Providing culturally competent care
Geisinger has long recognized the value of – and embraced – diversity. Geisinger is committed to:
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Ensuring that respect and inclusion are foundational to our policies, operations and services;
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Promoting diversity across the Geisinger family and leadership; and
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Cross-cultural training and continuous learning to help eliminate health disparities and enable the best care and care experience for every patient, every time.
Diversity encompasses much more than gender, race and ethnic background. It includes cultural beliefs, religion, sexual orientation, age, size, and physical and mental ability. It also includes social and economic status that impact health. All these factors may influence individuals’ expectations, needs and preferences for their own health practices and the care we offer.
Being inclusive, welcoming, and responsive to the needs of individuals and populations is vital not only to developing and sustaining a diverse workforce across the Geisinger family - but also to providing quality, compassionate care to all members of the communities we serve.
A diverse Geisinger family is an essential foundation for culturally competent care. The more inclusive our workforce, the better we can understand and reflect our communities, patients and members.
Accepting and understanding each patient is fundamental to quality care. Considering patient beliefs and perspectives can be as important as an accurate diagnosis in providing the right care. Tapping a rich variety of experience and perspectives helps us all better practice the values of kindness, excellence, learning and innovation.
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diversity. equity. inclusion.
Ulonna Ahipue, MD
Director, Ambulatory Rotation
For me, diversity in medicine is not just accepting people from different cultures, but genuinely CELEBRATING all that makes us unique. It is about lifting each other up to the same leveled playing field and allowing everyone's talents and abilities to grow, develop, and flourish. It is only in this way that we can all truly shine in out contributions to the field of medicine and make it great!
GCSOM Health Equity Group Member
David Pryluck, MD
Program Director, Diagnostic Radiology Residency
The biggest decisions in life are often made with incomplete information. Look for a program where you can be your authentic self, where you will feel seen, heard, supported, and appreciated. Instead of asking yourself "will I fit in?" ask yourself "will this program's infrastructure enable me to succeed as a trainee and make a contribution to my chosen field and community?"
LGBTQ Affinity Group Faculty Mentor
Kenric Maynor, MD
Chair of Medicine Institute
One of the most rewarding aspects of joining the Geisinger family is the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from various cultural backgrounds. Our medical community is really a microcosm of our larger society. I appreciate the wonderful opportunities to learn and grow daily by embracing the diversity and unique contributions of others within our organization.
Proud member of the Lumbee Tribe
Darrell McBride, DO
Assistant Regional Dean of Student Affairs, GSCOM
Professionalism is different from what I was taught it was. It was centered around the idea that I needed to dress, talk, or act in a way that denied my cultural diversity or personal identity. Embrace what makes you unique. That is what is going to allow you to care for people who may not otherwise see that kind of representation.
Co-Chair of Black Outreach Leadership Development ERG
Michelle Thompson, MD
Associate Chief Academic Officer
Keep an open mind when evaluating residency programs and make decisions based on criteria of importance to you. Do not let well-intentioned advice steer you away from the "right fit." You will be most successful in an environment where you feel comfortable working and living.
Physician Lead for Women in Medicine
Did you know that Geisinger has created several groups called ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion?
ERGs are formed around common identities but are open to all employees. They provide opportunities to build internal and external networks and further develop professionally.
Geisinger - People Ready for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity
G-PRIDE
Fostering a welcoming, caring, inclusive environment for Geisinger employees of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
Veterans Network
VETNET
Supporting Geisinger service members, veterans, and their families.
Black Outreach Leadership Development
BOLD
Providing a network that supports the development of employees who self-identify as Black, African American or of West Indian or of African descent.
Geisinger Leadership Committment
offer our Hispanic familia a community
SALUD
Seeking to attract, hire, engage, retain, and empower employees with disabilities to fully enrich our workforce while educating our Geisinger family.
Legacy, Empowerment, Advocacy, Development
THE
WOMEN LEAD
Enhancing women's recruitment, retention, promotion, and professional development across Geisinger.
Geisinger Ability Inclusivity Network
GAIN
Seeking to attract, hire, engage, retain, and empower employees with disabilities to fully enrich our workforce while educating our Geisinger family.
