Geisinger Hosts Free Community Shred Day Event Across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania In observance of Earth Day, Geisinger is hosting free Community Shred Days at several locations across northeastern and central Pennsylvania. Community members can bring their confidential personal and financial documents, such as bank statements, credit card bills and tax forms to be securely shredded on site and recycled. Limit of three boxes of documents per person.Paper only,please —do not place other waste into bins. Join us for a Shred Day event near you: •Friday, April 1, 7 –11 a.m.at Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre •Monday, April 4, 7 –11 a.m. at Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital, 4200 Hospital Road, Coal Township •Thursday, April 7, 7 –11 a.m. at Geisinger Health Plan, Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville •Monday, April 11, Noon–4 p.m. at Geisinger Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, 1175 E. Mountain Blvd., Wilkes-Barre •Tuesday, April 12, 7 –11 a.m. at Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda •Friday, April 15, 7–11 a.m. at Geisinger Medical Center Muncy, 255 Route 220, Muncy •Monday, April 18, Noon–4 p.m. at Geisinger Health Plan, Hughes Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville •Tuesday, April 19, 7 –11 a.m. at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St., Jersey Shore •Friday, April 22, 7 –11 a.m. at Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital, 549 Fair St., Bloomsburg •Monday, April 25, 7 –11 a.m. at Geisinger Mt. Pleasant, 531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Scranton •Friday, April 29, 7 –11 a.m. at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown Call 570-271-6030 for more information
Geisinger Receives Donation to Help Launch Innovative Programs A local woman with a passion for programs for improving children’s behavioral health services has donated $1 million to Geisinger’s department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health to help launch innovative programs for young people. Susan McDowell of Selinsgrove made the commitment to create a pediatric behavioral health catalyst fund that will support projects and programs to promote innovation in the behavioral health care of children and adolescents, something she has been personally invested in for more than 20 years. In 2009, McDowell developed House of Hope, a faith-based, residential treatment center for at-risk children that served a five-county area of Montour, Snyder, Columbia, Union and Northumberland. McDowell then partnered with Bloomsburg University to create the McDowell Institute in 2012. The mission is to train education students to deal with at-risk children, giving future teachers tools to handle students’ behavioral health issues. McDowell also has partnered with Geisinger for more than 20 years. Five years ago, through her philanthropy and advice, Geisinger began the Pediatric Primary Care Behavioral Health program and placed 11 pediatric psychologists in pediatric offices. The program has been tremendously successful and, McDowell hopes her recent gift will help Geisinger continue this mission and help recruit talented behavioral health providers to launch similarly innovative and impactful programs. “Compared to 20 years ago, we have more professionals in the field. We have better places to take care of patients, with the development of a pediatric emergency room and in-patient pediatric psychiatric care,” McDowell said. “Those are things I feel really good about contributing to.” Psychiatric caregivers are excited to have the catalyst funds to help address the ongoing adolescent mental health crisis. “It will be exciting to see what our friends and colleagues come up with to build new programs, bring new expertise and partner with the community in new ways to make better behavioral health for our young people,” said Justin Coffey, MD, chair of Geisinger’s department of psychiatry and behavioral health. “Young people are dying from suicide now more than any other cause besides accidents. It’s a crisis. Our children deserve better, our families deserve better, and our families deserve better. It’s time to think differently. Geisinger has a strong tradition of innovation, and we’re ready to bring that expertise and energy to the work of improving behavioral health for young people” Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital Chair, Frank Maffei, MD, says the gift will have a huge impact for youth in the community. “We believe behavioral health care should begin in our general pediatrician’s office in close collaboration with our partners in pediatric psychology and psychiatry,” Dr. Maffei said. “Our partnership has improved access and allowed us to be innovative — seeking new ways to provide these vital services such as telehealth and advancing pediatric behavioral health education in our community. We’re on the precipice of significant change and progress in an area that truly has been in crisis.” Addressing the crisis requires more than just one person or one gift, but the entire community working together for prevention, according to McDowell. “Anyone considering a gift to behavioral health should know that it’s money well spent. Write the check, but bring your passion with it,” she said. “I encourage others to begin the conversations with people here. You will be inspired. You will be educated and better prepared to be out there fighting the good fight.”
Geisinger Seeking Volunteers for Pet Therapy Program to Support Frontline Workers Geisinger is seeking additional volunteers for its pet therapy program to participate in support sessions for frontline staff as they continue to work through the COVID-19 pandemic. While the program continues to provide comfort to Geisinger patients in its hospitals throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania, it also has increasingly served hospital staff through the pandemic over the past two years. Due to lower volunteer participation during the pandemic, Geisinger is recruiting new volunteers into its program. Volunteers are needed at all Geisinger campuses, including those in Danville, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and Lewistown, among others. “Our pet therapy program brings a great benefit to patients and staff,” said Tina McDowell, director of Volunteer Services. “By volunteering, you can help decrease stress levels and provide a much-needed positive experience for our frontline staff who might be feeling overwhelmed by the effects of the ongoing pandemic. Just a few minutes of comfort and relief can improve overall mental wellbeing.” Dogs and their handlers must go through Geisinger volunteer training with the volunteer services department before serving. Only dogs certified by an American Kennel Club recognized program are eligible. If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering in the health system’s pet therapy program, contact volunteer services at 570-271- 6230.
Kim Drumgo – EMPOWER Conference Speaker Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Geisinger Health System Presentation: Inclusive Companies and Communities The last two years has caused significant shifts in the workplace, demographically and interpersonally. Now more than ever, organizations are grappling with the effects of the “Great Resignation” and are competing for talent locally and nationally. In this session, Kim will provide insight into how companies and the communities they serve can increase resilience and aptitude for change, attract talent, grow engagement, and allow for better relationships between people from different perspectives and experiences. Bio: Kim Drumgo, MBA, is the chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for Geisinger, an integrated health services organization that serves more than 3 million residents through 45 counties in central, south-central, and northeast Pennsylvania with over 24,000 employees. In her role at Geisinger, Kim provides strategic leadership and support of DEI programs across the health system. Her current focus areas include fostering inclusive cultures, talent attraction and growth, community health equity, and supplier diversity. With over 25 years of experience, Kim is recognized as a thought leader with demonstrated experience leading change initiatives in large matrixed organizations such as Anthem, AICPA, and BCBS. In the last 15 years, Kim has established multiple inaugural DEI offices and revitalized a fortune 30 DEI program to align the accountability of DEI with its 70,000 employees strategically. As an expert in the field of diversity management, Kim has been cited or featured in Becker’s Hospital Review, Chief Healthcare Executive, Profiles in Diversity Journal, Diversity Network Journal, Diversity Manager, The Journal of Accountancy, and many other publications and conferences. Kim is the past chairman of the PhD Project board and member of the Conference Board Diversity Council. She continues to serve as an advisor to many other entities focused on diversity and inclusion. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in public health from UNC Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland. GET TICKETS
Geisinger Updates Visitation Policy With COVID-19 cases slowly on the decline, adult inpatients at Geisinger will now be allowed two designated visitors rather than one, effective Wednesday, Feb. 9. While patients are allowed to designate two visitors, only one will be allowed per patient in the hospital room at a time. These guidelines protect the health and safety of our patients and staff. The visitor must be designated and wear a wristband the entire time the patient is hospitalized. Visiting hours are between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. All patients and visitors must wear a mask when on Geisinger property, regardless of vaccination status. Visitors who do not comply with Geisinger’s policies, such as masking, will lose their visiting rights. For general questions and information about COVID-19, visit geisinger.org/coronavirus.
Geisinger Honors 195 Providers for High Patient Satisfaction Ratings Geisinger recently honored 195 caregivers for being named among the best in the country by their patients, according to national surveys. Geisinger providers — including physicians, physician assistants and certified registered nurse practitioners — were recognized for ranking in the top 10% nationally for patient experience at the health system’s annual Top Patient Experience Clinicians Awards, which were held virtually this year. Scores were based on Press Ganey survey results, which gives patients an opportunity to grade the service and care they received from a provider. “There’s no better indicator of being a truly exceptional provider than to hear it from your patients,” said J. Edward Hartle, M.D., Geisinger’s executive vice president and chief medical officer. “Each year we have more Geisinger providers ranking in the top 10% nationally for patient experience, all while the standards keep getting tougher. The bar keeps getting higher, and our care providers continue to excel in making better health easier for our patients.” Among the 195 clinicians honored, three were spotlighted for exemplary work, receiving Geisinger awards for going above and beyond when it comes to compassionate patient care. Shane Daniel Newhouser, DOAkiko Kawamura, MDDebra Kaleta, PA-C Shane Daniel Newhouser, DO, family medicine physician at Geisinger State College, and Akiko Kawamura, MD, pediatrician at Geisinger Mount Pocono, received the Victor J. Marks Award for best Primary Care Physician and Outpatient Specialty Physician, respectively. The award was established in 2002 to honor Dr. Victor Marks, who served as Geisinger’s interim CEO from 2000 to 2001, and his commitment to making patients the primary focus of the health system. It is given to the primary care physician and the outpatient specialty physician at Geisinger who have the highest overall scores on the care provider section of the patient satisfaction survey. Debra Kaleta, PA-C, in family medicine at Geisinger Mount Carmel, received the Christina Appleman Award. The award is named in honor of Christina Appleman, certified registered nurse practitioner, and is given to the advanced practitioner at Geisinger with the highest overall score on the care provider section of the patient satisfaction survey. The 90th percentile Geisinger winners are: Central region:Robin L. Adams, CRNP, Obstetrics/GynecologyKenneth Wayne Altman, MD, OtolaryngologyMadiha Mubarik Alvi, MD, EndocrinologyChristina Jo Appleman, CRNP, Obstetrics/GynecologyAmy Gregory Barrett, PA-C, PediatricsMaria C. Bermudez, MD, NephrologyJudith Bianchi Bowser, OD, OphthalmologyThomas J. Bules, CRNP, Cardiovascular DiseaseGreg F. Burke, MD, Internal MedicineJoyce A. Burnside, MD, Cardiovascular DiseaseRonald Byerly, PA-C, Internal MedicineJames Tran Connolly, PA-C, Orthopaedic SurgeryMichelle Annabella Cornacchia, MD, Internal MedicineNicole Deckard, LGC, GeneticsDevin M. Conrad, PA-C, ConvenientCareKendall Dobbins, MD, OphthalmologyDan Lawrence Dometita, DO, Internal MedicineCassondra A. Ellison, MD, DermatologyJames R. Elmore, MD, Vascular SurgeryMatthew A. Facktor, MD, Thoracic SurgeryTammie Christine Ferringer, MD, DermatologyHenry F. Fesniak, MD, Cardiovascular DiseaseBrant R. Fulmer, MD, UrologyChristine Anne Gallagher, OD, OphthalmologyTullika Garg, MD, UrologyKeith Gibson, MD, Family MedicineNathalie M. Guibord, MD, OphthalmologyMichael John Halupa, Dental SurgeryCharles Eugene Heid, MD, Cardiovascular DiseaseEric John Hodgson, MD, Maternal & Fetal MedicineNeil Robert Holland, MD, NeurologyDawn R. Hornberger, CRNP, EndocrinologyElyssa M. Johnson, PA-C, Family MedicineDebra M. Kaleta, PA-C, Family MedicineRosalind L. Kellum, CRNP, Cardiovascular DiseaseJoel C. Klena, MD, Orthopaedic SurgeryErin Elisabeth Kohrherr, PA-C, Reproductive Endo/InfertilityBenjamin Robert Kuhn, DO, Pediatric GastroenterologyLauren Elizabeth Samuels, PA-C, Convenient CareMark R. Lentz, MD, Internal MedicineJenna Marie Lindenmuth, PA-C, Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports MedicineLindsay Anne Hauser, CRNP, ConvenientCareKevin Carl Long, MD, Colon & Rectal SurgeryRobert Blake Lowe, DO, Family MedicineMichele S. Maroon, MD, DermatologyShannon M. McShea-Johansson, PA-C, GastroenterologyRobert Alain Meloy, MD, Internal MedicineBrittany Eve Meyer, PA-C, Obstetrics/GynecologyO. Fred Miller III, MD, DermatologyBrian Richard Monroe, MD, Anesthesiology, Pain ManagementMegan Marie Moran, DO, PediatricsDonald C. Moyer, DO, PediatricsMisha Matongo Mutizwa, MD, DermatologyEric D. Newman, MD, RheumatologyJess W. Oren IV, MD, Cardiovascular DiseaseMatthew Lee Palmer, MD, DermatologyRajiv P. Panikkar, MD, Medical OncologyLori A. Parke, CRNP, General SurgeryMayur A. Patel, MD, Medical OncologyPriyanka Pathak, MD, HematologyHoward B. Pride, MD, DermatologyJohn Stephen Quick, MD, AnesthesiologyArsalan Rafiq, MD, Cardiovascular DiseaseMarylou Rainone, DO, General SurgeryJodie Alton Reider, MD, EndocrinologyWells T. Reinheimer, DO, OphthalmologyDavid D. K. Rolston, MD, Internal MedicineDana L. Rubin, PA-C, Plastic SurgeryLisa Lorrae Schroeder, MD, Internal MedicineElizabeth Keslar Scott, CRNP, Cardiovascular DiseaseMark Alan Seeley, MD, Orthopaedic SurgeryJohn A. Semian, MD, General SurgeryKeith E. Shalongo, OD, OphthalmologyMatthew J. Shellenberger, DO, GastroenterologyCatherine Terese Shoff, DO, Pulmonary DiseaseDennis Randall Smith, MD, Cardiovascular DiseaseJordan Bennett Southern, MD, UrologyRandle H. Storm, MD, Cardiovascular DiseaseAlexis Svokos, MD, Obstetrics/GynecologyJill Susan Sweigard, CRNP, PediatricsJohn Robert Tomedi Sr., MD, Family MedicineTyler William Baran, PA-C, ConvenientCareTyler Raymond West, DO, Anesthesiology, Pain ManagementCaitlin Jean Wiscount, MD, PediatricsSandrina Dawn Womer, CRNP, Cardiovascular DiseaseJessica Gidaro Yancoskie, CRNP, OphthalmologyKathya Michelle Zinszer, DPM, Podiatry North-central:Mark Judson Rockwell, PA-C, ConvenientCareMelissa Jean Kireski, CRNP, ConvenientCareTena Delores Miller, PA-C, Family MedicineNicholas Showman, PA-C, DermatologyDana M. Smith, DO, PediatricsRoy Erroll Tuller, DO, OphthalmologyJessica Ann Zozos Stehman, PA-C, Obstetrics/Gynecology Northeast:Christian Stephen Adonizio, MD, Medical OncologyAlexander M. Piczon, PA-C, Ortho & Sports Medicine Urgent CareJoseph Patrick Bannon, MD, General SurgeryLouis C. Blaum Jr., MD, General SurgeryElizabeth A. Bordy, PA-C, Family MedicinePranjal Kumar Boruah, MD, Cardiovascular DiseaseMary Catherine Brady, MD, DermatologyLaurie Campfield, DO, PediatricsJose I. Castillo, MD, Medical OncologyPeter Joseph Cawley, MD, Cardiovascular DiseaseCharlea Natasha Pedro, CRNP, ConvenientCareStacy J. Conway, OD, OphthalmologyKelly Jo Dalton, OD, OphthalmologyBrian A. Delvecchio, DO, RheumatologyLaurel Foxworth Dodgson, PA-C, Anesthesiology, Pain ManagementMitchell J. Gross, MD, NeurologyCollin Douglas Hair, MD, OphthalmologyMegan Ward Harris, PA-C, DermatologyJulia Ann Zafia Carey, PA-C, ConvenientCareKarla Grace Dalious, PA-C, ConvenientCareAkiko Kawamura, MD, PediatricsAmanda Katherine Keegan, PA-C, UrologyEric J. Kemmerer, MD, Radiation OncologyKimberly Kaminsky, PA-C, ConvenientCareDavid J. Kolessar, MD, Orthopaedic SurgeryKimberly A. Kovalick, DO, Family MedicineMichael A. Kovalick, DO, Family MedicineMelissa Laporte, CRNP, EndocrinologyLeopoldo Legaspi, MD, PediatricsLauren Nicole Polanin, PA-C, ConvenientCareKara Anne Levandoski, PA-C , Cardiovascular DiseaseMaya Lillyan Lichtenstein, MD, NeurologyPaul R. Long, MD, DermatologyBenoit Mapa, DO, Obstetrics/GynecologyDavid R. Mariner, MD, Vascular SurgeryVernon H. Mascarenhas, MD, Cardiovascular DiseaseMartin Eugene Matsumura, MD, Cardiovascular DiseaseEvan Lee McClennen, DO, Obstetrics/GynecologySandeep Mehrok, MD, Family MedicineElizabeth Erin Miller, DO, General SurgeryCarl Andrew Nieweld, MD, Pulmonary DiseaseKathleen Marie Noss, DO, PediatricsFrank C. Olshemski, MD, Family MedicineMark Peter Pallis, DO, Orthopaedic SurgerySandra L. Pensieri, DPM, PodiatryJohn Mark Prater, MD, Family MedicineBrogdan Protyniak, MD, Colon & Rectal SurgeryJohn Robert Ramey, MD, UrologyWaqarun Nisa Rashid, MD, Obstetrics/GynecologyJamian M. Ryan, DO, PediatricsLakshmi Neeharika Saladi, MD, Pulmonary DiseaseThomas Spencer Samuelsen, MD, Obstetrics/GynecologySarah Ann Brown, CRNP, Urgent CareKenny Alan Schwartz, MD, NeurologyShreya Sinha, MD, Oncology, MedicalAlessandro G. Smeraldi, MD, Surgery, VascularJohn Joseph Sobuto III, DO, Critical Care MedicineJames A. Tricarico, DO, Family MedicineCassandra Lynn Tunis, DO, Family MedicineJustin Gerard Tunis, MD, Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports MedicineDaniel William Upton, MD, OphthalmologyPugazhendhi Vijayaraman, MD, Cardiovascular DiseaseKathleen Iezzi Walsh, MD, PediatricsMary Rachel Wolf, PA-C, Surgical OncologyJason Raymond Woloski, MD, Family MedicineJoseph Alexander Wong, MD, Physical Medicine & RehabilitationSarah Ann Worsnick, PA-C, Cardiovascular DiseaseBonnie Tong Young, CRNP, Cardiology (Interventional)Shane Steven Young, MD, Family Medicine West:Lorraine L. Rosamilia, MD, DermatologyTrevor Sherrick Smith, DO, Family MedicineNatalie Rebeccah Steffen, PA-C, Family MedicineMichelle Jane Thal, PA-C, Allergy & ImmunologyKathleen Mary Zazzali, DO, Cardiovascular Disease
Narayana S. Murali, M.D., Named Chief Medical Officer of Medicine Services at Geisinger Geisinger announced that Narayana Murali, M.D., will serve as the new chief medical officer of medicine services at Geisinger. This leadership position will oversee Geisinger’s strategic plan and operations for the medicine, cancer, and women’s and children’s institutes throughout the system. Dr. Murali has served as executive vice president of care delivery and chief strategy officer at Marshfield Clinic Health System in Marshfield, Wis., since 2014, where he was heavily involved in driving and shaping its transformation. “Geisinger is always working on ways to make better health easier for our patients. Bringing Narayana Murali, M.D., on board as the new chief medical officer of medicine services will further our mission to enhance care for our patients, our members and our communities,” said J. Edward Hartle, M.D., executive vice president and system chief medical officer. “Given Dr. Murali’s wealth of experience and expertise and his passion for always enhancing patient care, we’re confident that he will continue to set the bar even higher for us to deliver a premier patient experience.” “After 15 fulfilling years at Marshfield Clinic Health System, I’m honored to be joining Geisinger,” said Dr. Murali. “This system has a longstanding history in the community and is nationally recognized for innovating healthcare. Geisinger’s patient-first mindset is one many in the healthcare industry aspire to follow, and I look forward to finding ways to transform the industry by creating an exemplary patient experience in our communities.” As the new chief medical officer, Dr. Murali will work closely with institute chairs to develop strategic plans that address customer expectations, as well as quality and cost of care with the goal of driving change for the betterment of patient care and Geisinger communities. Dr. Murali earned his medical degree at the University of Madras in India, completed his internship at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, Pa., and his residency at the Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education in Rochester, Minn. He also completed a National Institutes of Health-sponsored Clinician Investigator Training Program and a fellowship in kidney disease at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, as well as the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School.
Geisinger Completes First Phase of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Scranton Geisinger Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Scranton opens Monday, Feb. 7, in the Marketplace at Steamtown, making better health easier for patients and members in the area by consolidating and expanding services at one easy-to-reach downtown location. Patients of all ages will find the most comprehensive spectrum of services for bone, muscle and joint conditions — including arthritis, sports injuries, back pain, wound care and fractures — in Lackawanna County. With a focus on convenience and patient experience, the facility will offer expanded orthopaedic urgent care so patients can avoid the emergency room for sprains, strains and minor injuries. When complete, Geisinger Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Scranton will be Lackawanna County’s largest bone, muscle and joint-focused facility of its kind and occupy 83,000 square feet inside the marketplace — triple the space of the former location at West Olive Street. The project’s second phase, expected to be complete in late 2022, brings additional programs in physical medicine & rehabilitation, as well as patient-tailored therapy solutions. Market research shows the population of Lackawanna County residents 65 and older continues to grow, driving an increased demand for orthopaedic services through 2024. “Geisinger Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Scranton will provide all the world-class bone, muscle and joint outpatient services our community needs under one roof,” said Michael Suk, M.D., J.D., chair of Geisinger’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “Our highly specialized team brings a personalized approach and the latest technology to treating each joint condition, sports injury or spinal disorder.” More patient-friendly features include abundant parking and access to several bus routes, along with proximity to Geisinger Community Medical Center. There, people can continue receiving surgical care with technologies only Geisinger provides in its service area, such as Mako® robotic-arm-assisted joint replacement. “We’re committed to contributing to a healthier, more vibrant Lackawanna County by providing the orthopaedic and sports medicine services our patients and members need close to home,” said Suk. “Geisinger has served northeastern Pennsylvania for decades, and our new facility at the Marketplace at Steamtown furthers our commitment to better health for this community.”
Geisinger Medical Group Physician Joins 65 Forward Team in Scranton Brenda Goodrich, D.O., Geisinger Medical Group family practice physician and medical director for Geisinger Convenient Care Clinic, is joining Geisinger 65 Forward in Scranton. Geisinger 65 Forward is a health care program designed exclusively for people age 65 and over where patients get longer appointments, more on-site health services and social, educational and wellness activities. With over 25 years of experience as a family practice physician in Pennsylvania, Dr. Goodrich earned her doctor of osteopathy from Philadelphia College of Osteopathy after completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Scranton. Staying close to home, she completed her family practice residency at Bryn Mawr Hospital in 1996. In the same year, she joined Geisinger Medical Group, where she continues to practice family medicine. She also worked at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Urgent Care Center from 2012-2018 and has served as the medical director for Geisinger Convenient Care Clinic since 2015. “I’ve had the privilege of practicing at Geisinger throughout my career, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue providing care for my neighbors at Geisinger 65 Forward in Scranton,” said Dr. Goodrich. “I’ve seen Geisinger’s mission of making better health easier in action for many years, and the 65 Forward program is a vital part of creating access to better care for our communities.” Dr. Goodrich, who is board certified in family medicine, is accepting new patients for Geisinger 65 Forward Scranton. For more information about the program, call 570-207-5970 or visit geisinger.org/patient-care/65-forward/scranton to learn
Geisinger Honors Susan M. Robel Award Winners Geisinger has recognized 10 employees who go above and beyond in their dedication to patients at work and in the community with the Susan M. Robel Nursing Scholarship and Caring Award. Created to honor the legacy of Sue Robel, Geisinger’s former chief nursing officer and co-chief patient experience officer, the two award programs annually recognize the dedicated work of Geisinger employees. “Our Geisinger family members are always looking for ways — big and small — to improve the patient experience and make better health easier for everyone,” said Janet Tomcavage, chief nursing executive at Geisinger. “Congratulations to all of these deserving recipients. We thank you for your service to our patients and the communities we serve.” The Caring Award honors Geisinger employees who are dedicated to caring for others in the workplace and beyond. Like Robel, who defined collegiality and was an exemplary colleague to all, these people demonstrate a steadfast commitment to serving others and are incredible advocates throughout our community. They inspire with their compassion, thoughtfulness and selflessness. In addition to other honors, winners receive $500 in cash and $500 for their charity of choice. The Caring Award winners are: Carlos Castillo, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical CenterCandace Cremard, RN, Geisinger Community Medical CenterAshley Hoffman, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical CenterJudy Rockey, RN, Geisinger Scenery ParkMichele Swida, RN, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center The Nursing Scholarship program recognizes employees currently enrolled in nursing school who exemplify what it means to go above and beyond in providing patient care. These people continually show a commitment to meeting the highest standards of bedside care and work tirelessly to make sure patients are treated with the utmost compassion and kindness. Each scholarship recipient receives $1,000 toward their tuition, funded by the Alice E. Steele Endowment. The Nursing Scholarship winners are: Brianna Benscoter, RN, Geisinger Medical CenterMegan Harshbarger, Geisinger Lewistown HospitalJasselis Pozo-Guzman, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical CenterTerri Seidel, RN, Geisinger Medical CenterKatelyn Urbina, RN, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
