Medical and Graduate Student First-Generation Guidebook 2025

Congratulations! We’re excited to welcome all our first-generation students to Geisinger College of Health Sciences. You’re an inspiring example for all the first-gen students who will follow.

Our College is enriched by your presence, and we’re here whenever you need support. We hope our school community will make “going first” a rewarding experience for you and those who support you.

Julie Byerley, MD, MPH

President, Geisinger College of Health Sciences

Dean, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Geisinger

Professor of Pediatrics

Geisinger College uses the national definition for identifying first-generation students: those students whose parent(s) did not complete a 4-year college or university degree. We ask that you use this definition for official Geisinger College recognition of your status as a first-generation student. However, we recognize that students’ family circumstances and experiences can vary

significantly. If you believe your circumstances align with the first-generation-to-college experience, but you don’t meet the technical definition, reach out to the chair of the First-Generation Student Support Committee, Tanja Adonizio, MD, at tkadonizio1@ geisinger.edu or the vice dean for Community Engagement and College Culture, Valencia Walker, MD, MPH, at vwalker1@geisinger.edu.

Total Health Curriculum

The Total Health Curriculum is built on the science of learning and uses an evidence-based approach to train skilled, compassionate physicians who provide individualized care of patients and promote health in the communities they serve. In addition to providing a fully integrated and immersive educational experience in basic, clinical and health systems sciences, the curriculum emphasizes six longitudinal themes that compose the Systems, Society and Humanism in Medicine (SSHM) core: Community Immersion, Health Systems Citizenship, Personal and Professional Development, Population Health, Primary Care and Social Justice and Health Equity.

We envision our Total Health Curriculum as a tree, like the tree of knowledge that forms our seal. The roots correspond to Phase 1 – Principles of Science and Practice, which encompasses foundational education rooted in basic, clinical and health system sciences. The trunk epitomizes Phase 2 – Core Clinical Immersion With roots firmly planted, you will build a solid body of clinical experiences that begins early and grows in complexity and meaning. The trunk provides firm support for the branches, which represent Phase 3 –Career Differentiation and Exploration. During this phase, you will progress in the development of advanced clinical skills and training that suits your individual interests and career goals.

To view program objectives, visit: go.geisinger.edu/gcsomprogramobjectives

At a glance: Total Health Curriculum

Phase 1 Principles of Medical Science and Practice

Phase 1 includes three semesters. The curriculum is organized into integrated, system-based blocks and features learning through the Clinical Presentation Model and other active learning formats.

At a glance: Phase 1

Phase 2

Core Clinical Immersion

Phase 2 begins with a 4-week Transition to Clerkship course. Subsequently, students are enrolled in five, 9-week clerkship blocks (Ambulatory, Neurosciences, Women’s and Children’s, Surgery and Medicine) inclusive of bridge weeks. Bridge weeks are periods between clerkship blocks during which you’ll complete assignments, take national board subject examinations and receive orientation for the next clerkship experience. Bridge weeks also allow you to explore subspecialty areas of interest, conduct research and/or meet with mentors and advisors. Phase 2 ends with the Transition to Phase 3 course. Additional features of the Phase 2 curriculum include longitudinal requirements in the disciplines of Radiology and Pathology/Diagnostic Medicine and a Career Pathways Program.

At a glance: Phase 2

Transition to Clerkships

Ambulatory

Medicine

Women’s and Children’s

Neurosciences

Surgery

Transition to Phase 3

Curriculum

Hones clinical skills and provides necessary preparation for students to enter clinical learning environment full-time on their regional medical campuses.

Outpatient clerkship inclusive of Family Medicine, Geriatrics, Pediatrics and Musculoskeletal Medicine.

Inpatient and outpatient experience with exposure to general internal medicine and medicine subspecialty fields.

Combines the two clerkship disciplines of Pediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN). Includes experiences in inpatient Pediatrics, newborn nursery and pediatric subspecialty areas as well as inpatient labor and delivery, gynecologic surgery and outpatient OB-GYN.

Combines the two clerkship disciplines of Neurology and Psychiatry in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Core General Surgery rotations with experiences in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Provides students with an opportunity to reflect on Phase 2, engage in residency planning and USMLE step preparation, and participate in advanced skill sessions to prepare students for the clinical requirements in Phase 3.

Phase 3 Career Differentiation and Exploration

Phase 3 includes required core clinical rotations, expanded elective exploration opportunities and a formal Transition to Residency course.

Required course designed to provide preparation for your transition into the graduate medical education phase of your training. At a glance: Phase 3 - Requirements for advanced clinical experiences*

Activity

Required rotations

Elective opportunities

Transition to residency

Curriculum overview*

Advanced clinical experiences including a subinternship, Critical Care Medicine selective, Emergency Medicine and SSHM selective, as well as a Preparation for Licensure course.

Wide array of elective opportunities are available to enhance your learning and expand knowledge in specialty areas, research, teaching and medical humanities.

*Length of curriculum blocks is based on Medical Curriculum Committee review each year.

School of Graduate Education

Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBS)

Full time

Fall I (12 credits)

15 weeks of instruction

Spring I (13 credits) 15 weeks of instruction

Summer 1 (8 credits) 8 weeks of instruction

Notes: Winter Break between Fall and Spring Semesters (both years) Spring Break between Spring and Summer Semesters (both years)

Part time

Fall I (6 credits) 15 weeks of instruction

Spring I (7 credits) 15 weeks of instruction

Summer 1 (5 credits) 8 weeks of instruction Fall 2 (6 credits) 15 weeks of instruction

Spring 2 (6 credits) 15 weeks of instruction

Summer 2 (3 credits) 8 weeks of instruction

Notes: Winter Break between Fall and Spring Semesters (both years) Spring Break between Spring and Summer Semesters (both years)

School of Graduate Education

Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC)

Year 1

Fall I (16 credits) 17 weeks of instruction

Research Methods I (1CR)

Genetic Counseling Seminar I (1CR)

Foundations of Genetic Counseling I (3CR)

Medical Genetics I - Embryology (2CR)

Introduction to Clinical Genetics Specialties (3CR)

Human Molecular Genetics (3CR)

Statistics and Genetic Epidemiology ( (2CR)

Genetic Counseling Fieldwork (1CR)

Year 2

Fall I (16 credits) 17 weeks of instruction

Research Methods IV (2CR)

Genetic Counseling Seminar III (1CR)

Spring I (15 credits) 17 weeks of instruction

Research Methods II (1CR)

Genetic Counseling Seminar II (1CR)

Foundations of Genetic Counseling II (3CR)

Medical Genetics II (2CR)

Intro to Clinical Genetic Testing and Variant Interpretation (3CR)

Advanced Clinical Genetic Specialties (3CR)

Genetic Counseling Fieldwork (2CR)

Summer (9 credits) 17 weeks of instruction

Research Methods III (2CR)

Case-based Approach to Genetic Counseling (2CR)

Genetic Counseling Fieldwork (5CR)

Foundations of Genetic Counseling III (3CR)

Public and Precision Health I (3CR)

Biomedical Ethics (3CR)

Professional Issues (1CR)

Genetic Counseling Fieldwork (3CR)

Spring I (11 credits) 17 weeks of instruction

Research Methods V (2CR)

Genetic Counseling Seminar IV (1CR)

Public and Precision Health II (3CR)

Professional Issues II (1CR)

Genetic Counseling Fieldwork (4CR)

Note: Winter Break between Fall and Spring Semesters (both years) 67 credits total over 21 months

To access this guidebook and its links, scan this QR code or visit go.geisinger.edu/firstgenguidebook

First-Generation Student Support SharePoint page

go.geisinger.edu/firstgen

Highlights of the First-Generation Student Support Committee work

• Geisinger College First-Generation Guidebook

• Geisinger School of Nursing First-Generation Guidebook

• Elected First-Generation Student Chair positions

• Mentoring opportunities with Geisinger Connect: go.geisinger.edu/geisingerconnect

• First-Gen Forward Network Member: firstgenforward.org

• Awards ceremony

Transition to Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) booklet

English: go.geisinger.edu/gcsomume

Spanish: go.geisinger.edu/gcsomume-es

National First-Generation Celebration Day – Nov. 8

This day marks the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded college opportunities for low-income and first-generation populations.

Food Pantry Sub-Committee

The food pantry is in the student kitchen on the fourth floor of Medical Sciences Building West. The sub-committee is working to expand services at the regional campuses. For more information or to join the committee, contact Joel Rosencrance, director of student well-being, at krosencrance3@geisinger.edu.

Other Geisinger College resources

• CARE Team: go.geisinger.edu/careteam

• Center for Community Engagement and College Culture: https://geisinger.sharepoint.com/sites/ccecc

• Division of Enrollment Management, including Financial Aid: go.geisinger.edu/enrollmentmanagement and the Office of the Registrar: go.geisinger.edu/registrar

• Division of Student Affairs and each center’s support services, including academic and career support, wellness and engagement: go.geisinger.edu/studentaffairs

• Early Alert: go.geisinger.edu/earlyalert

• Geisinger Student Health Services, including 24/7 telehealth from TimelyCare: go.geisinger.edu/shs

• Geisinger Student Psychological Services, including tele-counseling and Talk Now services from TimelyCare: go.geisinger.edu/sps

• Medicine and Graduate Library First-Generation Students resource page: go.geisinger.edu/libraryfirstgen

• Student housing resources: go.geisinger.edu/studenthousing

First-generation external resources

• AAMC resources for first-generation medical students – Provides guidance and support tailored to first-generation medical school students, including academic and wellness resources.

• Accredited Schools Online – Provides tips for navigating college life, managing family pressures and handling emotional challenges. Includes lists of first-generation-friendly colleges, advice for students and parents, foundation information and a video from former First Lady Michelle Obama.

• Affordable Colleges Online – Features scholarships specifically for first-generation college students, along with financial aid guidance.

• Center for First-Generation Student Success –Offers data, training and expertise to help colleges and universities support first-generation students through scalable and sustainable initiatives.

• HuffPost: Helping First-Generation Students Graduate – Highlights organizations and initiatives aimed at supporting first-generation college students through to graduation.

• PA Department of Human Services – Offers access to healthcare and medical assistance programs for eligible Pennsylvania residents.

• Rise First – A technology platform built by and for first-generation and/or low-income students and professionals. Offers life and career advice, support resources and mentorship opportunities.

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Offers food assistance to eligible individuals. Students can check if they qualify for benefits.

• Temple University’s The Hope Center – Offers a broad range of resources focused on basic needs security and support for students navigating higher education.

• Too Good to Go App – Helps users rescue unsold food from local restaurants and stores at discounted prices, promoting sustainability and saving money.

Community benefits and activities for first-generation students

Activities & local fun

• Montage Mountain – $25 lift tickets & rentals (Thursdays & Sunday nights)

• Regal, Cinemark – Student ticket discounts (varies by location)

• Roba Family Farms – College ID Day Fridays (online purchase required)

Fashion & accessories

• Adidas – 10% off

• American Eagle – 10% off

• Amendolaro – 10% off accessories (local)

• ASOS – 10% off full-priced items

• Banana Republic – 15% off full-priced items in-store

• Club Monaco – 15% off regular and sale items (in-store and online)

• Goodwill – 10% off at many locations (ask locally)

• H&M – 10% off

• J. Crew – 15% off in-store with student ID

• Levi’s – 15% off

• Madewell – 15% off in-store with student ID

• Medelita – 15% off scrubs online

• Nike – 10% off (new code every 7 days)

• Reebok – 10% off

• Steve Madden – 10% off in-store with student ID

• The Limited – 15% off every purchase in-store

• TOMS – 15% off online purchases

Food & meal delivery

• Blue Apron – 25–30% off first orders + free shipping

• Café Sevda – 10% off bill (local)

• Chick-fil-A – 10% off or free drink with student ID (varies by location)

• Chipotle – 10% off or free drink with student ID (varies by location)

• Doordash DashPass – $4.99/month for students

• EveryPlate – Up to 75% off first box + 15% off for a year

• HelloFresh – Up to 75% off first box + 15% off for a year

• McDonald’s – 10% off or free drink with student ID (varies by location)Thai Rak Thai – 10% off bill (local)

• Burger King – 10% off or free drink with student ID (varies by location)

General student discount platforms

• Discover NEPA – Local deals in NEPA

• Student Advantage – Travel and shopping

• Student Beans – Fashion, food, travel

• StudentRate – Discounts across categories

• UNiDAYS – Fashion, fitness, tech and more

Health & fitness

• Alo Moves – First month free, then $5/month or $49/year

• Jewish Community Center Gym – $120/year for students

• Peloton app – $6.99/month for students

• Steamtown Hot Yoga – Discounted membership with student ID

• The Sculpt Society – 30% off monthly memberships

Shipping & services

• FedEx – 30% off documents, 20% off packages with student ID

• Groupon Select Student – Up to 25% off local deals

• Target Circle – 20% off one purchase + 50% off Circle 360 membership

• Walmart+ – $6.47/month or $49/year for students

Streaming & entertainment

• Apple Music – $5.99/month + free Apple TV+

• Audible – 30% off first 6 months

• Headspace – $9.99/year (85% off)

• Pandora Premium – $5.99/month

• Paramount+ – 50% off for students

• SiriusXM – $1 for first 3 months, then $4/month

• Spotify + Hulu + SHOWTIME – $5.99/month combo

• YouTube Premium – $7.99/month, ad-free

Books about first-generation students or by first-generation authors

First-Generation National Day of Celebration – Nov. 8

On Nov. 8, colleges and universities celebrate the success of first-generation college students, faculty and staff. Institutions hold programs on firstgeneration student success, host lunch-and-learn events, kick off mentoring programs, hand out first-gen swag, feature first-generation students on websites and more!

Visit our First-Generation Student Support SharePoint page to see photos from our previous events or watch highlights.

At Geisinger College, we have been celebrating the First-Generation National Day of Celebration since 2018. Over the years, the events have included student, faculty, staff and alumni speakers sharing their stories and building connections. All enjoyed the time to build connections along with food, games and fun.

Geisinger College of Health Sciences

First-generation alumni features

Thomas M. Churilla, MD ’13 Radiation oncologist

Dr. Thomas M. Churilla is a partner with Radiation Medicine Associates of Scranton. He is a graduate of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, having entered as a member of its charter class and receiving full tuition as a scholarship recipient.

He was a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Scranton. After completing an internship in internal medicine at Abington Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania, he completed his radiation oncology residency at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia. Board certified in radiation oncology, Dr. Churilla has presented and published numerous clinical research

studies. Areas of research interest have included brain metastases, vitamin D deficiency in cancer patients and population-based studies of anal cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer.

He has also been recognized with awards during training, including the 2017 RSNA Roentgen Resident Research Award at Fox Chase Cancer Center, the 2016 ASTRO Resident Clinical Research Abstract Award and the 2012 AMA Physician of Tomorrow Award.

Dr. Churilla is a member of the American Society for Radiation Oncology, the American College of Radiology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Tiffany Garcia, MD ’22, MBS ’17

Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellow, Geisinger Northeast

Dr. Tiffany Garcia was born in Queens, N.Y., to parents originally from Colombia. She is the youngest of three siblings, all of whom pursued higher education, and she is proud to be the first physician in her family. Dr. Garcia’s family moved to Reading, Pa., where she spent most of her life. She graduated from Reading High School in 2011 at the top of her class.

Dr. Garcia earned her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. During her time there, she worked part-time and full-time during academic breaks. She earned a Master of Biomedical Sciences degree from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in 2017.

Before beginning medical school, Dr. Garcia worked multiple jobs and volunteered in her community. She

earned her MD in 2022, where she was honored as a Primary Care Abigail Geisinger Scholar. She was an active member of the Latino Medical Student Association, serving as co-president for the school’s chapter and attending regional and national conferences, including visits to Washington, D.C., to advocate for issues pertinent to Latino communities.

Dr. Garcia completed her residency in Family Medicine with WellSpan in Lebanon, Pa., in 2025 and is now board certified in Family Medicine. She is pursuing a fellowship in the newly accredited Hospice and Palliative Medicine Program with Geisinger Northeast. Upon completion, Dr. Garcia will continue serving the region through part-times roles in outpatient family medicine and palliative medicine.

Kyle Gleaves, MD ’18

Internal Medicine, Cooper University Health Care

Dr. Kyle Gleaves is a physician at Cooper University Health Care, where he works at an Internal Medicine Primary Care office in Cherry Hill, N.J. He also works for Cooper Medical School of Rowan University as a pre-clinical advisor for medical students and as assistant program director of Cooper’s Internal Medicine Residency Program. He leads the mentorship subcommittee for the program’s Health Equity and Community Impact Committee. He graduated from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in 2018 and completed his Internal Medicine residency at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Hospital.

Kristina L. Karlson (Borham), MD ’20, Maj(S), USAF, MC

Gynecologic surgeon and obstetrician, Keesler Air Force Base; medical director

Dr. Karlson is an attending in gynecologic surgery and obstetrics at Keesler Medical Center in Biloxi, Miss. She is active duty in the United States Air Force through the Health Professions Scholarship Program and will serve through 2028. Dr. Karlson is from Pennsylvania and attended West Chester University for undergraduate studies in molecular biology as a first-generation student. She completed her residency at the prestigious Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland and is working toward becoming a fellow of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is associate editor for social media for the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. Her research focuses on

enhancing recovery after gynecologic surgery and the impact of chronic pelvic pain in active-duty service members.

Dr. Karlson’s professional interests include minimally invasive gynecologic surgery with plans to pursue specialization after her service commitment. Other professional interests include chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, trauma-informed care, educating on human trafficking and gynecologic surgery simulation. She enjoys mentoring trainees and assisting with goal setting.

“Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women.” –Michelle Obama

Nayoung Lee, MD ’25

Pediatric resident, University of South Florida Morsani

My name is the one that has the letters “MD” following it; however, the degree is not solely mine.

I proudly claim my status as a first-generation college graduate and the first doctor in my family lineage. As I wrap up my medical school education, I reflect on the years of hard work I have put in. But while I was up late studying for my STEP exams, my mom was also up late, working as a server in a foreign land. And while I rose at the crack of dawn for my clinical rotations, my dad was also getting ready for his shift in the kitchen, preparing to stand hours in front of the flames. This doctorate represents

my parents’ sacrifice, dedication and investment. This degree is as much theirs as it is mine.

My parents did not have the opportunity to attend higher education, but they knew its value. They left everything they were familiar with and brought me to a land where it would be attainable for me to attend college. They ensured a better future for me. And as their daughter, I thank my immigrant parents in the highest form of honor I can think of — becoming Dr. Lee. So, to me and my parents, the letters “MD” carry an indescribable meaning, and one that belongs to us all.

Stephanie Tilberry, MD ’22, MBS ’17

OB-GYN

resident, Lankenau Medical Center

Born and raised in northeastern Pennsylvania, Dr. Stephanie Tilberry completed her undergraduate education at Colgate University, where she received a bachelor of arts in sociology. She then returned to the Scranton area and earned both her master of biomedical sciences (MBS) and doctor of medicine degrees from Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. She is currently living in Philadelphia to pursue her residency in OB-GYN at Lankenau Medical Center.

“It is important for all of us to appreciate where we come from and how that history has really shaped us in ways that we might not understand.”

– Sonia Sotomayor

“You are not lucky to be here. The world needs your perspective. They are lucky to have you.”

– Antonio Tijerino

“Change takes courage.”

– Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

“When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.”

– Walt Disney

“Whether you come from a council estate or a country estate, your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude.”

– Michelle Obama

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“There is no secret to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work. And learning from failure”

– Colin Powell

“All your life you are told the things you cannot do. All your life they will say you’re not good enough or strong enough or talented enough… THEY WILL TELL YOU NO, a thousand times no… quite firmly and very quickly. AND YOU WILL TELL THEM YES.”

– Anonymous

“The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.”

– Oprah Winfrey

“You cannot live to please everyone else. You have to edify, educate and fulfill your own dreams and destiny.”

– Viola Davis

“If you live long enough, you'll make mistakes. But if you learn from them, you'll be a better person. It's how you handle adversity, not how it affects you. The main thing is never quit, never quit, never quit.”

– William J. Clinton