Geisinger School of Medicine holds 14th commencement ceremony

SCRANTON, Pa. — Geisinger School of Medicine held its 14th commencement ceremony May 9. The school graduated 111 new doctors. 

School of Medicine Dean and Geisinger College of Health Sciences President Julie Byerley, MD, MPH, said the school has a growing impact on northeastern and central Pennsylvania, from providing the region with more doctors to supporting the local economy. 

In particular, the school’s Abigail Geisinger Scholars Program, which provides tuition assistance for graduates who return to practice at Geisinger after residency, is now at full capacity and the first scholars are coming back to practice locally.

"With the program now enrolling 45 seats per class — and the first primary care Scholars returning to work in our clinics — we are fulfilling our founders’ vision,” Dr. Byerley said, explaining that the medical school was founded by Scranton community members to address a physician shortage. “I am proud of these new doctors and of every member of the class of 2026. We know they will all be skilled and compassionate physicians.”  

The highlight of the ceremony was the keynote address delivered by retired Geisinger Health Board member Thomas H. Lee, MD. 

Dr. Lee is chief medical officer for Press Ganey Associates Inc. He is an internist and cardiologist, practices primary care at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and is on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 

In his remarks, Dr. Lee urged the graduates to pay special attention to building “social capital.” 

“Build your relationships, adopt the right norms, be willing to speak up when someone doesn’t adhere to those norms and welcome feedback when you yourself fall short,” he said. “In short, be like the CFO for social capital, and you will accumulate a type of wealth that money can’t buy.” 

The event also included remarks by Geisinger CEO Terry Gilliland, MD. Chair of the Board of Geisinger, Virginia McGregor, also addressed the graduates. 

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. 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.