Introduction
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) is a private medical school located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1915 as the Scranton State Hospital Training School for Nurses and has since evolved into a leading institution for medical education and research. GCSOM is committed to producing competent and compassionate physicians who are capable of providing high-quality healthcare to patients in their communities. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about GCSOM that you may not have known before.
The Campus
The GCSOM campus is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and covers an area of 45 acres. The campus includes a state-of-the-art medical simulation center, where students can practice their clinical skills using advanced technology. The center includes realistic patient simulators, which can simulate a wide range of medical conditions and scenarios. The simulation center is an essential part of the medical curriculum at GCSOM, and students spend a significant amount of time there to develop their clinical skills.
GCSOM is also home to the Danville campus, which is located approximately 50 miles from Scranton. The Danville campus is home to the Geisinger Medical Center, a large hospital and research facility that is affiliated with GCSOM. The Danville campus is an essential part of the medical curriculum at GCSOM, and students spend time there learning from experienced physicians and researchers.
Research Opportunities
GCSOM is committed to advancing medical knowledge through research, and it provides students with numerous opportunities to participate in research projects. GCSOM faculty members are involved in a wide range of research projects, from basic science to clinical research. Students can get involved in research projects as early as their first year of medical school, and they can work on projects that align with their interests and career goals.
One exciting research project that GCSOM is involved in is the Microbiome Center. The center is a collaboration between GCSOM and the Geisinger Medical Center, and it focuses on studying the microbiome, the community of microorganisms that live in and on the human body. The center is one of the most advanced microbiome research facilities in the country and is home to some of the most cutting-edge equipment and technologies.
Community Engagement
GCSOM is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the communities it serves, and it provides numerous opportunities for students to get involved in community outreach programs. Students can volunteer at local clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, and they can also participate in health fairs and other community events. GCSOM also offers a service-learning program, which allows students to apply their medical knowledge and skills to real-world situations while also providing much-needed healthcare services to underserved communities.
One exciting community outreach program that GCSOM is involved in is the R-Center program. The program is a collaboration between GCSOM and the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania and provides healthcare services to underserved populations in the Scranton area. The program focuses on providing preventative care and health education to individuals who may not have access to healthcare services otherwise.
International Programs
GCSOM is committed to providing students with a global perspective on healthcare, and it offers several international programs that allow students to gain exposure to healthcare systems and practices around the world. The international programs at GCSOM include study abroad programs, international clinical rotations, and international service-learning programs.
One exciting international program that GCSOM offers is the Global Health Scholars Program. The program is a six-week summer program that allows students to travel to Lima, Peru, and work with local healthcare providers to provide much-needed healthcare services to underserved populations. The program includes a combination of clinical work and cultural immersion activities, and it provides students with a unique perspective on healthcare in a developing country.
Diversity
GCSOM is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its operations, and it has a dedicated Office of Diversity and Inclusion to support this mission. The office is responsible for implementing programs and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, including recruiting and retaining students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
GCSOM also has a student-run Diversity Council, which is responsible for promoting diversity and inclusion among the student body. The council organizes events and activities that celebrate diversity and raise awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion in healthcare.
Innovative Curriculum
GCSOM has an innovative medical curriculum that is designed to prepare students for the rapidly changing landscape of healthcare. The curriculum is competency-based, which means that it focuses on developing the skills and knowledge that are essential for physicians to provide high-quality patient care. The curriculum also includes a strong emphasis on interprofessional education, which means that students learn to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, pharmacists, and social workers.
One exciting aspect of the GCSOM curriculum is the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) program. The LIC program is a year-long clinical rotation that allows students to work with the same patients and preceptors over an extended period. This allows students to develop deep and meaningful relationships with their patients and preceptors, and it provides a more realistic and holistic perspective on patient care.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
GCSOM has state-of-the-art facilities that are designed to support the learning and research needs of its students and faculty. In addition to the medical simulation center and the Microbiome Center, GCSOM also has a modern anatomy lab, which includes virtual dissection tables that allow students to learn anatomy in a more interactive and engaging way. GCSOM also has a cutting-edge research lab, which is equipped with the latest equipment and technologies for conducting research.
Conclusion
In conclusion, GCSOM is a leading medical school that is committed to producing competent and compassionate physicians who can provide high-quality healthcare to patients in their communities. With its state-of-the-art facilities, innovative curriculum, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and numerous research and community engagement opportunities, GCSOM is a truly unique and exciting place to study medicine.
