Geisinger Honored by American Medical Association

Geisinger has earned recognition from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine™ recognized organization.

The prestigious AMA distinction is granted only to organizations that attest to the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Program and demonstrate a commitment to preserving the well-being of clinical care team members through proven efforts to combat work-related stress and burnout.

“While there is still work to do, this recognition is a testament to our commitment to building a culture that allows our Geisinger family to thrive both personally and professionally,” said Susan Parisi, M.D., chief wellness officer. “When we create change at a system level to truly improve our care team members’ well-being, our patients and our entire Geisinger community benefit. We’re excited to join this collaboration of like-minded organizations where the mental health and well-being of our care team members is a priority, and we’re eager to continue this important work.”

Burnout rates among the nation’s physicians and other health care professionals spiked as the COVID-19 pandemic placed acute stress on care teams and exacerbated long-standing system issues. While the worst days of the pandemic are past, the lingering impact of work-related burnout remains an obstacle to achieving national health goals.

“Health organizations that have earned recognition from the AMA’s Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leading a national movement that has declared the well-being of health professionals to be an essential element for providing high-quality care to patients, families and communities,” said AMA President Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H. “Each Joy in Medicine recognized organization is distinguished as among the nation’s best at creating a culture of wellness that makes a difference in the lives of clinical care teams.”

Geisinger was recognized for its efforts to improve employee well-being through its Center for Professionalism and Well-being (CPW) — a team that offers Geisinger employees a variety of services related to mental health, burnout mitigation, community building, peer support and crisis response. In 2022, Geisinger named Dr. Parisi the health system’s first chief wellness officer to oversee the CPW and guide the implementation of a systemwide strategy to improve the mental health, professional fulfillment and overall well-being of the Geisinger family.

Since its inception in 2019, the Joy in Medicine™ Health System Recognition Programs recognize more than 100 organizations across the country. In 2023, a total of 72 health systems nationwide earned recognition with documented efforts to reduce system-level drivers of work-related burnout and demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork and support.

Geisinger Introduces New Medical Laboratory Sciences Program

Geisinger has introduced a Medical Laboratory Science program to meet the growing need for qualified medical laboratory professionals. The new 11-month program provides in-class and hands-on education, as well as clinical rotations in the Geisinger system. Applications are due Sept. 1, with classes beginning in January.

“There’s never been a greater need or a better time to train to become a medical laboratory professional,” said Marianne T. Downes, program director. “Medical laboratory work is deeply impactful in so many areas — on individual lives, on the success of our employers and even on public health. I chose this career for its reputation for job security and its ability to provide for a family. What I found is a career where I feel I’m making a significant contribution.”

Medical laboratory science is a growing health profession that provides diagnostic services to detect and treat diseases. Biomedical Journal has declared the shortage of medical laboratory professionals “critical.” And the U.S. Department of Labor projects a fast growth rate for new jobs in this exciting field.

Medical laboratory scientists are trained to provide diagnostic information to healthcare providers so they can determine treatment plans for patients. For example, medical laboratory scientists assure accurate results for routine tests such as blood glucose and diagnostics that make sure children’s leukemia is in remission. They prepare the right blood product for transfusion for people with conditions such as sickle cell disease and perform genetic testing to determine patients’ risk for certain cancers.

Medical laboratory scientists are often the first to see results indicating a change in patients’ health status and make sure those results are correct before providers order more costly, invasive testing.

Applications are due by Sept. 1. To apply for the class forming in January 2024 and for more information, visit go.geisinger.edu/medicalscience

Geisinger Medical Center Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Clinic Moves to Grow Programs

Geisinger Medical Center’s Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Clinic has relocated to bring together clinicians who collaborate on congenital heart care at every stage of patients’ lives.

Geisinger has provided pediatric and adult congenital cardiology and cardiac surgery care to children and families in northeastern and central Pennsylvania for decades. Recently, the pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery practices and related subspecialties moved out of their longtime hub in Foss 6 at the medical center and into a new home on the fourth floor of the Danville campus’ Hospital for Advanced Medicine.

The move allows Geisinger to offer more appointments to patients needing pediatric cardiac services and provides needed space for enhanced diagnostic testing and accommodating programs as they grow.

The new clinic will house outpatient pediatric cardiology for clinical visits and diagnostic testing, and subspecialties, including adult congenital heart disease, pediatric preventive cardiology and pediatric and adult congenital cardiac surgery. Aligning these teams allows patients with congenital heart conditions to visit one location, where they can see the experts they’ll need from birth through maturity and throughout adulthood.

The move also makes navigating the Geisinger Medical Center campus easier for patients, as the new space is adjacent to patient parking.

Pediatric cardiology services in State College, Hazleton, Muncy, Lewistown, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre will not be affected and are expected to continue growing.

Geisinger’s 17th EMS Awards Reception Honors First Responders

Emergency medical services (EMS) providers and fellow first responders were recognized for service to their community recently during Geisinger’s EMS Provider of the Year Awards reception, which took place just before a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders home game at PNC Field in Moosic.

The 17th installment of the awards ceremony was part of a larger reception honoring nearly 200 first responders and their family members. Dinner and tickets to the ballgame were provided for all participants.

“We’re here to honor the people who put themselves at risk every day to care for members of our community when they need it most,” said Ron Strony, M.D., chair of Geisinger’s Department of Emergency Medicine. “We thank them for all they do and for partnering with us to improve how we respond to emergencies.”

John Campos, executive vice president of Emergency Medical Services of Northeastern Pennsylvania, received the Jack Lasky Lifetime Achievement Award, which is named in honor of a now-retired Geisinger EMS coordinator who served his community for 44 years in various roles.

During his 55-year career, Campos worked in Indiana, Pa., and organized EMS training for the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Appalachian Commission in Kentucky. He’s worked for Emergency Medical Services for the last 45 years, leading service licensure, training certification, medical command authorization and incident management protocols, and he’s implemented multiple changes in state EMS regulations.

The two recipients of the James “Sox” Ruane Community Service Award were Kathryn Bommer, pre-hospital registered nurse and Geisinger Community Medical Center trauma education and injury prevention outreach coordinator, and Bennett Heyman, Geisinger EMS paramedic.

Bommer was honored for providing exceptional and optimal care, dedication to serving her local community and educating the next generation of first responders throughout her 45-year career.

Heyman was awarded for outstanding caring and skill, treating patients like members of his family, and his calm while tending to scared or combative patients.

And for their roles in responding to a May 24 fire and saving the life of a Scranton Fire Department captain who went into cardiac arrest during the call, 10 first responders received the Alice and Bob Walsh Heroism Award:

  • Bruce Beauvais, paramedic, Pennsylvania Ambulance
  • Shane Buschpics, private, Scranton Fire Department
  • Donald Chesek, chauffeur, Scranton Fire Department
  • John R. Davis, lieutenant, Scranton Fire Department
  • Martin Fallon, private, Scranton Fire Department
  • Amy Kadonoff, advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT), Pennsylvania Ambulance
  • Jim Ralston, paramedic, Taylor Fire Department
  • Dave Ross, paramedic, Clarks Summit Fire Department
  • Terry Smith, AEMT, Pennsylvania Ambulance
  • Maureen Slovenkai, fire police officer, Newton-Ransom Volunteer Fire Department

Nominees for the James “Sox” Ruane Community Service Award were:

  • Mark Blanchard,paramedic, Susquehanna Regional EMS,who always provides high-quality patient care; receives compliments from patients for his care, knowledge and skill; and is a remarkable asset to patients and families
  • Matt Carter, police officer, Archbald Police, for always being kind and willing to help someone in need and embodying the highest ideals of police service
  • The entire staff of Covington EMS for providing uninterrupted basic life support (BLS) service to the North Pocono region for two years through a combination of paid employees and unpaid volunteers
  • Adam Fensch, paramedic, Bloomsburg EMS, for always demonstrating kindness and compassion toward his patients and their families
  • Melanie Gerulsky, paramedic, Pennsylvania Ambulance, for creating and hosting Kids’ Day at Nay Aug Park to raise money for children’s services and build awareness of these services in the community
  • Clair Pete Manhart, EMT, Geisinger EMS and Bloomsburg Ambulance, for a long career of faithful service and always teaching that BLS saves lives and advanced life support (ALS) is the icing on the cake
  • Kristen Myers, EMT and business manager, Freeland Ambulance, Medic 41, for her tireless commitment to the community and her EMS colleagues, including bringing ALS services to the Freeland community and volunteering to provide EMS services at local youth sporting events
  • Stevie Spishock, paramedic, Americus and DH&L, for always demonstrating excellence and striving to improve herself and those around her
  • Edward Szafran, Kingston firefighter and chief of operations for Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance, for more than 20 years of providing outstanding service to his community as well as serving as a health technician for the National Disaster Medical System of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • Bill White, firefighter and EMT, Justus Volunteer Fire Company Ambulance, for 50 years of outstanding service, including serving as deputy fire chief, assistant fire chief, ambulance lieutenant, chief driver, ambulance captain, chief engineer, dive rescue captain and president

Geisinger 65 Forward Health Centers Promote Fitness

Patients at Geisinger 65 Forward Health Centers in Buckhorn, Scranton, and State College recently enjoyed activities designed for fun and socialization while promoting health and fitness for older adults.

The Buckhorn group met in spacious Bloomsburg Town Park where they started their session with fitness education. Afterward, they did brain exercises, which combine physical activity and on-the-spot thinking challenges and played games like ladder ball and cornhole.

The State College members took their walking group to the scenic campus of the PA Military Museum in Boalsburg before stopping for smoothies at a nearby café. And the Scranton contingent got creative with patriotic garland crafts and enjoyed a “Wheel of Fitness” exercise class.

65 Forward Health Centers offer senior-focused primary care for Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage members, including longer appointments to help manage chronic conditions and laboratory and diagnostic imagery services under one roof. They also help members meet their fitness goals with state-of-the-art equipment, exercise classes, and wellness coordinators, and address senior isolation by offering social and educational group activities.

Research shows isolation and loneliness are common problems among people 65 and older and can have a negative impact on physical and mental health. A healthy social life can be a critical component in maintaining their wellness.

Compared to a similar population cared for in a traditional primary care model, 65 Forward patients have had about 15 percent fewer hospital admissions and about 40 percent fewer emergency department visits.

For more information, visit geisinger.org/65forward.

Geisinger’s Young Doctors Receive Awards

Three Geisinger providers have been recognized by the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) for achievement early in their careers.

Interventional cardiologist Nicholas Ierovante, D.O., and family medicine physicians Joanna Kraynak-Appel, D.O., and Hans Zuckerman, D.O., are among PAMED’s Top Physicians Under 40 for 2023.

They were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of PAMED members who yearly honor the best of the best early-career physicians in the state.

“We had a lot of great nominations, but these candidates stood out among the rest,” said Kristen Sandel, M.D., PAMED president-elect and chair of the awards committee. “With their ambition and innovative ideas, they will shape and shine bright in the future of medicine.”

Dr. Ierovante practices at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton and also serves as assistant professor in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine for Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. He specializes in interventional and structural heart procedures, and he is board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, nuclear medicine and echocardiography.

His nominator said his “passion for patient care is unparalleled,” and that he “has dedicated his career to serving the citizens of Pennsylvania and exemplifies the future of medicine.”

Dr. Kraynak-Appel is the associate director of Community Medicine in Columbia County and assists in managing Geisinger Primary Care clinics in Benton, Berwick, Buckhorn and Elysburg. She is a board-certified physician who specializes in family medicine, and she has clinical interests in women’s health and chronic disease management.

Her nominator called her an “incredible person” who “embodies and exceeds all the tenets anyone would want from their physician.”

Dr. Zuckerman practices at Geisinger Pottsville and serves as division chief of the Department of Community Medicine for Schuylkill County and Geisinger Kulpmont in Northumberland County. He is a board-certified physician who specializes in family medicine, and he has clinical interests in preventive care, infectious diseases, obesity and women’s health.

His nominator said, “as a leader, his patient-centric views and encouraging reminders on why we do what we do are contagious throughout his clinics” and that “he inspires everyone from the support staff to the providers to provide the best possible care to patients.”

Geisinger at Home Receives Grant

Geisinger Health Foundation has been granted $50,000 to support the Geisinger at Home™ program from the Ralph and Josephine Smith Fund of the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP).

“We’re grateful to the FCFP’s Ralph and Josephine Smith Fund for this generous grant, which will bolster our Geisinger at Home program as we continue to help patients manage their conditions in the comfort of their own homes,” said Nancy Lawton-Kluck, Geisinger Health Foundation’s chief philanthropy officer.

Geisinger at Home brings health care to eligible Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage members where they need it most — right where they live. The program cares for patients with complex, difficult-to-manage health conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, cancers and dementia, and Geisinger’s team of doctors, registered nurses, dietitians, case managers and medical support staff visit them in their residences.

The program keeps patients healthier, safer and better connected to their care team, so their health needs can be met before they require emergency room visits or hospital stays.

Funding will be used for program costs and to support social and home needs for Geisinger at Home patients in Northumberland County.

FCFP works to improve the quality of life in north-central Pennsylvania through community leadership, the promotion of philanthropy, the strengthening of nonprofit impact and the perpetual stewardship of charitable assets. The Community Foundation strives to create powerful communities through passionate giving. For more information visit, fcfpartnership.org.

Geisinger to Continue Maternity Needs for NEPA

With the recent announcement that Wilkes-Barre General Hospital will close its labor and delivery services, Geisinger wants to assure the communities of northeastern Pennsylvania that Geisinger will work hard to fill that care gap.

Rest assured that labor and delivery services will continue at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre and Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton.

Leaders from both Geisinger facilities are holding recruitment events in hopes of filling staff vacancies and bolstering our OB-GYN services throughout the northeast. Teams are finding ways to create additional space to accommodate a potential volume increase in births. Logistical plans for providing transportation quickly and effectively for a mother and child are also being put in place.

Geisinger accepts all major insurances, including Aetna, Cigna, Highmark, United Healthcare and Medicare.

Geisinger will stay true to its mission to make better health easier for families in the communities we serve. Mothers-to-be who need to make a birthing plan can contact Geisinger to schedule an appointment by calling 570-808-7916.

Geisinger also offers full OB-GYN and Women’s Health services at our outpatient Women’s Health clinics in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. To find a provider near you, visit providers.geisinger.org, type in your zip code and search women’s health or pregnancy.

8 Years of EMPOWERING Women Regionally

Scranton, PA—The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its eighth annual EMPOWER NEPA Women’s Leadership Conference on Thursday, April 13, at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. A full-day conference, EMPOWER featured nationally recognized keynote speakers, Melissa Gilbert and Robyn Hatcher and 32 regional breakout session speakers. Over 800 attendees participated in the conference.   

Robyn Hatcher, international speaker and communications professional, said in her breakfast keynote, “Fake it till you make it; I hate that phrase; instead, you should Own it While You Hone it.” Hatcher continues, “We were all born with the gifts, the talents, the abilities to make that powerful impact; we just need to own your values.”

Themed “Fearless Together,” EMPOWER is the premier Women’s Leadership Conference in NEPA. It highlights the ability all women have to create positive change in their communities and in their own lives – both professionally and personally – while recognizing the extraordinary power that exists when women come together to support each other.

Presenting Sponsor, Dr. Julie Byerley from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

EMPOWER’s lunch keynote speaker, Melissa Gilbert, known for her iconic role in the classic TV series, “Little House on the Prairie,” shared, “I was very excited to hear about [the conference], and to speak [.] Whatever I can do to empower young and older women. My primary focus is bringing awareness to nurturing and empowering women over 50.”

EMPOWER 2023 included a Wellness Studio that allowed conference attendees to attend yoga, Zumba, stretching, and other fitness experiences throughout the day. In addition, there was a Wellness Marketplace and a Vendor Marketplace where attendees could network or engage with vendors who were selling products or services.

The conference concluded with a networking reception.

On the right is Melissa Gilbert, Lunch Keynote Speaker, and on the left is Robyn Hatcher, Breakfast Keynote Speaker

The 32 regional speakers included Kate Sholonski, Guzal Mustafina, Dr. Christine Kiesinger, Elizabeth Keiper, Deborah Kolsovsky, Susan Unvarsky, Jasmine Willois, Laura Ducceschi, Karolyn Demarco, Mandie Hendricks, Kimberlee Greenleaf, Megan Stone, Noelle Krempasky, Holly Pilcavage, Alex Grover, Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez, Maria Traino, Danielle Weinschenk, Kim Drumgo, Dr. Katie Leonard, Nicole Strauser, Jill Valentini, Susan Kelly, June Webre, Elizabeth Nagy, and Marlyn Kissner. While Wellness Instructors included Chelsea Manganaro, Talia Walsh, Jackie Kerekes, Edna Cementina, Christie Estadt, and Michael Normandia.

Empower 2024 will be held on April 25, 2024.

The featured image is the EMPOWER Lunch Sponsor, PNC Bank, local team: from the left, Jennifer Stull, Joyce Petrenchak, Lauren Allen, Angela Mariotti, Melissa Gilbert, Kathy Dunsmuir, Debbie Kolsovsky, Nicole Costanzo, Elise Hill.

Check out the EMPOWER 2023 Photo Album

Watch EMPOWER 2023 Keynote, Breakout, and Panel Sessions Videos

About The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to improve the area’s economic environment and quality of life by offering programs and services which stimulate economic growth, promote business prosperity and nurture educational opportunities. For more information about the Chamber, visit www.scrantonchamber.com.

Geisinger School of Nursing Receives Support

In conjunction with the sold-out Lewistown Social – an evening of dinner, dancing and stargazing – Geisinger Health Foundation is holding an ornament sale to support the Geisinger School of Nursing.

“I had great experiences with my time at the school, including huge amounts of clinical time and hands-on experience… something that you just can’t replace,” said Kade Myers, 2020 graduate and inpatient registered nurse in the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital intensive care unit. “I think this is a huge piece that contributed to who I am as a nurse today.”

The sale is open to everyone, and anyone interested in purchasing an illuminated ceramic star ornament can do so for $20 at go.geisinger.org/stars. One of three designs will be randomly chosen for each recipient. Ornaments can be picked up any day between April 24 and May 12 at:

  • Geisinger Lewistown Administration Building
  • Geisinger Health Foundation in Danville
  • Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
  • Geisinger Community Medical Center
  • At the Lewistown Social for those who’ve registered to attend

Purchasers can also choose to have an ornament delivered to a deserving Geisinger nurse during National Nurses Week, May 6 through 12. Geisinger Health Foundation will follow up with those who choose this option to collect delivery information and a personal note.

Email FoundationEvents@geisinger.edu or call 570-214-0400 with questions.