEDx events are local, independently organized programs that bring people together to share ideas and foster meaningful dialogue. Modeled after TED conferences, TEDx events feature live speakers and recorded TED Talks centered on ideas worth spreading within local communities.