Geisinger Announces Medical Center Expansion Geisinger officials today announced major plans to make better health easier for the central Susquehanna Valley and beyond with a proposed $880 million expansion of Geisinger Medical Center. The proposed project will feature a new 11-story tower that will be constructed at the front of the hospital, near an expanded main entrance area. This expansion will dramatically alter and improve the Geisinger Medical Center campus through modern spaces and tools to meet the region’s current and future healthcare needs, focusing particularly on patient experience and high-level care. The new tower will feature a larger emergency room to serve more patients and provide a more efficient flow of care. The new ER will double the square footage of the current space and increase it from 45 beds to 60 beds. Updated and expanded intensive care units and operating suites will surround the ER to allow collaboration between teams as they care for the sickest and most severely injured patients. The hospital will transition to a 100% private-room facility for a more comforting and modern healing environment, so each patient will have their own room to recover and be with their loved ones. It also allows more space for teams to work collaboratively on a patient’s care plan. “Our community has depended on Geisinger for world-class health care for more than a century,” said Terry Gilliland, M.D., president and CEO of Geisinger. “We’re continuing that legacy today as we announce the largest expansion project in the nearly 110-year history of Geisinger Medical Center. This project will truly transform care. It’s proof of our commitment to making better health easier for our communities today and into the future.” Beyond the clinical expansion, the project improves campus convenience with a proposed multi-level parking garage near the front of the hospital. The garage will connect to the hospital with an enclosed sky bridge, offering patients and visitors an easy way to reach the facility and its emergency services. The parking garage also will better connect the hospital with the Pine Barn Inn, which will continue operations adjacent to the hospital. “This project will completely reimagine the Geisinger Medical Center campus to strengthen collaboration among our staff and units for better patient care,” said Megan Brosious, chief administrative officer for Geisinger’s central region. “Our patients will have a modern care environment where they can continue receiving expert care right here in Danville, as they’vecome to expect from us over the past century. And our teams will have the space they need to provide that care.”The investment comes at a time when the need for expanded health care access is growing in Pennsylvania and across the country. In central Pennsylvania, the 65 and older population, which typically requires more health resources and specialized care, is expected to grow over the next decade. This expansion marks the latest investment in the region’s health needs. The system recently started construction on Geisinger Behavioral Health Center Danville, a 96-bed inpatient facility in Mahoning Township that’s expected to open in 2025. Geisinger Medical Center provides specialized treatment options and services not widely available in the region, including Level I trauma care, transplant surgery, advanced cancer care and Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. It is also a Magnet hospital and a Comprehensive Stroke Center, and it was the first hospital in the country to receive a Comprehensive Heart Attack Center designation in 2022.Danville’s project is happening in parallel with a similar expansion at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center near Wilkes-Barre. These investments underscore Geisinger’s commitment to creating a better patient experience for northeastern and central Pennsylvanians.Geisinger Medical Center campus development work is already underway, with a roadway project in front of the hospital that will improve traffic flow. The Danville expansion project is expected to begin in 2025, starting with the planned demolition of Dickey Clinic to make room for the tower. Tower construction will occur in phases with the new tower slated to open in 2028. The last expansion on the campus occurred in 2010 with the opening of the Hospital for Advanced Medicine tower.
Geisinger Discusses Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen Geisinger says some sunscreen is always better than none for sun protection, but for certain skin types, one kind may take the prize.By: Mikael Kevork Horissian, MD, Dermatology, Geisinger Are you an avid outdoor enthusiast — or someone who spends as little time outside as possible? Either way, and in any season, sunscreen is crucial in protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. It not only guards against painful sunburn, but also reduces the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. But not all sunscreens are created equal, and abundant options line store shelves. You’ll see terms like mineral, physical or chemical, but what do they mean? The main difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens is how they filter the sun’s rays. While they’re both an effective option for sun protection, the choice between mineral and chemical sunscreens typically comes down to your skin type, sensitivity and personal preferences. What is mineral sunscreen? Mineral sunscreen, also known as physical sunscreen, creates a physical barrier on the skin’s surface to reflect and scatter UV rays. This barrier helps block UV rays from being absorbed into the skin and causing damage. This type of sunscreen uses natural minerals, like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, as its active ingredients. What is chemical sunscreen? Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, works by using just that — chemicals — to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Instead of physically blocking UV rays like mineral sunscreen, it works like a sponge, absorbing UV radiation and converting it into non-damaging heat through a chemical reaction to reduce sun damage. Your skin then releases the heat. Common ingredients found in chemical sunscreens include avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, dioxybenzone and homosalate. Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen: Which is right for you? Each type of sunscreen has a unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Chemical sunscreen benefits People often like chemical sunscreen because of its lightweight, easy-to-apply formula. It blends seamlessly into the skin without leaving any white residue. Chemical sunscreen drawbacks However, chemical sunscreen tends to wear off more quickly. That means you have to reapply it more often, especially if you’re swimming or sweating a lot. It can also take up to 30 minutes to be absorbed into the skin to be effective. And if you have sensitive skin, chemical sunscreen could cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Mineral sunscreen benefits There’s no waiting period for effectiveness with mineral sunscreen — it protects your skin as soon as you apply it. And it’s generally well-tolerated by all skin types, making it ideal if you have sensitive skin, dry skin or eczema. Mineral sunscreens are generally preferred by dermatologists because if applied correctly, they literally form a separation between your skin and the sun. With instant protection and a lower likelihood of breaking down in sunlight compared to chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreen is a safe, effective option for sun protection. Mineral sunscreen drawbacks A disadvantage of mineral sunscreen: It tends to be thicker, making it harder to apply evenly. And it can leave behind a white, chalky residue on the skin, which may not be appealing particularly if you have a darker skin tone. Are chemical sunscreens safe? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not labeled either type of sunscreen as unsafe. However, there is growing concern over common ingredients in chemical sunscreen that are absorbed into the bloodstream and their impact on a person’s health. A study recently published in JAMA revealed the amount of chemicals absorbed into the bloodstream is significantly above the FDA’s threshold for waiving added safety trials to determine possible toxicity. This study does not mean that chemical sunscreens are unsafe, but rather more conclusive research is needed to determine if there are any effects on a person’s health. Current medical literature suggests that the known health risks of UV exposure far outweigh the potential risk of chemical absorption from this type of sunscreen. The bottom line? The effectiveness and safety of any sunscreen depend on several factors. Look for sunscreen that: Has an SPF of 30 or higher Is water-resistant Is labeled broad spectrum to protect against UVA and UVB rays If it has all these qualities, it’s proven to effectively protect the skin from sun damage, as long as you apply it generously and reapply it every two hours, or as directed. More sun safety tips Sunscreen alone can’t fully protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays, especially if you’re outside for long periods of time. Besides generously applying and reapplying sunscreen — whether mineral or chemical — follow these other sun-safe practices for optimal protection: Avoid peak hours in the sun, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear sun-protective clothing with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 50 or higher, as well as sunglasses and a wide-brim hat. Stay in the shade whenever possible. By following sun safety practices and making whatever sunscreen you choose a part of your daily routine, you can enjoy the outdoors all summer long while keeping your skin healthy and well-protected. For the latest health and wellness tips and advice, visit geisinger.org/balance.
Geisinger Hosting Monthly PA Health Talks Geisinger will host PA Health Talk events to discuss movement disorders and treatment from noon to 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Geisinger Medical Center Hospital for Advanced Medicine Community Room. The informal discussions will be led by David Ferrone, M.D., Geisinger neurosurgeon, who will explain how deep brain stimulation (DBS) can improve life for people with movement disorders. The sessions will explore: How DBS can treat essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease and dystonia Which patients qualify for DBS Expected results of DBS therapy The first dates are: July 9 Aug. 13 Sept. 10 Oct. 8 People of any age can have essential tremor, but it’s most common after age 40. The condition is often hereditary. Men are more likely to have Parkinson’s disease, and diagnoses increase with age. The talks include a Q&A session. Lunch will be provided. Online registration is available. For more information, call 570-271-7321.
Geisinger Doctors Recognized as America’s Best Vascular Surgeons Geisinger Vascular surgeons James Elmore, M.D., and Christopher DeMaioribus, M.D., were named to Newsweek and Statista’s America’s Best Vascular Surgeons list for 2024. The recognized physicians were announced on June 12. “Our vascular teams continue to deliver the highest quality of care every day, and these recognitions are a testament to our physicians who continue to make better health easier for our patients in central and northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Alfred S. Casale, M.D., chief medical officer Surgical Services and chair of the Geisinger Heart and Vascular Institute. The list was compiled using the following four data points: Physician performance data from Medicare An online survey of medical experts A quality-of-care score from peers of each surgeon Consideration of their American Board of Surgery certifications This is the first time Newsweek and Statista have recognized the top vascular surgeons. To learn more about vascular surgery at Geisinger, visit geisigner.org/vascular.
Geisinger Hospitals Recognized for Maternal Healthcare Five Geisinger hospitals were recipients of the Pennsylvania Perinatal Quality Collaborative (PA PQC) inaugural Designations Awards. The awards, presented May 22 at a ceremony in Harrisburg, recognize hospitals for establishing multidisciplinary teams that have demonstrated improvements in maternal and newborn care by sharing best practices in their hospital and community. Hospitals could earn a designation for each 2023-24 PA PQC initiative in which they actively participated, including: the availaibility of immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (IPLARC); maternal substance use disorders (SUD) identification and treatment; and standardizing the treatment of the substance exposed newborn (SEN) to reduce the need for drug therapy. The awards are based on meeting quality improvement milestone criteria from April 2023 through March 2024. “These recognitions are a reflection of the focus that our Obstetric and Pediatric teams place on high quality and equitable care across the Geisinger system,” said Sandra Culbertson, M.D, chair of Geisinger’s Women and Children’s Institute. “Responding to the opioid crisis and providing easy access to effective contraception are priorities that reflect the needs of families in our communities.” Geisinger Medical Center earned a silver designation to recognize its work in the issue areas of SUD focusing on health equity and a bronze designation in IPLARC. Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital earned a gold designation in SEN, a silver designation in SUD with a health equity focus, and a bronze designation in IPLARC. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center earned a gold designation to recognize its work in the issue areas of SUD and a bronze designation in IPLARC. Geisinger Lewistown Hospital earned a silver designation in SEN with a patient voice focus, a silver designation in SUD with a health equity focus, and a bronze IPLARC designation. Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton earned a silver designation to recognize its work in the issue areas of SUD focusing on health equity and a bronze designation in IPLARC. A gold designation signifies a hospital’s proven commitment to health equity and patient voice in their quality improvement work. A silver designation signifies the hospital’s proven commitment to incorporating health equity OR patient voice into its quality improvement work. A bronze designation signifies the hospital met the required quality improvement submission criteria for at least two of the four quarters. In Pennsylvania, perinatal health issues persist, including racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and neonatal outcomes, higher than average maternal sepsis rates, and drug overdose deaths during pregnancy and postpartum. The PA PQC addresses these challenges through various initiatives, including Maternal Opioid Use Disorder, Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Maternal Sepsis, and Safe Sleep. Through collaborative efforts, the PA PQC aims to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes across the state. “All Geisinger delivery hospitals have taken an active role in the PA PQC since its inception in 2019. The work is conducted by hospital staff (nurses, care managers and providers) who have shown tremendous dedication to improving care for mothers and babies,” said James Cook, M.D., Geisinger director of newborn services and co-chair on the PA PQC for pediatrics. “This work has been rewarded by the PA PQC with funds to purchase equipment and provide further education to our staff. “Future PA PQC initiatives for 2024-25 will include a focus on reducing the incidence of both maternal sepsis and sudden unexpected infant death across the region,” Dr. Cook added. The PA PQC is administered by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation and WHAMglobal, and it is affiliated with the Northeastern PA PQC (NEPaPQC).
Geisinger Discusses Isometric Exercise By: Geisinger, interventional cardiologist, Sandy Green, MD Exercises to combat high blood pressureNew evidence points to wall sits, planks and other isometric exercises as the most effective at lowering high blood pressure. Movement is the key to combating hypertension, right? Not so fast. It’s long been thought that aerobic exercise — think brisk walking, running and cycling — strengthens your heart and reduces blood pressure. And that’s true. But new evidence shows wall sits, planks and other isometric or static exercises are more effective at lowering high blood pressure. While research shows all forms of exercise are good for your heart, isometric training is a promising exercise mode for people with high blood pressure. The good news is isometric exercises also bolster joint stability, promote better posture and can be beneficial for preventing injuries and aiding in rehabilitation. What is isometric exercise? Isometric exercise is a low-intensity form of strength training where you contract or tighten a muscle group and then hold still — without any joint movement. While holding in a static position, the exercise relies on your body’s weight to help maintain strength and stabilize your joints and core. Isometric exercise is convenient, can be done in just a few minutes and doesn’t require any equipment and you can perform it easily at home or in the office during breaks. Why are isometric holds the best exercise to lower blood pressure? A study published in the fall of 2023 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that while most types of exercise helped lower blood pressure, isometric training was the most effective at lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure — especially in people with high blood pressure. When doing a plank or other isometric hold, your muscles contract and generate tension. That makes your blood vessels constrict, causing more demand for oxygen and nutrients. Decreased blood flow stimulates the production of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels to improve blood flow and supply these required resources. As a result, more blood can flow through the blood vessels and blood pressure is reduced. Strength training also engages the muscles and constricts blood vessels, but not for an extended time. When you do a bicep curl, you don’t hold it for several minutes. You lift it quickly and go back down, so you’re not getting the decreased blood flow to the area and increased production of nitric oxide from holding the position. An isometric hold also increases your heart rate and cardiac output to supply more oxygen to your muscles. Over time, this strengthens and conditions your heart to pump blood more efficiently and reduces stress on blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure. What are isometric exercise examples? While all isometric exercises can contribute to lowering blood pressure, some are more effective than others. In the study, researchers studied three isometric exercise examples in particular: squeezing a handgrip, leg extensions and wall sits, also called wall squats. The wall sits were found to be the most effective isometric exercise of them all. To do a wall sit, position yourself with your back against a wall and slide down until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Hold this position for 20 seconds or more. The wall sit primarily focuses on your quadriceps and glutes. The optimal isometric exercises for lowering blood pressure are those that engage multiple muscle groups and increase your heart rate. The study found doing four sets of two minutes each with a rest period in between, three to four days a week, yields maximum benefits. Other isometric exercise examples include: Plank, side plank and reverse plank Glute bridge Dead hang from a pull-up bar Static lunge V-sit Standing wall push-ups Calf raise and hold Tricep dip and hold Bicep curl and hold Overhead hold Kettle ball hold in front of you When doing any isometric hold, breathe slowly and regularly to make sure your muscles get plenty of oxygen. You can start by holding the position for 20 seconds and slowly working your way up to holding it for two minutes. Just be sure to talk with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine. Adding isometric holds as “exercise snacks” There is increasing evidence that points to the health benefits of “exercise snacks,” short bursts of vigorous activity spread throughout the day. If you struggle to find 30 minutes to work out each day, these two-minute or so “snacks” can quickly add up to help you meet your daily fitness goals. Incorporating exercise snacks into your daily routine is a great way to vary your workouts. For office workers, this is an easy way to get in exercise snacks throughout the day and positively impact blood pressure. So do wall sits between phone calls, hold a plank if you’ve been sitting too long or grip a stress ball before heading to a meeting. It breaks up your day at the office and can get you up and out of your chair even if you do it three or four times a week, that’s enough to lower blood pressure. Small changes can make a big difference. Adding isometric exercises doesn’t mean you should stop doing all other types of exercise, like strength training and cardiovascular workouts. It’s important to include all forms of exercise for your overall health and heart health. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (hiking, biking, water aerobics) or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (running, swimming laps) each week. Research is well established that aerobic training is just as important as strength training, which is just as important as stretching and isometric exercise for longevity. Each type of exercise plays a vital role in building the body’s strength, endurance, coordination, flexibility and functionality. For the latest health and wellness tips and advice, visit geisinger.org/balance.
Geisinger Doctor Discusses Headache Pain By Geisinger neurologist Abigail Chua, DO How to stop waking up with a headache: Ever realized your head is pounding before you even get out of bed in the morning? Waking up with a headache is — well, a pain. Here’s why they happen and how you can find relief. Like other common symptoms, headaches vary in cause and strength. Some intense headaches can last for hours. Others might be a minute or two of dull but manageable discomfort. Most headaches are grouped into primary and secondary categories. Primary headaches are usually caused by pain sensors in your head that aren’t working right. These headaches may run in your family. Or you might get them from foods you eat (or don’t eat enough of), alcoholic drinks or changes in sleep patterns. Primary headaches are what most people have. The good news is, these types of headaches are preventable and treatable. The two most common kinds: Tension headaches – This type causes mild pain around the head, face or neck. Migraine headaches – This neurological disease can cause sharp pain on one side of the head and may last for hours or even days. Secondary headaches are typically caused by underlying medical conditions, including: Dehydration – Not drinking enough fluids on a regular basis contributes to headaches. Medication overuse – Taking too much of a variety of medications — like Tylenol or forms of ibuprofen, ironically — can make your head hurt. For most people, morning headaches result from lifestyle factors. The good news: You can adjust those to ease your pain. Lack of sleep, whether due to insomnia or just an occasional restless night, often leads to waking with an aching head. Others include: Dehydration Poor sleep quality Medication side effects Sleep apnea Jaw clenching or teeth grinding If poor sleep quality is causing your headaches, your doctor may recommend some changes to your sleep routine. Besides getting a better night’s sleep, minor adjustments to your daily routine to reduce the frequency of morning headaches. Simple changes you can make include everything from skipping that extra glass of red wine after dinner to drinking more water before bed. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to make your morning headache go away. Hydrate: Drink lots of water to start the day. Dehydration can bring on a headache or make an existing one worse. Dim the lights: Many people are sensitive to bright light, especially early in the morning. Give your eyes and head time to adjust. Use a cold compress: Grab a bag of frozen veggies or a cold pack and put it on your forehead or the back of your neck. The cold eases pressure and can soothe a morning headache. Try light massage: It’s simple — but effective. Use your fingers to apply gentle pressure on the part of your head or neck where you’re having pain. This trick can help relieve a tension headache. Get plenty of sleep: Some headaches are related to sleep apnea or other factors causing a lack of quality rest. Try going to bed a little earlier to give your body more time to rest. Digging out the root cause is the first step in treating your early morning headaches. If you’ve tried to troubleshoot on your own with no success, it’s time to talk to your doctor — especially if you have frequent or daily morning headaches. Once you and your doctor determine the right treatment plan, you can wake up refreshed, rested and ready to take on your day. For more health and wellness tops, visit Geisinger.org/balance.
Geisinger Doctor Discusses Remission By: Geisinger Doctor Sorab Gupta, MD, hematologist-oncologist What does it mean to be in remission?It doesn’t mean “cured,” but remission marks a major turning point in cancer treatment — because your body shows little or no sign of the disease. If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, no doubt you’re looking forward to the day your doctor uses the word remission. Getting to remission is the goal of any cancer treatment. But what does it mean? Remission is a period when tumors or cancer cells in your body have diminished, symptoms have lessened (or disappeared entirely) and you may even get negative results for cancer on medical tests. Once you’re in remission, you can reduce or even stop treatment, because it’s been successful. Remission can last for months, years or even the rest of your life. Decreasing signs or the absence of cancer that lasts for at least a month indicate that a person is in remission. Remission does not mean, though, that you are cured of cancer. Types of cancer remission You can achieve cancer remission through an effective treatment plan. Depending on the type and stage of cancer you have, treatment may include radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy or a combination. It’s more likely for a person to achieve remission with early-stage cancer that remains local than with advanced stages that have spread throughout the body. There are two types of cancer remission: partial and complete. While the goal is to reach complete remission, many people live healthy lives in partial remission. Partial remission In partial remission, many signs and symptoms of cancer have significantly improved, but not all have disappeared. In this phase, the disease is under control and it’s a positive step forward in recovery. Complete remission If you’ve achieved complete remission, all symptoms of cancer have disappeared. Medical tests, such as body scans, biopsies, physical exams or blood tests, show no detectable evidence of cancer. Complete remission could mean that all of your cancer cells have been destroyed, or that cancer cells are still in your body, but they aren’t showing up on tests. That’s why complete remission doesn’t mean you’re cured — there is no way for doctors to know for sure that all cancer cells in your body are gone. Remission vs. cure While the terms are often used interchangeably, being in remission is different from being cured of cancer. Remission means the cancer has become inactive, while a cure is total eradication of the disease, with no cancer remaining in the body. Doctors consider patients to be cured of cancer if they have no signs or symptoms for at least five years after completing treatment. A recurrence can occur during remission — even complete remission — because cancer cells may still be present in your body. The cancer can become active again in the same area it was first diagnosed or elsewhere in your body. Cancer doesn’t always recur, but it’s more likely to if the cancer is fast-growing, more advanced, or initially widespread. Maintaining cancer remission Staying in cancer remission means having regular checkups with your care team, along with routine screenings, such as physical exams, blood and imaging tests specific to your type of cancer. Cultivating healthy lifestyle habits can also lower your risk of recurrence. Regular checkups, especially in the first few years following remission, are crucial to monitor symptoms and detect any signs the cancer has become active again. Your doctor may recommend maintenance therapy, such as taking lower doses of cancer drugs or hormones, to help you stay in remission for as long as possible. Tips for adopting healthy lifestyle habits: Eating a healthy diet full of fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean meats. A nutritionist can help you create a food plan tailored to your needs. Exercising regularly. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (hiking, biking, water aerobics) or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (running, swimming laps) each week. Maintaining a healthy weight. Getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Limiting alcohol consumption. Men should consume no more than two drinks per day and women no more than one per day. Quitting smoking. Managing stress through techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga or meditation. Whether you’re going through treatment or on the other side, reaching remission is great news for anyone diagnosed with cancer. It may not be a cure, but it signifies a substantial advancement in the quest for one, and it’s a time to celebrate an important turning point in your cancer journey. For the latest health and wellness tips and advice, visit geisinger.org/balance.
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.
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.
