Geisinger College of Health Sciences educator receives prestigious national award for lifetime achievement

SCRANTON – Geisinger College of Health Sciences announced that John L. Szarek, BPharm, PhD, professor of pharmacology and vice chair of curriculum at Geisinger College’s School of Medicine, received the prestigious Edward Patrick Finnerty Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE). Szarek will accept the award in person at the 29th annual IAMSE Conference in June in Calgary. 

This honor is awarded to an IAMSE member who has demonstrated sustained involvement in and commitment to the advancement of the IAMSE through their many types of service to the organization at the “maximal level of performance.” The special nature of the award means members can’t apply for it. Rather, according to IAMSE, “…it represents the superlative level of recognition that the organization, through selection by its board of directors, can provide to a most worthy individual whose work on behalf of IAMSE has shown a consistent history of distinguished accomplishments.”

Dr. Szarek said, "I am truly honored to receive this recognition from an organization that has been such an important part of my professional journey. This recognition from IAMSE represents the collaborative spirit that drives medical education forward. The supportive environment at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine has enabled me to pursue innovations in medical education and simulation, making this achievement possible through our shared commitment to excellence in teaching."

Dr. Szarek has been a member of IAMSE since 1999, contributing significantly to the organization’s growth and development through various leadership roles and scholarly activities. He served on the IAMSE Board of Directors from 2004 – 2006, and 2007 – 2013, including serving as secretary from 2012 – 2013. He has regularly contributed to the organization’s annual conferences, serving on several program committees and chairing the 2006 program. 

His expertise in medical education is reflected in his extensive presentation record at IAMSE Conferences, where he has led workshops and focus sessions on topics ranging from simulation-based education to active learning strategies. He has presented several posters, won best poster presentation in 2023, delivered a plenary presentation in 2005, and contributed chapters in 3 IAMSE Manuals. He was recognized with the IAMSE Master Teacher Award in June 2015.

The mission of the International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE) is to advance health profession education through teacher development and to ensure that the teaching and learning of medical science continues to be firmly grounded in foundational sciences and the best practices of teaching.

About Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Educating. Inspiring. Leading. At Geisinger College of Health Sciences, we bring innovation and purpose together to educate the next generation of healthcare leaders. As the academic and research arm of the Geisinger family, our college was founded to enhance and improve community health, with a focus on discovery, hands-on learning and applied practice across our system. Today, we offer a research institute, graduate medical education, schools of medicine, graduate education and nursing, and faculty and professional development programs. It’s all in service of Geisinger’s mission to make better health easier for all. Visit geisinger.edu/gchs. 

The College is committed to nondiscrimination in all employment and educational programs or activities. Concerns or questions may be directed to the Title IX coordinator whose contact information is available at geisinger.edu/titleix.