North Central PA Times

The Northeast Counties Medical Society, representing Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, recently honored two leaders from Geisinger College of Health Sciences. Julie Byerley, M.D., MPH, president and dean of the college, and Jason Woloski, M.D., academic chair of the Family Medicine Department, were recognized for their contributions to regional health at a Presidential Reception held on March 1.

Dr. Woloski was acknowledged for his efforts in promoting family medicine and increasing access to primary care in northeastern Pennsylvania. As the outgoing Medical Society president and inaugural chair of the new Family Medicine Department at Geisinger College, he has received multiple teaching awards as well as recognition for achieving high patient satisfaction scores among Geisinger's primary care physicians.

During her acceptance speech for the Medical Society’s President’s Award, Dr. Byerley praised Dr. Woloski: “Dr. Woloski represents everything we want for our medical school and our region – exemplary physicians who are leading, teaching, and providing outstanding clinical care.”

Dr. Byerley also discussed Geisinger College's vision for health professions education in the area. Notable achievements include over 1,000 physician graduates from the School of Medicine and the success of REACH-HEI pathway program participants within the MD Class of 2024. The institution has launched several new programs such as a School of Nursing in Lewistown and a Masters in Genetic Counseling program.

Additionally, 36% of Geisinger's 446 medical alumni have chosen to practice in Pennsylvania after completing residency and fellowship training, with 60 new physicians joining the Geisinger network. The Abigail Geisinger Scholars program is another key initiative that provides forgivable loans covering full tuition and living stipends to students committed to working in critical specialties like primary care at Geisinger.

Dr. Byerley highlighted community engagement initiatives: “We don’t just wait for our students to graduate to start helping our communities.” She mentioned that each student completes a community service project and noted that Dr. Woloski is involved with teaching students at a volunteer-run free medical clinic reopened in partnership with the University of Scranton.

Geisinger College of Health Sciences aims to educate future healthcare leaders by combining innovation with practical experience across its system while adhering to nondiscrimination policies in all programs or activities.