Leadership Lackawanna announces Core Program Class of 2026-27 Leadership Lackawanna, a division of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce the 39 professionals selected for its Core Program Class of 2026–27. The 10-month Core Program develops participants’ leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills while expanding their understanding of issues affecting the greater Scranton region. Through monthly sessions led by recognized specialists, participants explore topics that may include community and economic development, government, health care, law, education, quality of life, sustainability, regional history and media. A cornerstone of the program is the Core Class Project experience. Working in teams alongside local nonprofit organizations, participants develop and implement service projects that address genuine community needs. The projects give class members practical experience in strategic thinking, goal setting, teamwork, consensus building, problem solving, fundraising, resource development, marketing, public relations, equity and inclusion, conflict resolution and evaluation. The Leadership Lackawanna Core Program Class of 2026–27 includes: • Emily Arcaro, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania • Nicole Ash, Aramark at the University of Scranton Catering Dept. • Alyssa Bartoli, Fidelity Bank • Rik Bhattacharyya, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company • Jonathan Brady, Fidelity Bank • Melissa Calachino, The Wright Center for Community Health • Dylan Cawley, Geisinger • Nicole Cesarini, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA • Camille Dantone, Everhart Museum • Sean Dempsey, Alliance Wealth Advisors • Samantha Donahue, The Arc of NEPA • Brittany Dougherty, Penn State Scranton • Laura Dunn, Merrill Lynch • Angelina Elders, NBT Bank • Elizabeth Ephault, The Wright Center for Community Health • Kevin Farrell, Marywood University • Morgan Farrell, Geisinger College of Health Sciences • Kyle Frable, Benco Dental • Lauretta Graham, The Wright Center for Community Health • Claire Guarneri, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. • Natasha Hazzouri, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education • Kristen Hoover, Maximus • Teresa Kalinay, Montage Mountain Resorts • Fletcher Kanas, Barry Callebaut • Curt Kromko, Prudential • Kim Lazuka, Greater Scranton YMCA • Kristen McGoff, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Co. • Todd Monahan, Stone House Investment Management, LLC • Elisheva-Lydia MR, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania • Rich Mullen, Posture Interactive, LTD • Nicole Piccoletti, Outreach – Center for Community Resources • Theodor Radu, The Honesdale National Bank • Monica Reich, Penn East Federal Credit Union • Alondra Vazquez Rivera, Wells Fargo • Lewis Schweppenheiser, Penn East Federal Credit Union • Nicholas Sherman, Friends of the Poor and Catherine McAuley Center • Kelly Siekierka, Plaskolite Pennsylvania • Jeff Snyder, Allied Services • Anthony Walaitis, Plaskolite Pennsylvania
Geisinger hosting free event spotlighting knee replacement Area residents can learn about knee replacement surgery and how to recover successfully at a free event Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the Geisinger School of Medicine campus, 525 Pine St., Scranton. “Walk This Way: Recovering After Knee Replacement” will feature Geisinger orthopaedic surgeon James Murphy, MD, who will explain the knee replacement process — from evaluating candidacy to recovering and staying active after surgery. Knee replacement is a common procedure, yet many patients and families have questions about when surgery is appropriate, what it involves and how to achieve the best possible recovery. Murphy will explain: – How to determine if knee replacement is the right option – The latest technology, including robotic-assisted surgery – Strategies for maintaining mobility and staying active during recovery – Rapid recovery protocols Murphy is an adult reconstruction specialist with expertise in robotic knee replacements, hip replacements, rapid recovery protocols and revision surgery. He completed his medical training at The Pennsylvania State University, his residency at Case Western Reserve University and his fellowship in adult reconstruction at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged. Visit go.geisinger.edu/walkthisway or contact gchscommunityevents@geisinger.edu. This event is part of Geisinger’s Third Wednesday Community Education Series, which brings trusted health expertise to the Scranton community each month. Murphy is available for interviews before the event.
Geisinger to hold Narcan distribution events in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre Geisinger’s pharmacy, emergency medicine, addiction medicine and Free2BMom teams are collaborating again this year on two Narcan® (naloxone) distribution events in northeastern Pennsylvania. Geisinger personnel will hand out boxes of nasal naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, and teach attendees how to properly use them at community resource events in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. At the Scranton event, the Geisinger team will be joined by community health partners who will set up information tables and offer resources to those in recovery or seeking recovery. The first event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, in the Linden Street courtyard of Courthouse Square at 200 N. Washington Ave. in Scranton. The second event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, during the Farmers Market on Public Square in downtown Wilkes-Barre The events are free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Geisinger Hospitals Recognized Among Nation’s Best Four Geisinger hospitals have been recognized for high performance in the 2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings, including Geisinger Community Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center. Geisinger Wyoming Valley was awarded the No. 1 spot overall for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area and tied for the No. 18 spot overall in Pennsylvania. Only 16% of the nearly 5,000 hospitals evaluated earned a numerical ranking in a state, metro area, and/or a medical specialty, allowing them to display a U.S. News award badge. “Our teams work diligently to provide exceptional patient care to our communities,” said Ron Beer, chief administrative officer for Geisinger’s northeast region. “This recognition demonstrates how their dedication and focus on quality and safety have a positive impact on patient experiences and outcomes.” Geisinger Wyoming Valley was also recognized for 11 high-performing procedures and conditions: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Diabetes Heart attack Heart failure Hip replacement Knee replacement Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma Lung cancer surgery Pneumonia Stroke Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) Geisinger Community Medical Center was recognized for three high-performing procedures and conditions: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Diabetes Pneumonia U.S. News & World Report bases their “Best Hospitals” rankings on components such as patient outcomes, overall patient experience, hospital staffing and other factors. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based on objective quality measures.
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Completes Structural Steel for Expansion Project Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center has completed steel frame construction on its expansion and modernization project, keeping work on pace to open the hospital’s new 11-story patient tower in 2028. Geisinger officials and community partners held a beam-topping ceremony on Wednesday, July 15, to commemorate the milestone, which brings Luzerne County and northeastern Pennsylvania a step closer to better access to acute hospital-based healthcare services. The project, which grows clinical space and enhances programs in medical-surgical care, critical care, emergency medicine, trauma care, surgical care and advanced cardiovascular care, is designed to meet the growing needs of a region whose 65-and-older population is projected to grow by 11% between 2023 and 2028. “When this project is complete, Geisinger Wyoming Valley will be more capable of meeting the needs of our friends and neighbors across NEPA, but it will also be the destination medical center our region deserves,” said Ron Beer, chief administrative officer for Geisinger’s northeast region. “This expansion will provide better access to exceptional care in a setting where patients can heal in peace and privacy.” The new patient tower will allow Geisinger Wyoming Valley to transition to an all-private-room model. Private rooms offer a more spacious and tranquil environment in which patients can rest and recover, while also improving families’ and care teams’ exchange of information and collaboration on care plans. Between new construction and renovation, the project covers more than 600,000 square feet. Upgrades to the hospital include: 58 medical-surgical inpatient beds 6 operating rooms 22 emergency medicine treatment areas 3 trauma bays Dedicated emergency room (ER) space for behavioral health patients 24 intensive care beds 2 structural heart rooms for advanced valve procedures Updated cardiac catheterization labs for heart attack care and interventional cardiology procedures More clinical space for cardiovascular programs and cardiac imagery The nearly $900 million project continues a recent series of Geisinger investments in Luzerne County focused on providing high-quality outpatient specialty care and acute inpatient care, including the expansion and renovation of the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Cancer Center, opening of Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint, construction of Geisinger Medical Office Building Wyoming Valley, and continued program growth at Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. “Our mission is to provide the best care close to home for the communities we serve,” said Megan Brosious, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Geisinger. “That includes everything from the most routine well visit to the most advanced hospital-based intervention. As we’ve been able to provide outpatient services at dedicated clinics and centers out in our communities, we’ve been able to invest in and grow our medical centers.” After the new patient tower opens in 2028, renovation work will continue through 2030. In all, the project nearly doubles the size of Geisinger Wyoming Valley and puts its capability on par with major academic medical centers. “Our nurses, advanced practice providers and doctors care about this community, and they give a lot of themselves,” said Renee Blakiewicz, vice president and chief nursing officer for Geisinger’s northeast region. “For their hard work and commitment, they also deserve the best medical center we can create. Geisinger Wyoming Valley should be the hospital that makes local talent want to stay local and invites great talent from all over the world to practice in northeastern Pennsylvania.”
Registration open for Geisinger’s 2026 cooking classes Geisinger is offering free in-person and virtual cooking classes this summer. The culinary medicine classes combine the art of cooking with the science of nutrition and offer an evidence-based approach to health. A registered dietician will lead the classes and talk about healthy meals, portion sizes, label reading, snacking, eating behaviors, kitchen safety and good shopping habits. In-person classes will take place at Geisinger’s teaching kitchen in Selinsgrove. You can register at geisinger.org.cooking and email culinarymedicine@geisinger.edu with any questions.
Geisinger Community Medical Center begins neonatal intensive care unit renovation Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton is renovating its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to provide care for newborns. The $7.7 million project began in late May 2026. The hospital will add a Level II neonatal intensive care unit to its third floor. It’s expected to open in the last quarter of 2026. This unit will be capable of helping babies as young as 32 weeks of gestation and as small as about 3.3 pounds. “Our Level II NICU at Geisinger Community Medical Center will allow us to care for more babies and their families right here in the greater Scranton area and northeastern Pennsylvania community by enhancing our capability to care for premature and sick newborns,” said Ben Lee, M.D., director of the Division of Neonatology in Geisinger’s northeast region. “Whether your baby is born in good health or in need of intensive care, our network of NICUs in NEPA and in the Geisinger system will be with you to provide the care your baby needs.” The NICU will also have space for care teams and a lounge for families and visitors.
Geisinger Hospitals Recognized For Caring For Individuals With Diabetes Five Geisinger hospitals were among just 37 hospitals to be named Recognized Leaders in Caring for People Living with Diabetes, a designation bestowed by The Leapfrog Group in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The national designation program is in its third year and evaluates hospitals based on their care for patients with diabetes during admission, hospital stay and discharge. The program recognizes hospitals aligned with the ADA’s Standards of Care in Diabetes and Leapfrog’s standards for excellence in hospital safety and quality. Geisinger hospitals receiving the recognition were: · Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital · Geisinger Medical Center · Geisinger Community Medical Center · Geisinger Lewistown Hospital · Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital “This recognition is truly an honor. It represents the culmination of our collective efforts to improve the lives of our patients with diabetes through a multidisciplinary approach. We remain committed to making sure our patients get the same high-quality care, regardless of where at Geisinger they got it,” said Brian Jameson, D.O., Geisinger director of endocrinology. “I’d like to thank our colleagues in departments across Geisinger for making the programs and practices to improve diabetes care part of the Geisinger culture.” Recognized hospitals provide safe, high-quality care for people living with diabetes through blood glucose (blood sugar) testing and hypoglycemia protocols, specialized preparation for inpatient surgery, meals and insulin regimen planning, and robust discharge planning for high-risk people with diabetes. Hospitals are assessed in how they implement these processes and structures, and on how well they execute on the standard of care delivered to a random sample of patients.
Geisinger Doctor Named EMS Physician Of The Year Geisinger’s Chris Berry, M.D., has been named the 2026 EMS Physician ofthe Year by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Emergency HealthServices Council, an independent advisory committee to EMS agencies across the state. Dr. Berry has been a physician in Geisinger Medical Center’s emergency room since 2024 andis the associate medical director for Geisinger EMS. He personally responds to emergenciesusing the Geisinger Physician Response Vehicle, working alongside EMS crews when not in theemergency room, and is the medical director for multiple central Pennsylvania EMS agenciesand fire departments. “I’m deeply grateful to receive this award from a community that means so much to me,” saidDr. Berry. “EMS professionals provide lifesaving care and are a cornerstone of our community,and it’s a real honor to be recognized by my colleagues in this way.” The EMS Physician of the Year award is chosen through peer nomination and an EMS votingcommittee. After reviewing nominations from across the state, the committee makes their finalchoice based on the nominee’s contributions to the delivery of EMS, clinical leadership andmentorship of EMS providers. Mark Bertollo, emergency medicine services coordinator and award nominator, says, “Chris isvery good at what he does and is very involved — he does trainings and education, he will workwith EMS on his day off and he often invites hospital residents to join him to further theireducation.” Dr. Berry was honored at a ceremony at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville on May 5 and willalso be recognized at the Pennsylvania State Capitol building in Harrisburg during EMS Week,May 17 to 23. This year’s award is in honor of Deno Gualtieri, D.O., a Pennsylvania EMS physician, agencymedical director and emergency department director who passed away earlier this year.
Geisinger School Of Medicine, NEPA Health Care Foundation Celebrate Milestones The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) 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 GSCOM (formerly The Commonwealth Medical College). The grant established the NEPA HCF Scholars Program, funding scholarships for Doctor of Medicine (MD) students. To date a total of twenty student scholarships have been awarded through the NEPA HCF Scholars Program. This year the NEPA HCF renewed their scholarship support for the next three years. The renewed scholarship support will be awarded to 2-3 students per year over the next 3 years and will support an additional 6-9 students. “Investing in future physicians who are committed to serving Northeastern Pennsylvania is an investment in the long-term health and well-being of our community,” said Laura Ducceschi, administrator of the NEPA Health Care Foundation and President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through this partnership, we are helping to support students who want to build their careers here and strengthen healthcare access across our region for years to come.” 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 healthcare 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 healthcare system,” said Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., Geisinger Commonwealth 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 Left to Right: Dr. Peter Cognetti, Board Chair, Dr. Julie Byerley, President of Geisinger College of Health Sciences, Dr. Kristen Richards, Caitlin Doughton, Alexis Blackburn, Evan Florey, Catherine Mihalick and Dr. Joseph Bannon, Second Row Left to Right: Dr. Jason Woloski, Laura Ducceschi, President/CEO of the Scranton Area Foundation, Dr. Shubhra Shetty, Tonyehn Verkitus, Atty. Joseph Burke, Michael Cordaro, Dr. Patrick Connors, Thomas Tulaney, Michael Clemente and Atty. Terrence Nealon
