Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine to Host Annual Turkey Trot

Event benefits Friends of the Poor. Registration now open for 5K/10K run in downtown Scranton Nov. 3

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students will host its 15th annual Turkey Trot 5K/10K run in downtown Scranton on Sunday, Nov. 3. The event will also feature a Tiny Trot, including crafts, games, face painting and relay races, for children ages 13 and younger. Proceeds will benefit the charitable organization Friends of the Poor, a nonprofit whose mission is to ease the burden of living in poverty and enhance the quality of life for all.

Race-day registration begins at 7 a.m. in the main lobby of Geisinger Commonwealth’s Medical Sciences Building at 525 Pine St. in Scranton. The 5K and 10K runs and the Tiny Trot all begin at 8 a.m. Routes begin and end at the school’s Medical Sciences Building on Pine Street.

Online registration is open and will close Friday, Nov. 1.

For participants ages 14 and older, registration is $30 for the 5K run/walk and $40 for the 10K. For those age 13 and younger, Tiny Trot registration is free, but a donation of two canned goods on race day is appreciated.

To register: runsignup.com/gcsomturkeytrot

WVIA Conversations for the Common Good: Trust in Our Elections

WVIA Free Event

September 19th, at 6:30 PM at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Fair and secure elections are the bedrock of our democracy. However, many members of our community have little information about what happens after they cast their ballots. As we head into the general election in November, WVIA, and Keep Our Republic invite you to attend this informative, nonpartisan event dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding of the 2024 election process and equipping our community to combat misinformation surrounding election integrity.

At this event, experts from across the state and from our community will talk about what’s new for Pennsylvania’s elections in 2024, how votes are counted, certified, and audited, and answer questions on topics like mail-in ballots, the role of the courts and media in elections, how technology impacts election security, and what federal, state, and local governments are doing to combat election interference. This event will provide valuable insights to help you stay informed for the upcoming November 5th election. We hope to see you there.

REGISTER HERE

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 

Surgeon General of the United States to Deliver Keynote Address at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) announced that Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, the Surgeon General of the United States, will deliver the keynote address at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine’s 12th annual commencement ceremony scheduled for Sunday, May 5 at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre.

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Murthy,” said Julie Byerley, MD, MPH, GCSOM’s president and dean. “He has used his far-reaching platform as Surgeon General to advocate for population health issues that Geisinger has made central to our mission, like greater access to care, addressing loneliness, and healthcare worker well-being. We look forward his remarks as we celebrate the graduation of our twelfth class of physicians, now totaling more than one thousand doctors, from our medical school.”

Jaewon Ryu, MD, JD, president and CEO of Geisinger, noted that Dr. Murthy has long championed a comprehensive approach to medicine that prioritizes mental health and wellness. “As a national leader in value-based care, Geisinger is proud that Dr. Murthy will encourage our graduates to pursue our shared vision of medicine. He knows well what Geisinger means when we say our mission is to make better health easier and I know he will inspire the class of 2024 to dedicate their careers to doing just that.” 

Dr. Murthy was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in March 2021 to serve as the 21st Surgeon General of the United States. As the nation’s top doctor, Dr. Vivek Murthy helps to advance the health and well-being of all Americans and has worked to address critical public health issues. He has issued Surgeon General Advisories on the youth mental health crisis and social media’s impact on youth mental health, the epidemic of loneliness and isolation, and on burnout in the health worker community. Dr. Murthy also issued a Surgeon General’s Framework on mental health in the workplace and he is the first Surgeon General to host a podcast, House Calls with Dr. Vivek Murthy, where he invites guests and listeners to explore how we can all build more connected and meaningful lives. 

As Vice Admiral of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Dr. Murthy oversees more than 6,000 dedicated public health officers serving underserved and vulnerable populations. 

Dr. Murthy previously served as the 19th Surgeon General under President Obama. Raised in Miami, Dr. Murthy received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard, his medical degree from the Yale School of Medicine, and his master’s in business administration from the Yale School of Management. 

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine to Host Black Ties for White Coats Gala

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, with learning venues throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania, will host its Black Ties for White Coats gala on Saturday, April 20, at Mohegan Pennsylvania in Wilkes-Barre to benefit medical student scholarships. Prominent community members who embody aspects of the school’s founding principles, community service and well-being will also be honored. 

When:       Saturday, April 20, 6 – 11 p.m.

Where:      Mohegan Pennsylvania

                  1280 Highway 315

                  Wilkes-Barre

This year’s honorees are: 

Community Honoree:
The Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children

Well-being Honoree:
Shubhra Shetty, MD

Founders Honoree:
Tom Churilla, MD ’13

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Raffle Supports Medical Student Scholarships

Tickets for the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Super 50/50 Raffle are available now through Nov. 29 in support of medical student scholarships.

The medical school’s Student Scholarship Fund helps recruit medical students with diverse backgrounds and financial means, so they can train to be the care providers of tomorrow.

Raffle tickets cost $100 each, and only 1,000 will be sold. Multiple people can purchase one or more tickets and split the costs (and hopefully, the winnings).

The drawing will take place on Nov. 29 at 1 p.m., and the winner does not have to be present. Tickets can be purchased in person using cash or check only at these locations:

  • Geisinger Health Foundation offices, 529 Mill St., Danville, 3rd floor
  • Executive suite at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 529 Pine St., Scranton

In accordance with PA State Games of Chance regulations, no credit cards will be accepted. Tickets can also be purchased by visiting go.geisinger.org/gcsomraffle and following the mailing instructions at the top of the purchase form.

SGOC License #202310

SGOC Permit #202328

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Hosts Carnival-themed Fundraiser

An adults-only night at the carnival will support student scholarships for Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.

Moonlight on the Midway will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave. The event will feature classic carnival fare, a beer and wine selection, and beloved childhood amusement games with bigger, better prizes.

Culinary Creations by Metz will staff concession stations offering elevated dishes inspired by traditional carnival food. Entertainment will include sideshow performances, and a silent auction will feature items from local businesses.

Tickets cost $125 and can be purchased at go.geisinger.org/gcsommidway. Attendees must be 21 and older, and attire is casual. Sponsorship and one-time donation opportunities are also available on the event page.

For more information, please contact Foundation Events at foundationevents@geisinger.edu or 570-214-0400.

Upcoming Healthcare Panel Discussion

The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Myers, Brier & Kelly, LLP, and Maternal and Family Health Services, Inc. invite you to the 2023 HealthCare Panel Discussion.

Rep. Joanna McClinton, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives will engage in a dynamic and informed dialogue with Dr. Julie Byerley, the Dean of the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, and Maria Montoro Edwards, Ph.D., President of Maternal and Family Health, which serves over 90,000 citizens annually in 17 counties.

The panel will discuss workforce challenges and maternal family health issues. The panel will be moderated by WVIA’s Tracey Matisak.

Learn More