Geisinger School of Medicine and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation (NEPA HCF) recently hosted their annual reception in Scranton to discuss the progress and impact of the NEPA Health Care Foundation Scholars Program. This program is designed to support medical students who are dedicated to addressing healthcare needs in northeastern Pennsylvania.
In 2014, the NEPA HCF board approved a grant for The Commonwealth Medical College, now known as Geisinger School of Medicine. This grant, distributed over 11 years, initiated the NEPA HCF Scholars Program. It provides scholarships for 20 Doctor of Medicine (MD) students, with two students selected from each incoming class starting in 2015 and concluding in 2024. So far, 20 scholarships have been awarded through this initiative.
Laura Ducceschi, administrator of NEPA HCF and President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, highlighted how well the program aligns with the foundation’s mission: “Establishing this scholarship made sense, given NEPA HCF’s goal to improve the region’s health and wellbeing. Supporting medical students committed to practicing medicine in our community ensures a healthier future for northeastern Pennsylvania.”
The event also reviewed the group’s annual report which outlined significant achievements such as ongoing student support through substantial scholarships and strengthened partnerships aimed at improving regional healthcare access.
Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., President and Dean of Geisinger College of Health Sciences stated: “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 health care system. 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.”
About Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Geisinger College of Health Sciences aims to educate future healthcare leaders by combining innovation with purpose. As part of the Geisinger family, it focuses on community health enhancement through discovery, hands-on learning, and applied practice. The college offers various programs including research institutes, graduate medical education, schools for medicine and nursing, along with faculty development initiatives.
The college upholds a commitment to nondiscrimination across all employment and educational activities. Any concerns or inquiries can be directed to their Title IX coordinator via geisinger.edu/titleix.
