Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine graduates 45 members of its MBS Class of 2022

SCRANTON – Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (Geisinger Commonwealth) conferred Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS) degrees upon the 45 students of its MBS Class of 2022. Commencement ceremonies were held virtually on Saturday, June 25 beginning at 1 p.m. 

Greetings were offered by Julie Byerley, MD, MPH, Geisinger Commonwealth’s president and dean, and by Jennifer Boardman, PhD, interim associate dean for graduate education and associate professor, microbiology/immunology.

Rachel Silverstein, MD, ’15, MBS, ’11 delivered the keynote speech. Dr. Silverstein is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in pediatrics and sports medicine. During a special ceremony honoring first-generation-to-college graduates, faculty member, Michael Sulzinski, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology, offered a reflection on the particular challenges these students face.

Sheream Reed, MBS ’18, now a student at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, welcomed the new graduates to Geisinger Commonwealth’s growing MBS Alumni Society.

Greg Shanower, PhD, assistant dean of graduate program and curriculum development,  presented the 2022 MBS Student Leadership awards. The recipients were:

• Excellence in Leadership Award, presented to Poul Chinga. 
• Professional Performance Award, Daniel Lundy.
• Service to Class Award, Gabby Verbeke-O’Boyle.
• Service to Community award, Kristen Denniston.

About Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) is a member of the Geisinger family. GCSOM offers a community-based model of medical education with campuses in Danville, Lewistown, Scranton, Sayre and Wilkes-Barre. Geisinger Commonwealth offers Doctor of Medicine (MD) and a portfolio of graduate degrees. The school’s innovative curriculum, focused on caring for people in the context of their lives and their community, attracts the next generation of physicians and scientists from within its region, as well as from across the state and the nation. Geisinger Commonwealth is committed to non-discrimination in all employment and educational opportunities. Visit www.geisinger.edu/gcsom.