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

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Raises Money for Students

Braving the weather for a good cause,golfers enjoyed camaraderie and a round at one of northeastern Pennsylvania’s most scenic courses on June 12 while donating to bolster the future of health care in the region.

The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Golf Classic, sponsored by PNC Bank, was held at Glenmaura National Golf Club and raised money to support medical student scholarships.

“We’re grateful to everyone who participated in the Golf Classic or donated to the Student Scholarship Fund, and to PNC Bank, whose sponsorship helped make this event possible,” said Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H, president of Geisinger College of Health Sciences, dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, and executive vice president and chief academic officer of Geisinger. “Their generosity lays a foundation for our future medical students, physicians and the continued care of the communities we serve.”

With an aging population in the region and a national physician shortage, recruitment and retention of students from diverse backgrounds and financial means is critical to providing care locally and nationally. Geisinger’s Student Scholarship Fund helps educate and train doctors who can help close the physician gap, some of whom will serve northeastern and central Pennsylvania.

Geisinger to Host Education Event: Medical Marijuana in PA

As part of its ongoing series of community health education programs, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine will host “Medical Marijuana in Pennsylvania” on Thursday, July 27 at 5:30 p.m. at the school’s Medical Sciences Building at 525 Pine Street.

This session will inform the public on:

  • Identify evidence for benefits of medical marijuana use
  • The risks of medical marijuana use
  • How physicians certify patients for medical marijuana use

Victor O. Kolade, MD, MS, clinical professor of medicine, will discuss the latest research on medical marijuana and explore data regarding its efficacy for certain health conditions. There will also be time for questions.

Board certified in internal medicine, Dr. Kolade is an internist at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.

See for details:

To register visit go.geisinger.edu/communityedseries.