Engagement and wellness programs

Our engagement and well-being programming aims to not only enhance your student experience but also to support your ability to thrive through your medical education using a holistic approach. 

• A Health and Wellness Committee includes representatives from the student government and gives you a voice in wellness issues and programming.  

Learning communities

Geisinger School of Medicine has established a learning community model to support your personal and professional growth with a longitudinal connection to a community of learning. This model supports you through a developmental and proactive approach to maximize your potential by providing differential assistance and a community of faculty, interprofessional staff and peers to engage you in your personal and professional development. 

For more information on learning communities, contact Kendra Boell, DO, at kboell1@geisinger.edu or 570-504-9073.

First-generation support

To ensure inclusivity and targeted support, the First-Generation Support Committee offers tailored resources and community-building opportunities for students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. This initiative helps bridge gaps in access and understanding, empowering first-generation students to thrive. 

As a proud member of the FirstGen Forward Network, we’re honored to be recognized for our unwavering commitment to celebrating your unique contributions as a first-generation student, and for our efforts to enhance your experience and improve your outcomes.

View First-Generation Guidebook

Student food pantry

Gesinger College of Health Sciences has officially been designated as a Hunger-Free Campus by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Our student food pantry is dedicated to making sure no student has to worry about where their next meal will come from. Thanks to the generous support of GCHS faculty, staff and the broader Geisinger community, we are working to eliminate food insecurity across our campuses and create an environment where every student can thrive.

The food pantry recently expanded to serve our regional campuses and the School of Nursing. This growth — made possible in part by a $10,000 grant from the KERN Foundation and ongoing community fundraising — reflects GCHS’s deep commitment to meeting students’ basic needs with compassion and dignity.

Student Health and Counseling

The Center collaborates with Student Health Services, Student Psychological Services, the Office of Health Equity and Inclusion, the CARE team, faculty and staff throughout the institution to support a positive learning environment and promote student well-being.

• Student Health Services
• Student Psychological Services
• TimelyCare
• Counseling Community providers

You can also take advantage of:

• The CARE Team (login required) – GCHS is committed to ensuring the safety, health and well-being of its students and community. To support its campus community, GCHS has a CARE Team, a dedicated group of campus professionals responsible for assessing and responding to students who could benefit from academic, emotional or psychological support, as well as those presenting risk to the health or safety of the community. If you see someone experiencing challenges, appearing distressed, posing a threat to their safety or someone else’s safety, or causing a significant disruption to the GCHS community, submit a confidential CARE referral. 

You may also submit a referral for yourself if you’d like additional support. For more information, visit the CARE Team’s SharePoint site.

• Geisinger Peer Support (GPS) (login required) – This group is dedicated to promoting a deeper sense of understanding among peers about resilience, positive psychology and self-compassion. GPS is a student-led, virtually run group and a safe community designed to address academic stress, interpersonal conflicts, imposter syndrome, feelings of isolation and general mental health concerns.