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The Family Medicine Residency Program at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, together with their partners, Primary Health Network and  Family Practice Center, invite area students interested to study medicine to register for the Health Professions Summer Immersion Program – Lewistown (HPSIP), slated to begin July 26.

The program encourages students to explore the benefits and rewards of family and rural practice using both virtual and in-person components. Students will learn about the roles of a range of providers, from physicians and nurse practitioners to pharmacists and social workers. They will also receive practical advice about career planning, financing and the benefits of seeking a mentor. The program concludes with a hands-on clinical skills workshop.

“HPSIP is designed for high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to get acquainted with our community’s healthcare services and lifestyle,” said Stephanie M. Bilger, C-TAGME, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital’s Family Medicine Residency program manager. “Our program can set the groundwork for becoming a more viable applicant to competitive medicine and other health science disciplines.”

Bilger said the HPSIP program supports young people from all backgrounds to envision themselves in health science surroundings. “HPSIP mentors will encourage students to establish educational and professional goals and make informed choices that will foster an ongoing interest in science and an awareness of disease-health career connections. It’s an academic enrichment program is meant to encourage students to pursue fulfilling health professional careers locally,” she said.

The free program consists of three virtual presentations to be held on Monday evenings from 6.00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. The dates are July 26, Aug 9 and Aug 23. There is also an “In-Person Skills” component to be held at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The program is free, but registration is limited 20 students for the in-person session. To reserve your seat, call program manager, Stephanie Bilger, at 717-242-7799 or email her at SMBILGER@geisinger.edu by July 21.