Wright Center Welcomes Seven Doctors to Fellowship Programs The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education welcomed seven new doctors into fellowship programs as part of its mission to improve the health and welfare of communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education (GME) welcomed seven new doctors into its fellowship programs during the annual Specialties Matching Service Fellowship Match Program on Dec. 3. Participating in the program, first row from left, are Dr. Jumee Barooah, senior vice president and designated institutional official; Brian Ebersole, vice president; Nathan Cardona, director of scholarly activity, institutional research, and IRB administration; standing, Natasha Hazzouri, GME specialist; Tyler Wilson, GME evaluations and outcomes specialist; Russell Day, GME workforce operations, training, & development specialist; Sara Dombroski, executive administrative assistant; Lisa Mann, GME specialist; Lisa Krucar, GME specialist; Michael Mahon, VP, academic affairs and associate DIO; and Jenna Ferraraccio-Diehl, GME administrative assistant. The Wright Center offers three fellowship programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education: cardiovascular disease, gastroenterology, and geriatrics. Fellows train in community-based settings, learning essential, specialized skills to deliver critically needed care in Northeast Pennsylvania. On Match Day, The Wright Center filled one position in its gastroenterology fellowship program and one in its geriatric fellowship through the Specialties Matching Service Fellowship Match Program. The program encompasses multiple fellowship matches representing more than 70 subspecialties, with applicants worldwide learning simultaneously at noon, where they are matched each year. Before the match announcement, The Wright Center filled three fellowship positions in its cardiovascular disease program and two in its geriatrics program. One of the new cardiovascular disease fellows and two of the geriatric fellows will graduate from The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency Program in June and chose to continue learning and serving in the region. Fellows will begin training at The Wright Center on July 1, 2026. “We are excited to welcome our new fellows to Northeast Pennsylvania, where they will live our mission and core values as they train to be the next generation of physicians,” said Dr. Jumee Barooah, senior vice president of education and designated institutional official for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. “Match Day is an exciting time in the medical profession, especially for those of us who are focused on improving the health of our communities.” For information about The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-866-3017.
Wright Center: Making Healthy Living New Year’s Resolutions The holiday season is here and in full swing, but the new year is lurking just around the corner. For many people, that means making a new set of resolutions for 2026. There’s nothing wrong with that, as these goals often help with the pursuit of genuine self-improvement, especially when it comes to health and well-being. Dr. Barooah, as a physician, applauds this approach. However, it’s important not to be overly ambitious at the start. Dr. Barooah’s advice: set small, manageable goals that can evolve into sustainable lifestyle changes over time. Those steady improvements are what ultimately lead to a healthier version. With that in mind, here are a few potential health-focused resolutions to consider for the coming year: Improve diet by choosing more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and cutting back on red meat, sweets, and ultra-processed foods. Moderate alcohol consumption, as there is more information being presented about its significant long-term health impacts. Stay well hydrated by using water as the preferred beverage. Move more – through a gym membership, a running routine, or simply regular walks around the neighborhood. Whatever fits the lifestyle of the person is the right place to start. Prioritize sleep, which plays a major role in overall quality of life. Practice self-care by resisting self-criticism, investing in therapy, enjoying hobbies, trying mindfulness or meditation, or simply carving out personal, daily time. Volunteer with a local organization or nonprofit – doing good for others often boosts self-happiness. Limit social media and screen time, freeing up precious hours for more meaningful activities. Make time for family and friends, because while material achievements are nice, strong personal relationships are what truly enrich people’s lives. The Wright Center for Community Health are deeply committed to improving long-term health through their Lifestyle Medicine initiative. This approach recognizes that less desirable lifestyle choices drive most of the chronic illnesses affecting Americans. Lifestyle medicine helps patients and their families enhance their health and quality of life through long-term behavioral changes such as eliminating tobacco use, improving diet, managing stress, increasing physical activity, strengthening personal relationships, and optimizing sleep for better, more restorative rest. The team is trained in both conventional and lifestyle medicine, and they collaborate closely with patients to create personalized self-care plans that are realistic and sustainable. These lifestyle modifications can significantly help prevent or manage chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, coronary artery disease, lifestyle-associated cancers (including prostate and breast), osteoarthritis, chronic pain, chronic autoimmune diseases, and chronic psychological stress. Most importantly, it’s about the choices made in order to feel better. There’s nothing magical about it – adopting positive daily routines naturally leads to a healthier lifestyle, a longer life, and greater happiness. So, if planning to make lifestyle improvement the driving force behind 2026 New Year’s resolutions, Dr. Barooah wholeheartedly supports the healthy living goals. Happy holidays and happy New Year! Jumee Barooah, M.D., FACP, is senior vice president of education and designated institutional official for The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education. She is quadruple board-certified in internal medicine, addiction medicine, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine. To make an appointment, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Wright Center Planning North Scranton Expansion The Wright Center for Community Health has begun a $5 million project to build a community health center in North Scranton, expanding access to primary care, behavioral health, and dental services across Lackawanna County. The new, two-story community health center will be located at 1727-1729 N. Main St., next door to The Wright Center for Community Health North Scranton’s current location at 1721 N. Main Ave. The building was the longtime office of Dr. Paul Remick. The Wright Center began offering primary care services there when Dr. Remick retired in 2023 to minimize disruption for his longtime patients and to expand access to affordable, high-quality, whole-person primary health services for patients of all ages, income levels, and insurance statuses. The Wright Center purchased the property at 1727-1729 N. Main St. in February 2025 because the demand for health care services outpaced the available space in the existing building. The existing location also needs additional parking spots and infrastructure improvements. “We’ve seen a growing demand for health care services since we opened our community health center in North Scranton more than two years ago,” said Dr. Jignesh Y. Sheth, senior vice president and enterprise chief operations and strategy officer at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “We did not have the capacity to continue our growth in our existing primary care office building. We’re privileged to be able to invest in the long-term health and welfare of the North Scranton community to ensure residents’ current and future health care needs are satisfied.” The construction project will create a nearly 8,000-square-foot, two-story community health center offering primary care, behavioral health care, and dental services. In addition to 10 exam rooms on the first floor and four dental operatories and four behavioral health treatment rooms on the second floor, the building will also have a space for lab services. The Wright Center plans to break ground on the project in the spring with a tentative completion date of fall/winter 2026. A Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant of $984,585 will fund part of this project. While construction is underway, Wright Center staff will continue to treat patients at the existing community health center. Once construction of the new building is complete, the clinic will move into the new, expanded space, and the clinic at 1721 N. Main Ave. will be razed. The Wright Center recently completed a similar expansion project in Wilkes-Barre, albeit on a much larger scale. The Luzerne County project won a Pride of Place Award from the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce last month. The award recognizes The Wright Center’s thoughtful, intentional design for the present and future health care needs in Luzerne County. Read more about that project at TheWrightCenter.org/news. “We’re really excited for this opportunity to invest in the community of North Scranton and the greater Scranton area. Northeast Pennsylvania continues to have an unmet need for our integrated model of providing whole-person primary health care, behavioral health care, and dental services at one location,” Dr. Sheth said. “Our projects in Wilkes-Barre and North Scranton are being built from the ground up as part of our mission to improve the health and welfare of our communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve.” As a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike, commonly known as an FQLA, The Wright Center operates a network of 13 community health centers in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-209-0019
Wright Center’s Ryan White Clinic Leading HIV/AIDS Care Each year on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day offers an important moment to recognize the resilience of people living with HIV, honor the lives of those we’ve lost, and reaffirm our ongoing commitment to equitable, compassionate, and evidence-based care. Mary Louise Decker, M.D., FACP, FIDSA With consistent access to health care, people living with HIV can thrive, age in good health, and build lives that reflect their goals, relationships, and aspirations. At The Wright Center for Community Health’s Ryan White Clinic, they are proud to support their patients with the services and care that make these outcomes possible. The Ryan White Clinic operates within the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre community health centers and has been a regional leader in HIV care since 2002. Guided by a comprehensive approach to care, the clinic team focuses on improving both health outcomes and overall quality of life through personal and culturally responsive services. Earlier this year, the clinic received more than $1 million in federal funding through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Part C Early Intervention Services Program, administered by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The three-year grant supports comprehensive HIV primary health services, education, treatment adherence counseling, and referrals for additional services when needed. The clinic has a dedicated, passionate staff who provide testing and continuous coordinated care for patients diagnosed with or at risk of contracting HIV. This care includes prescribing critical daily medication regimens, as well as important vaccinations, specialized care for hepatitis B and C, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and referrals to specialists for advanced care when needed. Thanks to continued progress in medication adherence, more than 95% of the clinic’s patients have achieved undetectable viral loads, meaning they cannot transmit the virus to others. In addition, the clinic staff offers behavioral health counseling, dental care, medical nutrition therapy, and addiction and recovery services, as well as ancillary services such as housing assistance, transportation, emergency financial aid, a food bank, home-delivered and congregate meals, nutritional supplements, support for durable medical equipment purchases, help with lab and medical bills, and psychosocial support. The clinic welcomes all patients, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Patients range from age 18 to over 80, with more than 60% 50 or older – a reflection of the success seen in extending both lifespan and quality of life for those living with HIV. Their ongoing commitment is to ensure that every person seeking care receives the dignified, comprehensive, and person-centered support they deserve. The Ryan White Clinic will continue to strengthen access to high-quality medical care, expand supportive services, and promote the overall health and well-being of individuals living with or affected by HIV throughout the local community. To learn more about the Ryan White Clinic, visit thewrightcenter.org/services/ryan-white-hiv-clinic/ Dr. Mary Louise Decker is a board-certified infectious diseases physician and Infectious Disease Medical Director for The Wright Center for Community Health. Dr. Decker leads The Wright Center’s Ryan White HIV and Infectious Disease/Hep C Clinic.
Wright Center: Lackawanna County Sheriff’s Department Hosting Toy Drive The Lackawanna County Sheriff’s deputies will again ensure local children have a great holiday season by hosting a toy drive benefiting The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement (TWCPCE). Members of the sheriff’s department who participated in The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement (TWCPCE) toy drive in 2024. Front row from left – Deputy Colin Quinn, K-9 Arlo, and Holly Przasnyski, director of TWCPCE. Back row – Lackawanna County Sheriff Mark McAndrew, Lt. John Padula, deputies Morgan Holmes, Matthew Batysko, and Brice Finnerty, Corporal Brenda Goosley, Corporal Kerry McHugh, deputies Lisa Deustachio and David Pascolini, Corporal Joe George, Gerri McAndrew, and Kathleen Doyle, co-directors of TWCPCE. New, unwrapped toys and monetary donations will be accepted by deputies and TWCPCE staff during the Lackawanna Winter Market on Courthouse Square, 200 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Look for the sheriff’s department transport van near the main entrance to the Lackawanna County Courthouse on North Washington Avenue. Raffle basket chances will also be available. TWCPCE will distribute donated toys to local families and use all monetary donations to purchase toys. TWCPCE advances The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education’s mission – to improve the health and welfare of communities through responsive health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve –by involving patients and communities in transforming primary health care, fostering workforce development, and addressing public health challenges. Focused on education and advocacy, the nonprofit organization assists the region’s most vulnerable populations, including those experiencing poverty, homelessness, food and housing insecurity, limited access to education and job opportunities, lack of transportation, social isolation, and other challenges. Guided by a board of patients and local professionals, it organizes community initiatives, such as health fairs, food drives, and school supply giveaways, while its annual Dr. William Waters Golf Tournament generates essential funding to ensure equitable access to high-quality, whole-person primary health services for everyone, regardless of age, ethnicity, insurance status, ZIP code, or ability to pay.
Wright Center To Host Tinnitus Support Group Meeting The Tinnitus Support Group of Northeast Pennsylvania will meet on Friday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn. Virtual meeting options are available for those unable to attend in person. There is no fee to attend. New members are welcome. The support group welcomes individuals living with tinnitus, their loved ones, and anyone interested in learning more about this complex audiological and neurological condition. Participants will have the opportunity to connect, share their experiences, and explore coping strategies in a compassionate and supportive environment. Tinnitus, often described as ringing, buzzing, or whooshing in the ears or head, affects over 50 million adults across the U.S., with many experiencing its effects daily. For some, it can be a temporary nuisance, while for others, it becomes a chronic, life-altering condition. For more information or to obtain the virtual meeting link, contact Nicole Flynn, director of the geriatrics service line at The Wright Center for Community Health, at flynnn@TheWrightCenter.org or 570-230-0019.
Wright Center Dedicates Liberty Bell in Jermyn A piece of American history will forever be located at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley. From left: Lauretta Graham, data manager; Kellie Knesis, vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer; Sheila Ford, vice president and chief compliance officer; Dr. Jumee Barooah, senior vice president of education and designated institutional official; Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, president and CEO; Terrell H. McCasland, vice president and chief revenue officer; and Dr. Jignesh Sheth, senior vice president and enterprise chief operations and strategy officer. Wright Center leaders and staff joined community members and local dignitaries at its community health center, 5 S. Washington Ave., Jermyn, for a ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 12, to dedicate a hand-painted fiberglass Liberty Bell in honor of America’s 250th anniversary celebration. The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, commonly known as America250PA, is working to place at least one fiberglass bell in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. It’s the fifth Liberty Bell sponsored by The Wright Center in Northeast Pennsylvania. Others are located at Carbondale City Hall, 1 N. Main St.; The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre, 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave.; Wayne Memorial Hospital, 601 Park St., Honesdale; and Wyoming County Healthcare Center, 5950 U.S. Route 6, Tunkhannock. The Wright Center for Community Health Tunkhannock is located in the Wyoming County Healthcare Center. Artwork adorning each bell was meticulously researched by Gina Lettieri, The Wright Center’s archivist, and hand-painted by Allison LaRussa, The Wright Center’s associate vice president of health and wellness, to reflect the unique spirit and landmarks of the communities where they are placed. “Each of our five Liberty Bells embodies the strength of our rich, collective history and our ongoing responsibility and commitment to safeguard the well-being of our communities,” said Dr. Linda Thomas-Hemak, The Wright Center’s president and CEO. “May this Liberty Bell in Jermyn serve as a bedrock reminder of the innovation, compassion, solidarity, service, and leadership that define both this remarkable, hard-working community and our mission at The Wright Center to improve the health and welfare of our communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve.” For more information about America250PA and to see a full list of Liberty Bells across Pennsylvania, visit www.america250pa.org/PPE:_Bells_Across_PA. For more information, visit TheWrightCenter.org. The Wright Center for Community Health sponsored five Liberty Bells in honor of America’s 250th anniversary celebration. Each was hand-painted by Allison LaRussa. The Liberty Bell sponsored by The Wright Center for Community Health and placed at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley.
Wright Center Adds Internal Medicine Teaching Hospitalist An internal medicine physician and teaching hospitalist has joined The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Maheswara Reddy Koppula will serve as an internal medicine teaching hospitalist, focusing on the quality of patient care, teaching, and supervising physicians participating in The Wright Center’s Internal Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Koppula will develop, implement, and assess the curriculum and mentor residents to ensure they achieve competency in their specialty. He will also serve as an associate program director for The Wright Center’s Internal Medicine residency program. Additionally, Dr. Koppula will provide whole-person primary health services for individuals 18 and older, including checkups, physicals, screenings, and treatment of common illnesses and injuries at The Wright Center for Community Health Wilkes-Barre, 169 N. Pennsylvania Ave. The community health center is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. To schedule an appointment, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570.230.0019. After graduating from GSL Medical College in Rajahmundry, India, in 2012, Dr. Koppula served as a medical officer at several hospitals in Hyderabad and Telangana, India. After moving to the United States in 2014, he completed observership rotations in Texas, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania and an internship and internal medicine residency at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio. His contributions to the health care field earned him a fellowship in the American College of Physicians. Dr. Koppula, who is board-certified in internal medicine, joined The Wright Center after serving as a faculty hospitalist and associate program director of the internal medicine residency at Crozer Chester Medical Center in Upland, Pennsylvania, since 2023. Prior to that, he worked as a hospitalist in Buffalo, New York; Springfield, Ohio; and Clarksville, Tennessee.
Wright Center To Host Caregivers Resource Fair The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton will host a Caregivers Resource Fair on Thursday, Nov. 20, offering family members and caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia an opportunity to connect with local support services and learn more about the Scranton JCC’s Café Connections and a regional support group. Rhonda Fallk The free public event at 501 S. Washington Ave., from 5-7 p.m., will feature keynote speaker, Rhonda Fallk, coordinator and facilitator of Café Connections and a local Alzheimer’s support group. Attendees will also be able to meet representatives from several community agencies representing Age-Friendly Lackawanna, and others offering valuable caregiver information. Café Connections is a memory café – a welcoming social environment designed for individuals experiencing memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementias and their care partners. Participants engage in creative arts, music, games, and other activities that promote connection and joy. Fallk will discuss how the café and support group foster community, reduce isolation, and strengthen the caregiving journey. Alzheimer’s disease, most common cause of dementia, is a progressive brain disorder that gradually impairs memory, thinking, and daily functioning. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 282,000 Pennsylvanians aged 65 and older are living with the disease. Supported by over 465,000 caregivers who provide 822 million hours of care each year. The Wright Center for Community Health’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program offers coordinated, comprehensive support for patients, families, and caregivers. The initiative is part of Age-Friendly Lackawanna, a collaborative network of nearly 30 community organizations dedicated to improving quality of life for older adults across the county. “Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be both deeply meaningful and incredibly challenging,” said Nicole Flynn, director of the geriatrics service line at The Wright Center for Community Health. “Events like our Caregivers Resource Fair help families know they’re not alone. By connecting caregivers with local programs, education, and one another, we can build a strong, more compassionate network of support in our community.” For more information about The Wright Center, visit The WrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Wright Center’s Kara Seitzinger Honored in “Fifty Over 50” An employee of The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education has been named among Pennsylvania’s most influential leaders over the age of 50. Kara Seitzinger Kara Seitzinger, the executive director of public affairs and advisor to the president and CEO, has been named in City & State Pennsylvania’s prestigious “Fifty Over 50” list. It recognizes prominent and accomplished leaders in the Keystone State’s government, business, media, advocacy, and nonprofit sectors who are over the age of 50. These individuals are honored for their achievements and their continued impact on the commonwealth, according to the publication. Honorees include former U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr.; Jill Murray, president and chief innovation officer of Lackawanna College; and John Fry, president of Temple University. Seitzinger and the other honorees were recognized during a dinner in Philadelphia on Oct. 28. Since she began working at The Wright Center in 2020, Seitzinger has cultivated partnerships with business and community leaders to strengthen outreach, enhance visibility, and advance The Wright Center’s mission to improve the health and welfare of communities through responsive, whole-person health services for all and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve. Seitzinger plays a key role in fostering visibility of The Wright Center’s integrated model of primary care, behavioral health, dental, and recovery services, which are delivered at The Wright Center’s growing network of community health centers across Northeast Pennsylvania. She also leads fundraising efforts for The Wright Center for Patient & Community Engagement. The subsidiary of The Wright Center for Community Health helps the most under-resourced individuals and families in Northeast Pennsylvania, including those experiencing poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, social isolation, or other hardships. In addition to her tireless efforts on behalf of The Wright Center, Seitzinger is also deeply involved in her community. The Scranton native serves on the American Heart Association’s executive leadership board of directors and received its Eastern State Region’s 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award. In 2023, the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers honored her with the APEX Community Ambassador Award. Seitzinger also serves as a board member of Scranton Tomorrow and the Wyoming Valley Run. To read the “Fifty Over 50” article, go to www.cityandstatepa.com. For more information, visit TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
