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Local students chosen for academic excellence, desire to serve NEPA communities

SCRANTON – As she acknowledged two incoming members of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine’s MD Class of 2027 who were named Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation (NEPA HCF) scholars, Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., Geisinger Commonwealth president and dean noted, “The academic road to becoming a doctor is difficult by itself. Financial concerns should not be an extra burden. That’s why we are grateful to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation for giving our deserving students such generous support as they begin the study of medicine.”

The two students, Abigail Glyn of Mountain Top and Madison Ziobro of Scott Township, were selected for the scholarship, which significantly reduces their medical school tuition burden. Both recipients have demonstrated academic excellence and a desire to serve the communities of northeastern Pennsylvania. 

They were welcomed by the foundation, Geisinger Commonwealth leadership and fellow NEPA HCF scholars at a recent reception held at the School of Medicine.
“NEPA HCF’s direct charge is to improve the region’s health and well-being,” said Laura Ducceschi, administrator of NEPA HCF and SACF’s president and CEO. “Incoming medical students who apply for the scholarship must have a demonstrated commitment to practicing medicine in northeastern Pennsylvania and a strong history of service to the community. Helping these future doctors to remain in our communities perfectly embodies the mission of the Foundation.” 

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation was established in 2011 following the sale of Mercy Hospital in Scranton. The foundation is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the people of the region, particularly the most vulnerable and most underserved populations. The Scranton Area Community Foundation (SACF) serves as foundation administrator.  

BRIEF BIOS
As a child, Abigail Glynn witnessed her my grandfather’s experience with a heart transplant and my grandmother’s experiences with multiple medical issues. In addition, as a competitive gymnast, she herself suffered many injuries and even had orthopaedic surgery. The desire to care for others the way she and her family were cared for sparked her interest in medicine. She says she chose Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine because its mission of serving her community resonated with her. 

Madison Ziobro’s mother, who is a nurse, was an early inspiration for Madison to study science. She chose to enter a career in medicine because it combines her interest in both service and lifelong learning. A graduate of the University of Scranton with a double major in Biochemistry and Hispanic Studies, Madison has used her language skills to work with Spanish-speaking patients at a community health center in Oakland, California. 

Other Geisinger Commonwealth students and NEPA HCF scholars include:

Class of 2023:
Kristen Richards, Pittston – Kristen recently matched to Geisinger Wyoming Valley for a residency in General Surgery.
Jude Polit-Moran, West Pittston – Jude recently matched to Florida State University College of Medicine, Sarasota, for a residency in Emergency Medicine.  

Class of 2024:  
James Basting, Moosic 
Rachel Simon, Pittston 

Class of 2025:
Kyle Kidd, Harvey’s Lake 
Parita Ray, Scranton 

Class of 2026:
Alexis Blackburn, Moosic 
Alivia Roberts, Hazleton 
 

About Geisinger
Geisinger is among the nation’s leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in urban and rural communities across Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the non-profit system generates $10 billion in annual revenues across 134 care sites - including 10 hospital campuses, and Geisinger Health Plan, with 600,000 members in commercial and government plans. The Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 5,000 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,400 clinical research studies. With 26,000 employees, including 1,600 employed physicians, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania’s largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $14 billion to the state’s economy. On March 31, 2024, Geisinger became the first member of Risant Health, a new nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country.  Learn more at geisinger.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

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