U.S. Rep. John Joyce, MD tours Geisinger College’s School of Nursing

LEWISTOWN -- U.S. Rep. John Joyce, MD, (Pa. 13) toured Geisinger College of Health Sciences ' new School of Nursing building and met with school administrators, faculty and students during an event held on Wednesday, June 19. After the meeting, he congratulated Geisinger leadership for "opening doors of opportunity" in the region.

"We welcomed the opportunity to meet with Rep. Joyce and introduce him to the wide array of programs and the educational hub Geisinger has established in Lewistown," said William Jeffries, PhD, Geisinger College of Health Sciences provost. "As a physician himself, we are delighted that Rep. Joyce shares our vision for programs focused on meeting the needs of underserved rural communities."

During the tour, Rep. Joyce interacted with augmented intelligence training tools at the School of Nursing and spoke with several nursing students. "I practiced medicine for 25 years before running for Congress," Rep. Joyce told them. "So, I know how great the need for nurses is and how important it is to have this opportunity right in your backyard. And as an individual who practiced in my own community, I know it's a completely different situation when you go into a patient room and it's someone from your church, someone from your neighborhood, someone you know - it's a completely different and very rewarding experience."

School of Nursing Director Beth Finkbiner, RN, noted that their student interaction was the highlight of the visit. "We discussed the need for high-quality local education and our students spoke eloquently about their experiences here and how grateful they are that these opportunities are available in their own community." She also observed that almost half the entering class of student nurses are first-generation to college.

"I am quite impressed," Rep. Joyce said. "I think what you're doing will change the lives of patients and will certainly change career paths."

About Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Geisinger College of Health Sciences is the research and education arm of the Geisinger family. Geisinger is committed to making better health easier for the more than 1 million people it serves. Geisinger is the inaugural member of Risant Health, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding and accelerating the adoption of value-based care. Founded more than 100 years ago by Abigail Geisinger, the system now includes 10 hospital campuses, a health plan with more than half a million members, and the College. The College houses a Research Institute, graduate medical education, and schools of medicine, nursing and graduate education, in addition to faculty and professional development programs. The College is committed to non-discrimination in all employment and educational opportunities. Visit geisinger.edu/gchs.