Geisinger: Pittston Man Emerges Healthier After Medication Side Effect David Centak of Pittston is just your average guy. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Tiffany, and he loves hosting game nights, cooking and grilling, gaming, and spending time outside with his two Australian shepherds, Grace and Hope. What makes the 35-year-old so much more than an average guy is the incredible health battle he overcame and how he emerged on the other side of that journey healthier than ever before. Centak always knew that he was at high risk for colon cancer because of a genetic condition called Lynch syndrome. People with the condition have DNA that lacks the ability to repair their own cells. As cells grow and make copies of a person’s DNA, errors may occur. DNA will make corrections to repair these errors, but for a person with Lynch syndrome the errors may duplicate themselves, resulting in an increased risk for cancer. Because of the condition, Centak had regular screenings. And in the fall of 2024, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. “My doctors recommended a hemicolectomy, but at my age I did not want to undergo that radical of a surgery,” he said. Not ready to have a surgery to remove a section of his colon, he sought other options and found a clinical trial with immunotherapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. “I received the first dose and when I went back for the second dose, they noticed that my blood glucose level was 561,” Centak said. “It was the day after New Year’s, so I was dehydrated and attributed it to eating Wawa that morning and having an energy drink on the way to the appointment.” The medical team gave him some time and rechecked his levels, and when the number fell to 210, he received his second dose of the medication. On his way home, he received a call from the doctor at Memorial Sloan Kettering telling Centak to go the emergency room immediately. The doctor worried Centak had a very rare side effect from the medication that could affect how his body processed glucose. Centak immediately went to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center’s emergency room. Following some tests, they confirmed that the medication had likely caused him to develop Type 1 diabetes. “The emergency room doctor explained that a reaction like this most likely meant that the immunotherapy had worked to stop the cancer from growing,” Centak said. “That was good news but it had also destroyed the beta cells in my pancreas.” He needed to stop the clinical trial immediately to avoid risk of further major organ damage. Luckily since the trial had stopped the cancer, he would not need radiation or chemotherapy, but now he had to learn to manage having diabetes at 35 years of age. After meeting with Mihail Voica, MD, Geisinger endocrinologist, he connected with a certified diabetes care and education specialist to learn how to deal with his new condition. “I met with Jessica Kozlosky and she had an amazing level of understanding and knowledge,” Centak said. “We talked about my insulin shots, and she offered dietary advice. Early on, I met with her every week and that was critical for me getting everything managed.” Kozlosky, a registered dietitian nutritionist, explained to Centak that she had diabetes herself and shared some tips on how she managed her condition to put his mind at ease and give him reassurance on managing his blood sugars. “Diabetes is a personalized disease. Something that works for one person might not work for someone else, but David was open to my experiences and really wanted to learn more about how he could manage the disease through his eating habits,” Kozlosky said. “He comes to appointments with really great questions and is truly invested in managing his disease.” She explained carbohydrate counting as a tool to help Centak manage his diabetes and talked him into using a pump to make managing insulin and blood sugars easier. “The Omnipod (insulin pump) was a game changer. Getting that advice from someone who understands was invaluable. She explained that I can still enjoy my life,” Centak said. “She also explained things to my father and my wife at a couple of appointments, explaining the course of action and creating a level of trust with my family so they understood it was under control.” Follow-up tests revealed a small spot of cancer still remaining in his colon, so he underwent a partial colectomy in August to remove about one-third of his colon. He has recovered fully from the surgery, has been managing his diabetes and feels great. “This might sound funny to say, but I feel better than I did before all of this happened,” he says. “I am healthier. I sleep better and I feel better, even with these conditions.” Kozlosky is not surprised. “His success is not surprising because he puts the work in. He comes to appointments with questions and is willing to do anything. He is very analytical and looks at trends and the data,” she said. “I have a really positive outlook for him.”
Geisinger Serves 3,300 Meals at Veteran Appreciation Dinners To thank local veterans for their service,Geisinger served 3,300 meals during drive-through veteran appreciation dinners at 12 locations across its service area on Thursday, Nov. 6. The dinners were provided at no cost to U.S. military veterans and their guests. Meals were provided in Bloomsburg, Danville, Jersey Shore, Lewistown, Mifflintown, Mount Pocono, Muncy, Pittston, Scranton, Shamokin, State College and Wilkes-Barre. Members of Geisinger’s executive leadership team, regional leaders and volunteers attended the event to hand out meals to veterans. Members of the leadership team, along with staff, distributed the meals with gratitude for the veterans’ selflessness and sacrifice. Geisinger Volunteer Services also partnered with local elementary schools to provide veterans with homemade cards and notes from students. GSWB Volunteers HCP Volunteers GCMC Volunteers Geisinger Mount Pocono Volunteers
GCMC Invests Nearly $50 Million in Scranton Hospital Geisinger Community Medical Center (GCMC) has several projects in motion to address critical and growing health care needs for the Scranton, Lackawanna County and larger northeastern Pennsylvania community. Renovation is underway to add 19 new postpartum beds and more pre- and post-operative care to GCMC’s labor and delivery capacity. The project is expected to reach a 12-bed milestone in December and be completed in April 2026. To provide more onsite care for newborns, GCMC has upgraded its nursery from a well-baby nursery to a continuing care nursery capable of caring for babies who may need help breathing or regulating their temperature but do not need the higher acuity care of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Geisinger leadership is targeting next year to begin work on a NICU, which, when complete, will provide care for babies with more complicated conditions and need for critical care right in Scranton. GCMC is also addressing an increasing community need for more emergency care by adding 24 emergency medicine treatment areas to its first floor, an update made possible by the migration of a variety of outpatient specialty services from the medical center to Geisinger’s 3 W. Olive Street facility where they have more room to grow. The multi-faceted plan for improvement within the hospital’s current footprint includes installing a second MRI machine for diagnostic imaging and building an additional suite for endoscopic procedures. These enhancements to care capacity will be supported by the growth of Geisinger’s patient transport services in Lackawanna County. These efforts follow the opening or reactivation of 41 inpatient beds earlier this year, 22 of which were enabled by moving behavioral health services to Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Northeast when it opened in August 2023. These most recent and ongoing renovations represent a nearly $50 million investment in Scranton. “We are laser-focused on providing as much safe, quality acute care as possible within the bounds of Geisinger Community Medical Center,” said Navneet Dang, M.D., M.B.A., chief medical officer at GCMC. “As more residents of Lackawanna County and surrounding communities come to us for care, we need all these resources to meet their needs. But to deliver the best care possible, we still need to do much more.” Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti recently appealed to City Council to approve new zoning designations near GCMC to facilitate Geisinger’s continued commitment to addressing the critical and growing health care needs of the Scranton community. “With these projects, we’ve grown services as much as humanly possible inside the walls of our current hospital, but the community needs more,” said Nick Coleman, associate vice president of clinical operations in Geisinger’s northeast region. “Significant additional capacity at GCMC is needed, long overdue, and what northeastern Pennsylvania deserves. Amidst the uncertain future of hospital services elsewhere in Scranton, we are very grateful for Mayor Cognetti’s forward-thinking and vision. We need equal support from City Council and the people of Scranton to ensure we have a health care community that can care for everyone who lives here with competence, expertise and compassion for years to come.”
Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Options for Veterans Veterans can select a special Medicare Advantage plan geared toward them from Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) during the ongoing Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which ends Sunday, Dec. 7.Veterans can continue to receive Veteran Affairs (VA) health care benefits without adding a monthly payment. The Geisinger Gold Heritage (HMO) plan provides veterans with more non-VA health care facility options when seeking care closer to home, including: $0 copay for supplemental preventive and comprehensive dental services, up to $1,250 annually $40 allowance per month for over-the-counter purchases like cough medicine and bandages $200 allowance per year for eyewear $1,250 allowance per year every 3 years for prescription hearing aids and $250 allowance every 2 years for 1 pair of over-the-counter hearing aids. A cap in out-of-pocket costs for inpatient stays Access to more than 30,000 doctors and specialists, 180+ hospitals and all VA facilities “We recognize and honor the special role veterans have played for our country — and we understand their unique health care needs,” said Roger van Baaren, Geisinger Health Plan chief sales officer. “That’s why GHP is proud to have plans that were designed with veterans specifically in mind.” Click here or call 800-482-8163 to learn more about Geisinger Health Plan Medicare Advantage options.
Geisinger Health Plan Announces Marketplace Plans for 2026 Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) announced its coverage plans for individuals age 19 to 64 who don’t have insurance coverage through an employer or family member. “Everyone’s health looks different, and it’s critical to have adequate health care coverage that fits your needs,” said Dan Schultz, individual sales manager at Geisinger Health Plan. “Having health insurance coverage for emergencies that come up can protect you from an unexpected large expense.” GHP is locally staffed, community-focused, innovative and fully integrated with Geisinger, a recognized leader in care. Having GHP coverage means having access to quality care from world-renowned doctors. Members living outside the GHP footprint have access to more than 120 hospitals, including Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Johns Hopkins, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) runs Nov. 1 through Jan. 15. During OEP, everyone can find suitable Geisinger Health Plan coverage, with its range of different price points. For people who don’t have existing medical needs or don’t visit the doctor often, high-deductible plans cover less. Those seeking coverage for more specific needs, like treatments, specialist visits, management of chronic medical conditions and prescription drugs, can find GHP plans with a lower deductible. More than half a million members choose Geisinger Health Plan for its high-quality, affordable health care benefits, including: A large provider network that gives members access to thousands of medical professionals Concierge-type customer service Exclusive health and wellness programs Access to world-renowned hospitals To learn more about Geisinger Health Plan’s Marketplace plan options, call 866-460-5467 or visit geisinger.org/mp.
Geisinger Health Plan Earns 4.5 CMS Star Ratings Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) announced that its Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans achieved 4.5 out of 5 Stars in the 2026 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Star Ratings program. “This recognition reflects GHP’s commitment to delivering high-quality medical coverage and excellent member services to Medicare beneficiaries across Pennsylvania,” said Karen Murphy, PhD, RN, president of Geisinger Health Plan. “The Star Ratings are based on performance across multiple criteria, including positive clinical outcomes, preventive care, prescription drug services, and customer services. We’re proud to have earned 4.5-Star ratings for our Medicare plans that reflects the outstanding services we’re providing in these critical areas.” CMS annually evaluates Medicare Advantage and Part D plans using its Star Ratings program. These ratings help consumers compare plans based on quality and performance. Plans are rated on up to 45 unique measures. Medicare Star Ratings may change from one year to the next. Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, which runs until Sunday, Dec. 7, is the perfect time for members and those looking to enroll in a new plan to learn more about Geisinger Gold. Geisinger Gold offers access to a comprehensive care network with more than 30,000 doctors, 180 hospitals and 3,000 pharmacies. It also includes perks like wellness programs, prescription discounts, financial assistance and Silver Circle membership, a free program designed for men and women 55+ that promotes physical, emotional and social well-being. Click here to learn more about Geisinger’s Medicare Advantage health plans.
Geisinger Awarded Grant for Cardiovascular Prediction Breakthrough Researchers at Geisinger have been awarded funding to pioneer a new approach to predicting thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) — a life-threatening cardiovascular emergency that often occurs without warning. The grant, from The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, will support development of an advanced AI and machine learning–based predictive tool to identify patients at highest risk for TAD earlier and more accurately than current methods. “Traditional approaches rely heavily on measuring the size of the aorta, but many patients dissect without ever reaching the guideline thresholds,” said Tooraj Mirshahi, Ph.D., principal investigator, professor, Department of Genomic Health, Geisinger. “By combining imaging features, genetic risk factors, and detailed clinical histories, our project will generate a truly personalized risk model for patients.” The study will draw on Geisinger’s unique dataset, which includes: Over 2.3 million electronic health records More than 200,000 CT scans analyzed with a custom AI tool Genetic data from more than 230,000 people, including rare variants and risk scores linked to aortic disease Combining these data streams will allow the team to build a model that can pinpoint which patients are at risk of aortic dissection, potentially years before an event occurs. “This project has the potential to save lives by identifying high-risk individuals who would otherwise fall through the cracks,” said Evan Ryer, M.D., co-investigator and vice chair, vascular surgery, Geisinger. “Ultimately, we envision a predictive tool that informs clinical decision-making, guides surveillance, and allows for timely preventive interventions.” Along with improving early detection, the project is expected to personalize patient monitoring and treatment. “Understanding why and when dissections occur has been a long-standing challenge in cardiovascular medicine. By integrating genetics, imaging, and clinical factors, this project will help us identify at-risk patients and provide new insights into the biology of aortic disease. That knowledge can shape future therapies and improve outcomes for patients worldwide,” added Scott LeMaire, M.D., co-investigator, associate chief scientific officer, professor of cardiothoracic surgery, Geisinger. The project supports the foundation’s mission to prevent premature deaths from thoracic aortic dissections, honoring the legacy of actor John Ritter, who died from a misdiagnosed aortic dissection in 2003. “Funding from the John Ritter Foundation allows us to bridge cutting-edge science and clinical care,” said Mirshahi. “We are grateful for their partnership and support in advancing this lifesaving work.” LeMaire, Ryer and Mirshahi have been invited to participate in a webinar to discuss the grant titled “An AI/ML Framework for Predicting Thoracic Aortic Dissections Using Routine CT Imaging, HER, and Genetic Data” on Monday, November 17 at 7 p.m. Click here to find more information regarding the webinar.
Geisinger Announces Recipients of Nursing Scholarship and Caring Award Geisinger recently recognized 11 employees who go above and beyond in their dedication to patients at work and in the community with the Caring Award and the Nursing Scholarship Award in honor of Susan M. Robel. “This recognition speaks to our recipients’ exceptional and compassionate patient care, selfless teamwork and thoughtful advocacy within our communities,” said Janet Tomcavage, RN, executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Geisinger. “They lead by example inside and outside the workplace — we’re grateful to have them as part of our Geisinger family.” Created to honor the legacy of Sue Robel, Geisinger’s former chief nursing officer and co-chief patient experience officer, the two awards are presented annually to recognize Geisinger employees’ commitment to providing the highest level of patient care and serving others in their roles at work and in the community. Geisinger’s 2025 recipients of the Nursing Scholarship in honor of Susan M. Robel pose for a group photo with Janet Tomcavage, RN, executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Geisinger. From left to right: Janet Tomcavage; Bobbi Kelder; Nicole Kister; Charlene Dixon; Jenna King; Jessie Learn. Not pictured: Kelli Andrus. The Nursing Scholarship Award in honor of Robel recognizes the significance of lifelong learning in nursing, and rewards those enrolled in nursing school who exemplify what it means to go above and beyond in providing patient care. Scholarship recipients have demonstrated a continued commitment to meeting the highest standards of bedside care and treat patients with the utmost compassion and kindness. Each recipient is awarded $2,000 toward their tuition, funded by the Alice E. Steele Endowment. The 2025 Nursing Scholarship winners are: Kelli Andrus, clinic nurse, ConvenientCare Lock Haven Charlene Dixon, nursing assistant, Geisinger Community Medical Center Bobbi Kelder, clinic nurse, family practice, Geisinger Tunkhannock Jenna King, clinic nurse, ConvenientCare Lewistown Nicole Kister, administrative team coordinator, Geisinger Medical Center Jessie Learn, clinic nurse, pulmonary medicine, Geisinger Medical Center Geisinger’s 2025 recipients of the Caring Award in honor of Susan M. Robel pose for a group photo with Greg Burke, M.D., chief patient experience officer at Geisinger. From left to right: Dr. Burke; Katelin Kukowski; Christine Zanghi; Angela Collins; Elizabeth Pepen. Not pictured: Susan Lamont. The Caring Award recognizes Geisinger employees who are dedicated to caring for others in the workplace and beyond. Like Robel, who defined collegiality and was an exemplary colleague to all, these people demonstrate a steadfast commitment to serving others and are incredible advocates in our communities. They inspire others with their compassion, thoughtfulness and selflessness. Nominated by their peers and selected by the award committee, winners receive $500 in cash and $500 to donate to their charity of choice. The 2025 Caring Award winners are: Angela Collins, administrative assistant, Geisinger Medical Center Katelin Kukowski, ophthalmology technician, Geisinger Healthplex CenterPoint Susan Lamont, clinical RN supervisor, ophthalmology, Geisinger Medical Center Muncy Elizabeth Pepen, certified medical assistant, CommunityCare Hazleton Christine Zanghi, anesthesiologist, Geisinger Healthplex State College
Geisinger Donates to Local Organizations During Challenging Times To help provide support where it’s needed most for people potentially impacted by the federal government shutdown, Geisinger is contributing $275,000 to a network of Pennsylvania food banks that distribute resources to local food pantries and cupboards throughout the surrounding communities. That includes Central Pennsylvania Food Bank serving the central, north-central and western regions, and CEO Weinberg Food Bank serving the northeast region. “At Geisinger, being the best means caring for one another and for the communities we serve,” said Terry Gilliland, M.D., president and CEO of Geisinger. “These are particularly challenging times for many of our community members, so Geisinger is doing its best to help take care of our patients, members and communities.” If an individual or someone they know is in need of assistance, NeighborlyPA.com offers a directory of resources to connect people with food pantries, mobile distributions, community meals, utility and heating assistance, and other services across Pennsylvania. The Neighborly app is available for download on Apple and Android devices. Geisinger can also connect patients who might need assistance with social workers who can help.
Geisinger Gala Raises $400K for Health, Education The Geisinger Health Foundation is proud to announce that they raised more than $400,000 during their recent 2025 Geisinger Gala. These funds will benefit medical student scholarships at Geisinger School of Medicine and to support vital programs and services at Geisinger’s Heart and Vascular Institute. Geisinger President and CEO Terry Gilliland, MD addresses the importance of philanthropy to the future of healthcare at Geisinger during the 2025 Geisinger Gala. The event, held on September 20, brought together donors, community partners and team members to celebrate philanthropy’s powerful role in advancing health and education throughout Geisinger’s service region. Guests enjoyed an evening of inspiration and gratitude as the Foundation recognized two honorees for their outstanding contributions. Geisinger College of Health Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award: Matt Mullen, MD ’13, cardiothoracic and general surgeon at Geisinger, honored for his clinical excellence and dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of physicians, and honoring the intent of the philanthropic student scholarship he received. Geisinger Health Foundation Community Impact Award: Marion and the late Richard Pearsall, recognized for their generous philanthropic leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of their community. Marion Pearsall (center) accepted the Geisinger Health Foundation Community Impact Award given to her and her late husband Richard at the 2025 Geisinger Gala. She attended with her grandson Richard Eckman (left) and daughter Tamara Pearsall (right). “The remarkable success of this year’s Gala demonstrates the generosity and shared purpose of our Geisinger family,” said Nancy Lawton-Kluck, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Geisinger Foundation. “Every dollar raised supports the education of tomorrow’s healthcare leaders and advances the innovative care that defines Geisinger. Together, we’re shaping the future of healthcare right here in our communities.” The 2025 Geisinger Gala underscored the Geisinger Foundation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing community health and fostering innovation that will have a lasting impact for generations to come. Through the continued partnership of its supporters and donors, the Foundation remains dedicated to ensuring access to exceptional care, education and opportunity throughout Geisinger’s service area.
