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There’s a lot that goes into choosing a medical school program. These students share their stories about what made them choose Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.

As participants in the Primary Care Scholars Program, students at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine are learning a different approach to medicine — one that puts the people they treat at the center. 

While enrolled, these students learn about the importance of serving their community and focus on building relationships that go beyond taking vital signs. 

Three of our students share what made them choose the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.


A focus on community health

Originally from Pittsburgh, Matthew Carnevali chose Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine for a few reasons — but mostly because he was drawn to the focus on caring for the whole person. He developed an interest in medicine during his undergraduate work at the University of Pittsburgh.

“In working at the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, I live out Geisinger’s mission to provide interprofessional and patient-centered care, and their values of community health and social responsibility resonate with me,” Matthew says.


The local appeal

During her childhood in Lewisburg, Pa., Primary Care Scholar Irene Ganahl says she grew up with Geisinger. 

“Geisinger has been my local hospital for my whole life. I’ve had the experience of being a patient there,” Irene says. “Because of this experience, I know that primary care physicians at Geisinger are passionate about developing deep connections with their patients. That’s what interests me the most about their approach to primary care.”


The impact only a doctor can make

Student Clement Rajakumar of Jackson, N.J., recalls his childhood in India and how local doctors got him interested in a career in medicine.
 
“Beginning at a very young age I was able to see the impact doctors were able to make in my village in India. I have waited in lines that have spread over half a mile to see a single physician with a medical workspace located in their house,” Clement says.

The shared desire to make a difference is what made each of these students want to become doctors.


Medicine practiced the way it should be

Better health for everyone starts with primary care. That’s why our program puts an emphasis on primary care and building relationships.

Students enrolled in the Primary Care Scholars Program will train for a rewarding career in primary care, without medical school debt. And they can choose from tracts in family medicine, internal medicine or medicine/pediatrics.

The Primary Care Scholars Program at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine is preparing the next generation of doctors for a career in primary care medicine.

If you’re considering a career in primary care, visit geisinger.edu/education to learn more.

Next steps:

Learn about the Primary Care Scholars Program
Learn about the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Medical school

Learn more about the Primary Care Scholars Program