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.
The Wright Center Announces Fellowship Dr. Kristina Tanovic, a board-certified internal medicine hospitalist at The Wright Center for Community Health, has been elected a fellow of the American College of Physicians (ACP), the society of internists. The distinction recognizes achievements in internal medicine, the specialty of adult medical care. Dr. Tanovic was elected upon the recommendation of peers and the review of ACP’s Credentials Subcommittee. She may now use the letters “FACP” after her name in recognition of this honor. Dr. Tanovic see patients of all ages at The Wright Center for Community Health – Scranton Counseling Center, 329 Cherry St., where she is accepting new patients. Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Obesity Medicine, Dr. Tanovic is also a core faculty member of The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education’s Internal Medicine Residency, where she trains the physicians of tomorrow. The Wright Center’s residency and fellowship programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. A graduate of the University of Belgrade School of Medicine in Serbia, Dr. Tanovic completed her internal medicine residency at Icahn School of Medicine at James J. Peters VA Medical Center, a Mount Sinai School of Medicine-affiliated facility in the Bronx, New York. Dr. Tanovic and her husband, Dr. Ivan Cvorovic, live in Scranton, with their daughter Iskra Cvorovic. The Wright Center, headquartered in Scranton, operates 10 community health centers in Northeast Pennsylvania, including a mobile medical and dental unit called Driving Better Health. Its locations offer affordable, high-quality, indiscriminate whole-person primary health services, meaning patients typically have the convenience of going to a single location to access integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health care, as well as community-based addiction treatment and recovery services. For more information, go to TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019. ACP is the largest medical specialty organization and the second physician group in the United States. ACP members include 143,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physician are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. For more information about ACP, go to acponline.org.
Marywood University’s Psy.D. Program Reaccredited Marywood University’s doctoral program in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) was recently notified of its 10-year reaccreditation by the Commission on Accreditation (CoA) of the American Psychological Association. The next accreditation site visit is scheduled for 2033. The CoA recognized the quality of training provided by Marywood’s Psy.D. Program and deemed it “in substantial compliance with the Standards of Accreditation.” Also noted in the reaffirmation letter was the alignment of the Psy.D. Program’s mission with the overall mission of Marywood University and the mission of Marywood’s College of Health Sciences, which houses the program. Additional positive citations included instilling discipline-specific knowledge through focused courses and the attainment of profession-wide competencies through required coursework, research, and clinical training experiences, as well as the monitoring of student progress to achieve proximal outcomes. Jeffrey Rutter, Psy.D., Director of Marywood’s Psy.D. Program, noted that a 10-year reaccreditation is “a significant achievement” that demonstrates the quality and rigor of Marywood University’s doctoral program in clinical psychology. Marywood Psy.D. students develop competencies in nine areas, including: research, ethical and legal standards, individual and cultural diversity, professional values and attitudes, communication and interpersonal skills, assessment, intervention, supervision, and consultation and interprofessional/interdisciplinary skills. For the past five years, Marywood’s Psy.D. Program also has been ranked #30 among the top 50 respected Psy.D. programs in the nation by PsyDPrograms.org, a leading online social community for graduate-level psychology students.
Steamtown National Historic Site Offering Paid Internship Opportunity Steamtown National Historic Site has an opening for a Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA) – a paid 48-week internship with the National Park Service between September 9, 2024 – August 8, 2025. The park is seeking a reliable, creative, and outgoing person to join our team and with a goal to build and develop a park-wide Safety Campaign. The CVA will be responsible for producing videos, social media content, graphic design, print publications, and safety-geared programming at Steamtown National Historic Site. Additionally, they will contribute to park efforts in community outreach, volunteer service, and interpretive and educational programming.The position includes a weekly stipend of $600, limited health care/childcare benefits, housing allowance, and professional development funds PLUS eligibility for both an AmeriCorps Education Award $6,895.00 (pre-tax) AND Public Land Corps Hiring Authority upon successful completion of the program.To be eligible, applicants must be high school graduates, between the ages of 18-30 (up to 35 for veterans), a US citizen or permanent resident, and comfortable working outside for extended periods of time.Interested individuals must apply by July 7, 2024!
Keystone College Opens Pet Friendly Residence Hall Keystone College will soon have some new “residents” but it’s not accurate to refer to them as actual “students.” For the first time in its 156-year history, Keystone will offer a pet friendly residence hall as a housing option beginning in the fall 2024 semester. Tewksbury Hall has been designated as a “pet friendly residence” for students residing there. The new designation applies not only to pets, usually dogs, classified as emotional support animals, but also to other traditional, non-emotional support pets as well. The four-story residence hall has two floors of male residents and two floors of female residents. “During the last few years, we have seen a steady increase in students requesting a pet friendly residence hall option, not just for emotional-support animals but for other pets too,” said Keystone Assistant Vice President of Student Life Carlyle Hicks. “Because of that, we felt the time has arrived to offer this new option to our students.” Of course, there are specifications as to the number and types of pets’ students may bring into the residence hall, as well as other rules which must be followed. For example, each residence hall room may contain one dog, and one cat or two small caged animals such as gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. Dog breeds such as pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, and wolf hybrids are not permitted. Other requirements include such items as certified spay and neuter records, pet tags, and photos of each animal. Liability insurance is also recommended, and roommates must agree to having a pet in the room. So far, a few students have asked to bring their pets to campus, but Mr. Hicks expects the number of requests to increase as word of the pet friendly option spreads. “Certainly, maintaining safe and sanitary conditions is a priority and we expect students who bring pets into their room to abide by all the stipulations we have so that everyone has a positive experience, and that includes the pets themselves,” Mr. Hicks said. In recent years, emotional support animals have become important factors in the therapeutic treatment of young people, including college students. Colleges and universities have also realized, that, in addition to providing support for students dealing with documented medical conditions, pets can often provide comfort, entertainment, and friendship while boosting morale and comradery in a residence hall setting. Other colleges which have opened some form of pet friendly residences in recent years include Penn Western University/Clarion, Lock Haven Commonwealth University, Johnson & Wales University, and Stetson University, among others. “We are always willing to explore new ways to bolster our students’ educational and life experiences at Keystone. The opening of our first pet friendly residence hall is definitely something that will provide that type of beneficial result,” said Mr. Hicks.
Marywood University Sets Summer Open House Marywood University will hold a summer undergraduate open house for high school students and their parents on Saturday, July 13, 2024, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Fireplace Lounge at the Nazareth Student Center on the University’s campus, and the last campus tour departs at 1:45 p.m. A complementary continental breakfast and lunch are included in the event. During the open house, prospective students can walk through the student services & organizations fair and find out how Marywood students fit in and have fun on campus. In addition, students will be able to explore various majors at an academic fair, learn more about the admissions process, visit an academic department of their choice and spend some time with faculty, as well as chat with varsity coaches and tour Marywood’s campus. For more information and to register, visit marywood.edu/openhouse, email YourFuture@marywood.edu, or call Marywood University’s admissions office at (570) 348-6234.
Allied Services Announces Promotion Allied Services Integrated Health System is proud to announce the promotion of James Cooney, HSE, NHA, to the position of Senior Vice President of Skilled Operations. In his role, James oversees the operations of the system’s skilled nursing facilities, personal care facilities, and continuing care retirement community. With over 25 years of experience in post-acute care, James brings a wealth of expertise to his position. His innovative approach to oversight and operational management has led his facilities to achieve superior outcomes, earning recognition for Excellence in Long-Term Care by U.S. News and World Report. James’s extensive knowledge of regulatory affairs and strategic policy insight has also earned him an appointment as a Board Member of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association. In this capacity, he advocates for the needs of the more than 5,000 residents and patients served by Allied Services, as well as the broader population of older adults in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Dedicated to modernizing long-term care, James is committed to providing high-quality services in upscale yet comfortable environments, tailored to the individual needs of the aging community. His efforts were recognized in 2020 when he was named one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Top 20 Business Professionals Under 40. Colleagues commend James for his persistence in staying current with evolving regulations, a quality that greatly benefits his associates.
FNCB Bank Auditor Receives Credential FNCB Bank, locally based since 1910, today announced that Stephanie McDonald, Staff Auditor, was recently awarded the Certified Internal Auditor (“CIA”) professional cedential conferred by the Institude of Internal Auditors. The Institute of Internal Auditors is the only globally recognized internal audit certification, and the CIA designation is the optimum way to communicate knowledge, skills and competencies to effectively carry out professional responsibilities for any internal audit anywhere in the world. In adding the CIA credential to her accomplishments, Stephanie will stand out and demonstrate she is: A credible and trusted internal auditor. A true expert who understands and can apply the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. A stronger, more competent professional who is knowledgeable in organizational governance. Committed to the profession of internal auditing and equipped for career-advancing opportunities. Differentiated from her peers. Ms. McDonald joined FNCB Bank in 2010 and has held several positions including Marketing Assistant and Purchasing Coordinator. Ms. McDonald is a graduate of Scranton H.S., Luzerne County Community College and King’s College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. She resides in Throop, with her husband, Jim, and son, Dylan. About FNCB Bank FNCB Bank, locally-based since 1910, continues as one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s premier community banks — offering a full suite of personal, small business, mortgage and commercial banking solutions with industry-leading mobile, online and in-branch products and services. FNCB remains dedicated to the communities they serve with an on-going mission to make your banking experience simply better. Voted Best Bank and Best Place to Work. Named one of the top 200 Community Banks in America. For more information on the BauerFinancial 5-Star rated FNCB, visit www.fncb.com.
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.
