Geisinger Recognized as Top Employer by Military Organizations

Geisinger has been recognized as a top employer for its continued support of military veterans and active service members with two recent designations. The Pennsylvania-based health system was recognized by Military Times on its 2022 Best for Vets: Employers rankings and earned the 2023 Military Friendly® Employer with Gold distinction designation by VIQTORY.

This is the fourth consecutive year Geisinger has been recognized with a Military Friendly® Employer designation, however, this is the first time the system has received the gold distinction.

Both honors recognize Geisinger’s commitment and efforts to building programs and opportunities for military veterans. 

The Military Friendly® Employer with Gold distinction signifies that an employer is setting the example for veteran and service member inclusivity with their programs and initiatives.

Companies earning the Military Friendly® Employer designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. More than 1,000 organizations participated in the 2023 Military Friendly® survey.

Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score with an assessment of the organization’s ability to meet thresholds for applicants, new hire retention, employee turnover and promotion and advancement of veterans and military employees.

For the Best for Vets recognition, Military Times evaluates the areas of greatest importance to transitioning service members, veterans and their families when looking for an employer. Recruitment and employment practices, along with retention and support programs were given the most weight in scoring and final rankings.

“Our military veterans have done so much for us. That’s why we’re committed to providing care options and career opportunities to them in their local communities,” said Kim Drumgo, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for Geisinger. “We know that employing talented and dedicated people, like those from our veteran community, helps us make better health easier for our members and patients — including more than 48,000 veteran patients.”

Geisinger employs more than 800 veterans and active-duty service members throughout the system. As part of its commitment to the military and its veterans, Geisinger offers a paid military leave benefit, which allows service members employed by Geisinger to be paid for time at annual trainings, encampments and drills. It also is part of a military fellowship program that eases the transition of active-duty service members looking to move into a civilian career.

To learn more about Geisinger’s veteran programs and career opportunities, visit jobs.geisinger.org/veterans.

Geisinger Serves Meals at Drive-through Veteran Appreciation Dinners

To thank local veterans for their service,Geisinger served about 2,900 meals during drive-through veteran appreciation dinners at 11 locations across its service area on Thursday, Nov. 10. The dinners for U.S. military veterans and guests were provided at no cost to participants.

Meals were provided in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, Danville, Bloomsburg, Shamokin, Jersey Shore, Muncy, State College, Mifflintown and Lewistown. This year marked the 20th anniversary for the event in Bloomsburg, where it originated before expanding across Geisinger’s service area.

“It was an honor and privilege to serve about 2,900 veterans and their guests this year,” said U.S. Army veteran Chris Grill, program manager of Military and Veterans Affairs at Geisinger. “This event gave us an opportunity to thank our local veterans for all they’ve done to protect the freedoms we enjoy.”

Geisinger Welcomes New Provider to Health Center in Scranton

Steven Sluck, D.O., a family medicine physician, has joined the Geisinger 65 Forward Health Center team in Scranton. Geisinger 65 Forward is a health care program designed exclusively for people ages 65 and over with Geisinger Gold insurance where patients get longer appointments, more on-site health services and social, educational and wellness activities.

Dr. Sluck is a board-certified physician who specializes in family medicine. He earned his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency through the Crozer Keystone Family Medicine Residency Program in Springfield, Pa.

Dr. Sluck joins 65 Forward after nearly a decade of treating patients at Geisinger Mount Pleasant. He has been with Geisinger since 2014. Through his years as a physician in family medicine, he has been delivering primary care services for children, adults, and seniors.

“After working with patients of all ages, I am excited to start this new journey working exclusively with our senior population at 65 Forward in Scranton,” said Dr. Sluck. “What makes this program so different is the relationships I can build with those I care for — patients get longer appointment times, and I can better help them achieve their specific wellness goals, keeping them young and healthy. This is something special specifically with 65 Forward that’s different from any other program, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Dr. Sluck is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment with him, schedule a tour of the facility or to learn more about Geisinger 65 Forward, call 570-644-6198 or visit geisinger.org/patient-care/65-forward.

For those interested in Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period began on Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can compare coverage options, including Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and choose high-quality health and drug plans for 2023.

Geisinger’s Medicare advisors can answer questions, compare plans and costs, and help navigate the enrollment process virtually, by phone or in person. For more information, visit geisinger.org/enroll or call 855-904-0153, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Geisinger Offering Final Drive-through Flu Shot Events

Geisinger is hosting its final Super Saturday flu vaccine event for the year this Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at more than 40 locations across the system’s footprint.

Those who still need a flu shot can easily drive up to one of 22 locations and receive a shot without leaving their vehicle — no appointment needed. At locations without drive-through shots, walk-in shots are available. Flu shots are free.

“The rise in flu cases we’re seeing already — plus COVID-19 and recently R.S.V. in children — is being called a ‘tripledemic’,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., director of Geisinger’s Division of Infectious Diseases. “The only way to protect ourselves, children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised is to get vaccinated. We encourage everyone to do so.”

Super Saturday clinics are for the flu vaccine only, but those interested in getting a COVID-19 shot or booster can schedule with their primary care physician or at a Geisinger Pharmacy via MyGeisinger, the MyChart mobile app, or by calling 570-284-3657.

Twenty-two Geisinger community medicine clinics will host drive-through events for anyone age 3 and older:

  • Geisinger Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)
  • Geisinger Philipsburg  (210 Medical Center Drive)
  • Geisinger Bellefonte (819 E. Bishop St.)
  • Geisinger Lewistown   (21 Geisinger Lane)
  • Geisinger Medical Clinic Lock Haven (68 Spring St.)
  • Geisinger Medical Center Muncy (255 Route 220 Highway)
  • Geisinger Berwick (2200 W. Front St.)
  • Geisinger Medical Clinic Buckhorn (240 Mall Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Frackville (701 West Oak St.)
  • Geisinger Kulpmont (119 Nevada Drive)
  • Geisinger Lewisburg (250 Reitz Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Orwigsburg (300 Hollywood Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way)
  • Geisinger Selinsgrove (201 Roosevelt Ave.)
  • Geisinger Woodbine Lane (16 Woodbine Lane)
  • Geisinger Dallas (114 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive)
  • Geisinger Kingston (560 Pierce St.)
  • Geisinger Mountain Top (35 S. Mountain Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way)
  • Geisinger Pittston (42 N. Main St.)
  • Geisinger Mt. Pleasant (531 Mt. Pleasant Drive)
  • Geisinger Tunkhannock (10 Trieble Drive)

Those 65 and older can receive shots at Geisinger 65 Forward locations.

Drive-through:

  • Hazleton (20 Diana Lane)
  • Kingston (499 Wyoming Ave.)
  • Scranton (3 W. Olive St., Floor 1, Suite 205)

Walk-in:

  • Milton (5170 State Route 405 – South Gate Plaza)
  • Scranton (3 W. Olive St., Floor 1, Suite 205)
  • Shamokin Dam (30 Baldwin Blvd.)
  • Shamokin Coal Township (9333 State Route 61, Suite 2)
  • State College (293 Patriot Lane – Trader Joe’s Plaza)
  • Wilkes-Barre (41 S. Main St.)

Walk-in flu shots for patients ages 6 months and older will also be available at the following CommunityCare and Geisinger Pediatrics locations:

  • CommunityCare Hazleton (426 Airport Road)
  • CommunityCare Kistler Clinic (175 S. Wilkes-Barre Blvd.)

Pediatrics:

  • Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way)
  • Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way)
  • Scranton (5 Morgan Highway, Suite 8)
  • Forty Fort (190 Welles St., Suite 122)
  • Lewisburg (55 Medical Park Drive)
  • Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane)
  • Lock Haven (68 Spring St.)
  • Muncy (255 Route 220)
  • Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)
  • Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane)
  • Philipsburg (210 Medical Center Drive)

There’s no need to preregister to get a flu shot. Remember to wear a mask and loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm.

For more information on fighting flu this season, visit geisinger.org/flu.

Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital Fundraiser

Lackawanna College and Scranton’s Bartari Bar and Restaurant are teaming up to raise money for Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital through Children’s Miracle Network’s Extra Life program.

Extra Life is a gaming marathon where gamers pledge to play games for 24 hours and ask family, friends and social media followers to donate to their fundraising goal for their local children’s hospital.

On Sunday, Nov. 6, Lackawanna College’s E-sports team will hold a gaming event from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Bartari, located at 101 Adams Ave. in Scranton. The public is welcome to attend in person or watch the team’s live stream on Twitch. The gamers will have challenges throughout the day to encourage people to donate to their cause.

Bartari will offer food and drink specials, and through their “Quarters for Kids” event, will donate all proceeds from games played during the day to Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger.

The Extra Life program began in 2008 as a fundraising effort for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals and has raised more than $100 million nationwide through the program since its inception.

Money raised through Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger programs stays local and supports pediatric care throughout Geisinger by providing funds for equipment, services and programs for the care of local children. Visit the CMN website, to see a complete list of items and programs provided by donations.

Geisinger Health Plan Store Holds Ribbon Cutting

Geisinger Health Plan Store held a ribbon cutting to celebrate its grand reopening at 2266 Wilkes-Barre Township Marketplace.

Open in Wilkes-Barre since 2015, the store, formerly known as Geisinger Community Place, recently underwent renovations and a rebranding to make it easier for residents of Luzerne County to stop in and talk to representatives about healthcare coverage.

“Choosing a healthcare plan doesn’t have to be a challenge. This retail space allows for one-on-one conversations to make the process easier,” said Roger van Baaren, chief sales officer for Geisinger Health Plan. “Our goal is to make sure each person who comes through our doors feels welcome and informed as our team helps them find the right coverage for themselves or their families through a variety of plans to meet their needs and their budget.”

Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the store is staffed with licensed insurance advisors and customer service representatives who can help answer questions about Medicare Advantage plans, options for individuals and families, Medical Assistance and CHIP for children up to age 19.

The space also serves as a community resource for events and special occasions, free of charge. It includes a conference room that fits up to 25 guests, plenty of parking, a computer, projector and screen, internet access and space for food and beverages. In the past, the store has been used to showcase the work of local artists and host community events as well as health and wellness fairs.

Geisinger College of Health Sciences Launched

Opening a Geisinger blue umbrella and holding it aloft, newly installed president and dean, Julie Byerley, M.D., MPH, announced the formation of Geisinger College of Health Sciences. The college will serve as the “umbrella” institution uniting Geisinger’s School of Medicine, School of Nursing and School of Graduate Education under a single entity. In addition, the new entity will oversee the expansion of the Geisinger School of Nursing from a diploma-granting to a degree-granting institution that will bestow an associate degree in nursing. The new organizational structure also paves the way for future health professions programs needed to serve our region.

“Geisinger Commonwealth Day is a celebration we created to honor our past and embrace our future,” Dr. Byerley said. “There was no better forum than a setting uniting our founders, our community and our health system leadership to celebrate this next step in the life of local medical and health education.”

“The evolution of our current nursing program has been a goal for some time, and we’re thrilled to see it come to life — especially now, when nurses are needed most,” said Janet Tomcavage, executive vice president and chief nursing executive at Geisinger. “This step forward will help even more individuals begin a rewarding career in nursing.”

Dr. Byerley noted that Geisinger Commonwealth remains the name of the School of Medicine — and the school’s commitment to its founding mission hasn’t changed. “Our school will remain focused on serving our community, providing opportunity and advancement for local learners and leveraging the discoveries of our research team to improve health and well-being.”

The new structure, Dr. Byerley said, will create more synergy and opportunities for interprofessional learning experiences and greater collaboration with Geisinger’s Research Institute. “It’s a win for our learners and our scientists,” she said. “Our community will reap the benefits of our integrated, cooperative approach to educating the healthcare teams of the future.”

Geisinger Promotes Cardiologist

Pugazhendhi Vijayaraman, M.D., has been promoted to chief of clinical electrophysiology for Geisinger.

In his new role, Dr. Vijayaraman oversees the integration and growth of services for patients with heart-rhythm disorders across the health system. These arrhythmias include tachycardia (fast heart rate), bradycardia (slow heart rate) and atrial fibrillation (AFib) among others.

A Geisinger provider since 2005, Dr. Vijayaraman specializes in cardiac electrophysiology, cardiac ablation and cardiac device implantation. He is world-renowned for his research and clinical expertise in conduction system pacing, which stimulates the heart’s natural electrical conduction system to correct rhythm disorders and has improved patient outcomes. An authority on innovative methods of implantation, he has educated Geisinger fellows as well as physicians from across the globe.

“For the past 17 years, it’s been my pleasure to serve our communities and help grow electrophysiology services for our patients,” Dr. Vijayaraman said. “I look forward to making better health easier for more of our friends and neighbors as we continue to expand the outstanding electrophysiology care available to them close to home.”

Before accepting his position as chief of clinical electrophysiology, Dr. Vijayaraman served as director of electrophysiology labs for Geisinger’s northeast region and program director of Geisinger’s clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellowship — roles he continues to serve. His presence and leadership at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center were integral to the hospital’s investment in its electrophysiology suite, which has expanded availability to patients in the region and established the medical center as a destination for heart-rhythm care.

Dr. Vijayaraman will work closely with regional chiefs of cardiology and the chair of Geisinger’s Department of Cardiology, George Ruiz, M.D., to coordinate electrophysiology care across the system, create new programs that complement clinical efforts, provide our communities with expanded clinical expertise and review any clinical quality challenges that arise.

“We have a team of experienced and talented electrophysiologists that rivals any in our region of the country,” Dr. Vijayaraman said. “I’m committed to supporting them with the facilities, technology, research and resources they need to care for our communities with excellence.”

Geisinger Offering Drive-through and Walk-in Flu Shots

Geisinger is hosting its second Super Saturday flu vaccine event this upcoming Saturday, Oct. 8, at 42 locations across the system’s footprint.

Flu shots are free and available to all in the community – no appointments are needed. Simply drive up and receive a shot without leaving your vehicle. At locations without drive-in shots, walk-in shots are available.

The Super Saturday flu shot clinics run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The last Super Saturday event this year will be on Nov. 5.

“It’s so important to get vaccinated to not only protect yourself, but to protect those vulnerable of severe illness which include children, the elderly, and those immunocompromised,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., director of Geisinger’s Division of Infectious Diseases. “We could see more cases this year than we have in the past five years, so to keep everyone healthy, we want to vaccinate as many people as possible.”

The following Geisinger community medicine clinics will host drive-through events for anyone age 3 and older. Shots will be available at:

  • Geisinger Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)
  • Geisinger Philipsburg  (210 Medical Center Drive)
  • Geisinger Bellefonte (819 E. Bishop St.)
  • Geisinger Lewistown   (21 Geisinger Lane)
  • Geisinger Medical Clinic Lock Haven (68 Spring St.)
  • Geisinger Medical Center Muncy (255 Route 220 Highway)
  • Geisinger Berwick (2200 W. Front St.)
  • Geisinger Medical Clinic Buckhorn (240 Mall Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Frackville (701 West Oak St.)
  • Geisinger Kulpmont (119 Nevada Drive)
  • Geisinger Lewisburg (250 Reitz Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Orwigsburg (300 Hollywood Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way)
  • Geisinger Selinsgrove (201 Roosevelt Ave.)
  • Geisinger Woodbine Lane (16 Woodbine Lane)
  • Geisinger Dallas (114 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive)
  • Geisinger Kingston (560 Pierce St.)
  • Geisinger Mountain Top (35 S. Mountain Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way)
  • Geisinger Pittston (42 N. Main St.)
  • Geisinger Mt. Pleasant (531 Mt. Pleasant Drive)
  • Geisinger Tunkhannock (10 Trieble Drive)

Those 65 and older can receive shots at Geisinger 65 Forward locations.

Drive-through:

  • Kingston (499 Wyoming Ave.)
  • Scranton (3 W. Olive St., Floor 1, Suite 205)

Walk-in:

  • Buckhorn (240 Mall Blvd., Floor 1)
  • Milton (5170 State Route 405 – South Gate Plaza)
  • Scranton (3 W Olive St., Floor 1, Suite 205)
  • Shamokin Coal Township (9333 State Route 61, Suite 2)
  • Wilkes-Barre (41 South Main St.)

Walk-in flu shots for patients ages 6 months and older will also be available at the following CommunityCare and Geisinger Pediatrics locations:

  • CommunityCare Hazleton (426 Airport Road)
  • CommunityCare Kistler Clinic (175 S. Wilkes-Barre Blvd.)

Pediatrics:

  • Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way)
  • Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way)
  • Scranton (5 Morgan Highway, Suite 8)
  • Forty Fort (190 Welles St., Suite 122)
  • Lewisburg (55 Medical Park Drive)
  • Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane)
  • Lock Haven (68 Spring St.)
  • Muncy (255 Route 220)
  • Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)
  • Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane)
  • Philipsburg (210 Medical Center Drive)

There’s no need to preregister to get a flu shot. Remember to wear a mask and loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm.

For more information on fighting flu this season, visit geisinger.org/flu.

Geisinger To Host Dinners for Local Veterans

To thank local military veterans for their service, Geisinger will host drive-through Veterans Appreciation dinners at 11 locations across the health system’s service area from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10. Geisinger Healthplex State College will serve meals from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The dinners for U.S. military veterans and a guest are being provided at no cost to participants. Anyone interested should make a reservation by Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Geisinger will again serve this dinner as a drive-through event for the safety of the community, staff and volunteers. Last year’s event served more than 2,300 meals.

This year marks the 20th anniversary for the event at Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, where it originated before expanding to other Geisinger facilities. This year’s event will grow from nine locations to 11.

Veterans may contact their preferred location to register themselves and one guest for the meal. Servings are limited, and those interested are encouraged to sign up now.

Locations are:

Pittston Township

Scranton

Wilkes-Barre

Bloomsburg

Danville

Jersey Shore

Lewistown

Mifflintown

Muncy

Shamokin

State College

  • Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda
  • To make a reservation, visit go.geisinger.org/vetsdinner/statecollege or call 814-272-5032.
  • Meals will be served at this location from 4 to 5:30 p.m.