A Message from Geisinger CEO Jaewon Ryu, MD, JD

Like you, I’ve watched with horror and sadness the social unrest across the country this week sparked by the death of George Floyd. Mr. Floyd’s death follows similar disturbing events which remind us how much work remains to be done to move our country beyond racism, bigotry, and inequality.

While anger and frustration in light of these recent senseless events are understandable, it is through peaceful protests, listening and seeking to understand that all of us can push our institutions to address systemic racism in all its forms. To this end, there is no place for the destruction and violence that we have witnessed in some cities across the country.  

For more than a century, Geisinger has been committed to serving the needs of our communities and everyone who calls them home.  And as a nationally recognized health system, we know that attracting the best and brightest to join our Geisinger Family means everyone is welcome. 

Our Geisinger Family is made up of people of every race, ethnicity and faith. Honoring that diversity makes us stronger. By building a more inclusive organization, we honor our shared values and make it easier to accomplish our shared purpose to improve the health of our communities. 

Our values - Kindness, Excellence, Safety, Learning and Innovation - guide us to create a more inclusive, accepting and just environment for our patients, members, students and one another. We must strive to live these values every day.

The events of last week remind me of a quote by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” 

Let us commit to this ideal and avoid the divisiveness so many other communities are experiencing at this time.