Northeast Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center

Michael Hanley, the Executive Director of United Neighborhood Services conducted the followup discussion of the "poverty simulation" with the medical students.

The Northeast PA AHEC and The Commonwealth Medical College once again engaged the incoming medical students in the Community Action Poverty Simulation.Understanding the day-to-day reality of poverty is important for everyone involved in fighting poverty - from policymakers to service providers. Missouri’s COMMUNITY ACTION POVERTY SIMULATION (CAPS) is a unique tool that helps people begin to understand what life is like with a shortage of money and an abundance of stress.

During a simulation, students role-play the lives of low-income families, including single parents, people with disabilities, and senior citizens on Social Security. The task of each family is to provide for food, shelter and other basic necessities during four 15-minute "weeks.” Families interact with community resources.

Although it uses "play" money, fictional scenarios and time limits, CAPS is not a game. It's a simulation that enables our students to view poverty from different angles and then to discuss the potential for change within local communities. It's designed to sensitize those who frequently deal with low-income families and to create a broader awareness.
A special thank to the many community agency representatives who participated.

Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers, announces that Emily Nebzydoski, MD, board-eligible pediatrician, has joined the staff at the Highland Physicians Family Health Center, 1839 Fair Avenue in Honesdale. Dr. Nebzydoski treats children from newborn up to age 18.

Nebzydoski received her Medical Doctorate from Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. Her post-doctoral training--pediatric internship and residency--were completed at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY.

In addition to general outpatient pediatrics, Dr. Nebzydoski also conducts rounds at Wayne Memorial Hospital’s New Beginnings Birthing Suites.

“The idea of taking care of newborns and then later following up with them as they grow is an especially appealing part of my new position,” said Nebzydoski.

Appointments may be made by calling 570-251-6500.

Carol from Northeast AHEC and Debra from Eastcentral AHEC conducted a training for staff and community on Youth Mental Health First Aid at Wayne Memorial Hospital. We thank CEO David Hoff and Donna Decker for sponsoring this training. For more information about Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings in the area, please contact the AHEC. We would love to see you at upcoming trainings in September and October.

Shown in Wayne Memorial Hospital’s David Katz Room are, left to right, Ericka Thaxton, Hamlin Family Health Center; Donna Decker, RN, manager, community health, WMH; Hoff; Carol Chaykosky, associate director, AHEC and Debra Youngfelt, health educator / planner, AHEC

Terri Lacey named executive director of Behavioral Health Initiative • TCMC Collaborative, community-based program at TCMC meant to address systemic gaps in mental health and substance abuse treatment

Watching the Olympics? Keep an eye out for Charles A. Karcutskie IV, MD, a member of TCMC’s Charter Class of 2013! (That's him on the right here!) He's serving as a volunteer field of play athlete physician. Dr. Karcutskie is currently a general surgery resident at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, FL, and is completing a research fellowship in trauma.

Carol was a speaker at the annual Wayne- Pike County Prevention Initiative SHIP breakfast in Hawley, Wayne County. Carol spoke about the Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings being offered in the northeast. It was great to meet our former NEPAAHEC intern Stephanie Ear,l now with the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute and friends from TCMC, Dr. Jennifer Joyce and Betsy Mead.

Congratulations Gwen on your years of service in a community health center.

The staff of NEPA Community Health Care wishes Gwen a happy 35th anniversary serving our community! Gwen began at Barnes-Kasson Hospital and then came to the community health centers.

We appreciate Gwen and the excellent, conscientious leadership and patient care she continues to provide.

Meet our fourth summer, rural intern, second year medical student from The Commonwealth Medical College, Geetika Gupta. Geetika's internship was at Guthrie Troy and Guthrie Canton in Bradford County. While at Guthrie Troy, Geetika's preceptors were former AHEC students Dr. Kari Wood and Dr. Kristin Tofts. It is rewarding to have our former students practicing in NE PA and hosting medical students.
While at Guthrie Canton, Geetika's preceptor was Dr. Sarah Swain, a former AHEC student as well. But what was most exciting is that Dr. Swain completed her AHEC rotation in Canton with Dr. John Kirkowski. Dr. Kirkowski is still practicing in Canton.
So pictured is Geetika (left) with her preceptor Dr. Swain (right) who is standing next to her former preceptor Dr. Kirkowski all in Guthrie Canton.
A special thank you to Dr. Swain, Dr. Kirkowski, Dr. Wood, and Dr.Tofts for once again precepting a TCMC summer intern and sharing their expertise with a future practitioner.
A final thank you goes out to practice manager LuAnn Sakers who works hard behind the scene to make the Guthrie experience a success.

Our third summer rural intern from The Commonwealth Medical College is Nicole Maianelli. Nicole spent five weeks with Dr. David Wood at the Hamlin Family Health Center. Nicole stated that it was a very busy five weeks and she had the opportunity to be part of a great team. The health center is a part of Wayne Memorial Community Health Center. Dr. Wood has been an AHEC preceptor for over tens years. His love for teaching and his passion for rural, family medicine is evident to all his students. Thank you Dr. Wood for your commitment to supporting future practitioners.

Meet another amazing summer, rural, primary care intern - Arianne Wenk. Arianne spent her five week internship at Endless Mountains Health System in Montrose, Susquehanna County. A special thank you to Dr. Hassan Khalil and Dr. Joseph Speicher for giving their time and mentoring Arianne. And finally we would like to thank practice manager Val Brewer who makes the internship flow smoothly at the Cabot Health Center.