Saturday, April 20, 2024 Mohegan Pennsylvania
2024 Honorees
Founders: Tom Churilla, MD ’13
Well-being Shubhra Shetty, MD
Community
The Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children
Saturday, April 20, 2024 Mohegan Pennsylvania
6 p.m.
Cocktail hour
Ballroom Lobby
7:15 p.m.
Welcome and thank you
Julie Byerley, MD, MPH Dean, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Geisinger President, Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Presentation of Well-being Honoree Shubhra Shetty, MD
Virginia McGregor Chair, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Board of Directors
Medical Student Council President remarks
Eshiemomoh Osilama, MD ’24, MBS ’19
Blessing
Shannon Borchert
Senior Director, Spiritual Services, Geisinger
Dinner
Remarks
Jaewon Ryu, MD, JD, CEO, Geisinger
Presentation of Founders Honoree
Tom Churilla, MD ’13
Jaewon Ryu, MD, JD
Presentation of Community Honoree
The Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children
Dean Julie Byerley
Scholarship recipient remarks
Parita Ray, MD ’25
Closing remarks
Dean Julie Byerley
8:45 p.m.
Live music and dancing
Uptown
10 p.m.
Silent auction closes
Dear friends,
I am pleased to welcome you to the 2024 Black Ties for White Coats Gala.
Our fundraiser for student scholarships has grown over the years to become a highly anticipated event where community members concerned about the ongoing health and wellness of our region gather in the spirit of shared philanthropy. Our success is due to the strong commitment of a dedicated group of community volunteers and staff. Special appreciation goes to our co-chairs, Nicole Ferentino and Michelle Valentino Bedford, who have generously given their time to create a magnificent event. I am grateful to them, to the organizing committee and to you for your ongoing support.
At the time of our first gala, the school had just 65 medical students and 13 master’s degree students. Tonight, we count more than 450 medical students and more than 100 graduate students, along with nearly 1,000 physician alumni — many of them practicing right here in our communities. Moreover, as part of the College of Health Sciences, our medical students learn alongside colleagues in nursing, pharmacy and research who will form their care teams in the future.
This is not just our success. It belongs to you — our many friends, donors and sponsors who believe in our region and in the power of education. Our honorees this evening have
believed in us since our founding and have provided steadfast support to our schools. This year’s Founders Award, for example, goes to Tom Churilla, MD ‘13, a member of our inaugural Class of 2013 who now serves as a clinical faculty member and research mentor. The 2024 embodiment of well-being, Dr. Shubhra Shetty, is an architect of our school who served in leadership positions since our founding. And, of course, the Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children has provided community immersion experiences for our students for more than a decade.
We need the support of our friends throughout the community to provide our students with the experiences they need to serve our region. Your support of their scholarships tonight makes a tremendous difference. Thank you for that and for your other generous gifts to Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.
Have a wonderful evening!
Julie Byerley, MD, MPH
Dean, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Geisinger President, Geisinger College of Health Sciences
As a Geisinger Board member, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Board chair and a Scranton native, I am so pleased to welcome you here tonight. The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine students have enriched the lives of the people of our region and have become a catalyst for positive change. They are a deeply talented group of students who will, upon graduating, make “better health easier” for their patients and our communities. Thanks to your support, and under Dean Byerley’s leadership, we are creating a blueprint for the future of medical education and community collaboration.
Tonight, you will hear stories of our scholarship recipients and the amazing things they are accomplishing right here in northeastern Pennsylvania. You will learn about one of our honorees, Tom Churilla, MD, who has the distinct privilege of being one of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine's first graduates. You’ll also learn about the invaluable collaboration between Geisinger Commonwealth and the Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children. You’ll also hear from Shubhra Shetty, MD, about her unique perspective on the history of the medical school.
A priceless component of that history is Jaewon Ryu, MD, JD, Geisinger’s president and CEO. As he transitions to Risant Health, we wish him great success and look forward to continuing our work together to create better health for all. His visionary approach has benefited our students, faculty and communities, and it will continue to do so for generations to come.
Enjoy the celebration!
Virginia McGregor Board Chair, Geisinger College of Health SciencesWe are so thrilled to have had another successful year at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. It’s been especially exciting to bring together our educational functions — our nursing school, medical school, master’s program and research — under the single banner of the Geisinger College of Health Sciences. And through these various programs, we know our patients, learners and communities all benefit.
As the needs of our communities grow and change, we’re equipping future physicians with the necessary skills to meet those demands. This includes training primary care providers who can help us continue to move care closer to our patients — out of hospitals and into clinics and communities and even into the home. And for those physicians who will practice in a hospital setting, we’re making sure they are trained on the latest tools and technology that can help them do their jobs even better.
All this is possible because of philanthropic support, which helps ease the burden for our students in many ways and supports our ability to stay ahead of industry changes.
We are grateful for the support of people like you, who help us advance medical education here in northeastern and central Pennsylvania.
Jaewon Ryu, MD, JD CEO, GeisingerAppleseed Scholarship Fund of The Luzerne Foundation
Jay Solgama ’25
Angela Fricchione Cupple and Michael Cupple Annual Scholarship
Sydney Dana ’25
Mark H. DeStefano Annual Scholarship
Kelly Barr ’27
Hawk Family Foundation Annual Scholarship
Robert Rinaldi ’25
John J. and Nancy S. Menapace Annual Scholarship
Sean MacCallum ’27
Louis Mastro Annual Scholarship
Jay Solgama ’25
Dr. Gino and Mrs. Jean Cavalieri Mori Endowed Scholarship and
the Dr. Gino and Mrs. Jean Cavalieri Mori Annual Scholarship
Nada Bader ’24
Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation Scholarship
James Basting ’24
Rachel Simon ’24
Kyle Kidd ’25
Parita Ray ’25
Sanofi Pasteur Annual Scholarship
Conor Eufemio ’25
Alexis Blackburn ’26
Alivia Roberts ’26
Abigail Glynn ’27
Madison Ziobro ’27
Taylor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Health and Wellness Fund of The Luzerne Foundation
James Basting ’24
Aaron Piavis ’25
Alexis Blackburn ’26
Michael Oravic ’27
John & Helen Villaume Foundation Annual Scholarship
Emily Winkler ’24
Wayne Memorial Health System Annual Scholarship
Emily Winkler ’24
Wilkes-Barre General Hospital Auxiliary Fund Scholarship of The Luzerne Foundation
Madison Hurst ’25
Myer Alperin Family Medical Scholarship
Alexander Kapral ’27
Michael and Louise Altier Medical Endowed Scholarship
Daniel Marcincavage ’27
Benkovic Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship
Alexander Kapral ’27
Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank Endowed Scholarship
Nicholas Haynes ’26
InterMountain Medical Group Endowed Scholarship
Dana Sydney ’25
Lynett-Haggerty Families Endowed Scholarship
Michael Oravic ’27
Sheila S. Miller Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Michael Oravic ’27
Daniel Reese Price and Carolyn Warren Price Endowed Scholarship
Aaron Piavis ’25
Dean Steven J. Scheinman Endowed Scholarship
Alexander Kapral ’27
Gov. and Mrs. William W. Scranton Endowed Scholarship
Nicholas Haynes ’26
The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Endowed Scholarship
Theresa Koch ’25
Courtney Chambers ’26
Kelly Barr ’27
Jean and Gene Stark, Arlington Industries Endowed Scholarship
Michael Oravic ’27
Janet Townsend, MD, and Henry Geisinger Endowed Scholarship
Dana Sydney ’25
Sarah Wright Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Courtney Chambers ’26
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Endowed Scholarship
Nicholas Haynes ‘26
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Student Scholarship
funded by Employees
Nader Bader ’24
Daniel Marcincavage ‘27
Founders Honoree
Tom Churilla, MD ‘13
Scranton native Tom Churilla, MD, was humbled and delighted to be named the Founders Honoree at the 2024 Black Ties for White Coats Gala. Being part of the inaugural class of 2013 at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Dr. Churilla cherished the opportunity to pursue his passion for medicine close to home.
Dr. Churilla's journey was deeply influenced by his father, who instilled in him a profound appreciation for education. His father was diagnosed with cancer while Dr. Churilla was in college, which factored into his decision of where to attend medical school, underscoring the significance of
having a new option right here in northeastern Pennsylvania. Though his father passed away during Dr. Churilla’s first year at Geisinger Commonwealth, he was in attendance for his son during the white coat ceremony, that poignant first step to a career in medicine. Throughout his education, Dr. Churilla gravitated toward radiology oncology, inspired by his experiences at Northeast Radiation Oncology Center in Dunmore, and the mentorship of the physicians he now calls his colleagues and partners. Returning to Scranton to practice medicine was a privilege for Dr. Churilla, who is committed to serving his hometown community.
Behind his success stands an unwavering support system, including his wife Tara, his high school sweetheart, along with his in-laws, friends, educators and mentors. He looks forward to contributing to the school's future and is proud of the direction the school has been going under Dean Julie Byerley's leadership.
Dr. Churilla values collaboration with fellow alumni and current students, actively engaging with the Geisinger Commonwealth alumni society. “I am so grateful for the financial support of scholarships I received as a student,” he says, recognizing the impact it had on alleviating the burden of his medical education expenses. This fuels his desire to give back, whether through his time, finances or mentorship.
Dr. Churilla's story is one of resilience and gratitude, not unlike that of the school itself. As he continues in his career, he remains dedicated to paying it forward, echoing the support and guidance he received along the way.
Well-being Honoree Shubhra Shetty, MD
Shubhra Shetty, MD, stands as a cornerstone in the foundation of the school that has become Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, having been instrumental in its inception. She played a multifaceted role, serving on the initial board and witnessing the fruition of an idea she helped nurture.
“There is a magic in creating a new place where people can thrive, and the best comes out of our students, our patients and our colleagues,” she says. “That’s what great leadership is about.” She went on to serve as the Northeast Regional associate dean and professor of medicine at the school. She has also served on the Wyoming Valley AIDS Council at The Wright Center in Scranton and as medical director of the Ryan White HIV Clinic.
Dr. Shetty was closely involved in teaching and running the school administratively from its earliest days. Central to the school's mission was the intention to populate the local community with its graduates, a vision that clearly showed the need for scholarships to attract the truly best and brightest students — those with diverse backgrounds and interests.
Scholarships, like those we raise funds for tonight, are fundamental to the success of Geisinger Commonwealth and its students. Dr. Shetty believes deeply in making medical education accessible to all who demonstrate the capability to meet its demands, and she takes pride in witnessing the impact of scholarships firsthand.
As Geisinger Commonwealth alumni return to the area as colleagues, she finds profound satisfaction in witnessing the school's influence in the local medical landscape, with hopes for continued growth and integration in to NEPA communities. Dr. Shetty hopes her legacy will be twofold: that she’ll be remembered for her compassionate care for those with HIV/AIDS and for her pivotal role in nurturing the longevity and excellence of medical education in the region.
Community Honoree
Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children
In 2010, a pioneering partnership began between the Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, and it has grown to become a bridge between two worlds. Leadership at each institution knew there was much to be learned from the other — medical students gaining invaluable firsthand experience working with the deaf community, and the Scranton School’s families working with medical students who could help them navigate a complex healthcare system. The success of this connection is why Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children is tonight’s Community Honoree.
A group of Geisinger Commonwealth medical students began taking sign language classes, and as they learned, they interacted with families from the Scranton School. “Through this hands-on learning, the medical students saw that what they learned about in class was more than a diagnosis. These are real children and families with hardships and joys and lives to live,” says Mary Ann Stefko, the Scranton School’s early intervention specialist.
Together, the medical students and children worked to create a simple but innovative communication tool, empowering families to advocate for themselves and be active participants in their own care. This tool has since been shared with physicians across the country. Today, Geisinger Commonwealth students continue their teamwork with Scranton School students to craft educational videos and first aid kits, for both physical and mental health first aid. And they have more than a little fun along the way: Many medical students have volunteered for events like “Signing with Santa.”
For families navigating the journey of hearing loss, the presence of a compassionate medical student is invaluable. “Ninety percent of deaf children are born to hearing families who have no connection to hearing loss at all,” Stefko notes. “It’s a journey, and these families get to walk this journey alongside a medical student, which is a gift.”
The bond formed between student and family is a testament to the profound impact of empathy and understanding.
As the two institutions look to the future, the hope is that even more families can be aided through work with these medical students, and even more Geisinger Commonwealth medical students can build rich relationships with diverse families at the Scranton School for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children.
Diamond Sponsors
Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services/DiscoverNEPA
Gold Sponsors
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Silver Sponsors
Abarta Coca-Cola
Baker Tilley
Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC
Bronze Sponsors
Amy Brayford and Fran Shukausky
Bob and Ellen Dietz
Gobel
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
Jeff and Nancy Kluck
Active Health Fund of The Luzerne Foundation
Heath Mackley, MD and Holly Mackley
Patty and Dr. Jerry Maloney
Dr. & Mrs. Silviu Marica
Donations
Amy Allison
Dr. Chris and Tanja Adonizio
Ronald Bagdasarian
Christian Carbe
Francis Gruscavage
Mark Coleman
Gloria Karchner
John and Robyn Klingerman
Scott LeMaire
Pediatrics 21
Mike and Julie Byerley
Dr. and Mrs. Alfred Casale
Lewith & Freeman
Martin’s Point Health Care
McGregor Industries, Inc.
Mike Walsh Electrical, Inc.
New York Life
PenTeleData
Quandel Construction Group
Dr. Jaewon and Mrs. Sarah Ryu
Spencer Stuart
Dr. Gerald Maloney
Quandel Construction Group
Rebecca Stoudt
Scranton Rent All
Tambur Family Foundation
Tabatabaie Family
Tashkandi Family
Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Tracy
Valley Testing & Balancing
Black Ties for White Coats
Gala Committee
Nicole Ferentino, DC - Chair
Michelle Valentino Bedford - Chair
Erin Rebo Pikul - Auction chair
Terese Casey
Brittany Boote
Michelle Cadden
Elyssa Chakiris
Kristina DeMarco
Linelle DeNaples
Chris Doherty
Kiera Lantz
Kathy Mihok
Roxanne Schulman
Geisinger Commonwealth Alumni Society BoardTyler Bogaczyk, MD ’23
Melissa Buck, MD ’13
Thomas Churilla, MD ’13
Laura Congelio, MD ’20
Patrick Connors, MD ’14
Angela DiBileo Kalinowski, MD ’17 - Secretary
Aditya Eturi, MD ’17, MBS ’13 - President
Alfred Hamilton III, MD ’22, MBS ’17
Sarah Hayek, MD ’15, MEd
Dan Loughran, MD ’18, MBS ’14
Sean MacCallum, MD ’27
John J. Mangan, MD ’16, MHA
Annie Kate Misiura, MD ’14
Maura Morgan, MD ’21
Meaghan Mulvey, MBS ’24
Akindele Olagunju, MD ’19, MBS ’14
Eshiemomoh Osilama, MD ’24, MBS ’19
Rachel Silverstein, MD ’15, MBS ’11
Max Vogel, MD ’18 - President-elect
Amy Brayford and Fran Shukausky
Bob and Ellen Dietz
