Geisinger School of Medicine and Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation celebrate milestones at annual reception
 | 525 Pine Street Scranton, PA 18509 (570) 504-7000 geisinger.edu/gcsom |
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2026 | CONTACT: Deb Sawyer dsawyer@geisinger.edu |
Geisinger School of Medicine and Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation celebrate milestones at annual reception
SCRANTON – The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation (NEPA HCF) recently held their annual reception to review the progress and impact of the NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program. The program continues to play a pivotal role in supporting medical students committed to serving the healthcare needs of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
In October 2014, the board of the NEPA HCF approved a grant to GSCOM (formerly The Commonwealth Medical College). The grant established the NEPA HCF Scholars Program, funding scholarships for Doctor of Medicine (MD) students. To date a total of twenty student scholarships have been awarded through the NEPA HCF Scholars Program. This year the NEPA HCF renewed their scholarship support for the next three years. The renewed scholarship support will be awarded to 2-3 students per year over the next 3 years and will support an additional 6-9 students.
“Investing in future physicians who are committed to serving Northeastern Pennsylvania is an investment in the long-term health and well-being of our community,” said Laura Ducceschi, administrator of the NEPA Health Care Foundation and President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through this partnership, we are helping to support students who want to build their careers here and strengthen healthcare access across our region for years to come.”
The reception also focused on the group’s annual report, detailing the program's achievements. Key accomplishments include the continued support of students through substantial scholarship awards and the reinforcement of partnerships aimed at enhancing healthcare access in the region.
“The NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program is a wonderful example of how strategic philanthropy and medical education can work together to strengthen our region’s healthcare system,” said Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., Geisinger Commonwealth president and dean. “By investing in our students and encouraging them to stay and practice in northeastern Pennsylvania, we’re building a healthier future—one physician at a time.”
First row Left to Right: Dr. Peter Cognetti, Board Chair, Dr. Julie Byerley, President of Geisinger College of Health Sciences, Dr. Kristen Richards, Caitlin Doughton, Alexis Blackburn, Evan Florey, Catherine Mihalick and Dr. Joseph Bannon,
Second Row Left to Right: Dr. Jason Woloski, Laura Ducceschi, President/CEO of the Scranton Area Foundation, Dr. Shubhra Shetty, Tonyehn Verkitus, Atty. Joseph Burke, Michael Cordaro, Dr. Patrick Connors, Thomas Tulaney, Michael Clemente and Atty. Terrence Nealon
ABOUT GEISINGER COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Educating. Inspiring. Leading. At Geisinger College of Health Sciences, we bring innovation and purpose together to educate the next generation of healthcare leaders. As the academic and research arm of the Geisinger family, our college was founded to enhance and improve community health, with a focus on discovery, hands-on learning and applied practice across our system. Today, we offer a research institute, graduate medical education, schools of medicine, graduate education and nursing, and faculty and professional development programs. Visit geisinger.edu/gchs
The College is committed to nondiscrimination in all employment and educational programs or activities. Concerns or questions may be directed to the Title IX coordinator whose contact information is available at geisinger.edu/titleix.
Matt Mattei
Communications Strategist
Northeast Region
Marketing & Communications
Cell: 570-881-0817
Tiger Text Enabled
