Geisinger-led Study on Weight Loss and Diabetes Drugs A recent Geisinger-led study has determined that GLP-1s, a popular class of weight loss and diabetes drugs, may make it unsafe for patients to undergo a common gastroenterology procedure. Researchers from Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine collected data from 2019 to 2023 on 35,183 patients who had esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) procedures. An EGD, or upper endoscopy, is one of the most common diagnostic procedures to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. Among 756 patients with diabetes who took GLP-1s and had an EGD, those patients were: Four times more likely to have retained food in their stomach during the procedure About three times more likely to have aborted procedures Twice as likely to need a repeat EGD Among 166 patients without diabetes who took GLP-1s and had an EGD, those patients were: About five times more likely to have retained food in their stomach Five times more likely to have aborted procedures As likely as nonusers to need another EGD GLP-1s, such as the popular Ozempic medication, decreases how fast the stomach empties, regardless of a patient’s diabetes status, the study found. “Having food in the stomach during one of these procedures can increase the risk as well as decrease the ability of your doctor to perform a complete examination,” said Amitpal S. Johal, M.D., Geisinger chair of gastroenterology and one of the co-authors of the study. The researchers cautioned that clinicians responsible for scheduling and performing EGDs on patients taking GLP-1s, should carefully assess the impact of the medication on the procedure’s safe completion, stating “healthcare providers must consider the implications of delayed gastric emptying when planning an EGD for GLP-1 patients.” “If you are taking a medication for weight loss, please let you doctor know before scheduling a procedure,” Dr. Johal said.
Geisinger Recognized for Diversity Practices Geisinger has earned designation as an “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). The designation was awarded in the HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), released in May. Of 1,065 healthcare facilities that participated in the HEI 2024 survey and scoring process, Geisinger is just one of 462 organizations to receive this designation. The recognition speaks to Geisinger’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for patients, members and employees. Among several categories, Geisinger scored high for its DEI practices listed below: Bias elimination and welcoming interactions: Geisinger recently established a systemwide policy to address issues related to patient and visitor misconduct. Geisinger’s Office of DEI hosts a monthly education and training session for all staff focused on SAFER, a model that helps guide employees when responding to verbal or physical harassment and discriminatory behavior. Electronic Health Records (EHR) sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data: In 2019, Geisinger clinicians started gathering SOGI information in its EHR platform, Epic. This effort has been ongoing to better understand patients’ healthcare needs, address health disparities and provide high-quality care to everyone. Pronouns in EHR: In 2019, Geisinger also started collecting patients’ pronouns in Epic, along with veteran status and other demographic information, which helps clinicians better meet patients’ individual needs. Comprehensive benefits for domestic partners: Geisinger provides medical coverage and other health benefits to domestic partners of benefits-eligible employees, as long as shared residence is proven. Employee resource groups: Geisinger’s officially recognized LGBTQ+ employee resource group Geisinger — People Ready for Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (G-PRIDE) exists to foster a welcoming, caring and inclusive environment for employees of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. Community engagement and support: Each year, Geisinger supports, participates in and sponsors several LGBTQ+-related events and initiatives in communities across its service area. “We’re honored to be acknowledged by the HRC’s HEI for our ongoing commitment to promote inclusivity and equity at Geisinger,” said Kim Drumgo, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer. “This achievement reminds us of the positive impact we can make together by being champions of humanity and making a difference in the lives of others.” This year’s HEI comes as LGBTQ+ adults are twice as likely as non-LGBTQ+ adults to be “treated unfairly or with disrespect by a doctor or healthcare provider” in the last three years, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. The impact of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation combined with a history of discrimination in healthcare settings has the potential to cause even more LGBTQ+ people to delay or avoid seeking healthcare, which makes the HEI even more salient for those looking to find LGBTQ+-inclusive care.
Geisinger Neurologist Explains When a Headache is More Than Just a Pain Geisinger Neurologist, Abigail Chua, explains that if you have headaches, you know how debilitating and intense they can be. Sometimes, an over-the-counter pain reliever is enough to dull the pain. But what if you need more? There are actually hundreds of different types of headaches, all with different causes and treatments. It’s also important to remember that headaches can occur in children as well, not just adults. When you understand the type of headache you have, you can treat it more effectively. Here are some of the common headache types and what treatments may work for each one. Tension headache A tension or stress headache is the most common type of headache. These headaches cause noticeable pressure and tightness on both sides of your head, can occasionally be caused by stress and the pain comes and goes. Tension headaches are typically treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some people also find relief by exercising, taking a hot shower or taking a short nap. Migraine A migraine is a neurologic disease that causes painful headaches as well as other symptoms. Migraine symptoms can include: Pounding, throbbing pain Visual changes, like blurred vision or bright flashing lights Pressure in your face that feels like a sinus infection Sensitivity to light or sound Nausea or vomiting Some migraine attacks are associated with triggers, including: Changes in the weather Lack of sleep Fatigue Emotional stress Loud noises Strong smells Missing a meal A change in caffeine, alcohol or chocolate consumption If a migraine is caught early, it can sometimes be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, some people with migraine headaches may also require treatment with prescription medications. Cluster headache Cluster headaches are considered the most severe type of headache, and people typically have piercing or stabbing pain behind one eye when they have an attack. People with cluster headaches usually feel restless during their attacks and can’t sit still. Treatment for cluster headaches can include injected medications, inhaled oxygen or steroids. Preventive medications can help in some cases. Rebound headache Rebound headaches, also called medication-overuse, or medication adaptation, headaches, can develop because of regular, long-term use of medications that treat headaches, including migraine. Taking pain relievers to treat headaches on a regular basis for a longer period, usually three months or more, can actually trigger daily rebound headaches. The good news? Once you stop taking the medication causing your headaches, the rebound headaches usually subside. However, people with a rebound headache can also have a migraine, so the migraine attacks may continue to occur. When to worry about headache pain While most headaches are treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, there are some symptoms and warning signs that may need more attention. Call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you notice: A sudden or significant change in the pattern of your headaches. Headaches that are accompanied by weight loss, slurred speech, vision change, weakness, numbness, seizures or cognitive dysfunction. A headache along with a stiff neck, fever, nausea, vomiting, confusion or decreased alertness. Headaches following a blow to the head. Always seek medical attention immediately if you experience this. Exceptionally bad pain that you haven’t felt before. Headaches when you wake up that get worse when you move, cough or lift weights. While it’s rare to have any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them if you feel your headache isn’t normal. They could indicate medical emergencies that need immediate care. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. A doctor will conduct the appropriate tests to confirm whether your headache is just a headache or something more. For more health and wellness tops, visit Geisinger.org/balance.
Geisinger to Host Men’s Health Talk To celebrate men’s health month, Geisinger urologists Ryan Mori, MD, and John Ramey, MD, will host a free PA Health Talk about erectile dysfunction, bladder cancer and prostate conditions. The live discussion will be held at the Wilkes-Barre Penguins Practice Pavilion on June 12 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and will include a light dinner. Everyone is welcome at this relaxed, casual event, including women who have questions about a loved one’s health. It’s predicted that by 2025 over 300 million men will have erectile dysfunction, and 30 million men will be diagnosed this year. Treatment options can include medication and surgery. Men are also at risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with an individual’s risk of prostate cancer varying by age, race/ethnicity, and other factors. Drs. Mori and Ramey will discuss multiple urological conditions, their causes and treatment options, followed by a question-and-answer session. Questions can be submitted ahead of time and will be asked anonymously. Attendees interested in a tour of the practice facility should arrive by 5:10 p.m. The tour will start at 5:15 p.m. Boston Scientific will also be there to showcase products used to help treat erectile dysfunction. To register, visit events.geisinger.org. Space is limited. The practice facility is located at 40 Coal St., Wilkes-Barre.
Geisinger Hosting PA Health Talk on Fertility Prospective parents and community members are invited to join fertility specialists Jennifer Gell, M.D., and Lydia Shively, PA-C, for a virtual PA Health Talk from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. Infertility is more common than most people think, and risk for infertility increases with age. Participants looking to grow their family can learn about: When to see a fertility specialist Conditions that affect fertility Testing options Fertility medications Fertility treatments and more The live event will be hosted via Microsoft Teams. To register, visit geisinger.org/fertilitytalk. During registration, participants may submit questions for the fertility experts to answer during the talk. For more information on fertility treatments, visit Geisinger’s fertility website.
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine’s Gala Raises More Than $100,000 for Student Scholarships Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine celebrated a monumental success with its annual Black Ties for White Coats Gala, raising more than $100,000 in support of student scholarships. Held at Mohegan Pennsylvania on Saturday, April 20, the event brought together esteemed guests, faculty, students, and community members for an evening of philanthropy and celebration. Geisinger Commonwealth would like to thank the Diamond Sponsor of this year’s event, Mericle Commercial Real Estate Service/Discover NEPA and the Gold Sponsor, Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. The annual gala serves as a cornerstone fundraising event for the school and is aimed at supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders. “We are thrilled by the overwhelming generosity and support shown at this year’s Gala”, said School President and Dean Julie Byerley, MD, MPH. “The funds raised will directly impact our students by enabling them to pursue their dreams of becoming a healthcare provider who will make a difference in the communities they serve.” The success of the Black Ties for White Coats event underscores Geisinger Commonwealth’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. By providing scholarships, the school aims to alleviate the financial burden of medical education and empower students to focus on their studies and clinical training. Each year Geisinger Commonwealth selects a Founders, Wel-lbeing and Community honoree. This year’s honorees include: Founders: Tom Churilla, MD Well-being: Shubhra Shetty, MD Community: The Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine to Host Community Event Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine is hosting a community event: “Nobody’s Fool: Why We Get Taken in and What We Can Do About It” on May 14.
Geisinger Neurosurgeon Shares Information for Stroke Awareness Month Below is a piece on strokes by Geisinger Neurosurgeon Dr. Clemens Schirmer. All strokes involve potential damage to an area of the brain. And all strokes have the same symptoms — which makes it easier to know when to seek help. But strokes have different causes, and that means different treatments and different recovery paths. Strokes fall into two categories: Ischemic stroke Hemorrhagic stroke Most strokes — almost 90 percent — are ischemic. These happen when blood flow through the artery to the brain becomes blocked, usually by a blood clot. There are two types of ischemic strokes: Embolic stroke Thrombotic stroke An embolic stroke occurs when a blood clot travels to the brain and becomes lodged inside an artery. Thrombotic strokes happen when a blood clot forms inside one of the brain’s arteries. Treatment involves removing the blockage as quickly as possible. A hemorrhagic stroke happens when the brain leaks blood, damaging or destroying brain cells. Hemorrhagic strokes are typically caused by high blood pressure and aneurysms but can be caused by malformations or fistulas. There are two types of hemorrhagic strokes: Intracerebral hemorrhage Subarachnoid hemorrhage Intracerebral are the most common types of hemorrhagic strokes, they Intracerebral occur when bleeding takes place within the brain. Subarachnoid hemorrhage strokes take place when bleeding occurs between the brain and the spaces that immediately surround it due to a ruptured aneurysm or malformation. Treatment of hemorrhagic stroke focuses on controlling bleeding and reducing pressure in the brain. You’ve probably heard of “mini” or “warning” strokes. The technical term for these is transient ischemic, or TIA, stroke. With a TIA, blood flow to the brain is usually blocked for less than 5 minutes and symptoms resolve within 24 hours, and usually much faster. But a TIA is a warning sign that a future, more severe stroke may occur. A TIA stroke requires immediate treatment and should be managed carefully, just like any other stroke. Doing so can lower your risk of having a major stroke. Knowing the warning signs of a stroke and calling 911 as soon as possible can have a big impact on recovery. Use the acronym BE FAST to remember the signs and know when to seek help: Balance difficulties Eyesight changes Face drooping Arm weakness Speech difficulty Time to call 911 The good news is that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented through healthy lifestyle behaviors: Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables Maintaining a healthy weight Exercising regularly Limiting alcohol intake Not smoking If you think you may be at risk for having stroke, talk to your healthcare team. For more health and wellness tops, visit Geisinger.org/balance.
Geisinger Hospitals Rated Above National Average in Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade Four Geisinger hospitals earned the top Hospital Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog organization. Geisinger Medical Center, Geisinger Community Medical Center, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital and Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital each received an “A” grade for protecting patients from harm and error in the hospital. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital both received a “B.” While three of the four “A” grades remained unchanged from the fall, Geisinger Community Medical Center improved significantly, moving from a “C” to an “A” grade. “These achievements reflect our ongoing dedication to delivering exceptional care and continuously improving our practices to better serve our patients and community,” said Anthony Petrick, M.D., Geisinger’s chief quality officer. “With exceptional ratings at all of our hospitals, it displays the complete dedication and commitment to putting our patients first.” Founded in 2000, the Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization that assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to hospitals across the country based on more than 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, injuries, accidents and infections, as well as systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program focused exclusively on preventable medical errors, infections and injuries. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring. To learn more, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org.
EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience: Inspiring Leaders and Cultivating Potential EMPOWER, The Leadership Experience, presented by Geisinger and hosted by The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, left attendees feeling motivated, challenged, and deeply engaged in soul-searching conversations. With over 800 attendees, including 61 enthusiastic high school students, the event was a testament to the region’s commitment to cultivating leadership and business innovation. Attendees found the experience to be resourceful, tapping into a wealth of knowledge and expertise from the event’s two keynote speakers and 46 regional breakout speakers, panelists, and wellness presenters. For the second consecutive year, The Honesdale National Bank sponsored the teen program, providing high school students with a unique opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through a series of workshops and interactive sessions, these young leaders were equipped with the skills and motivation to uncover their purpose and drive positive change in their communities. The Teen Program was in partnership with The Chamber’s leadership development affiliate, Leadership Lackawanna, and Luzerne County’s leadership cohort, Leadership Northeast. President of The Chamber, Bob Durkin, shares, “The growth of EMPOWER with over 800 attendees is, I believe, a measure of the emergence of women in leadership positions across northeastern Pennsylvania. We hope and believe that this program is providing women with professional and personal development tools and resources that will add to that trajectory.” Keynote speakers Dr. Lauren Hazzouri and Patrice D. Banks, renowned for their expertise in leadership and personal development, shared their insights and experiences, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. “You are going to fail. PERIOD. You are human, and it’s just going to happen. However, it’s what you do with that failure to move forward to continue with your purpose,” shared Patrice D. Banks, founder of Girls Auto Clinic. Dr. Hazzouri and Banks, through their captivating stories and practical advice, empowered participants to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and unlock their purpose. Attendees at the breakfast keynote session were asked to name one word that defines their purpose. The three most common phrases reported were happiness, helping others, and families. The challenge to all attendees was to run hard after their purpose and allow their purpose to fuel their life ambitions. The event’s lineup of regional breakout speakers and panelists covered a diverse range of topics. Attendees found these sessions to be invaluable, offering actionable takeaways, and fresh perspectives on leadership in today’s dynamic world. The conference included the Highmark Wellness Studio, which hosted 10 wellness presenters, and the Fidelity Vendor Marketplace, which housed 37 Chamber members and their businesses. As EMPOWER continues to evolve, organizers remain committed to providing a platform for leaders at all stages of their journey to connect, learn, and grow together. With each passing year, the event serves as a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact on the world around them. Northeast PA, save the date for April 24, 2025, at Kalahari Resort & Conventions.
