Geisinger School of Medicine’s Family Medicine Interest Group has received the 2025 Program of Excellence Award from the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The award honors groups that develop innovative ways to serve their communities.
Student leaders accepted the award at AAFP’s FUTURE conference on July 31 in Kansas City. Savanna Shaw, MD ’28, president of the group, said, “We are honored that AAFP recognized our interest group. Finding innovative ways to serve our communities is something family medicine physicians will do for the rest of our careers.”
The faculty adviser for the group is Jason Woloski, MD. Shaw noted his influence: “His mentorship has been an inspiration. He encourages us to advocate for comprehensive, accessible and equitable healthcare through the lens of primary care.”
The interest group includes 104 student members who have participated in several community-oriented initiatives. These include a Family Medicine sub-specialty dinner where students engaged with physicians in various fields such as sports medicine and addiction medicine; monthly Walk with a Doc events bringing together students, health professionals and community members; a mental health dinner focused on discussions about mental health in family medicine and psychiatry; and participation in Scranton’s annual Spring Health Fair aimed at increasing health awareness and prevention.
To qualify for the Program of Excellence Award, groups must demonstrate strength in areas like community service, exposing students to family medicine, promoting its value as primary care, and supporting professional development.
Geisinger College of Health Sciences serves as Geisinger’s academic and research arm. The college focuses on education, research, hands-on learning, graduate medical education and professional development programs across its system. More information can be found at https://www.geisinger.edu/gchs.
The college maintains a commitment to nondiscrimination in all employment and educational programs or activities. Concerns or questions can be directed to its Title IX coordinator whose contact details are available at https://www.geisinger.edu/titleix.
