Residents

Undergraduate: University of Alberta
Medical school: American University of Antigua  

Why I chose Geisinger Lewistown Hospital: "For a newer program, they are really progressive in terms of training opportunities. I feel after this residency I will have great training in all possible areas of family medicine."

Favorite thing about the program: "The learning environment is top notch. Between friendly faculty, to friendly attendings, to great co-residents, it allows you to really focus on learning."

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: "I like traveling, the outdoors, going out to eat and sports."

Undergraduate: Yeshiva University
Medical school: Lewis Katz School of Medicine Temple University

Why I chose Geisinger Lewistown Hospital: "I love living in and being a part of the community that I serve. The people are so friendly, and the area is beautiful with so many outdoor things to do."

Favorite thing about the program: "Putting all the knowledge I gained during medical school to use in taking care of my patients. Working alongside wonderful doctors and learning every day!"

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: "I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children. We like to spend time outdoors. I also enjoy reading non-fiction. And my favorite form of exercise is ice skating."

Undergraduate: University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill

Why I chose Geisinger Lewistown Hospital: "I could tell during the interview experience how close everyone was. I wanted to be part of a small, tight-knit program."

Favorite thing about the program: "I love going to work never knowing what I’m going to see."

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: "I lift weights pretty much every day. I also enjoy video games (I have eight consoles). I also take a lot of pictures of my cat, Elizabeth."

Undergraduate: University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston
Medical school: University of Health Sciences Antigua  

Why I chose Geisinger Lewistown Hospital: "The small-town atmosphere combined with Geisinger's dedication to excellent patient care, along with the values of kindness, safety, learning and innovation drew me to this unique and diverse residency program."

Favorite thing about the program: "The diverse patient population and inclusive culture of the residency remain my favorite aspects."

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: "I am active in animal rescue, organic home gardening and gourmet coffee roasting."

Undergraduate school: University of Mumbai
Medical school: Topiwala National Medical College

Why Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine? Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine Residency program is an unopposed program and I have no doubt that it will give me very good exposure and experience in patient care. Being a rural-focused program makes it even more challenging. Serving the community where we live is very satisfying and this program offers that. It is based in beautiful central Pennsylvania and close to most of the big cities in the northeast.

Favorite part about residency: I have found that everyone in this program is very welcoming and always willing to go out of their way to help. They create a nurturing environment that is very conducive for professional as well as personal growth and well-being.

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: Listening to music and walking on trails.

Medical school: All Saints University School of Medicine, Dominica

Why Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine? I looked forward to the rural and unopposed training setting. Also, from my interaction with the faculty and other residents, everyone was very welcoming, and the faculty seemed to be highly interested in making a difference in the lives of the residents.

Favorite part about residency: The people! From the faculty to the other residents, everyone is so approachable, and they promote a healthy working environment. The training here sets us up to be excellent, well-rounded family medicine physicians. I also love that I get to serve people from diverse backgrounds in this rural community.

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: Outside of work, my hobbies include makeup and hair styling, dancing, watching TV shows and attending paint classes.

Undergraduate school: University of Pittsburgh
Medical school: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine? Lewistown Hospital gave me the opportunity to learn and practice medicine in the area that I was born and raised. Central Pennsylvania is very important to me and serving the communities that made me who I am was a priority.

Favorite part about residency: Having the opportunity to learn and grow with my patients.

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: My hobbies and interests include spending time with family and friends, woodworking, hunting, fishing and mechanical restoration projects.

Undergraduate School: University of Maryland
Medical School: Avalon University School of Medicine

Why Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine? Geisinger Lewistown had everything I was looking for. Amazing and friendly faculty/residents, and a rural program that would expand my knowledge depth with pathologies not seen in a non-rural setting. Having visited the program before, I loved the small-town feeling I got and how the residents enjoyed what they were doing.

Favorite part about residency: I love the teamwork spirit and autonomy residents have, and the strong emphasis the faculty places on residents’ mental well-being. I've loved going to work every day and learning from all the attendings.

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: I enjoy spending time with my two kids and husband, running, cooking and studying my Bible. I love to travel and I'm a Disney cruise fan!

Medical school: Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences

Why Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine? My time spent shadowing and learning here prior to residency training had me convinced that this is a program with a "learning first" approach. As a family practitioner, this would equip me with all I need to provide excellent care.

Favorite part about residency: The fluid structure of the program and the people (faculty and residents) that make it possible. Special care is given to resident wellness and a good work-life balance is encouraged here. This program, to me, is a perfect blend of boot camp and holiday retreat. The leadership really cares about resident feedback and takes active measures to implement changes.

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: I spend a lot of my time with music. Singing and composing are things I do to decompress. I am more likely to leave home without scrubs than headphones. Fitness training and cooking are newfound hobbies that I hope to cultivate in the coming years.

Undergraduate school: Moorpark College
Medical school: Aureus University School of Medicine

Why Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine? I chose this program because it was situated in a rural part of northeastern Pennsylvania, which was important for me, and because of it being an unopposed family medicine residency program. I wanted maximum exposure to the different variety of clinical cases only a rural area could provide. What really solidified my decision to train here was the warm and stress-free environment cultivated by Dr. Maneval, the attendings and residents, during the interview. I was also drawn by the opportunity to serve the local Amish population and all the fruitful experiences that alone entails.

Favorite part about residency: My favorite part about this residency program has to be the faculty and the other residents. Even before my arrival, I was lent a helping hand every step of the way and allotted a seamless transition from my hometown. I can’t imagine other programs being this caring and expressing this much genuine interest in my pursuits and dreams. I was also taken aback at just how welcoming and inclusive the people of Lewistown have been to me — a complete stranger not long ago. I must also present an honorable mention of Lewistown’s ineffable pastoral landscapes and lush green forests.

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: I enjoy lifting weights, reading books, playing chess, cycling and, not until recently, combine harvesting.

Undergraduate school: Mount St. Mary's University
Medical school: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine? I was born and raised in central Pennsylvania and staying close to home for residency was very important to me. Being able to continue my training in a rural setting will better enable me to serve small communities in the future.

Favorite part about residency: My favorite part about this residency is the people. The residents and faculty have been so welcoming and supportive, and it is obvious the program truly cares for residents' wellbeing.  

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: Outside of residency, I enjoy baking and cooking, gardening, watching football and baseball, escape rooms and spending time with my cats.

Undergraduate school: King’s College
Medical school: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine? I wanted to be part of the Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine Residency because they truly seem like a family. Everyone was kind and went out of their way to be supportive during my audition rotation as a medical student. I felt I could truly be honest with myself and them on my learning journey – and thus, flourish.

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: I prefer solitary activities like watching movies or floating in a lazy river. I would like to learn how to roller skate and rock climb.

Undergraduate school: University of Pretoria
Medical school: Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Why Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine? I love that this rural program in central Pennsylvania prioritizes community-based healthcare and has strong ties to the local community. This program is part of a well-established health system, and most importantly — the residents voiced positive feedback about their experiences.

Favorite part about residency: The program fosters an honest culture of inclusivity for its staff, faculty and residents. I feel supported and welcomed, providing a positive and encouraging learning environment.

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: I will likely try out anything new at least once, but I enjoy a mix of activities focusing on health and wellness — with a dash of binge-watching cringeworthy television series.

Undergraduate school: Penn State - University Park
Medical school: American University of Antigua

Why Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine? Geisinger has a wonderful reputation and an extensive network which allows for a more personalized patient approach. The unopposed nature of the program gives residents the opportunity to develop a diverse skillset which I believe will allow me to excel as a family medicine physician. 

Favorite part about residency: During the interview process, the residents and faculty went above and beyond to create a warm and welcoming environment, a quality that still holds true during my transition into residency.

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: I enjoy exploring new restaurants and coffee shops with my friends. I’m also a college sport enthusiast (Penn State).

Undergraduate school: East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Medical school: American University of Antigua

Why Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine? I chose Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine because of the people within the program. Everyone was welcoming from day one. You could tell that program faculty and co-residents genuinely want the best for each other, and that the program leadership works diligently to foster a nurturing and exemplary learning environment.

Favorite part about residency: My favorite part of the residency is the unique balance of autonomy and guidance that you get as a resident. The diverse patient population allows you to always stay sharp and engaged in learning. You have every opportunity to grow into a quality physician.

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: I enjoy watching sports and keeping up with my favorite teams, playing golf, cooking and spending time with my family.

Undergraduate school: Messiah University
Medical school: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why Geisinger Lewistown Family Medicine? Growing up in central Pennsylvania, I knew I wanted to stay local for residency and am so grateful for the opportunity. Lewistown offers a rural family medicine setting that allows lots of hands-on experience with a wide diversity of patients. I know I'll get a great education here while working with incredible faculty and co-residents. The program is very family oriented and everyone truly cares about you outside of the hospital. I appreciate that they respect your work-life balance and help you grow as not only a physician, but as a person in every stage of life.  

Favorite part about residency: The faculty and residents are all so kind and encouraging, which creates a great learning environment. The program truly cares about its residents and you feel loved and respected as a member of this team.

Hobbies/interests outside of residency: More than anything, I love spending time with my husband and family. I enjoy spending time outdoors, working out and drinking a good cup of iced coffee. I'm very involved in my church, and have a heart for medical missions around the world.